Barron: Off Cymbalta cold turkey

[Barron]

I decided to stop taking 30 mg/ day of Cymbalta that I had been taking for approx 6 years. I do not want to be on medicine. I was diagnosed with pneumonia so figured I was going to be in bed for several weeks and feel bad any way, it was as good of a time as any. Now, six weeks later, the withdrawal symptoms are worse. The zaps, unclear thinking, not being able to complete a sentence because I can't find the word, nausea, headaches, fatigue, crying and overall feeling bad. I feel like I have spent a good amount of time of of the medicine that I don't want to go back on it to ween off, however I am wondering if there is an end in site. I read about supplements assisting so I starting taking Vit D and fish oil today but I know that will take time. Emotionally I am ok. Just holding on one day at a time to get through this. Does anyone have any other suggestions to help? Thank you very much.

[Jemima]

Hello Barron,

 

I know you don't want to hear this, but reinstating a small amount of Cymbalta, perhaps 5-10 mg., may be your best bet for avoiding years of miserable withdrawal symptoms. Here's our topic on reinstatement:  About Reinstating  After six weeks it's somewhat chancy--you might have a bad reaction--but if I were in your place I'd try it. We have a current member who cold turkeyed nearly a year and a half ago, and she's in agony.  You might want to read this:  Cymbaltawithrawal5600 Introduction  Cymbalta is a really nasty drug, combining a Selective Serotoninn Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) with a  Serotonin Neopeniphrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI), a drug cocktail in one convenient capsule.

 

You're welcome to look through the Symptoms and self-care section for some non-drug tips that help a bit, but I can tell you from my own experience in tapering off Lexapro too fast that very little helps except a lot of time, 30-31 months in my case, and I think I got off easy.

 

When you have a moment, please put your drug history in your signature, like so: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

Welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of solid information and friendly support here.

[Jemima]

A P.S.: You may have noticed that your post was moved to the Intro section. This is where comments and questions about yourself and your withdrawal journey should go. Please continue to post here by clicking on the Reply button. The Symptoms and Tapering forums are for topics of general interest, sort of like a shelf of reference books. No harm done; just so you know.

[Petunia]

Hi Barron and welcome.

 

I'm sorry you are still suffering from withdrawal from cymbalta, but its not surprising really,  its never a good idea to stop taking these medications without tapering them.  Our brain and nervous system become accustomed to functioning with this chemical, and so have adapted, when the drug is suddenly withdrawn, its like ripping out a support and it can effect many body systems and for some people, last a very long time.  You may be one of the lucky ones, but if I were you, I would consider reinstating a small dose and then doing a proper slow, safe taper.

 

Please read the links which Jemima provided, they will explain it in more detail, I would hate to see someone suffer for a long time, when it can be avoided.  The longer you leave it to reinstate, the less chance there is of it working.

 

I was too late to reinstate after my too fast taper from Lexapro several years ago and I'm still suffering now.

 

Please stay in touch and let us know what you decide,  we will support you no matter what.

 

Petu.

[Barron]

Thank you so much for the feedback. Sometimes we have to hear things we don't want to hear. I truly appreciate the time it took for you to respond. I have started tasking 10-15 little beads again. Symptoms are a bit better. I am just trying to hold on until I can get back to the dr. Thank you again for caring.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Barron.

 

You may find that 15 beads is all you need to stave off withdrawal symptoms. Please try to take the same amount at the same time every day. Regularity is important to establish stability.

 

After you stabilize for a month or so, you will be able to very gradually reduce by a bead at a time.

[Barron]

Wow, after a rough week of taking 10 beads every day, the brain zaps are gone. Now to deal with everything else. It's great to see an improvement. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Couldn't have done it without you all. Thank you.

[Altostrata]

Very good to hear.

 

Do you have other withdrawal symptoms?

[Barron]

Still have some headaches, flu like symptoms that come and go, diaherra and I am ready to fight anyone. I am a 52 year old professional woman that has never been in a fight but now look out! LOL. Going back to the dr on the 23rd. Hopefully she can help me out.

[Altostrata]

It may take a while for your nervous system to settle down. It's had a big shock.

 

Don't count on your doctor -- few have a clue about withdrawal. If she does, please let us know.

[Barron]

I sure will. I strongly believe they don't know much, that's why they call it "practicing" medicine. I work for a company that manages emergency departments in hospitals. It's pretty rare to find a doc that doesn't have some drug, alcohol or sex issue.

[Altostrata]

Try to see your doctor ASAP.