I started having panic/ anxiety attacks back in April. I had been taking Cymbalta for 20 years. My new pain management doctor decided to take me off Cymbalta (cold turkey) and start Zoloft 50 mg 8 weeks ago. He told me that the 2 drugs were in the same class which I later found out they aren’t. I am in worse shape now than I was before starting the Zoloft. I am having constant anxiety and I have no appetite. Could this be a result of stopping the Cymbalta without tapering off? I need answers please. TIA
Stopping Cymbalta starting Zoloft?
Question posted by bulldog0923 on 14 July 2023
Last updated on 17 July 2023 by TKMarsh711
Added 15 July 2023:
I should have included that I am on buprenorphine 2 mg twice daily and gabapentin 100 mg 3 T daily for chronic back pain. I had stopped gabapentin abruptly the end of March and had a panic attack. Thinking the panic attack and anxiety was withdrawl, I went back on gabapentin . The anxiety only got worse and that’s when he took me off Cymbalta and prescribed Zoloft. Shouldn’t I see an improvement after 57 days? Thank you so much!
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4 Answers
TKMarsh711
17 July 2023
Every time my Dr. wanted me to try something else, he would just switch them out like that. It never worked. I would feel good for a few days until I started having withdrawal from the original one I was on. I think as a Dr. they should know better. I think you'd have to taper down from Cymbalta then try Zoloft. But now that you've gone that long I'd just stick with it.
smchurch
15 July 2023
Just a quick note whereas I know very little about transitioning from Cymbalta (i.e., an SSNRI) to Zoloft (i.e., a "SSRI"), it being a similar drug in regards to its uses, but also being distinctively different in regards to its molecular structure and action. First, I would think that if you tolerated the Cymbalta well for 20 years, then your doctor should consider placing you back on it? Secondly, I do know that Cymbalta is an extremely difficult medication to discontinue, but should be considerably easier if working with a doctor that is willing to add temporary medications to contend with any any withdrawal side-effects. In regards to your Panic/Anxiety attacks, with what I'm about to say seeming to simplistic, as I also once thought, but 95% of attack onset and escalation has to do with your "breathing" - unknowingly it becoming nonrhythmic, stopping momentarily, pausing, etc..
I know that this seems to simplified, but following years of counseling, I finally bought into the idea - with me overcoming/defeating the attacks within days, wishing that I had only followed my counselor's advice years earlier, versus thinking that the idea was foolish! Best of luck to you, and I know first-hand that Panic/anxiety attacks are hellashish (i.e., which doesn't begin to describe the horror) - making one believe that they are losing their mind, but you will overcome all of your symptoms; keep up the fight!
Research Breathing Exercises: "Deliberately copying a relaxed breathing pattern seems to calm the nervous system that controls the body's involuntary functions. Controlled breathing can cause physiological changes that include: lowered blood pressure and heart rate, reduced levels of stress hormones in the blood."
WildcatVet
15 July 2023
Hi, bulldog!
Cymbalta is an atypical antidepressant whereas Zoloft is in the SSRI class. As a general rule, no antidepressant should be withdrawn without a tapering dose schedule to avoid discontinuation symptoms. Anxiety, agitation, and reduced appetite are all potential side effects (amongst others) from Cymbalta withdrawal.
These side effects should be resolving soon especially as the Zoloft, prescribed off-label for pain, becomes fully effective. You should also feel great improvement of your anxiety symptoms from the Zoloft. It's approved for this purpose and is very effective.
Just for the record, I'm not a doctor. I'm just speaking from personal experience.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly now.
bulldog0923
15 July 2023
Wildcat, thank you so much! should have included that I am on buprenorphine 2 mg twice daily and gabapentin 100 mg 3 T daily for chronic back pain. I had stopped gabapentin abruptly the end of March and had a panic attack. Thinking the panic attack and anxiety was withdrawal, I went back on gabapentin . The anxiety only got worse and that’s when he took me off Cymbalta and prescribed Zoloft. Shouldn’t I see an improvement after 57 days? Thank you so much!
WildcatVet
16 July 2023
It can take as long as 6-8 weeks for the Zoloft to become fully effective... sometimes longer because anxiety disorders can be slower to respond. Still, after some 8 weeks you should be seeing significant improvements. It could be that the 50mg is too low a dose for you and an increase may be helpful. 200mg/day is the maximum recommended dose so you have plenty of wiggle room.
Let your doctor know that you really aren't making much progress and see what they have to say.
Seniorfemale
15 July 2023
I’m not sure if coming off Cymbalta cold turkey and changing to Zoloft is causing you those symptoms. As you are transitioning to Zoloft, ask your doctor for lorazepam, which is a generic of Ativan. It is a benzo which should only be taken temporarily. It should help you with anxiety. Good luck and I wish you well. Been there and now I’m well. You will too.
Related topics
cymbalta, zoloft, anxiety, pain, panic disorder, doctor, cold turkey, pain management, management
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