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I want to quit cymbalta cold turkey...

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Posted 11/21/2010 2:35 AM (GMT 0)

Hey old friends,

It's been a while since I've written.  I read posts now and then and haven't been able to find a post that is explaining what I'm looking for.  I need some help from someone who has successfully quit cymbalta and lived to tell about it.  I'm hoping to hear from someone or several someone's who have quit cold turkey.  I'd love for this person to tell me that they lost weight after they got off of the devil drug. 

After being diagnosed with Fibro, a few years ago, I have lost everything, but my weight.  I lost my marriage, my high paying job, my beautiful home, many relationships with co-workers and friends.  However, I have gained 20#'s.

My goal is not to lose weight, although it would be so nice for my self esteem.  I really feel that cymbalta no longer works for me.  I found that when I was on the tramodol at the same time 300mg, I was 15#'s lighter, but in such a fog, overheated and sweaty all the time and just not right.  It effected my work and my home life.  I slept so much more on tramadol.  Well, as a single mom, I have to work and my girls (14 and 15) need a good role model.  They sat me down and said they are tired of me being sick and tired all the time.  I'm either depressed or complaining of migraines or sleeping and I can't take it and I'm afraid that this will effect them terribly if I don't find a way to improve my health and well being.  I remember the pain before cymbalta and it does scare me, but having no life and my children hurting is worse.

I can't help but think that it's the cymbalta.  It may have worked for me in the past, but it isn't now.  I have read so many times about people having such hard times coming off of this drug.  I have to come off.  I have an appointment on Monday to talk about cymbalta and these amazing migraines I'm having more and more, but she's talked me out of it before.  Quiting tramadol (I read bad things about coming off of that as well) cold turkey was hard, but it worked for me and sort of fast.

I take a fourth of a pill of clanazapam at night to sleep, my plan is to take the same in the morning to help my body adjust.

OK... let me have it.  I REALLY hope to hear from those who have quit cymbalta.  I know there will be those who disagree with my plan.

Thank you all.

Tricia confused

Posted 11/21/2010 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tricia, I was on cymbalta but only lasted 3 or 4 months (I think, been on so many) I actually looked drunk or high all the time. T just quit cold turkey and had no idea about withdrawing from anti depressants. I am sure I had withdrawl but I honestly was so miserable I am not sure which was which, if that makes any sense.

Sorry I could not directly answer your question. Hopefully your doctor has a good plan to help you wean off them. I don't disagree, I think that cymbalta is evil
Posted 11/21/2010 4:01 AM (GMT 0)

I don't blame you for wanting to get off the drug, especially if it isn't working anymore.  However...do NOT stop it cold turkey.  Withdrawals from any drugs in this class can be nasty.

Donna

Posted 11/21/2010 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
Tricia, I'm so sorry to hear all the things that have happened in your life.  Things HAVE to get better for you.  Your children telling you that they are tired of you being sick and tired had to hurt.  NO ONE is more tired of being sick and tired than you!  Do your daughters understand fibromyalgia?  Have you explained this problem to them so they understand what you are dealing with?  If not, print out some info off Fibro 101 and present it to them...a good link is A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia  They are old enough to understand and I think they would have more patience with you.  You might explain migraines to them, too.  They are horrible and quite debilitating. 

 

I've been sick most of my adult life and it hasn't adversely affected my children.  If anything, they are a more compassionate adult now!  They were babies when all my health issues hit.  I didn't complain to them, though.  I kept things to myself and did the very best I could.  When I really needed help, then I'd ask for it and they would pitch in.  They knew I was sick because of all the doctors' visits and occasional hospital visits.  Plus they asked me questions!  I was dealing with Crohn's and fibro.  It's hard when the illness is "invisible" to everyone but us!  That's why it would be good for your girls to understand what you are dealing with and hopefully help you out with things at home. 

 

Now about the Cymbalta.  I have never taken it but here is some good info about weaning off it.  Be sure you talk to your doctor tomorrow about it.  They will give you the weaning schedule...hopefully.

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_5642485_wean-off-cymbalta-safely.html

 

I hope this helps and I hope you feel better soon.  I know I much rather deal with the pain than the side affects of these medications they are passing out like candy.  (Just my humble opinion.)  Tricia, be sure to keep moving, doing gentle stretching exercises, and doing gentle exercises daily like walking.  That really is important and helps with the pain.  Feel better!

 

Sherrine

Posted 11/21/2010 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Tricia, so sorry to hear about your misfortunes.  I'm praying things will get better for you.

 

I took Cymbalta for about 3 months.  The more I read about the side effects the more it worried me about taking it.  I went cold turkey on it and Lyrica too.  Now I"m only on 800 mg. of Ibuprofen when needed.  I don't even take it every day.  Now that cool weather is getting here I take it a little more.  Seems like the aches and pains get worse in cool weather.

 

The only good thing I had taking Cymbalta was it cut my appetite a lot.  I lost a few lbs. while on it.

 

God Bless!

Shannon

Posted 11/21/2010 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you ladies for your words of encourgement and advice. I take it to heart and I appreciate you taking the time. I have really been trying to take better control of my health recently, instead of feeling that Fibro controls me. Another reason that I feel so strongly about getting off these mind numbing drugs.

My doctor convinced me to take a food allergy test and found that I'm allergic to Dairy, eggs, almomds, soy, all gluten, etc. It has changed our way of thinking and we're all eating better. The girls are the first to stop me from grabbing the icecream. My youngest has developed a love for cooking gluten and dariy free meals and treats. She reads up online how to convert things and I even bought her a kitchen aid mixer to encourage her. She's really good at it.

I didn't take my cymbalta last night for the first time. I slept normal last night, woke up as usual, with a regular headache. I took 1/4 of a clanazapam (my normal dose for sleeping) and advil. I ate, had my coffee and rushed to the sight to see if I had some replies. I'm nervous to see my doctor, I know she'll be frustrated that I did it without going over it with her first, but I couldn't take another pill knowing that all I want is it to be out of my system and come what may.

Thank you again and I'll be back.

Tricia
Posted 11/21/2010 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't advise going off cold turkey. Especially cymbalta. Please ask your doctor to help you wean down. It is horrible to do by yourself. Please, please, get your doctor's help with this drug.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/21/2010 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I only took Cymbalta a couple of weeks, but I didn't get anything from it except side effects.  I kept on taking Vicodin, which I didn't get off while I was on Cymbalta.  After a few days, to get the Cymbalta out of my system I restarted tramadol.  Tramadol works fairly well for the muscle and tendon pain, doesn't help much at all for bone or post-surgical pain.  I don't dare take any SRIs, SNRIs or most other drugs while on tramadol because I am especially sensitive to serotonin.  I sue Vicodin for post-surgery and severe spine pain.

Tranquilizers don't work on fibro pain for me at all.  Neither do any of the muscle relaxants I've taken.  I don't tolerate codeine or Darvocet (being taken off market anyway), need Zofran if I take Percocet or dilaudid.  Tramadol isn't enough, but I get in don't seem to tolerate the extended release or try to take more.  There isn't much left.

Posted 11/22/2010 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Why am I feeling so good? I have nearly made it through day one and I'm feeling good. I didn't need a nap, I wasn't sick, my head is feeling good. What's up? It's the calm before the storm.

I took the same dose of clanazapam this morning as I do at night, I took three advil every four hours (on schedule) and I ate three healthy meals (fruit, veggies, water, coffee, cereal, etc.) I avoided chocolate, as it can cause a migraine. I didn't have any sweets accept for the creamer in my surgar... I don't know...

I have to work tomorrow, I'm a little nervous about it. I work in the Medical Field and usually a full moon is just asking for trouble. Not to mention it's a short week. The good thing is.. my girls will be sleeping in, as they are off for Thanksgiving, so I'll have the bathroom and house to myself. I dread the thought of going off on them should we cross paths and a bit of rage rushes over me.

Thank you for letting me get this out. I notice that there isn't a lot of positive posts after cymbalta. My goal is to get through this and share with others. I plan to make it.

Tricia
Posted 11/22/2010 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck to you Tricia. I've been on Cymbalta for quite a long time now, and other than the first three days of horrid nausea, I've had very few problems with the side effects.

I too have heard that quitting cold turkey is not a good idea, but my husband did it (he was on it for depression) and didn't have anything worse than that side effects he'd already experienced, so it wasn't a problem for him. He did say that the brain zaps were the worst for him, and within a few days, they were gone as well.

So, it can be done, and while it's always best to get your doctor's help when weaning off meds, sometimes, you just have to do it your own way.

Take care,
Pam
Posted 11/22/2010 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
It takes a few days to get out of your system, you may want to carry one with you incase it does get bad when you least expect. I hope that it goes well for you, but I fear that it could be difficult to some extent. Best wishes while going off this medication.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/22/2010 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
tluvstulips

I quit Cymbalta after being on it for five years....It wasnt easy.

You will soon start having the "mind zaps" drink alot of gaterade...seems to help a bit. The withdrawals will last a couple weeks. Be careful and keep hydrated

I will check in here later to see how you are doing

Posted 11/24/2010 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone. It's day 5 since I quit cymbalta. I saw my PCP on Monday, I had planned to talk to her about getting off cymbalta and my increase in migranes. I was so nervous that I was completely red. My chest was deep red and when they tested my blood pressure she put me on something to lower it. I believe I will be on that for a month. She wasn't happy about what I did. She always intimidates me, but this appt. was beyond uncomfortable. She didn't believe that my reasoning for getting off cymbalta was valid enough. She said that she wanted me to try Buspar to treat my Anxiety. I was reluctant and before I filled it, I went home and studied it online to see what I was in for. I decided to follow her instructions. My blood pressure was too high (she said because of the cold turkey thing) and I have to go with her recommendations. We will meet in two weeks to see how I'm doing. She asked that I double the Buspar in one week and I will, then we'll meet to see how I am.

I don't regret doing what I did. I haven't been ill, in fact, I have been feeling remarkably good. I was able to work as usual and we only worked two days this week, Thank God. I'm eating well, drinking as much water as possible and trying to stay as positive as possible for those around me. I'm taking this week to recover. My bestfriend is making me a gluten free, dairy free Thanksgiving meal (he proclaimed his love for me recently... a story for another time). I am so greatful that my girls are with their dad, tucked in a cabin in the snow, while I do what I can to get better for them to return on Sunday.

Thank you to those who have written. I ALWAYS appreciate you comments.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will check in later.

Tricia
Posted Yesterday 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning all,

I made it through a week without Cymbalta and I'm doing well.  I have the old me back.  So far so good.  I'm feeling tearful over commercials again and giddy over stupid stuff.  I'm laughing and excited to move forward. 

I am certain that Cymbalta is bad.  I read a post or two this morning about people on thier 5th, 6th day into Cymbalta and I really want to cry for them.  They have no idea what they are in for and what they will certainly miss/lose while on the drug. 

Take care,

Tricia

 

Posted Yesterday 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, T~!  Don't you love tulips anymore?  turn    I'm glad you are doing so well.  I agree with you but I think you know that already.  I'd rather deal with the pain than the side effects and withdrawal of some of these meds.  But that's just me.  Having a med-phobia helps, too!  wink

 

Sherrine

Posted 12/10/2010 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
I tried to quit cold turkey a few weeks ago. Four days after I stopped I was so dizzy that I couldn't even get out of the bed. I let this go on for 2 days and couldn't take it anymore so started back on it.
Posted 12/19/2010 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I quit cymbalta cold turkey because it made me think about dying all the time.  I did not taper off as my Dr. instructed and had 2 weeks of hell.  Dizzyness, mind zaps and was basically in bed the entire time.  So if anyone is thinking about cold turkey don't.  Make a plan with your doctor and taper off. smhair
Posted 12/20/2010 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
My dr. had me do a slow withdrawal from cymbalta. I took almost 6 weeks to taper off of it completely. I had no side affects with tapering down on the meds. Please, PLEASE be very careful about going off of it cold turkey. The instructions that I had with my medication said that cold turkey could cause you to have seizures.

If you want to come off of it, tell your dr. to help you get off of it safely.
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