Maxbeta Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 Hi, I'm a 39-year-old male. Was on Cymbalta for just over a month. Started on 30mg (which helped lift my mood a little), then was put on 60mg. I had the usual symptoms: headache, dry mouth, tired, manic, insomnia, no appetite. As soon as I was on 60mg my sex drive disappeared. No sexual thoughts or desire, not turned on by visual stimulation, no erections and unable to relieve myself for two weeks. That was a deal-breaker for me. Then I recently met a lovely lady. I want to be with her completely and match her level of passion, but the drugs have neutralized all sexual desire and function. I flushed the rest of the Cymbalta out of frustration to try and get my mojo back as soon as possible. There's no way a full relationship is possible with a penis that does not work. It's been two weeks since I stopped taking Cymbalta. For the first week I had terrible vertigo and didn't feel like myself at all. I masturbated with great difficulty (and no hardness) by the end of week two because I needed to know something was still working. Sometimes at night I get semi-erections, but nothing much to speak of. This second week I still have no real sexual desire or thoughts, and even pornography is just a bunch of pictures. When I'm with my lady friend intimately, I cannot get aroused and I'm just very aware of nothing happening down there. All I can do is apologize and give the (true) excuse of the drugs affecting my ability, this isn't me normally. I'm concerned the Cymbalta has done permanent damage to my sexual function and that in itself is very depressing; that I'll never be a whole man again. I don't know if I just need to give the withdrawal more time. But by then I think I will have lost my new relationship. I hate these drugs. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted December 8, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 8, 2013 Hi Maxbeta, welcome to SA. I'm sorry I can't advise you as I have no knowledge of sexual dysfunction and withdrawal but someone will be along who can help very soon You are in the right place **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 8, 2013 Member Share Posted December 8, 2013 Hi Maxbeta, I am pretty sure you need not worry about your functioning being damaged, what you describe is a known side effect of these sorts of drugs. It may take awhile but your activities will resume in good time. You are relatively young and that is on your side. Hang in there! What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted December 8, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 8, 2013 Hi Maxbeta, I found a topic that discusses post SSRI sexual disfunction. Hope you can find the right info there. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/52-post-ssri-sexual-dysfunction-pssd/ **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 8, 2013 Administrator Share Posted December 8, 2013 Welcome, Maxbeta. It can take quite a while to recover fully from the effects of psychiatric drugs and coming off them. The good news is that the nervous system does eventually heal. Do you have any symptoms other than PSSD? How is your sleep? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 8, 2013 Author Share Posted December 8, 2013 Thank you all for the welcome This is the start of week three with no Cymbalta. I think my sleep is getting slightly better. I had a lot of trouble going to sleep while on this AD, and when I did I would wake many many times during the night. And those dreams! The vertigo isn't as bad as the first two weeks. There are still days when I feel dizzy and unwell. My moods are a little unstable. I feel disconnected from the world around me a lot of the time. These effects may subside I imagine. If I really concentrate I can become aroused visually, but my equipment is still lacking the strength it had before. I can orgasm, though the feeling is muted and not very satisfying. It feels like it'll be a slow road to get that part of me back fully again. It's all the more frustrating because I have a new partner who is very passionate and I am disappointing in that area each time for now. It appears I'm not aroused by her. I've just had to use other ways during intimate moments... I'm kind of angry for myself for taking the drug "treatment" again. After the first couple of ADs I took several years ago I should have known better. I will admit my mood lifted and I had more energy (except in one department), but the side effects were awful to live with. A counsellor I'm seeing suggests I continue the AD for another six months. Choose between having a relationship and depression recovery/ feeling slightly better. For me, I choose to have the depression without the drug. A relationship is healing and healthier at the moment. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 9, 2013 Administrator Share Posted December 9, 2013 If your symptoms get worse, you may wish to take a few beads of Cymbalta and taper off more gradually. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 9, 2013 Author Share Posted December 9, 2013 Do you think it's been too long though, the third week, to take a few beads? I have no idea about this stuff. Today I was quite light-headed when I ventured outdoors. Almost drifiting along like a dream. The world not seeming real. If someone I know says Hello I'll suddenly snap back. Today was another zero sexual function day. Not even anything during the night in the early hours, or the morning. I was with my passionate new friend and nothing much happened on my side. My response is just about non-existent. It's very difficult to keep building up to something that never happens. It just lays there like a useless instrument. And that makes me feel worse. Like you say, maybe I should take a small amount to taper off instead of this cold withdrawal. Could be a good idea right about now. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted December 9, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 9, 2013 Reinstatement is best done immediately upon appearance of withdrawal symptoms. The more time that passes, the less likely it is to work. Have a look at our topic about reinstatement: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3079-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-stop-withdrawal-symptoms/ I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 9, 2013 Author Share Posted December 9, 2013 Is it worth it considering the relatively short time I was on Cymbalta (approx. 6–7 weeks; 2 weeks on 60mg)? Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted December 9, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 9, 2013 I stopped my taper too soon at just 5 beads and hit withdrawal. I reinstated after 4 weeks and it lessened withdrawal within a couple of days. It doesn't have to be much, just a few beads might make a difference. If you can do it, I think it would be best to try and keep from trying to function sexually for now. I know you want to get the feelings back for your partner's sake as well as your own, but if she is worth your love she will understand and wait. Function will come back, but for now try to concentrate on courting her, loving affection and attention is much more valuable than sex, that will come later when you body is healing. Just my humble opinion as a woman! **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 9, 2013 Author Share Posted December 9, 2013 Thank you I would like to concentrate more on getting passed the drug withdrawal stage first... I'm actually the one trying to slow things down a bit because of that. I guess she wants to know I'm capable in that other area, if you know what I mean. But at the moment it's just not possible. I have to just keep using my B-material until things improve. I'm tempted to fill another prescription and try a few beads for a week or so. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 9, 2013 Administrator Share Posted December 9, 2013 Unfortunately, anyone taking any of these drugs for more than a month (and sometimes less that that) risks withdrawal syndrome. Taking 5 beads might help, then stabilize for a month or more; decrease by 1 bead a month. Try not to focus on sexual functioning. A lot of people get very anxious about that and it makes things worse. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 10, 2013 Author Share Posted December 10, 2013 I think I'll just stay off Cymbalta for good for now and ride out the withdrawal. I just don't want to take it again. Part of me is missing at the moment, so it's difficult not to keep thinking about that; but I understand what you're saying Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 16, 2013 Author Share Posted December 16, 2013 Starting my fourth week off Cymbalta. Vertigo effects have lessened, I'm sleeping better. Libido is still gone, though biologically I appear to be OK (nocturnal and REM activity arousal seem unaffected now). I'm feeling a bit anxious again. Just wish I'd never tried this poison. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted December 16, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 16, 2013 Thanks for the update Maxbeta, It sounds like you are slowly getting better, there has been some improvement, and that's promising. I'm sure that eventually 'everything' will get back to normal. We all wish we had never swallowed down our little poison pills, some of us have been getting poisoned for years, rather than weeks. Please keep us updated, and let us know how you are doing. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted December 17, 2013 Author Share Posted December 17, 2013 Thank you, Petu I definitely won't try any other AD drugs in the future. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted January 1, 2014 Author Share Posted January 1, 2014 Just had a chat to a crisis team member yesterday, and I went through all my history, etc. (did not feel like doing that again...). They asked if I would consider going on another AD since Cymbalta wasn't effective. Think I want to go on another drug after this last one? Geez Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Maxbeta Posted January 13, 2014 Author Share Posted January 13, 2014 Several health care professionals I've spoken to about the drug and side-effects all say the same thing: But did you feel better on the AD? Well, yes, my mood was lifted. I felt terrible physically. And when I lost my ability as a man I felt even worse than being depressed. So actually, No. Depression, social anxiety, SI, alcohol dependence. 2000s Avanza Effexor Xanax Valium 2013 Cymbalta 30mg (1 month), 60mg (2.5 weeks) Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now