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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 13:25:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 30, 2006, at 13:19:17
> > . . .Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
>
> I am using something similar - another benzodiazapine called Lorazapem. I take a 0.5mg tablet and break in half, and sometimes in half again, so I am using just 0.175-0.25mg at a time.
>
> One good thing about it when I am nauseous from the withdrawal, is that it is so tiny and powdery that I can take it without water, just let it dissolve in my mouth.
>
> -JasparHi Jaspar,
Thanks for the response. I started the Cymbalta because of panic disorder (severe, each day due to the bitter ending of a long-term and mostly happy marriage) and used the kolonipin for the extra umph. I have weaned myself off of the kolonipn and now I'm attacking the Cymbalta. I think that the K will help with the withdrawal but I'll not want to get "addicted" to it again.
Kparis
Posted by Jaspar on May 3, 2006, at 9:55:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 13:25:42
This is working. I still have a little bit of withdrawal symptoms but they are so minor. My plan will have me off in another 10 days... 35 granules, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0
I am thinking that it might have been better though for me to have stayed on each dosage for at least two days instead of trying to decrease by even 5 granules each day.
This has been unbelievable.
Lilly needs to have a "withdrawal kit" for us folks... like for going from 60mg to 55 to 50, to 45, going down by 5 mgs every week or so, then at 20mg, start going down by maybe 2mg at a time, then at 10 mg going down by 1mg at a time, then a couple of granules at a time.
They also need to warn how long it will take to get OFF the medication... For getting off 60mg, so far I am on my 5th month. God help the person who HAS to come off it "cold turkey"... and I was coming off it because of HIVES which luckily are being controlled with other medications.
One other thing I wonder... is there a relationship between having a problem coming off of Paxil & coming off of Cymbalta, and if so, they should put that as a warning. I can't believe I fell into this trap TWICE!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 10:02:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by Jaspar on May 3, 2006, at 9:55:53
Jaspar, I did it the way you are and have been on no medication since April 8th. Once I hit no meds, I was very dizzy the first two weeks, but I could manage to work and care for 2 kids. So now pretty much I have no issues and am feelin good. Good Luck.
Posted by kparis on May 3, 2006, at 17:20:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 10:02:11
I am on my 5th day of 1/2 dose and feel no effects at all. I will be on this dose for the rest of the month and the plan is to then go off completely (60mg originally, to 30mg for 1 month to nothing). I hope this will work well for me.
Posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by kparis on May 3, 2006, at 17:20:06
I don't recommend going from 30 mg to nothing. I also went from 60mg to 30mg with no withdrawal symptoms. I really was ok on 15mg too. It was when it got lower than that. You will know when the symptoms hit if you are going too fast and you always can take more. When I started with the withdrawal symptoms all I had to do is take some more and they would go away.
Posted by kparis on May 4, 2006, at 14:24:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
Thank you. How long were you on it?
Posted by Jaspar on May 4, 2006, at 15:42:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
> You will know when the symptoms hit if you are
> going too fast and you always can take more.
> When I started with the withdrawal symptoms
> all I had to do is take some more and they would go away.My problem was that I should have taken more once I started having withdrawal, and ignorantly didn't, then once the vomiting began, I couldn't even keep down water. That's when I had to do the trick with a Benzodiazapine and no water.
It has been this last 10 mg that is giving me the hardest time trying to get off of.
Taking even 1 extra granule can make a difference.
-Jaspar
Posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on May 4, 2006, at 15:42:37
I'm so relieved to have found this support group. All I can say is "Never Again" to Cymbalta. I first started this medication in October, 2005 mainly for depression from my menopausal issues. I, too, have been prescribed other anti-depressants over the past years for my depression i.e. Paxil, Wellbuterin, Celexa, Zoloft. But when the decision was made to stop these meds I never had such a withdrawl as I am now. My Cymbalta prescription was 30 mg daily. It seemd to have relieved my depression up until a month or so ago. The one main side effect I was having was the restless legs and sometimes upper body jerks plus insomnia at night. and my "blues" were back. I thought I could tolerate it, but enough was enough, and I decided no more!!! So, 10 days ago I quit the Cymbalta cold turkey. I didn't think too much of it at first, and I did see my physician 3 days into the the "Stop" I told him the legs were winning and I quit. He never once mentioned the terrible time I would have withdrawing cold-turkey. "Are you Okay?" is all he asked. Never! never mentioned the withdrawl symptoms I would be feeling in the days to come! withing 10 days I have been crying at the flip of a switch, irritable to the point of leaving my husband, having even more hot flashes (which I didn't need!) and then freezing. My blood pressure has been down to 90 over 54, headaches, dizziness and the equilibrium off, fatigue, and oh yes! the diarreah. All this time I thought my menopause was going to do me in, and then my light bulb came on to "Google" Cymbalta withdrawl" which brought me to you. Thank You God!!! I must say that thru this hellish experience my restless legs and body syndrome have totally gone away. All the sleeping I've been doing is probably a good thing, I had some catching up to do. I was so glad to read the experiences of ya'll. "Hey!! I'm not crazy after all"kept coming to my mind and all the postings that I read I was continually relating to. I'm not going to even look at a granule of Cymbalta. How long until the withdrawl is complete? I'm 10 days 100% off compared to 6-7 months on. I think I would like to try the suggestion made by one of you in regard to the Omega 3 fatty acids. Can you tell me what that should help with? I know its good for a person, but in regard to the withdrawl symptoms is what I meant. God bless each of you for your postings, you've made my day!
"Never Again" to Cymbalta
P.s Because God gave me the gift of a wonderful and understanding husband, leaving is not on my agenda, either!!
Posted by kparis on May 6, 2006, at 14:50:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
I am so sorry that you are going through that! I know what you mean about the hot flashes too. I've been on 30mg from 60mg for about a week now. I feel that my moods are swinging, but I do not want to increase the Cymbalta. Like you, I want OFF! I have been trying the Omega 3 tabs and I don't know if it is helping or not. I'll let you know.
How are you feeling now? Has it gotten any better?
I wish you well.
Kparis
Posted by PB on May 6, 2006, at 15:07:45
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
I'm glad you found this group, too. So many of you are experiencing such awful withdrawal, that I almost feel guilty! The only side-effect I've noticed was that "electric shock" feeling in my head. But the knowledge on this forum was instrumental in putting my worries to rest about that, and I also learned about breaking open a capsule and taking individual granules. I'm down to about 5 granules every 4-5 days, and it seems to be working okay for me - "electric shocks" only come at the end of the 4th day, and I've pushed myself to go 5. But the group is helpful, no question, and I hope you're able to get your symptoms under control.
Posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 18:35:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on May 6, 2006, at 14:50:37
Today has been a little better. I think a major contribution is knowing that it's not just me, and unfortunately others are going thru this nightmare as well. I spoke to a pharmacist today and purchased the Omega 3, it's to help your heart and vascular system. At least it's something good for the body! I, also, asked about the Benadryl and the Clariten, since 2 different postings mentioned them. Benadryl makes me really sleeipy, so I am hoping the Claritan might offer some relief. While we were in the store, I had to ask my hubby to walk a little slower, I still have a kind of spinning sensation if I move too fast.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to be even better.P.S. I do want to add that I had several terrible episodes of itching on my scalp, so much, that I found myself clawing to get relief. I felt like I had mosquito bites all over my head, and just could not scratch enough. I was ready to put Coritsone or Caladryl on my head just to get relief, fortunately after 20 minutes of intense itching, scratching, and clawing it subsided.
Posted by ang123 on May 7, 2006, at 20:50:54
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on May 6, 2006, at 14:50:37
Kparis, I was on it for over a year and went straight from Paxil to Cymbalta before that. April 8th was the last time I took any. I am not having any more withdrawal symtoms but I get frustrated and have anxiety, but I never took meds until two years ago. If I can go most of my life without meds I can do it again.
Posted by mseasons on May 8, 2006, at 2:18:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on May 7, 2006, at 20:50:54
What are some of the reasons that you all are coming off of Cymbalta. I've been taking it for about 6 weeks on 20 mg and when I went up to 30mg, I had the worst panic attack I've ever had. I don't understand, because the only side effects on the 20 mg was loss of appetite and I also felt happier. I stopped taking it cold turkey about 4 days ago and feel depressed, anxious, and dizzy a lot. I wonder if it is all in my head.
Posted by kparis on May 8, 2006, at 8:33:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mseasons on May 8, 2006, at 2:18:46
I don't think it's all in your head. I'm feeling all of those things myself going from 60 to 30mg.
I started taking it because I had daily severe panic attacks. I worked for over a year with many different doctors, healing touch people, yoga, massage, a hypnotherapist and the only thing that seemed to help was the healing touch person. Go figure. Anyway, it wasn't enough and I had to go on medication as I felt that I could not live my life in that everyday state of panic. It helped dramatically. However, I am in a better place in life now and the grieving is no longer knocking me out. That is why I'm going off of the Cymbalta. I'm terrified that the panic attacks will begin again. I know that one of the symptoms of coming off of the drug can be panic. Oh well, I have the handy kolonipin just in case...but I don't want to be on meds!!!
Is there anyone else who was taking it for panic?
Thank you all for being here. It helps.
kparis
Posted by Never Again on May 8, 2006, at 10:10:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mseasons on May 8, 2006, at 2:18:46
I, too, was okay when I had first started taking it as far as the depression seemed to be lifted, but I had trouble concentrating, like I suddenly had ADD, and I became anxious, but never to the point of panic.
I am beginning to believe that the first 2 weeks off Cymbalta, especially cold turkey, are the worst. That is where I am as of today. I am still having the little hot flashes and a little dizzy, but nothing compared to what it was. My blood pressure is leveling out - 130 over 70. That certainly beats 90 over 40!
I can't wait to have a good and lengthy conversation with my doctor. I wonder if there is anyone that can say Cymbalta has been great for them?????? I don't want to sound cliche', but keep hanging in there and take it one day at a time. AND DO IT WITHOUT CYMBALTA!!!!
Posted by mseasons on May 8, 2006, at 17:32:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on May 8, 2006, at 8:33:42
I read a very comforting book about controlling panic called HOPE AND HELP FOR YOUR NERVES by Claire Weekes. I felt so bad yesterday that I broke down and took a 20mg Cymbalta, hoping it would relieve the symptoms. Now I'm determined to wait it out cold turkey. Xanax helps a lot. At least it's not as bad as the withdrawl from Effexor. I wouldn't recommend Effexor for any reason! Thanks for the support, it really helps to know you're not alone!
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 9, 2006, at 4:37:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by mseasons on May 8, 2006, at 17:32:50
> I read a very comforting book about controlling panic called HOPE AND HELP FOR YOUR NERVES by Claire Weekes.
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book, movie, or music without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by mseasons on May 9, 2006, at 13:18:05
In reply to Re: double double quotes » mseasons, posted by Dr. Bob on May 9, 2006, at 4:37:13
I'll try it, thanks. "Hope and Help for your Nerves"
Posted by mseasons on May 9, 2006, at 13:19:30
In reply to Re: double double quotes, posted by mseasons on May 9, 2006, at 13:18:05
just wanted to say how cool your link system is!
Posted by darcan on May 10, 2006, at 15:37:13
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
Have you had horrible itching after discontinuing Cymbalta? What did you do to stop the itch? How about the nausea?
Posted by juliekay on May 10, 2006, at 19:46:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 18:32:41
> I don't recommend going from 30 mg to nothing. I also went from 60mg to 30mg with no withdrawal symptoms. I really was ok on 15mg too. It was when it got lower than that. You will know when the symptoms hit if you are going too fast and you always can take more. When I started with the withdrawal symptoms all I had to do is take some more and they would go away.
do they have such a thing as 15 mg. caps? if so i was not aware!
Posted by juliekay on May 10, 2006, at 20:01:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Never Again on May 6, 2006, at 14:20:46
I have been on cymbalta for about 1 1/2 yrs., Iam currently being weened off and have expirienced soooo much of what I have read, dizziness, mood swings,zings in the head and face, nausea,headaches and so on. I am currently on 20 mg. every 2 days(my Dr.s great idea) spacing out dosages is so hard because by the end of the 48 hrs. I'm coming unglued! I think I might try taking some every day and opening the capsuals and start counting granuals like i've been reading jasper write about. does anyone know how many are in a 20 mg.cap?
Posted by juliekay on May 10, 2006, at 20:17:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by juliekay on May 10, 2006, at 19:46:29
I should have directed my last post for u, u said that you r on 15 mg. Is that a 15mg. capsual?
I was told 20 was the lowest, ty julikay
Posted by ang123 on May 10, 2006, at 20:45:38
In reply to Re: ang123 please read, posted by juliekay on May 10, 2006, at 20:17:09
Julikay, I was just giving an approximate, I took the capsule and divided the granules into baggies.
Posted by gapsgal on May 10, 2006, at 22:53:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by juliekay on May 10, 2006, at 20:01:13
I was having problems dividing them, but someone on here gave me a suggestion to empty the capsule in a plate and use a knife to divide. I have some other empty capsules that I am using to put my lower dosed into.
I am still on about 15 mgs...and it is not exact because after a while you just get sick and tired of trying to count those tiny granules.
Eli Lilly really should market a taper kit for this crap.
> I have been on cymbalta for about 1 1/2 yrs., Iam currently being weened off and have expirienced soooo much of what I have read, dizziness, mood swings,zings in the head and face, nausea,headaches and so on. I am currently on 20 mg. every 2 days(my Dr.s great idea) spacing out dosages is so hard because by the end of the 48 hrs. I'm coming unglued! I think I might try taking some every day and opening the capsuals and start counting granuals like i've been reading jasper write about. does anyone know how many are in a 20 mg.cap?
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