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Weening off Cymbalta / Getting on Celexa - Major Anxiety! Helppp

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 2/22/2013 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone - I am 22 years old, female, and have been on Cymbalta for about 6 years now. 60 mg, never went above that. I started drinking nightly about 2 years ago, and that really messed with my anxiety/depression/panic. I'm ADD and OCD also...but get panic attacks that stem from not being able to "get a full breath" (sounds crazy, I know)

I want to write out my whole story and just get people's input and help, but obviously that would be too much. When I quit drinking last month (I'm a month sober :) ) I started taking ativan 3 times daily (.25 mg 3 times, so like .75mg - 1mg per day) and the doctor started me on Celexa on Feb. 1st. (It is now feb 22nd)

I started on 10 mg celexa, then each week went up. Now I am on 30mg Celexa. I went down on my cymbalta to 40 mg a week or 2 ago. I was fine, still anxious of course, but doing better, then went down to 30 mg of cymbalta on the 17th-18th around the same time I increased the Celexa to 30mg. I freaked OUT! I've been anxious and obsessive like every minute of the day, until around 7-8 when I get tired and feel more calm and less obsessive. Doc told me to go back up to 50mg on cymbalta two days ago, and i did that, then took 40 mg of cymbalta yesterday, and 40 today. I am going to try to stay at 40 mg of cymbalta for a few more weeks because I am also taking the celexa 30mg at night.

anyway - I AM SO ANXIOUS and having mini panic attacks throughout the day. Panic attacks, like trying to catch my breath panic attacks. To describe it, it's like, constantly thinking about my breath and if I don't get a "full breath" when I breathe, I get anxious and have to get the "full" breath etc etc.

I also started CBT 3 weeks ago, but am going to chill with that for a bit until the medicines get more in line.

anyone with experience going down on cymbalta or with ANY input/advice PLEASE TELL ME!

Thank you
Posted 2/22/2013 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I haven't been down the road of Cymbalta or Celexa so I can't say much about that. I do however have daily panic attacks/anxiety and know what it's like to deal with one if the symptoms. For me it's my ticker, it never seems to feel right and for the past two weeks I have had a hard time sleeping because every time I go to lay down I feel my heart flutter. It does this even if my pulse is in the 60's or lower. I have had the experience of feeling like I couldn't get a full breath, it's actually one of the negative side effects of anything that makes me drowsy. I tend to have a natural reaction to fight the drowsiness and it makes me gulp for air. The best thing I could advise is that you control your breathing by breathing through your stomach not your upper body. Not only does that keep your bp and pulse down but it also might give you that sensation that you're reaching a full breath.
Hope that helps!
-Rxclusion
Posted 2/22/2013 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again memphie (I also responded on your other post) and welcome!

Great advice by Rxclusion...

So I just wanted to say congratualations on your sobriety!!! Way to go!!!:) I am very proud of you...keep up the good work. (I lost my dad to acloholism, so stories such as yours make me very happy!!)

Also, definitely continue with the CBT when you feel able. Taking a break if you need it is wise...but get back in, even if you feel better...because that is when you can benefit the most, and CBT is awesome for long term anxiety managment!

I also recommend checking out our Resources here on the main page (1st post) for some great self-help ideas that you can use starting anytime...

...and keep posting here with us! We are a supportive group who understands, cares and is always ready to listen.;)

Looking forward to getting to know you better!

S.C.
Posted 2/23/2013 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi memphie,
I have been on Celexa a long time ago for about 3 or 4 years. And it did good for me. I cannot go on Cymbalta as I have BP. So I have no idea what Cymbalta is like or the withdrawals. But I know living with anxiety and panic attacks, is not easy. When I get panic attacks I was given Lorazapam but you will have to ask your Dr. for that. It helped me. B'cos the Celexa and Cymbalta wouldn't help alone.
Posted 2/24/2013 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
thank you everyone
Posted 2/24/2013 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
memphie

Hello and welcome to HealingWell and the A & P Forum.

It is tough to switch meds but I know you will make it through - look at how you made it through detoxing from alcohol - Congratualations on your sobriety !

 

Look how much strength you have and know that with some adjustments in your medication ~ perhaps slowing time between how quickly you are decreasing the Cymbalta ~ will help decrease the side effects.

I have been on both of these meds and I did well on the Celexa but due to my age the dose that worked for me was contraindicated as at the higher dose I was on could cause heart problems.

I have a 30 year history and I have been through many ups and downs but more ups so when things I are tough I never give up.  Coming here and talking with others is a huge help for me.

Again, a warm welcome.

 

Posted 2/24/2013 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
thank you !!! really appreciate all of this
Posted 2/27/2013 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hey I have am trying to get of cymbalta , it doesn't let me sleep and also I tried to get off it so i could take effexor and I felt horrible I am back in cymbalta and i have so much panic attacks ! Is cymbalta good for GAD and OCD ?
Posted 2/27/2013 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Seriously I am getting panic attacks not even from OCD just panic plain panic !! :S now that i read your post I seriously hate cymbalta :(!
Posted 2/27/2013 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
hey guys - no no cymbalta did really well for me for 6 years. i mean, pretty well. the answer to your anxiety does not lie in medication alone. the process of starting/going off any kind of drug like cymbalta is hard and you have to get thru the bad side effects before it starts working, apparantly. HOWEVER .. if the side effects are unbearable, talk to ur doctor ASAP!!! but i wasn't trying to put down cymbalta, im just having a hard time transitioning from this drug i've been on since i can remember to a new drug. (cymbalta to celexa) but talk to ur doctor about it for sure!!!!
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