85 replies to this topic

[Junior]

Bad. Nonexistant. Zilch. Nil. I'd write more, but I have to go fall down now. Goodbye.

Fall down?
Hope you were able to get back up!

Mike.. we are here to support you. Just tell us what we can do

Junior

[Junior]

Hi Lost

Sorry your family doesn't understand but I can assure you that you are not the only one in that situation. That's why it's good to have forums like this

Junior

[tp225]

Switch to Prozac. I am on my third day of Prozac 20MG and my first day of no freaking Cymbalta....NO WITHDRAWALS...then off Prozac in the next two weeks....try it....I have been on Cymbalta for 5 years

tate

[Junior]

I have found myself wanting to be completely off of the drug Cymbalta. I have absolutely no motivation to do anything. I have gained weight and have lost several attempts to diet. I have a 3 year old that is being affected because I feel so fatigued, I am unable to do the things that we should be doing. My child must have his mommy to teach him new things all day long. I am capable of doing so, but not while on cymbalta. I have been having crying spells and I would like to wean off of cymbalta. I have read such horrible things that could happen when I start to wean off. I have tried talking to my fiance, but his support is more like no support. I have no one else to turn to for support. My family support is 0.

Hi NewGirl

Unfortunately what you describe is very definitely the way Cymbalta has affected you. You didn't say why you were put on it but if you haven't dealt with the original issue/s, then you will find they are still there when you do come off C. Pills can help but they don't solve everything.

Also, you didn't say what dose you are currently on. It doesn't matter though. The important thing is that if you want to come off C, the best thing is to wean SLOWLY. By that I mean dropping your current dose by 10% and waiting 3-6 weeks to see how you feel. Sometimes withdrawal symptoms don't kick in for a week or more so it's best to wait. If you do experience withdrawal, then wait until it settles before dropping the dose again. If wdl is severe, then Prozac is an option. It has helped many.

The bottom line is that anti-depressants work by changing your brain function and it can take a while for the brain to kind of 'rewire' itself. By doing a slow taper most people can maintain quality of life and ultimately get off these drugs successfully.

As far as support while going through it.. that's what we are here for
Fellow sufferers often understand better than anyone else.

Kind regards
Junior

[Vichesse]

Because I waited until I knew I'd have my husband at home for an extended period of time before getting off Cymbalta, the support has been phenomenal and the damage to my daughter minimized and avoided. I prepared my husband for the journey to get clean and did my research prior. I'm lucky he has let me take it easy so as not to aggravate the brain zap situation by moving around a lot. I am also able to take a nap when the zaps get bad, which also makes the withdrawals easier to deal with, especially now that the nightmares are gone.

Just today, he seemed to have forgotten how incredibly long the WD can last, noting I've been off it for a month now and still having occasionally debilitating zaps & nausea - usually not a daily occurrence, but he was concerned because it's still happening. I reminded him how long this can take. It's all good now.

[Junior]

Hi Vichesse

I've heard that high doses of fish oil can be good for brain zaps. Might be worth a try?

Cheers
Junior

[Gail F]

So far my husband and daughter are the only ones who know what is going on with me. My family is just not the type to tell about withdrawal of a drug. They say why did you need it in the first place. Also my job does't care either,so hiding it is hard for me too. End of Story!
My husband has done better though since I have him reading this site too. He see's how I feel and it helps when you can actully see me sick too and suffering for it to hit home with him. I am just beginning this journey and don't know where it will take me, what emotions,pain and hurt it will cause him and I, hope we can weather it...

[Ms_M]

I am saddened to hear that some people's families don't understand A)the need for a/ds or how difficult they are to get off of in the first place. You will be in my prayers.

I have mentioned it in other posts, but my beloved has been absolutely wonderful during this time. He has even go so far as to visit with my counselor to make sure he is taking care of me the "right" way. I am so blessed and grateful.

Hugs to all of you!

[MoonDancer]

My momma has been there for me she has been my rock and has dealt with me! The rest of my family does not come around unless they have to but its normal.

[verymad]

My support is shit...My husband is a medical Dr. and didn't even take the time to read about the withdrawals..He says his patients aren't as sick as I am . I can't believe
someone with so much intelligence could be this cold. No, there were no problems in the marriage and he probably thinks there aren't any now, but if these withdrawals
get worse, they might be digging him up. I didn't go to my family Dr., because I thought I had an in house team...no one should ever feel this sick and then feel this
neglected..I guess it is all about bed side manners...

[laurajane57]

My family is not supportive at all They don't seem to understand what I am going through so now ofcourse I feel left out and alone in trying to deal with this

[fishinghat]

verymad and laurajane75, I am sorry that both of you have to go through this alone. I can't picture doing that. It is sad that a family member can't have sympathy or even empathy for your suffering. The medical journals are filled with information on the effects of cymbalta withdrawal. Even the manufacturer acknowledges its presence. But do remember one thing. You are not alone. We are here to help you in any way we can. Feel free to vent, ask questions or just complain about how bad you feel. Hang in there and keep up the good fight. God loves you and may he bless you.

[lady2882Nancy]

Welcome laurajane

So sorry to hear about your husband. Such a rough rode for the two of you.

My family doesn't know anything and up until now I have not felt that I could deal with having to try to explain it to them.

I live a long ways from any of my family. My sister really only calls when something is not going the way she would like and is looking for a shoulder to cry on. I don't mind but I wish she would just call once in awhile to see how I was.

My father and I do best when we live far apart lol. We can talk on the phone, but not in person. He is getting up there and I still don't think I could handle a conversation with him.

As far as hubbie's family goes we aren't going to say anything until I have a proper diagnosis as to what is wrong and will not be telling them what happened while on the Crapalta. They know that something is up but no specifics. Mostly they are the type that if something is wrong then they really would rather not know about it. I found out that when I lost my daughter. Some people react that way as if it might be contagious or if you don't talk about it and pretend it isn't there then everything will be alright.

[laurajane57]

Thank you fishinghat for your kind words My husband is begining to understand but isn't quit physically able to pitch in and help yet I am so glad I found this site I really does help to vent to others who know exactly what you are going through Not only doe Crapalta make your brain sick it harms your body too

[laurajane57]

Thank you lady2882Nancy I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter I know how difficut it has to be to cope with a loss and then to feel so sick also I am trying to take one day at a time My husband isn't a good listener so this site helps a lot I do know that I am never taking Crapalta again no matter who wants to recomend it I have taken other antidepressants before and went off them and never felt so sick from being off them Crapalta is such a dangerous drug

[lady2882Nancy]

laurajane - My hubbie is as supportive as he can be, but he realizes that he really has no idea of how hard it is for me. He is learning when to be there and when to just go away. (Funny really as he says he takes his cues from our male Boxer, Rocky)

 

I spend a lot of time on the computer and at first it bothered him, but he can see that it helps me and so he doesn't mind now.

I have read alot of the old postings and have figured out how to search for stuff right here on the site too.

I was a real techno geek so if anyone is looking for something and can't find an answer, I can do some research and post the results.

 

Day 28 off for me today

I only get the brain zaps when I am tired or stressed now. The same for the dizziness, nausea and eye movement thing.

I'm still not sleeping much and have the anxiety issues to deal with, but overall I feel better than I did. The sky is blue again and somehow everything seems more colorful somehow. 

 

Take care all

[mgpam]

Glad to hear you are feeling a little better Nancy!

[lady2882Nancy]

Thank you mg

How's your hubbie doing?

[mgpam]

Hi Nancy,

 

Hubby is at day 27 off Cymbalta now.  He's been battling headaches all this week.  He went to ER Sunday night and Monday night for it.  Sunday night they gave him a shot of Tordal (sp?).  Monday I'm not sure what they gave him but it was through an IV and they said it was a combo of antinausea and antihistamine that works good for migraines.  That did finally work, but then we saw a GP on Tuesday and convinced him to prescribe Oxycodone (sp?) in case the headache rears up again.  Headaches continue each day but we are able to manage it now without a trip to ER.  I'm hoping these headaches will resolve in a few days tho without all the medication.  The GP and the ER docs were completely unsupportive of Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome as a cause.  it could be also related to the fact that he started back on low dose of Zoloft last Thursday because the rages were unbearable.

 

Otherwise the body aches are better, breathing is better, sleeping is better, mood is somewhat better.  He did take the dog for a walk this morning so that was a good sign!  He has an appointment tomorrow with a new psychiatrist and we will be discussing Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome so wish us luck that this is an understanding doc.  I have printed info from several links that you and LindaVandy have provided.  Will also be discussing slowly weaning off the Zoloft.  Hubby is still intent on getting off the antidepressants altogether because of the side effects that he suffers from them - increased anxiety, zombie feeling, sleepiness all the time, inability to concentrate affecting his job and personal life, disinterest in almost everything, sexual side effects, etc, etc, etc. He didn't have all these issues before starting antidepressants. 

 

So glad we have this group to share with.    Hubby doesn't participate but he does read all of my posts and your responses. 

[lady2882Nancy]

Hi mg and hubby

Glad to know that things are finally moving along. I know this must have been brutal.

I didn't realize before that he had asthma and thinking about it today an antihistamine can interfere with asthma meds which could have made things rougher on him. I know my sister has to watch the timing with the antihistamines and the asthma meds.

I don't blame him for not wanting to take antidepressants anymore, I know I won't. From everything I have been reading lately, they should really be a last resort and most people should never be put on them.

I read some real horror stories about them today that I wish I hadn't read now.

I think that we all have to learn to dig deep in the research before starting any new drug that a doctor may want to give us. This has definitely been a learning experience.

Unfortunately I too have been plagued with the return of rather brutal headaches. I am to see the doctor tomorrow afternoon and definitely going to ask him about them. Will let you know if I get an answer about cause or treatment.

 

This site has definitely helped me too. I would have been lost without it.

Take care of each other.

Nancy

[laurajane57]

Same here lady2882Nancy I have learned my lesson I am not going to start any new drug without checking on it first and mg about your husbands headaches I've been on zoloft before and never had a headache but I had a headache every day off Cymbalta Healthcare providers just don't get it

[sleepbaby17]

They keep the roof over my head, but that's as far as it goes. Emotionally they are completely distant or they help me in the ways that THEY want to help me, not in the way I need them to. They don't "get me" now. There are a bunch of empty promises and suggestions with no comprehension of the effects. I know they love me, but they treat me like an outsider. They're attitude with me is 'just leave her alone,"' but I never said to do that! I think what it is is that they can't bear it. They feel helpless because they don't understand it so they pull away from me because it makes them feel bad about themselves and it only adds to my depression and feelings of loneliness and emptiness. But they're withdrawal from me happened way before cymbalta, it started when I returned from college. I was a different person. I had grown in many different ways and there was a lot I had learned about myself from therapy and dealing with depression. 

 

The only support I know I would've had for all of this would've been from my mother, but she and my father died when I was 19. Months later was when I was first introduced to the world of antidepressants. I had already been severely depressed since I was away at school and was battling an extreme case of home sickness, andI leaned on my mother to manage. 

 

All in all, daily I fight the urge of being angry at my family for not being there for me. I wished they would come with me to therapy, or even check in on me because there are days when I can't move at all so eating some days is out of the question. Now that I am going through the withdrawal process they still aren't here. They've even accused me of having it all in my head. So I have had no choice but to turn to friends (even though that can be a little flaky as well), but having someone not judge me and at the very least try to support me from a distance is better than the all together no support of my family now. 

[fishinghat]

Sleepbaby17, Your family is missing out on getting closer to you. Like so many family members they just don't understand what to do, But yet it i so simple,...be there an listem when needed. It is sad. But do remember, you have this site. If you just need to blow off steam or whine about how bad you feel...well you have a place to go to.. We are here to help.

[lady2882Nancy]

fishinghat is right sleepiebaby

Human nature is such that when something is not understood, confusing, and a little scary then people avoid it and deny it. You would think that what we have is contagious so they don't want to get close to us in case they catch it.

The people on this site have been my only support real support. My husband tries, but it upsets him so much when I start to rant and rave about things that I have learned to come instead to this site and spill my guts. Here no one tells me that it is all in my head because we know just how bad things can get when we are trying to get off this drug.

We don't judge anyone here and we know that if you are having a different side effect that of course it could be from having taken the drug or from stopping.

We are here for you sleepiebaby whenever you need support.

Take care of you

[maudelady07]

My father went on Cymbalta not long after me (we see the same doctor) and he went on it for neuropathy in his legs from his diabetes and also for anxiety because his business went underwater. I think he has been on it for about 2 years and I have been on it for three. We started sharing our experiences today and he said he has been on 30mg every third or fourth day and he's been trying to get off of it for about 9+ months weaning himself off very slowly. He gets everything too...brain zaps...ears ringing...dizziness...diarrhea and horrible mood swings etc. I am glad to have his support. I thought he was still on the medication full dosage when I texted him yesterday. I was warning him of all the things I am experiencing right now. He called me today and said "no, I've been weaning myself off for months!" I was so relieved...this drug is a harsh drug to be taking and get off of. He said his neuropathy actually improved after he stopped taking Cymbalta. He said he went back to the doctor to explain his symptoms when he first started to withdraw and she wanted to put him on 90mg a day...he refused. Like you all have been saying, he says i gets better and that it takes a long time so I just have to have patience. It is hard to have patience when you're going through this. An hour can seem like a day when you are suffering.

[lady2882Nancy]

Unfortunately with this drugs short half life (12 hours) and duration (2 and a half days in the body) the way your father is doing it is very difficult as most of us have found.

If he were to reduce the dose by removing some of the beads from the capsule (yes this can be done safely) he would have better luck and less side effects.

It works like this:

Carefully open a capsule over a large bowl or plate,

Day 1- you remove 5 beads from the capsule close the capsule and take it
Day 2- you remove 10 beads from the capsule
Day 3- you remove 15 beads from the capsule

Although with how long your father has been doing the every third or fourth day thing he could probably remove 1/2 the beads right away and start from there.

[lady2882Nancy]

I forgot to add that with the bead counting way you need to take it every day.

You can also remove more than 5 beads if you want. I took out 10 beads a day but I needed to get off it faster.

Take care

[maudelady07]

Thank you LadyNancy! I have just ordered some gel caps off of amazon. I think I need to be on about 40mg of Cymbalta each day right now to hang on to my sanity a bit better. Unfortunately, since I got 30s from my doctor not knowing I was going to go through this vile withdrawl crap, I am very leary of dosing with 30 twice if I feel really horrible because of the loose bowels and I feel like I'm taking a step back if I do that. I did not get a chance to tell him about the bead removal from the gelcaps, but I absolutely will. I am planning to wean myself off very slowly because the wothdrawl is so bad. He has not visited an online forum like this for help, even though I stressed he should do so to help him through the really rough patches, which he says he is still experiencing. I think you are right...he is still in a semi-withdrawl state or a full withdrawl state by taking it the way he is taking it. He said he was used to it by going through it constantly...though I don't know how considering the withdrawl symptoms I am dealing with. Thank you again for your help. You are so awesome!

[lady2882Nancy]

Thank you Maudelady

I am only too happy to help anyone that wants to get off this terrible drug. I wish there was more that I could do.

 

I have become way too familiar with how this drug affects the body. Your father is only hitting the beginning stages of the withdrawal the way he is now and it is so much easier for most the tapering way.

 

I bought the gelcaps too and was able to set up the capsules ahead of time which was way easier.

If the side effects get too bad just stay on the same dose until they go away.

 

Take care

[chimera]

I live with my 72 year old mother, she's slowing up now. she's used to me having health problems with the M.E. (CFS) it's been a very difficult thing for her- she is the only one who has ever understood the problems of having a chronic illness. I love her very much for this. 

however, at the best of times I can be VERY grumpy indeed! yes mood swings are part of the condition (emotional lability it's called) but thanks to Cymbalta, the poor woman has gone through hell!

I am not saying she's the easiest person to live with either lol. she's a hoarder, she has her own issues, we're two women used to running our own households who are now struggling to compromise under one roof- but the whole Cymbalta thing has strained our relationship to its limit.

unlike the M.E., this is something she doesn't understand so well. physical symptoms she's good with, psychological ones, not:( so living in a small flat, trying to get space and privacy to withdraw, has been problematic.

the swearing, the anger at her, the crying, I feel so very guilty. every time I feel that guilt, and resolve to be nicer- I slip up again. I wish so much that this had never happened, but I will keep trying, somehow! but I feel so much for all of you who are having to go through this completely alone, and admire that greatly.