8 replies to this topic

[Carlz86]

Hi everyone ...

Wow ... Coming off this drug is so awful ...

Background info: I've been on 60mg a day of this drug for around 7 years treating facial nerve pain! I found out I was pregnant a few weeks ago & Dr's wanted to get me off this as quick as possible so unfortunately I haven't been able to do the counting beads ect which seems to be the best way!

I went down from 60mg - 30mg for about 10 days & then every other day at 30mg for a week & then stopped! I'm currently on day number 5 without Cymbalta & I feel so so poorly!!

I have extreme vertigo, brain zaps, nausea, night sweats, nightmares!!

In other peoples experiences how long do these nasty withdrawal symptoms last? I'm currently off work because I just cant physically do it which isn't ideal & just would like to know when I'll be able to function again?!

I really feel for all of you going through this!! Big hugs!! x

[thismoment]

Carlz86 welcome.

 

I tapered from 30 mg to 0 in 42 days. I got typical strong withdrawal symptoms (the kind you speak of) beginning on day 19 through about day 41.

 

I had more than 20 days of strong withdrawal, and a few months thereafter of steady improvement.  But it varies from person to person, and the intensity and variety may be different too.  Some folks are lucky and have few symptoms.

 

Few physicians know about this. Eli Lilly has not developed a withdrawal protocol, but they do say taper slowly, don't skip days and level off for some days if symptoms become difficult.

 

I understand why you want to be off the stuff  ASAP. I know you understand that you have gone to zero pretty quickly- not exactly cold turkey, but pretty close.

 

The symptoms come on strong and slowly taper off. Gather your loved ones close and let them know you're not going to be yourself for a while. Hopefully the strong stuff will be gone in short order. It is impossible to advise on the timeframe. Maybe a week, maybe two, maybe three.

 

But it does get better and better once you're through the initial strong stuff!!

 

Best wishes!! 

[Clara]

Hi carlz and welcome! I'm only about 3 weeks post Cymbalta. For me the physical things (aches, pains, diahrea,) are subsiding, thank God! The emotional highs/lows are still here in a huge way, but are slowly becoming fewer and farther in between. You'll find many who are much more knowledgeable and wise here than I b/c there are much farther along on this very rough journey. Thismoment is very, very helpful, knowledgeable and wise. There is so much info to sift through on this forum. It can be overwhelming to begin with. It IS a great help and comfort to know you are not alone! there is much loving support here! We are all with you and for you!!! You are probably going to be "feeling" a lot of things, physical, emotional, spiritual. It can get overwhelming and confusing. Be easy with yourself and do the best you can for each moment! My heart goes out to you! Keep us posted! hugs and prayers!!! clara

[thismoment]

Clara good morning and thank you for the kind words. You sound uplifted today, and there is a tone of "past tense" in your writing- meaning you are rising out of it; you view much of the ordeal as gone by.

 

I love that!

[Kindorf]

Hi Carlz from what I have read withdraws are different for everyone. I went cold turkey starting Nov 23 It is now day 13 and I have no more diarrhea, stomach cramps, or dizzy spells. I have a little vertigo but not to often now and the fog has lifted.

Nightmares I am still getting along with the brain zaps. However the brain zaps have eased enough so I can get out and about. When they do come on I just need to sit awhile.

I think I am one of the lucky ones because it seems my symptoms are not as strong or long lasting as others I have read about.

Sometimes it helps me if I take time to meditate and put good thoughts in my head. I also cut out all caffeine and went on a fresh vegetable diet along with fruits and juices.

Biggest problem for me now is dealing with mood swings. It seems like the littlest things can set me off.

Keep a positive attitude and don't be hard on yourself. Wishing you a fast recovery.

[Timbo]

Hi Carlz from what I have read withdraws are different for everyone. I went cold turkey starting Nov 23 It is now day 13 and I have no more diarrhea, stomach cramps, or dizzy spells. I have a little vertigo but not to often now and the fog has lifted.

Nightmares I am still getting along with the brain zaps. However the brain zaps have eased enough so I can get out and about. When they do come on I just need to sit awhile.

I think I am one of the lucky ones because it seems my symptoms are not as strong or long lasting as others I have read about.

Sometimes it helps me if I take time to meditate and put good thoughts in my head. I also cut out all caffeine and went on a fresh vegetable diet along with fruits and juices.

Biggest problem for me now is dealing with mood swings. It seems like the littlest things can set me off.

Keep a positive attitude and don't be hard on yourself. Wishing you a fast recovery.

Hi Kindorf...I like your suggestion of fresh vegetables, no caffeine, fruits and juices.   I think I'm going to give that try.  How much of an impact did you experience when you did that?  How long did it take to see a difference?   Those brain zaps are wicked...I feel like I'm trying to walk on a moving roller coaster.     Thanks for the helpful idea! 

[Clara]

Thanks, thismoment! One second at a time!!! hahaha!!! Had a tough time last night. Just had to "Walk ON BY" (Dionne Warwick?) last night, and pretty much ignore a dear friend from work outside Walmart. Was just NOT able to stop and chat! Hubby tried to humor me through it, and I'm grateful, but still feel like a jackass! (retired since May, btw!, another story!!! bleh! )! Telling myself this morning, it's ok!!!!  hugs to all!

[Clara]

OH NOOO! Please, not my coffee!!!! LOL!!! Saying to self.. yes, leave off the coffee!!! Water, and lots of it!!! Just one more struggle!!! Sorry, just digging deep for some humor!!!  Been up since 3am!!! Have a great day!!!!  clara

[thismoment]

Hi Clara.

 

I'm keeping the coffee too. 2 cups before 10 AM. I've been up since 3 too. The cat came in and sat on my chest; she looked down at me and I could have sworn I heard her mumble, "lol". 'Lol" what's that at 3 AM from the cat?

 

Got me thinking, 'what does she mean?' Okay I'm losin' it.

 

Have a great day!!