Cymbalta withdrawl

[Mlasley]

I don't know if I'm looking for help or just someone to listen.
I was the victim of a hate crime about 2 years ago, was diagnosed with acute anxiety disorder and severe depression and put on lexapro, buspar, and clonazepam. I was a zombie. I tapered off buspar and clonazepam, then lexapro didn't seem to work so I was changed to effexor. That worked then pooped out so I was changed to cymbalta. Then a psychiatrist got ahold of me and felt the current dose wasn't enough so doubled the cymbalta, added wellbutrin, buspar, and clonazepam. Zombie again, but very dangerous and radical behavior changes. I was having difficulty figuring out what was real and what was a dream so I cut everything in half myself while I found a new psychiatrist. She (and a psychologist I am seeing) said I have post traumatic depressive disorder. She started me on a taper schedule; the first week was ok but then I had a stomach bug for a few days and didn't take anything so just decided to go cold turkey. I am so sick. I can't focus, I'm queasy, I quit my job because I work as a health care provider and didn't feel like I was providing the best care. I lpacked a bag and left home last night to stay with a friend so my child doesn't have to see this. I have a beautiful 6 year old DD, I'm trying to get a business off the ground, and just want to know if anyone out there has an idea of how long it will take for the neurotransmitters to start kicking again? Any personal experiences? The new psych says she wants to start me on a very low dose of effexor (I refused cymbalta) when she sees me next week. I am so leary of any meds right now. Please think good wishes in my direction if nothing else. TIA.

[Gilgamesh37]

I am so sorry for what you are going through, but that said, LISTEN to your psychiatrist. As a health care provider, you should know that you CANNOT simply stop taking these medications, you must step down the dosages to come off them safely, as you are finding out. Please, don't wait, contact your psych and take what she prescribes, in the way she prescribes it. Best of luck to you.

[DmOrtega]

First of all call the prescribing physican and follow their instructions. LIke Gilgamesh37 said, this kind of drug cannot be stopped but must be tapered. If you google "cymbalta withdrawl", you will find all kinds of information on signs and symptoms. Best wishes for your success.

[TieKitty]

I agree with the other 2 posters. You cannot simply go cold turkey. Please, please, please listen to your psychiatrist and psychologist. You cannot make good decisions when you're feeling like this. Trust them to do what is best for you.

My thoughts are with you. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Mlasley]

I didn't "simply stop" - I was so sick to my stomach that I could not take them after the first taper week. My concern, which I explained to the psych, is that I don't want to add cymbalta back and go through the effects that I have already been through. I'm going tomorrow to see the psychologist (she and the psychiatrist are working together with me) and will hopefully have some plan of action.

Yes, you are both absolutely right not to stop without tapering under supervision. It is horrible. Then again, so is acting like a person you know you are not.

Thanks

[SooCookie]

(((Mlasley)))
I am so sorry you are going through this. While I haven't had an experience quite like yours, I was on a very low dose of Effexor due to post-partum depression about a year ago and when I went off it, even though I did the tapered withdrawal, I still had (mild) withdrawal symptoms. They lasted about 1-2 weeks tops.

Many hugs again to you. I know how horrible it is to be a person you know you are not.

Michelle

[GingerPow]

((((((((((((Mlasley))))))))))))