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Cymbalta Ruined My Life--Picking Up the Pieces

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Fibromyalgia
Cymbalta Help you with Fibromyalgia?
Yes - 36.7% - 11 votes
No - 53.3% - 16 votes
Don't know yet - 10.0% - 3 votes
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Posted 9/5/2009 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ever let your health care provider talk you into this type of treatment. If must take it, if your doctor insists, ask for weekly or biweekly appointments for monitoring. Cymbalta, like all other antidepressants, are seductive--they have you living with a highly false sense of well being and as time goes on, it turns in misery. I was prescribed this for my fibromyalgia and never again will I consent to taking this kind of garbage!! My weight hit near 200 lbs on five different occasions, I'm praying that my family and best friends will forgive me for all the wrong things I've said and done to them this year. Wait, there's more--add reckless spending and credit card use to the list--something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing!! If this post helps just one person out, then I know that the eight-nine months I have lost to this medication will not be in vain.
Posted 9/6/2009 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Emily, and welcome!  Boy, you sure had a bad reaction to Cymbalta, didn't you!  It is strange how people react to different medications.  Many people have good success with this drug and others totally hate it just like you do.  But, you will find what will work for you.

 

You haven't ruined your life.  You have had a speed bump on your journey.  You have come over it and are heading on in the right direction for you.  I'm glad you came to the realization that this med was not for you.  If you read back posts, you will see other medications that people have had problems with.  Unfortunately, this goes with the fibro territory.  It's a trial and error situation to find the right medication.

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibro and  you will learn a lot that might help  you get control of your pain.  Don't hesitate to ask questions, either.  We are here to help you.

 

I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  I hope to hear more from you soon!

 

Sherrine 

 

 

Posted 9/6/2009 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
My mom had the same side effect - reckless spending. At first, they told her is was all in her head, a medicine couldn't possibly make you spend money. A little research showed that her so-called "experts" were wrong. She had a horrible time withdrawing from the drug.

She will be paying off this debt for the rest of her life and she has nothing to show for it. She is on disability and can't work so she relied on her credit card to assist her when unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, came up. She always paid off the balance as soon as she could. During her Cymbalta period, the credit card company so helpfully raised her limit to help her dig herself in deeper.

The really scary part is that her new "expert" tried to get her to go back on Cymbalta. When she reminded him about the reckless spending, he said that since she was now aware of it, she could control it. She lives in a small town so her ability to find new "experts" is very limited.

I try to warn people about this problem because it sneaks up on you and may not be noticed by those around you until it's too late.

I'm really sorry this happened to you. My mom actually called the manufacturer of Cymbalta and told her that they should pay her debt since their drug did this to her and they never warned her it could happen. It didn't do any good but she felt better for a while!
Posted 9/6/2009 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
I had bad side effects with Cymbalta too. I started out feeling better, then went into a deep depression. Going off it was very difficult....I ended up on a psych floor.

I hope there are those who benefit from it, as it is widely prescribed. If you are feeling better, that's great....continue to take it. It just wasn't a drug for me.
Posted 9/7/2009 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! I'm sorry you had to go through all of this! I've been on Cymbalta for a few months and I've been doing very well.
Posted 9/7/2009 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Corinne44,
Cymbalta has helped many people. My concern with it is the "reckless behavior". It sneaks up on you and can be so dangerous if you aren't aware of it. My advice is to alert some close friends and family to the possible side affects of reckless spending, sex, and/or gambling. This way, they can warn you before it becomes a problem.
Posted 9/7/2009 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I have anxiety problems and depression. For a while, I was taking the Cymbalta because I had heard that it might help with the fibro. Because of my anxiety problems, I was already taking Xanax. Well, when I went off the Xanax, the Cymbalta made my anxiety a whole lot worse and it didn't even help me with the depression, so I had my doctor take me off of it.
Posted 9/8/2009 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
my gp and pain doctor both suggested that i tried cymbalta, but i didn't care for the long list of side effects. they both are very good and didn't push it on me. i was a bit tempted as my fibro is terrible-dealing with agonizing 24/7 pain, but am not going on it now for sure.
Posted 9/8/2009 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
confused Wow, I am shocked at the horrible way it affected you. I am on Cymbalta for about 6 or so months now. I really didn't have any issues except the nausea!!!
Although, I do remember haveing a hard time paying my bills at first. But that only lasted maybe a month or so. For me the benefits out weigh the bad. I had extreme anxiety and some depression. I am feeling so much better now. I'm currently taking 60mg.
:-)
I hope no one else has the bad affect on it as you did. shocked

take care, Laura wink
Posted 9/8/2009 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Emily

So sorry you experienced this... I tried this Med.. and one pill made me suicidal , mind you I am one of those that Can not take any type of anit depressants. None... they all affect me badly..

I am sorry you are going through this though... thanks for the poll.. be interesting to see how many it really helps.. I wish we could do the same with Lyrica...

Best of luck to you .. Take care.
Posted 9/8/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking 60mg Cymbalta for three months and have noticed that my anxiety is getting worse. Last night I was going for a drive with my boyfriend and had to turn around and go home because I was on the verge of a panic attack. I've been having anxiety all day today... was not up for leaving the house, and had to stay home from work. I can feel it easing up but it's unusual for it to last so long and be so pronounced. I left a message for my doc's case worker to discuss at my next appt.
Posted 9/15/2009 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all for your support and understanding. The sharing of your stories plus the great encouragement I received is overwhelming and I realize that I'm not alone. For now, just taking one day at a time and committing to picking up the pieces, making payment plans for my reckless spending--what did I purchase--don't even remember!! To all of you struggling with fibromyalgia, depression, and nasty side effects of either medication and/or withdrawal symptoms--hang in there! Thanks again for your support, will keep you updated, and hope for you to continue sharing your struggles.
Posted 9/15/2009 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
I am really sorry for all the troubles that so many of you have had with cymbalta. I have been successfully taking it for several years with no issues. I do understand that all meds do not work for all people. I have had zero luck on the malic acid/magnesium regimen that so many here swear by. There are so many paradoxes with this illness- our symptoms and challenges are so similar, while our solutions can be so differently tolerated. I hope we all find and follow the protocal that makes the most sense for us, and live life to the fullest.

Peace!

Posted 9/16/2009 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
My 14 year old daughter was put on cymbalta for "depression" but after she was diagnosed w/ FM they raised it to 60mg 1 x daily. Besides becoming more depressed she started having coordination problems. For months she was afraid to ride a bike & I only realized the problem when she started tripping over nothing all the time. She compaired it to wearing roller blades all the time & had to be careful like that when she walked. Coming off it was bad, but she's off now, the coordination is improving slowly. The thing about drugs like this is that they change your cell structure. It's very serious. She is now on something natural.
Posted 10/3/2009 7:48 AM (GMT 0)
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Post Edited (doseofvanilla) : 5/6/2011 2:34:20 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/3/2009 11:47 AM (GMT 0)

Cymbalta?  I have been on Lexapro for two years and have just weaned off.  Any pain/depression/anxiety I had prior to going on his horrific drug does not begin to describe the misery of getting off.  I'm lucky my hubby hasn't moved into a hotel until this passes, which can be weeks.  NEVER ever again. Physicians that prescribe this poison should read the four pages of alerts that come with the drug, warning of withdrawal effects.  Maybe Cymblata is different...I hope so!

Huggies

Donna

Posted 10/3/2009 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have also been on Lexapro , I think if your not truely depressed it affects us differently , I to was not having a care in the world ,was to happy , spending money , drinking to much which isn't me . It is just so hard cause when the flare's come were all depressed , but might not be otherwise . My girlfriend has bypolar , and when her med's are to high , she doen't have a care in the world , she don't clean , help kids , just pretty much zone's . She has asked me to keep an eye on her , cause she don't even know it's happening , and it has in the past . I allways point it out to her . Well good luck , and TC
Crystal
Posted 10/3/2009 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
ugh! i'm weaning off cymblata right now pretty miserable, I work in the psych ward and sometimes it really scares me the types of drugs they try and give to "mask" physical pain... i hate to let some know they the over prescribing of this type of med to "dull" senses isn't a reasonable or responsible way of treating. I have knowen people to benefit and other with bad reactions, so i guess each case is different. Though i do think it is VERY important to know what your taking, what it is normally used for, any most of all why and the side effects!!
Posted 10/4/2009 1:19 AM (GMT 0)

Two of my sisters who also have Fibromyalgia take Cymbalta and they love it. I was on Cymbalta for approx. 6 months & finally asked my doctor to take me off of it. By then I had gained 35 lbs. I guess it affects everyone differently. I just didn't really gain anything from using it except weight!!

                                                Hugs,

                                                     Springfling

Posted 10/4/2009 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
I had terrible anxiety. I had multiple anxiety attacks a day. We're talking at least 5. It was horrible. Lexapro saved my life. I mean that. I was able to come off after about a year and had no problems and have had no problems since.

Cymbalta, just flat out didnt help. I do suffer from depression and think that alot of us really do benefit from anti-depression medications. Yes, these drugs do come with side effects. Honestly, if you are not suffering from depression, I see NO reason to include these drugs. Cymbalta made me feel GOOD. Nt pain free, but it made me feel happy. I LOVED that feeling. It was something that I have not felt in a very long time. However, it just had too many side effects and did nothing for my pain. I really dont want my depression treated. Mine is really related to my condition and if I could just feel okay, my spirts would be lifted.

Just keep in mind that some people are GREATLY helped by these drugs. I do feel some of them, like Cymbalta are prescribed way too much and too loosely. It is a terrible drug to come off of. I thankfully had no problems, but my experiance is NOT the norm. It is known to be a VERY difficult drug to quit. So if you think that you may not want to take it long term, dont take it.

I was hoping it would help me, it sadly didnt. I , personally, will not take another anti-depression medication to help this condition in me. I had no horrioble side effects that some of you had, it jsut didnt help.
Posted 2/19/2012 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
I started taking Cymbalta when I returned home from Afghan as a pain reliever. It all seemed great for about 2 months. Then suddendly hit me like a brick, I was having tremors where my hands would shake, muscles spasms all over, aggressiveness, dizziness and being unable to concentrate. I then had enough and decided to stop taking it. Boy, was that a bad idea. I didn't know what was happening to me. The first two days off weren't that bad with little noticable withdraws. I didn't even think I could have withdraws from them this, but did I learn quickly. Day 3 started where the dizziness was almost constanst when standing, mood swings like crazy. Went from being happy to hateful then right back to happy. Did I mention how it affected my short term memory. It might be great for some people but was horrible for me. I am so lucky to have a wife that can deal with it. Starting day 4 without and it continues to get worse. It almost makes me want to start taking it again due to the withdraws.......I don't. Know what's worse, the side effects or the withdraws. Good luck with it and PLEASE have a strong support system to help you if you have side affects.
Posted 2/19/2012 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
I guess this really just shows one of the main things I've learned about fibromyalgia - that each person's situation is so different! What works for one may not work for another, and vice versa. This illness is definitely about "trial and error" with treatments.

I have been on Cymbalta for 2 years and it saved me! I have had the weight gain, but I'm willing to live w/that because it helps w/my pain and many other symptoms. The only thing I've wondered that might be a side effect is dehydration. Has anyone had a problem with being dehydrated? I have wondered if it's the Cymbalta. Otherwise, no problems here, thank goodness.
Posted 2/19/2012 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
When you mention the drug cymbalta I get chills down my spine. I was in the hospital when they started me on it. I thought I was going crazy with all these weird side effects it gave me. I told my Dr. on the first day, but I agreed like a nut to try another dose the next day. The second dose put me in a life threatening situation. It caused me to have serotonin syndrom. It was horrible and they have to give my a stat dose to reverse the reaction. To this day I still suffer from problems the pill caused. Glad you were able to stop it andd I am glad I survied the reaction.
Posted 2/19/2012 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
I only took cymbalta for a couple of days and it put me into a manic state which I had never experienced before in my life. My thoughts were racing, I was so tired but my eyes were wide awake and I just couldn't shut down my mind long enough to relax People who spend alot sometimes do it in a manic state along with talking rapidly, racing thoughts, risk taking behaviors etc. I think if I had continued taking it all the other manic signs may have come out and I would have gone on a tremendous spending spree too. So no cymbalta for me.
Posted 2/20/2012 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
I too am sorry you are having such a hard time. I agree we all seem to have similiar symptoms but not all meds work the same for us. What may not work for me may just work for someone else. Go figure. I have been on Cymbalta for at least 3-4 years now. At first I didn't think it was doing any good, I took it for anxiety and etc. But when I went off on it for a couple of days my whole family could tell. So apparently it did more good than I originally believed. Now I can tell with my fibro that it helps alot. If I don't take it I can tell just how much pain the fm really has on me. But luckily with Cymbalta I can manage.

I have heard alot of people state this isn't the drug for them. But again, not every drug works the same for everyone. I guess I am one of the few that it has helped. I too have gained some weight, and tend to have some memory loss at times, but it outwieghs the other. Hope you find something that will help you. Continue to work with your doctors. If you have a good relationship with your dr and feel you can trust them that helps alot. Also, keep in mind when people are on Cymbalta, there are other drugs that may interact with it and sort of "knock out" the effects. I had an ear infection one time and was put on steroids while I was on Cymbalta. It threw me into a "chemical depression". Luckily my dr picked up on it and gave me some abilify to help resolve the issue until the Cymbalta kicked back in my system. Just something to think about. Make sure your pcp is always aware of other meds you take, even if it is prescribed by another physician.

Good luck.

Yellwdaisy

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