How long will I be going through Cymbalta withdrawals?
Question posted by JenJen101 on 9 July 2013
Last updated on 26 April 2024
I've been taking Cymbalta for 8 years for depression and chronic pain. I started having terrible sweating, short term memory loss, severe depression, worsening pain, and many other side effects.
My Dr started slowly trying to get my dosage down from 90mgs, & after getting down from 60mgs to 30mgs, my side effects became unbearable. I forged on and now I'm on my 2nd day of taking just 5mgs of Lexapro, after going 3 days w/out taking Cymbalta.
I'm curious if anyone has successfully conquered this transition, and how long it took to feel somewhat normal? I'm aware it doesn't happen overnight, and I'm not asking for rainbows & butterflies-but the way I feel now is NOT good!! Along with the other stated side effects, I'm so lethargic and my brain is acting as if I turned the switch to off.
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256 Answers Page 16
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christoph44
7 May 2014
I am very curious if anyone else out there has experienced brain zaps as actual episodes of fainting? If you have I'd really like to hear about your experience. I am now in the process of tapering off of Cymbalta but have been experiencing random episodes of fainting over the past three years. The most severe episode actually manifested itself as a minor seizure. Finally this got my Docs attention. Since then, I've had a complete neurological evaluation (EEG, MRI) and cardiology evaluation (nuclear stress test, EKG, holter monitor, echocardiogram). Neither the Neurologist or the Cardiologist could find any explanation for my fainting or seizure. Now I'm really wondering if these have been extreme examples of brain zaps. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.
Votes: +0
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Shdobe
7 May 2014
Im very dizzy & nauseous but once I did feel like I was gonna faint. I broke out in a sweat but was seated. I think id find another doc. Contact the Behavior Health supervisor where you get your meds or at your county hospital. I hope that helps. Get off that crapbalta. ;)
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christoph44
7 May 2014
Thanks for your response. I already have found a new doc and I'm tapering off of Cymbalta.
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Hopeful11
9 May 2014
I'm not sure if this form is still on going but I have a question. I took cymbalta for over 4 years. I was actually up to 120mgs at one time.
I have been weaned off and it was terrible. When I got down to 30mgs I had to go back up to 60mgs every other day because the symptoms of withdraw were so severe.
I have been off cymbalta for a week and continue to have some symptoms. I'm nauseous and my emotions are all over the place. I am like a bear to everyone around me. I have never been like this and I'm completely miserable!
Are these continued symptoms of my withdrawal? If so how long will this all last?
I appreciate advise anyone can give me.
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christoph44
9 May 2014
I am not an expert, but it sounds to me like these are indeed continued withdrawal symptoms. Everyone reacts differently to going off of this stuff. As for how long the withdrawal symptoms will last, again everyone reacts differently so it's really impossible to know for sure. I've had some days too where my emotions have been up and down. I know there is at least anecdotal evidence that Cymbalta changes the level of testosterone in males so going off of it. If you are male, you may experience an increase in the amount of testosterone your body is producing and this could likely cause your mood changes. Assuming you are still in the process of getting off of Cymbalta, just about anything you are experiencing that does not feel normal for your body or brain could possibly be attributed to withdrawal.
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Shdobe
11 May 2014
I too believe your issues are from Crapbalta. Im down to 30 mgs every other day & im in horrible pain, nauseous, dizzy, crying & an angry, crazy bitch. Im alone & have been having really bad thoughts. This stuff works great for body pain but the anger & other symptoms atent worth it. I think dying would be a great relief
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BecJen
15 Jan 2015
I'm glad I found his site. I was on Cymbolta and the generic form for 10 yrs. I lost my job and couldn't afford it anymore. I weened myself off of what I had left. I've been without anything now for 3 weeks. I'm fighting all of the side effects. It is horrible! I didn't know what a brain zap was until I was reading this. I feel like I'm going to faint, then I start the sweats, and I feel very sick. I just have to sit down and wait for it to get better. I mean better enough to be able to get up and walk. I'm very thankful for finding this site. I really thought I was going crazy. Maybe now my family will see I'm not over reacting to these side effects. Thanks for listening.
I'm fairly new to this site. I have been tapering off of Cymbalta for over three weeks now. My withdrawal hasn't been too bad yet. Could someone please explain to me what "brain zaps" are that many folks on here refer too? After reading many of the posts on here and other places I'm more than just a little concerned about potential withdrawal issues as I continue to taper off of this stuff. Any info about brain zaps would be appreciated.
Votes: +1
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Shdobe
6 May 2014
My brain zaps may be different than others but I experience sort of a "Pause" in my thought process &/or in my conversation. Cant remember words, cant finish a sentence. ..feels like what I think Alzheimer's may be like but for short periods. Aiming to be Cymbalta-Free by end of May. Still dizzy & nauseous. Sux
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christoph44
6 May 2014
Thanks for your explanation. This explains quite a bit to me. I guess I have been have brain zaps for the past three years. Didn't really know what they were and my previous Doc didn't really think it was anything.
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Idak
21 May 2014
My brain zaps are like an electrical current running through my head. It's like my brain freezes up during the time the brain zaps are happening. I can't finish sentences or thoughts during that time. IDA k
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Sick mom
14 Aug 2014
Just decided to check to see if other people are having trouble withdrawing from Cymbalta. I am overwhelmed! I have brain zaps which feel like electricity pulsing through my brain almost constantly. I was on Cymbalta for over a year at the 60mg dose. My Drs. Told me I would have to wean myself so did every other day for a week then every third day for a week. Now I just want this done! Dizziness, nausea, sleep problems and weird vivid dreams! I appreciate all the good info from others about how healthfully overcome these. I will try them.
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christoph44
15 Aug 2014
It can take a very long time to get this drug out of your system and stop having withdrawal symptoms. It does eventually get better, just not as fast as anyone experiencing withdrawal would like. For myself, there have been a few things I believe have really helped - regular very strenuous exercise, yoga, and an extremely healthy diet. For me that has meant strictly organic, whole foods (I'm vegan too), and no alcohol. Keeping one's stress level as low as possible is very helpful too.
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Kst0409
15 Nov 2015
My story is a little different in that I took the generic for Cymbalta for 6 months as I was told it was the generic for Dexilant which is for acid reflux. Finally after reading the teeny tiny print I realized I was taking a wrong medication and was completely a pharmacy error! My Dr weaned me off by alternating days then every three days. My brain zaps literally feel like there is a tiny electric current going from temple to temple. They started out with ringing in my ears and what I could only describe as crickets sounding off in my head. When I go ogled withdrawal symptoms and saw the brain zaps mentioned I thought that was a good name for what I'm experiencing. 5 days off the medicine now and still having zaps but dizziness is gone and they are milder and no headaches with them now. Still waiting to wake up without them soon but they aren't bothering me as bad.
So glad I'm not the only one. My dr looked at me as if I was an alien when I explained i was still getting major brain zaps after reducing to 30mg for a week, then taking none for 2 weeks. I had to go back on to 30mg, am now trying again but using my own common sense x
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Tom24328
30 April 2014
This is my first time posting, so thanks for the site. I'm now on day 17 of no more Cymbalta. I stopped from 30 mg for about the last 3 months, before that was 60 and 90. My doctor had me stop by 1- 30mg every other day for 7 days and then stop. I gotta say, the first few days were pretty bad... mostly brain zaps and the usual stuff. As of now, I have no withdrawal symptoms!! As a matter of fact, my life has taken a 180 degree turn from when I was taking it. I honestly can say this stuff ruined my life for the past 5 years. I can't tell you how much better I feel without it. So, everyone just stay with it, you can do it. I just hope I'm not better for a little while, and I start to feel bad again!! Has anybody ever heard of this stuff working in reverse?? I firmly believe that it has on me. I can't remember when I felt this good. Energy is back... motivation is back...
I'm getting things done, and now I hate staying in the house!! I have lost 5 years of my life that I can't get back, and I wish there was something I could do about it. I really think I was misdiagnosed... Anyway thanks for listening and if I can help, let me know... Tom
Votes: +5
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christoph44
30 April 2014
About three weeks ago I started going off of Cymbalta. I was on 120mg for about five years. I went from 120 down to 90. On 90 for two weeks. Now down to 60 for the past four days. In another ten days I'll go down to 30 and eventually to 0. I've already been experiencing the same thing as you. Lots more energy and motivation. I don't feel mentally paralyzed any more. More energy than I've had in many years. I've been lucky on the withdrawal symptoms so far. I've had a few days were I felt like I was in a fog, but nothing like most of the stories posted on this forum. I can't wait to be off of this stuff completely!
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Tom24328
30 April 2014
Awesome Christoph... just awesome!!!
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hedgero
17 June 2014
Thanks for the posts. I've been reading so many, wasn't sure which one to comment on, but you seem to have come through the withdrawals in the shortest amount of time I've read so far. I've been on 60 mg of Cymbalta for 5 years and tried to get off of it 3 times. Sometimes with other meds prescribed by Dr. and others weaning off by lower dosage and also cold turkey. Nothing seems to stop the brain zaps and vertigo (btw, it was good to hear others understand that because my husband doesn't have a clue what I mean by brain zaps). I stopped taking it again 3 days ago, after a month of new exercise routines and I'm hoping that and drinking lots of water will help. I plan to start taking vitamins and maybe Sam E that was mentioned in another post. I wish I could warn others before they even think of starting this med. I don't like the anger/moodiness that also comes with the withdrawal.
My sweet husband is so patient, but I don't know how long this will take. I guess I just have to go day by day and try to do as many healthy things for my body as I can!
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Tom24328
17 June 2014
All I can say is stay with it... I'm still doing great off this stuff. I do notice sometimes I get a really small brain zap... I mean very seldom. I hope you can stay off it. I'm no expert by any means, I just know how it worked for me. Please stay off and give it time. And ask me anything anytime... I'll always answer and try to help if I can...
SM
smacoy
18 July 2014
Tom24328, how long were you on each dosage before you would drop down to lower dosage? I'm about to start weaning off and am praying that it will be as easy as yours. Thank you!
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Tom24328
18 July 2014
I was on 90 for about 3 years, then we decided to start trying to wean off, so I went to 60 for about a year then to the 30 for about 3 months. Then we started the 30 for 7 days taking one every other day til I stopped. I hope this helps, it was the best thing I ever did. I sincerely think it worked the exact opposite for me than it was supposed to. You can do it if you just set your mind to it... you will feel much better when it's finally out of your system. I have no more symptoms at all now, and I've lost 10 pounds. Please ask me any questions or if you just need to talk, just let me know... Good luck
SM
smacoy
18 July 2014
I have been on 60 mg., on and off, for about 5 years. So you think I should go down to 30 mg. for about 3 months? I was thinking about starting the bead counting that I've read about tomorrow. I am just so excited about coming off this awful stuff! Thank you so much for your quick reply!
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Tom24328
18 July 2014
I can't say how you should wean off. You have to get your Doctor to tell you that. In my case it was all done by my Doctor. Please talk to them before you do anything...
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amyloidosisi
8 March 2017
I was from 60 mg to 30 mg by doing a 60mg one day, then a 30mg, then 60mg until the 60mg were finished. I am now on 30mg. I was totally depressed and unhappy all through this process, brain zaps, moments of 'electrical shutdown' which were very scarey, extreme brain fog, weepy. I want to decrease more but will wait until I come back from vacation. I think the only other prescription available is 20mg, and then I will have to go right off from there. I would be very skeptical about opening the tablets, as I have seen others suggest.
I have been on Cymbalta 60mg for several years, starting with depression and later relief of Fibromyalgia. I had a glitch in refilling my script recently and went without the medication for a couple days. I noticed that I had the most energy that I had in a couple years! I am having all the other withdrawal symptoms, dizziness, spaced out feeling, headache, brain zaps, and not being able to talk coherently or finish a sentence, but have not had problems sleeping at night or the diarrhea. It has been 4 days off now and it seems my allergies have gone wild! Has anyone else had problems with their allergies or sinuses when withdrawing?
Votes: +0
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Idak
30 April 2014
I have been slowly reducing the dosage of Cymbalta everyday for 1 month. I have experienced allergy symptoms such as watering eyes, nose running and head stuffed for 2 weeks along with other withdrawal symptoms. Brain zaps are MUCH BETTER, only have them occasionally instead of all the time. Insomnia is a big problem and affects my concentration, can't find the right word at times and no energy. I am not quite down to 30 MG from 60. Brain fog seems to be getting better to.It is difficult to know if the sinus allergy issue is due to the reduction in Cymbalta or pollen/dust. Ida
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NewGranmama
20 May 2014
I'm on my 7 day of decreased dosage. I also have the sinus pressure and stuffy nose but I'm not sick, just stuffed up. I'm also having headache, nausea and nervousness. I've not had the brain zaps and don't understand what that is like.
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seshan
9 April 2014
Hi I am quite new to this forum but am hoping that we can all share some ideas on how to deal with these horrible withdrawal symptoms. Here goes. I have been on 60mg of Cymbalta once a day for the past 6 years. I have put on a lot of weight, so tried going off it. Needless to say it was pure torture so I quickly went back on. Then I realised I don't ever want to be in a situation where I am without it and suffer these withdrawals so what would be best is to make an effort to go off it for good. My doctor prescribed me with 150mg of wellbutrin. For 1 week I took the wellbutrin and the Cymbalta. Week two I alternated and took wellbutrin every morning but Cymbalta every 2nd day. Week three this week, only on wellbutrin. managing quite well so far. very few brain zaps, Like maybe 4 times a day. Some sweating at night but manageable. I think I am on the road to getting this horrible drug out of my system. I also drink lots of water, eat at least two or three fruits for a day. So far so good. Hope this helps at least one person.
Votes: +1
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Shdobe
9 April 2014
Hi, im going to take your advice. I go to JPS hospital here in Fort Worth Texas & they are cutting patients off from their anxiety & pain meds. I hate this Cymbalta. Its like im a slave to this drug. Im sick on it and very sick coming off it. Now I have to do it without Ativan!
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Shdobe
17 April 2014
Me again. Took only 30 mg today after pouring out little balls from the 60 mg capsule. I feel like crap. Dizzy, nauseous, brain zaps & optical issues. Im determined to get off this Bad drug by Summer!
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Pink1305
12 May 2014
Seshan, How are you doing now? Are you off Cymbalyta and Wellbutrin now?
AL
Alpine_flower
6 March 2017
I am wondering how the Welbutrin helped.. I have been off Cymbalta for 4 months, after being on it for 12 years. The doctor has recommended Welbutrin because I am not doing well. Anxiety, fogginess, memory loss, no energy.. It's terrible. Is it worth going on Welbutrin to help or should I stick it out drug free? I have been trying to exercise and take vitamins prescribed by a naturopath.
You MUST ease off of these drugs, but very slowly, otherwise your withdrawal sickness could be severe. Five years ago doctors did not even hear of "brain zaps" because of lack of experience with patients stopping their pill regimens. While today brain zaps are recognized as a common symptom of SNRIs and SSRIs withdrawal, not much is known about the long term effects of these zaps. DON'T BELIEVE the nonsense that the zaps are harmless; the truth is, we just don't know.
I was on Lyrica and Cymbalta for 3 years for pain, and recently slowly weened off of them with the help of my Pain Medicine physician. While the zaps were not zero. there were not nearly as many as there could have been and the intensity was lower.
But best of all, my testosterone levels are going up and I have lost 50 pounds 3 weeks after my last pills! My appetite is now actually better, but because of my increased T levels, I am burning fat at an incredible rate.
Ladies and gentlemen, sometimes we have no choice but to accept medicines to treat intractable pain. However, given the tremendous weight gain, the lethargy, the decrease in cognitive ability, and the withdrawal sickness, these meds should only be used as a last resort. In essence, they are poison, and people can recognize that you have changed; your personality, your speech, your weight, and your appetite will be recognized as changed. You will be "someone else".
The pharmaceutical companies must go back to the drawing board. These medicines are like sucking on a tailpipe, but the effect is cumulative over time.
Doctors, stop prescribing these medicines. This will force the pharms to a different direction.
Votes: +3
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Suda
6 April 2014
I agree with Allessior, you must ease off Cymbalta very slowly, not just take a lower dosage for three days and then stop. I tried doing that and thought I was going to end up in a psych hospital. It took me 4-5 months to stop taking it completely and I still break out in sweats, get very irritable and suffer from bouts of depression. I started at 30 mg, dropped to 20 (you can get a prescription for this dosage), then I continued by emptying out half the capsule so I was getting about 10 mg, then cutting it to half that before I finally stopped altogether. I don't know of any easy way of getting off.
I too was taking this for severe pain. I started with nerve block shots on either side of my lower spine as I have neuropathy problems with my feet thanks to a cycling accident 20 years ago. I also had severe leg and lower back pain and these shots although extremely painful themselves did take care of the pain so I could walk normally as possible. I didn't know that long term usage of steroid nerve block shots could cause shingles until I got them. it took an entire summer to recover and then my doctor tried me on Savella which is made strictly for Fibromyalgia. It helped with brain fog pretty quickly and I was able to multi-task a bit again but didn't do much for pain so I was also put on Lyrica which caused terrible nightmares and throat swelling. I was switched to Cymbalta which also caused throat swelling as well as symptoms everyone else described. I was only on it for six weeks but that was enough for me and each time I took one I had to take an antihistamine along with it. I am still on Savella, I hope it's due to this as I don't seem to have any reactions but my neuropathy pain has not come roaring back like I was expecting. There are days however when I still stay in bed most of the morning as the rest of my body hurts. I've had to be taken to the ER on Thanksgiving for an extreme migraine and now that I am totally off all but Savella I have developed Trigger Finger in both thumbs, my left one required surgery a few weeks ago. Also, my hair has dried out so badly it is breaking and it is thinning out badly. Has anyone experienced these conditions? I did read Cymbalta can affect the joints.
KA
Kawasakizx14
5 April 2014
You have turned off a switch, a chemical one, or I should say you turned it back on and it's not working yet. I am having the pleasure of going through withdrawals with you right now, mine is coming off of Methadone and switching to a different narcotic, but I am glad I did, the Methadone was about to kill me. Thank the lord I was only on it for a month, the withdrawals are not as severe as coming off of 240mg Oxycontin per day, cold turkey.
I had some bad advice from a Doctor that told me to stop my Topamax, because of that I had a severe seizure and I don't have a seizure disorder.
I can't give you advice on Cymbalta but I will make sure I never take it because of what I am reading about it. Exercise, fresh air, lots of warm baths, and bed rest. It will end, just cleanse yourself and drink lots of fluids. It takes time, hang in there.
Votes: +0
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Monkey me
5 April 2014
After using cymbalta for less than a year, I went off because I could not afford it at the time so doc put me back on Effexor ... that was not working for my all over pain... now I'm on cymbalta again and I'm better concerning depression ... I am taking 60 mil a t night.yes I think it may be affecting memory but hen I am 70 yrs. old... know that is not old, I just feel old sometimes. I also have back pain and am taking Vicodin 2 to 3 times a day and gabapentin at night for nerve pain .
Votes: +0
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sattypoo
2 April 2014
I was on cymbalta for 8 yrs first for depression and when decided I wanted off of it my dr. decided I needed to stay on it for arthiritis. I ran out once. OMG! I fell apart! Got back on it. Now that I am on medicare I can't afford it. She switched me to Venlaxine. My medicare part d refused it. Dr was out of town. To make a long story short I weaned myself off of it. Last capsule was about five days ago. Same as Cymbalta! I' m having brain zaps and all the rest that goes along with it. Didn't mean to go on and on, but I'm crying as I am typing this! What are we going to do girls ?
Votes: +1
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annmarie250
29 May 2014
Hello I have been reading all your comments and have found Them really helpful. I am in my 3rd week of coming off Cymbalta and its been hell. I was originally put on it as another antidepressant I had been on was no longer working for me. I also suffer from chronic pain and unknowingly did not understand how this drug had helped me with that until I came off it. I am in constant pain from prolapsed disc's in my back and nothing I do is helping. My feet hurt to put weight on them so I have had to stay of work as I can't bare to be on them for too long. My head feels like it's made of cotton wool and my teeth tingle. I go back to my doctor tomorrow and I feel am going to have to ask him to put me back on cymbalta as its all been too much for me. I wish this was a more positive story for everyone but I hope that it proves to be more of a preventative one.
If your doctor offers these to you please do yourself a favour and turn them down. Seek other forms of treatment, depression can be a terrible thing to deal with but i have felt the medication withdrawal is worse. I wish you all good luck and strength.
KE
kellyandlarry
31 Aug 2014
I came across this information and was shocked at how many people feel the same as me! I was prescribed Cymbalta 60mg for nerve pain. I am already taking 60 mgs of Lyrica daily for Sciatica pain. My doctor stated that when taken along with Lyrica, Cymbalta would help with the nerve pain in my feet. I have been taking Cymbalta for about 9 months but I just couldn't take the side affects anymore. The sweating, fatigue, feeling depressed, weight gain, crying and feeling sad, my whole body jumps, insomnia, bad dreams, stomach and digestive changes, and extreme dry mouth. I spoke up and said this is enough and my doctor stated to come down to 30 mg for a few weeks and then come off. Ever since I stopped I have extreme dizziness, blurred vision, sick to my stomach, brain zaps, my skin feels like its burning, and hot flashes. I'm experiencing weird mood swings where I feel depressed and then I'm irritable. I don't understand how in this day and age this can happen.
I didn't feel depressed before I started taking Cymbalta I just had nerve pain. That medication needs to be removed from the shelf for good so this can't happen again to another unsuspecting person! I feel for all those who have posted and just know your not alone!
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Selenas95
13 Sep 2014
Kellyandlarry, I stopped taking Cymbalta and I have vomiting, diarrhea, & brain zaps. How are you feeling after stopping it?
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amyloidosisi
8 March 2017
Get off and stay off! I would rather live with the pain then go through these terrible withdrawal symptoms. I have gone from 60mg to 30mg, and the past five months have been the strangest periods in my life. I have been so depressed - I was in a lot of pain before taking Cymbalta, but I was not depressed.
I was only on cymbalta for a week. Hated it. Outbursts crying angry. Stopped taking it all together. How long will my withdrawal symptoms last. I feel at my wits end. Dizzy, crying, vomiting, exhausted. Help
Votes: +0
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Idak
14 March 2014
I have been on 60mg of Cymbalta for 5 years for anxiety. The insurance company switched me to a generic form and it didn't work. During the 1.5 months I took the generic I developed the brain zaps, weight gain 25 lbs, headache, extreme sweating for no reason, lightheaded, difficulty sleeping (mostly because of the brain zaps), extreme fatigue, blurred vision and the feeling that I could just stay in bed the remainder of my life. My primary DR sent me to a Cardiologist, Neurologist and Endocrenlogist. I had an MRI of my brain and arteries, stress tests on my heart. So far nothing. My primary does not believe it is the Cymbalta. I went back on Cymbalta 2 weeks ago and have not had any relief yet. How long does it take to get back to where I was? I plan on slowly reducing the dosage and will get off of Cymbalta but difficult when working full time with these symptoms. IK
Votes: +0
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Shdobe
16 March 2014
I guess my mail carrier took my Cymbalta so I only had 30mg today instead of 60. Im dizzy, nauseous & have labored breathing. This happened last August & I thought I was dying & went to the ER. I have a big meeting Monday & my bffs' moms funrtsl Tuesday, im off this Crapbalta! Im thrilled to find this discussion & I say let's sue 'em!
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Shdobe
16 March 2014
Dont take it!!!
ID
Idak
18 March 2014
I want to thank all of you for your postings. The information has really helped. It is also reassuring that others have the same symptoms and there is hope that someday I will be off of Cymbalta. I get the feeling that my primary DR things I am just nuts. Your information has helped confirm that it isn't just me. Thank you all for sharing your experiences with this drug. I went back on Cymbalta a month ago now and am finally stable. I will be talking to my DR about Prozac and will slowly reduce the Cymbalta until I am drug free. Did exercise help any of you?
PU
Puffy5157
10 Nov 2015
Hi, My Psychiatrist once told me that once you go back on the same antidepressant, it does not work the same. I had this very response with dreadful Cymbalta. Still on it and still trying to come off. The MD was right , different doc, feeling worse rather than better.
HO
Honestanna
18 Nov 2015
Where are you at now? I just went thru all that. So many physical -health diagnoses after cymbalta. Went off all psychs and quit smoking 2 weeks ago. I'm good but I researched the correct herbs to put in its place. I have a long comment somewhere. I'm shocked how people are jumping from one psych to another. It's all the same bs. I feel better than ever after dr's been shoving antidepressants on me for 20 yrs on & off. I'm done never going back..
DA
Darlene E
10 Dec 2015
I have been on Cymbalta for 9 years I think. This week I got a stomach flu. I also had gastric bypass 14 years ago and I have to take the Cymbalta with food or it really tears my stomach up. With the flu I just stopped taking it because I couldn't keep anything down. I had no idea of all these things I'm reading. This is day 6 of this "flu" when I started thinking that it maybe isn't flu anymore. I felt somewhat better the last 2 days but then at night, I start the vomiting all over again even tho there is nothing to come out. It feels like my head is going to explode when this happens. I have been crying about everything which I assumed was b cause of no Cymbalta but this goes way beyond crying. Now I don't know whether to go back on and wean off or just try to keep going since I have a week under belt. I will be calling me doctor in the morning but I can't take much more of this! I want to off it!
JI
Jillianne65
17 Feb 2016
My doctor ALSO swore it was not the Cymbalta. After watching three family members die from wrongly prescribed prescription meds, I should have known better. Am working on weaning and withdrawal symptoms now. I have read that Vitamin D, Omega Oil, and magnesium can help.
Iv'e been taking Cymbalta for 5 yrs for mood swings due to menopause . To help tolerate the hot flushes and My husband . My DR. said it would help me loose weight also… It really worked great for the first couple of years but I started getting really really bad short term memory loss. I could be talking to you and have no idea what about. Could not remember anything. My friends would have to remind me of what we were doing most days. I know it says don't drink alcohol but I drank wine and never ever ever got drunk or woke up with a head ache.. I'm Tiered of being fat… I gained 40 pounds I'm tired of not remembering…
I had this cloud feeling in my head ….the one good thing about the drug was Nothing ever upset me I was so patient and calm. I have a 9 year old and sometimes they do crazy things. I never one time when on it was I upset with him ever. That I will miss, but nothing else about this drug. I took 60 mg a day so the first week I went to 40mg then the second week 20mg then the fourth week 20mg every other day . I am now 10 days free and my head feels very foggy and dizzy. I have spent a lot of time in the bathroom. I'm sure its because of that. I have no appetite but thats a good thing need to loose 40 pounds. I came on this sight to see if I could find out how long it remains in your head. I'm so glad I'm off it! I would not recommend it to anyone that hasn't tried other meds for depression . My head feels very much like a bad sinus head cold. Anyone know how long it takes to leave your brain? Very dizzy also.
Votes: +0
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zrocknroller
3 March 2014
My Withdrawals have lasted months. Dizziness for 9 months now. Zapping during the first 6 months. Crappy.
Votes: +0
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glammagail
3 March 2014
Four months CRAPALTA free for me & still suffering ..the brain zaps have stopped but I feel like I've been scalded ..I'm burning all over , even my tongue . Can't sleep , & anxious a lot of the time ... I live in Australia so any recommendations I read about are usually American & I don't have access to them . Only want natural remedies from now on ..no more chemicals for me ..
ZR
zrocknroller
3 March 2014
Hang in there glamma... I will be doing the same. Looking forward to feeling better.
TU
tulipgold
3 March 2014
OMG THIS IS SO HARD... Worst over in 7months but still have bad short term memory and difficult to organise simple tasks plus light headiness etc. It's now 11 months and soon it will be 1 year. PLEASE if there is one person who can tell me this is the normal progression and my brain will function properly again I will be forever grateful...
ZR
zrocknroller
3 March 2014
Tulipgold, yes, this seems to be the normal progression.
JR
Jrlh3042
4 March 2014
I was on Cymbalta for 8 years. No one warned me of the horrible withdraw. Even generic now our insurance cost was 125 . Ridiculous. So I stopped. My dr gave me Wellbutrin. Big mistake. I'm a zombie. Headaches, stomach aches. I'm going to go refill my presrip bc I can't stand it. I'm taking care of my elderly mom and I can't go through this now. Do not take ever if you are considering it. Non narcotic sure does have similar withdraw symptoms.
ZR
zrocknroller
4 March 2014
Hang in there Jrlh. You're not alone.
TU
tulipgold
15 March 2014
Glammagail... Oh how comforting to find a fellow Aussie on this site! I know what your experiencing, have been through it all. The withdrawal symptoms progress from one, ie brain zaps and then on to severe headaches followed by something else. My experience was worse for 7 months and now it's 11 and I'm still a little lightheaded + have short term memory loss. Anyway my comments are scattered throughout this site if you're interested, hope they help...
GL
glammagail
15 March 2014
Tulip gold hi , yes it's good to see another Aussie on here. How are you coping ATM .. It's 6am & I am on my iPad still looking for answers . I can't sleep these days so find myself awake most days @ 5am / 6am ? Four months post Cymbalta & struggling for any resemblance of normality , still unwell most days ..I want this to stop ..
TU
tulipgold
16 March 2014
Glammagail... Hi, I really feel for you but there's nothing much I found helped my wash out it's really a matter of riding the storm til it's finished. Atm you're thinking you're brain is permanently damaged, you have to re read things so they make sense and you're probably trying to avoid people for fear of having to converse normally with them, this was my experience. I hope you don't have to face work every day fortunately I didn't although I have read from some people that the distraction helps... All of that aside, I totally withdrew as I didn't have close enough friends whom I thought would support me without judgment. I suggest that you tell those nearest to you that you're having a negative reaction to meds, explain that there will be 'Doona days', irrational bouts of tears and other horrors. Avoid all social events where possible.
I know you feel like crap, beyond it actually but I promise it will end, gauge your progress fortnightly. Two GP's and a couple of chemists told me the length of my reaction was impossible, hello I'm in the room! It wasn't til I saw a psychiatrist that I gained some insight and reassurance, he told me my metabolism would dictate the length I had to endure this process. If you're desperate I'd suggest seeing one yourself and hang in there...
GL
glammagail
30 April 2014
Tulipgold hi , it's now almost 6 mnths & I am starting to see some real improvement . Still no where near normal but it's progress @ least . I'm going to start a course of natural remedies to help with my recovery call Metagenics . I've heard positive reports about them & my son in-law swears by them for helping him with lowering his cholesterol & weight loss . Hope you're feeling better also ..:-)
KI
Kim Cully
17 May 2015
I wasn't on Cymbalta very long about 1 month. I started hearing voices and my mind wasout of contol. After threeday of going of it I had very bad trmers and tears . Good barely talk. While at work had a severe hyper attack, I could barely breath, my beartwas beating a d trembling sobadI just couldn't breath, I took some Ativan and calm down a bit. I just wanted to die and I tried. I stopped taking it May 5th. I feel like a rabid wild animal. I been in a fog. My jitters are very massive at times. Can't sleep because of trimmers and heart palpitations. Ativan helps but most of the time when I try to talk I start trembling and cry. This is a nightmare. I can't work. My fog in my head is better but the trimmers and palpitations seem to be worse. I tried to get an earlier appt with my doc but couldn't. At one point I had very little urination but now that seem normal. But I'm not.
Several times I just wanted to check in at the hospital but ido not want more drugs. Ativan is all I need. The Cymbalta eased my pain my has made insane. Sometimes I stagger. Its been a nightmare andit hasn't ended yet
I am SO glad I found this discussion tonight, because I really thought the world was ending. In my case, I had a very busy week with late, late nights and was off our normal family routine. It wasn't until today that I realized I hadn't take any of my meds, which includes 45mg of Cymbalta. I had no idea there would be withdrawal symptoms, but that explains why I have been having extreme vertigo and what others have referred to as zapping sensations. I started Googling things and saw that being off Cymbalta could cause these issues. My first instinct was, crap! Do I take my meds tonight? That question led me here, where I realized I don't want to go back on it. My question isn't how long I have to deal with it, but has anything helped those two major symptoms? I've got a doctor's appointment in 9 hours, scheduled when I thought I just had some bad vertigo. Now I have so many more questions...
Votes: +1
ZR
zrocknroller
3 March 2014
The Cymbalta withdrawals (dizziness and brain zaps) can last for a long time. I have been struggling with Cymbalta withdrawal dizziness for 9 months. Now my primary care physician wants to do an MRI to rule out brain "problems." Has anyone going through Cymbalta withdrawal been directed by their MD to have an MRI?
TU
tulipgold
3 March 2014
Cymbalta 'PURE EVIL' For all those suffering it will end! The worst for me lasted 7 months and progressed from one symptom to the next. Starting with brain zapps then on to everything identified by all on this site. 7 months was Oct 2013 now it's March 2014 and I still have short term memory problems and light headiness, some days better than others but the worst has definitely past. I suggested an MRI to my doctor he said he doubted it would show anything. So now I'm at 11 months heading towards 1 year off this drug, PLEASE if anyone has or is experiencing this for as long as me I would appreciate hearing from you as I'm starting to fear permanent changes in to my brain!
AN
anmatorsrose
25 Feb 2015
I actually went to the ER one night and they ran a non contrast CAT scan which showed nothing. They suggested I follow up with a neurologist. I know this is cymbalta withdrawal but I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and see a neurologist. Maybe they can help me. It's been 4 going on 5 months with these withdrawals and I stopped it in november :(
