845 replies to this topic

[newhealthylife]

Symptoms on Cymbalta:  I thought for a long time that some of these were attributed to postpartum, menopause, bad marriage, stress, job change, moving to a new city, etc.

 

Memory lapse:  My husband would tell me something and I would forget.  He assumed that I didn't care enough to remember.  I also have thyroid issues that impair memory function.

 

Scattered thinking:  I'm on medicine now for ADHD for this symptom.  Concerta.  I was throwing medicines at the wall to see what would stick.  I am so excited to find out what the un-medicated me is like.

 

Muscle aches.  Low back problems

 

Sadness and would cry easily.  Would see the ads on t.v. that would say "if you're taking an anti-depressant but still having symptoms of depression... consider taking THIS..."  

 

During my divorce last summer I was definitely feeling like it would be ok if I died.  My kids would probably be better off without me, etc.  Divorce is hard so I chalked it up to just one more layer of stress and anxiety that was causing me to feel that way.  My GP wanted to put me on Abilify.  My mom read up on it and practically begged me not to do that.  I did not go on anything else long term.  I tried mertazapine (?)  No... not worth it.  Didn't like how I felt on this.  I still didn't put 2 and 2 together and realize that Cymbalta was probably making things so much worse, not better.

 

Withdraw "Cymptoms"...

 

Going cold turkey.  Forgot to refill my script.  I realized the next day that I wasn't experiencing the usually "cymptoms".  Normally if I missed a dose, I would be in the bathroom all day, confined to my bed and a raging biotch to my family.  One day turned into two and I thought it was a miracle!  Then it hit me:

 

Flu-like cymptoms--chills and sweats

Fatigue.

Intolerable low back pain.  I had been suffering with sciatic issues.  Now they were the worst they've ever been.  Could barely stand.  This cymptom is getting better.

 

Brain Fog.  Can't find words.  Saying things that don't make sense.

Memory Problems.

Impaired Executive Functioning... can't think of what I need to do next in completing a task.

 

Some nausea.

 

Oddly craving fruits and especially fresh vegetables : )

Craving water.

Craving sleep.

 

 

I am on Day 8 of cold turkey.  My new biz partners were about to fire me yesterday, but fortunately, I am on supplements that I think are helping me and I was able to string together enough sentences that made sense and I am still working with them. Ha!

 

I walked into my Chiropractor's office yesterday.  Hadn't seen this particular practitioner for several years but I follow him on Facebook and I know how against big Pharma he is and how dedicated his is to helping his patients find health.  Anyway... I asked the receptionist to find us a private office because I just needed to talk to him for now and I knew that I was going to cry my head off when I talked to him.  He grabbed the tissue box and spent about an hour discussing what is happening in my body and how he is going to help me!  Yay!

 

***UPDATE***  May 17th, 2013.  Now I am on day 25 after quitting Cymbalta cold turkey.  I am SOOOO much better!  

 

Please, please, please hang in there!  It gets BETTER!  It really does.  I have some residual side effects still, namely HOT flashes like crazy and night sweats.  But finally the chills have gone away.  Still have some itchiness, especially at night.  Still some moments of mild depression but the nagging thoughts like, "I wonder how bad everyone who's ever hurt me would feel if they woke up one morning and found out that I had committed suicide during the night" are gone.  

 

And the FOG has LIFTED!!!!  I can think so much more clearly now. Woo Hoo!  I realize though how much I let my responsibilities slide while on Cymbalta.  Unpaid bills... and too much shopping.  Definitely was a shop a holic in some ways.  I love going to Thrift Stores looking for the thrill of finding something really cool for cheap.  Now I am more balanced and think, "I need to get rid of stuff instead of get more stuff".  Before, when on Cymbalta it just didn't matter how much stuff I accumulated.  So now I'm sorting out my bills and paying them off and it feels good. 

 

The job that I almost lost... This week I quit!  Ha!  I'm a real estate agent and essentially work for myself but had partnered up with some guys that probably (rightly so) thought I was crazy.  I feel like I can look at the job for what it was and move on to a healthier situation.  

 

Anyway... Just wanted those of you  how are wondering how long it takes to feel better that it does eventually get better...  I still am not 100%.  Couldn't even tell you what 100% feels like!  Keep calm and Carry On, friends!

[mgpam]

Hi New healthy life! 

 

Great story, i relate to so much of it.  My hubby is the going thru Cymbalta withdrawal right now, not me.  But wow, you have a lot of similarities.  He also has thyroid issues (he is hyperthyroid), he has also had a horrible memory since being on antidepressants, and he also had the scattered thinking and his doc put him on Concerta last year for it.  So I feel like I know you!

 

Glad your mom warned you about Abilify.  Hubby tried that for a short time last summer and it was horrible.  He was on a business trip and had a horrible panic attack upon arrival, and went to the hospital in Manhattan, NY.  All they did was do a TB xray and charge him for it (they claimed it is standard everybody who walks in the door must get a TB xray).  Then sent him away and said there was nothing they could do to help.

 

What was your dose of Cymbalta before you quit?  Lady2882Nancy will have advice for you, but cold turkey is rough.  My hubby went from 90 to 30 mg, then 20 mg for a week, 10 mg for a week, and then done.  And even that was too quick.  He is now on day 33 off of Cymbalta and I'm really seeing a lot of improvements in his mood and energy, but he is still suffering each afternoon with insomnia, back pain, leg muscle pain, anxiety, and headaches. 

 

Best wishes for you.

[lady2882Nancy]

Hello newhealthylife
I certainly can relate to the craving fruit and veggies. I ate lots of frozen pineapple, why frozen I have no idea but hubbie would buy a pineapple and I would cut it up nice and thin then freeze it. YUM
 

Thanks to JustWannaBeHappy I know how important those fruits and veggies are now. Since you listened to your body you are ahead of the game there and I don't have to tell you about that. I will just say that citrus fruits are important.

Funny how the body seems to know what it needs which explains the cravings.
 

You are so lucky to have your Chiropractor to talk to and that he understands and wants to help. That is a HUGE bonus for you.
You sound like you are doing well and your positive attitude is so important.
 

We have found that these basic but essential supplements help
Omega 3 1000mg to 4000mg daily  

Vitamin B complex, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc OR a high potency vitamin/mineral supplement
L-theanine (suntheanine) 200mg up to 3 times a day - take with full glass of water on an empty stomach.

 

The omega 3 helps with zaps and getting Crapalta out of system and I recently have been told that omega 6 is needed too but I haven't been able to get any so don't know if it helps or not. The others are needed to help restore neurotransmitters in the brain which gets rid of the other "Cymptoms" (I love your word for it).
 

All the best to you and if your Chiropractor has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

 

Take care of you

[lady2882Nancy]

Hey there mg

Does your husband have Rx for anything to help him sleep? If you can get something it would really help.

My doctor finally gave in and gave me Temazepam and sleeping has made a BIG difference in how I feel physically which has helped with the depression. This is the first time in 20 years that I have something that actually keeps me asleep all night.

Now if I could just get a handle on the anxiety I would be good.

5 weeks off today for me. Yes I still have "Cymtoms" (don't you just love newhealthylife"s word for it) but most are fading away thanks to finally getting some sleep.

 

Take care of you and your husband

[chimera]

Hey there mg

Does your husband have Rx for anything to help him sleep? If you can get something it would really help.

My doctor finally gave in and gave me Temazepam and sleeping has made a BIG difference in how I feel physically which has helped with the depression. This is the first time in 20 years that I have something that actually keeps me asleep all night.

Now if I could just get a handle on the anxiety I would be good.

5 weeks off today for me. Yes I still have "Cymtoms" (don't you just love newhealthylife"s word for it) but most are fading away thanks to finally getting some sleep.

 

Take care of you and your husband

you're getting some sleep- congrats! am so pleased

[mgpam]

We are both really trying to stay away from any more prescriptions.  When they are really needed then fine, but trying other methods first. Prescriptions got us into this mess. 

 

Hubby is getting about 5 maybe 6 hours of sleep per night.  Not optimal but not horrible either and it is getting better each day.  He's also taking a short nap during the day.  We have some melatonin pills, can't remember the brand, that sort-of work a little.  But the ones that work better are Schiff brand and called "Knockout".  They have the same melatonin 3 mg, but also higher level of Valerian which I think is what works on him.  They also have calcium, theanine, gaba, glycine, and tiny amounts of magnesium and B6.  But the theanine really doesn't affect him at all so that's not they key for him.  We've tried as much as 500mg of the suntheanine and he feels no benefit from it at all.  That's why i think its the combination of melatonin, valerian, and maybe the calcium that works for him.  Anyway, with the Knockout and a Xanax at bedtime, its managable.  

 

I don't want to sound down, things are actually much much better.     No brain zaps, very slight mood swings, feels great in the morning and midday and he's actually happy and pleasant.    Then the afternon crash comes along but those are getting a little less severe each day.  If this continues to improve, we plan the first step down on Zoloft to start this weekend.  Taking it in baby steps there.

 

Nancy i'm also so happy to hear that you are sleeping. 

[lady2882Nancy]

mg

I'm sure glad to hear that hubby is making progress.

I too still have some mood swings in the evening but they are getting better. It seems to happen when I am tired. I am only 2 days ahead of him in being off the Crapalta. I guess it just takes time although sometimes it feels like its been forever.

It gets a little better each day really, don't have bad days just bad parts to a day which is an improvement.

Take of you

[chimera]

new one guys, hyperorgasmia. I won't be mentioning this one to the dr!! a 'poisoned chalice' if ever there was one- for all of us who prayed for their

libidos to return, be careful what you wish for

[lady2882Nancy]

Now that could be addictive as well as exhausting and burning alot of calories. lol

I seem to recall something like that for the mania stage of bipolar disorder, being more aware of sensations in the body causing it.

Well viagra was discovered while trying to develop a blood pressure med.

[chimera]

omg Nancy, I hope it's not that! let's hope it's just general nerve endings coming back to life, fingers crossed.

interesting about Viagra, I am really glad I am not a man with this, withdrawal must be rather problematic for the

males if this happens lol.

[lady2882Nancy]

Crapalta can have such a numbing affect on nerve signals it could easily happen as so many of the senses seem to be overly sensitive. I'm sure that like anything else it would settle down once balance is restored within the brain.

I still have no interest whatsoever. Hubbie is hoping that changes soon.

[Kittencat]

I can't sleep either. Hyperorgasmia?  I think I have that

[chimera]

Crapalta can have such a numbing affect on nerve signals it could easily happen as so many of the senses seem to be overly sensitive. I'm sure that like anything else it would settle down once balance is restored within the brain.

I still have no interest whatsoever. Hubbie is hoping that changes soon.

how long were you on the Crapalta for, I was lucky in that it was just about 3 months- and that was bad enough. I can imagine it would take absolute ages for things in that respect to return, for those who've been on a fair while. but given what you've been/are going through, hubbie will just have to wait. and be glad his wife is ok. from what I've read, he sounds a nice man

[chimera]

I can't sleep either. Hyperorgasmia?  I think I have that  

oh poor you you must be exhausted!

[fishinghat]

I hope for your sake it is not like the effect cymbalta can have on men. Toward the end of withdrawal there is a tremendous rebound in libido and ability to have erections. Sometimes 15 to 25 per day (not kidding). It makes trips to the store very inconvenient to say the least!! lol. After about 4 days of that all sexual function comes to a dead stop. Even though my testosterone is still down but within normal range (cymbalta shut down my natural production, that is why I had to quit it) there has been no further recovery in my sexual ability or desire. I have seen research articles that say the same thing can happen in women. Luckily the odds are very slim that this would happen in men or women (around 1%). My doctor has told me to be prepared just in case. It will be one more month before my testosterone gets back to normal. We will know then.Keep your fingers crossed for me! lol

[lady2882Nancy]

Kittencat - get something to help you sleep. It is essential that we get to sleep when we had stopped Crapalta or the side effects don't go away. Have you tried anything to help you sleep?

Don't be stubborn  like I was and try to wait it out. I'm on day 39 off and have probably delayed my recovery by trying to tough it out.  I was so tired that I was crying about everything and getting worse not better. I had insomnia before Crapalta, but nothing like it was after stopping it.

The difference once I got temazepam for sleeping is amazing and I wish I had done something sooner.

 

Take care of you

[lady2882Nancy]

chimera - he has been very understanding and patient, but I'm sure he is getting more than a little frustrated too as am I.

Part of it is that I get uncomfortable when he touches me. It feels yucky (that's as close as I can get to describing the way it feels).

I have 3 dogs and it has never bothered me if they lick my hands or arms until Crapalta. I don't mind if they cuddle up to me, but if they start to try to lick me I have to get away from them.

Not sure what this is all about but I sure hate it.

 

fishinghat - I may be in that elite 1% as I still do not have the desire or ability. This by the way is the complete opposite of what I was like before Crapalta as I have always had a very healthy and active libido.

[fishinghat]

Same here Nancy. The doctors tell me not to give up hope until around 3 months or so post cymbalta. If your labido doesn't return be sure and have your estrogen and testosterone checked.

[chimera]

I hope for your sake it is not like the effect cymbalta can have on men. Toward the end of withdrawal there is a tremendous rebound in libido and ability to have erections. Sometimes 15 to 25 per day (not kidding). It makes trips to the store very inconvenient to say the least!! lol. After about 4 days of that all sexual function comes to a dead stop. Even though my testosterone is still down but within normal range (cymbalta shut down my natural production, that is why I had to quit it) there has been no further recovery in my sexual ability or desire. I have seen research articles that say the same thing can happen in women. Luckily the odds are very slim that this would happen in men or women (around 1%). My doctor has told me to be prepared just in case. It will be one more month before my testosterone gets back to normal. We will know then.Keep your fingers crossed for me! lol

crikey- I am keeping everything crossed for you (maybe not the right phrase to use in this instance!) I am sure that once this is all fully complete, you will recover it. please keep us posted on this. I've been doing a bit more research also on this, seems to be a common phenomenon in psychiatric med withdrawal, not just Cymbalta. I remember having something a bit similar during Paxil withdrawal, but not as extreme. I am glad you have given the man's side of this, as all I could find were many accounts from women re hypersexuality/hyperorgasmia/persistent genital arousal syndrome. with males who are lacking normal testosterone levels in general- say in late middle age, a slump can happen and they sometimes need a patch/tablets from the doc- it can take a few weeks to kick in. everything seems to happen slowly when we want it to be fast, and vice versa lol.

[chimera]

chimera - he has been very understanding and patient, but I'm sure he is getting more than a little frustrated too as am I.

Part of it is that I get uncomfortable when he touches me. It feels yucky (that's as close as I can get to describing the way it feels).

I have 3 dogs and it has never bothered me if they lick my hands or arms until Crapalta. I don't mind if they cuddle up to me, but if they start to try to lick me I have to get away from them.

Not sure what this is all about but I sure hate it.

 

fishinghat - I may be in that elite 1% as I still do not have the desire or ability. This by the way is the complete opposite of what I was like before Crapalta as I have always had a very healthy and active libido.

I absolutely understand what you mean about the 'yucky' thing. I was fortunate not to have this on Crapalta, but I remember it on Paxil with my ex strongly. it's like an 'invasive' feeling, a distaste. I didn't particularly enjoy cuddling, kissing in general during that time either. I'd tolerate it, but squirm away as quickly as was polite. 

maybe it's also a sensory nerve thing as well as a libido thing. things that should feel pleasant to the touch (on whatever antidepressant) don't feel as they should. too 'much' or just 'different'. 

the only med that made me remotely touchy feely in a platonic normal way, ie hugging friends easily, was Mirtazapine. it was kind of a relief. Prozac was kind of neutral in this.

[fishinghat]

Yea Chimera, I am pretty hopeful as my estrogen has dropped to normal  and my testosterone is climbing. The doctor says that is a good first sign but.... (I love it when they tell you well you are and then say 'but'  lol By the way you are right, all the ssri and ssni drugs can cause the terrible sexual side effects.

[chimera]

testosterone climbing is very good, dr 'buts' or not lol. yeah I read that the more brutal and swift the withdrawal, the worse these rebound effects will be.

[lady2882Nancy]

Hello fishinghat

 

So you are saying that estrogen levels can climb while on Crapalta?

 

That's why the sore boobs in both men and women then.

 

What happens when we taper off and then stop altogether?

 

What if we are post menopause and our bodies no longer normally produce much estrogen?

That could be like menopause all over again.

[chimera]

no wonder the lumpier boobs.

Nancy, if you have menopausal symptoms again, you might want to try yams. high in natural oestrogen, rather than go down the HRT route- don't know if you went down that route already, but am sure you wouldn't want to take yet more meds:(

[Kittencat]

Nothing I try for sleeping works. I get a bit more on Benedryl and Xanax, and sleepytime tea. I'll get over it. I hope. Hope everyone is well!!

[lady2882Nancy]

chimera

I did not use hormone replacement the first time and won't this time if that is what is helping.

Funny about the yams though as I had one about a month ago and have been eating them a couple of days a week ever since. They just tasted so good that I want to have them all the time sort of like what happened to me with the fruit (oranges and pineapple) which turned out to be very good for The CW too

[chimera]

Nothing I try for sleeping works. I get a bit more on Benedryl and Xanax, and sleepytime tea. I'll get over it. I hope. Hope everyone is well!!

while you're like this, there's nothing wrong with having a bit of a 'powernap' as I call it lol. at the worst of it it can mean the difference between sanity and zombie land. if you feel the urge suddenly, don't fight it!

[chimera]

I am liking how your body is guiding you as to what it wants and needs Nancy. the yams should help keep any menopausal stuff from rearing its head again, you don't need that all over again for sure

[lady2882Nancy]

Kittencat

Don't let it go on too long like I did.

 

There are many Rx drugs that can provide short term relief just to get over the hump so to speak.

I didn't think I would ever tell anyone that but after what I have been through and the results from taking Temazepam I truly accept that sometimes we do need to take other meds to get over Crapalta.

[lady2882Nancy]

chimera

 

I have always found when it comes to cravings for healthy foods there usually is a reason for it so why not indulge it.

 

It will be nice to be able to plan a proper meal without having to deal with my thoughts being "why couldn't we just have yams", or like today when all I want is mushrooms, pineapple and  now yams too.  LOL