I am off cymbalta and on Wellbutrin and I am doing fine. Getting off the Cymbalta was the hard part. Do it slow and take care of yourself while doing it. Just keep telling yourself it gets better every day.Good luck.   (Sat Feb 13 10:50 2010)

Other misc stuff I'm feeling (see post below):

-terror
-clenching of muscles, especially thighs
-uncertainty
-a vague sense of unreality
-let down
   (Thu Jan 28 22:17 2010)

Hi all:I'm a 38 year old male with ADHD, OCD, and strong
anxiety. I've been on Cymbalta 30 mg, Adderall, and .5-
1mg of Xanax for about 3 or 4 years. About a week ago,
I changed that regimen to Wellbutrin XL (150 mg), 20 mg
Cymbalta, and Ambien to sleep (instead of Xanax). I will
only be taking the Cymbalta for another week. The first
few days have been really stressful (prob due to
decreased Cymbalta and no Xanax), and I don't know if
its in my head (I can be a bit resistant to change) but I
wanted to post somewhere to talk about it with people
who'd understand. I'm extremely stressed so far, and I'm
a bit terrified of the the Cymbalta withdrawal that I'm in
store for. If I forget to take it I get horrible brain zaps
and get very very irritable and I snap at people. I wake
up really early now, and have a terrible time getting to
sleep. I finally gave up last night and took a Unisom, .5
mg Xanax, and an Ambien, and I STILL couldn't sleep.
Argh. Anyway, sorry to bitch. I'm just having a fuck of a
time, and I need some consolation.
   (Thu Jan 28 22:16 2010)

ok, guess what, i'm going to be starting cymbalta in 2 days time, this weekend. Crazy, huh? Well...i've been on about 7 different anti-Ds over the past 2 years. Before then i was on Seroxat (Paroxetine)for 3 years, and found it calmed me, but i disliked the emotional numbing effect, and loss of libido. so i actually came off Seroxat cold turkey 3 times during those 3 years, and had the much talked about brain zaps for about 5 days each time. i've noticed a couple of people mention mirtazapine as a good alternative to cymbalta, because it's not an SSRI or an SNRI, and hasn't got sexual side-effects (normally). but i've found it increased suicidal ideation in me. 2 days off it now, and the morning suicidal feeling (which can last for 3-4 hours) has instantly gone! i'm going on cymbalta out of my own personal choice would you believe, i research all the drugs i go on. i believe it may help me to feel calmer (i have various symptoms, depressive/anxiety related). what i would really like is agomelatine ( a new type of anti-depressant, affecting the melatonin in the brain) but, although it has European licence, it's not widely available yet in the UK (where i live). I've read about Wellbutrin on this forum, and fancy the dopamine increase if that were possible, but it doesn't appear to be licensed for the UK. I am a little bemused about so many on this forum experiencing weight gain with cymbalta, as i thought it decreased appetite? but i understand there may be a slowing down of one's metabolism, which would explain the weight gain. anyhow, you may find it highly surprising that i am choosing to go on cymbalta, having made the suggestion myself to my gp. if it all goes horribly wrong, i will certainly taper off the medication over a period of a month - i start on 60mg, so i'll go down to 40mg in 2 weeks, then 20mg in another 2 weeks, then nothing. My long-term aim will be to get a prescription for agomelatine when it does become properly available, as that drug has supposedly very few side effects! thanks for listening. wish me well! i'm really sorry so many here have been suffering with cymbalta, but i've had some hellish moments and periods on mirtazapine strangely enough (i guess we all have different brain make-up) and i wanted to try an SNRI for the first time, though i appreciate that mirtazapine affects the noradrenaline receptors too. i have (again on my own volition and following my own ideas) tried some interesting experiments on myself to combat depression (medication-wise) including Flupentixol. Flupentixol is commonly used for psychoses, but in lower dosage can be used to treat depression. it didn't really work for me, i just felt tired on it. i've also tried moclobemide, which, unlike the old MAOIs, is a 'RIMA' meaning the inhibition of the monoamine oxidase (in this instance type 'A') is reversible, so there are less complications in regard to restrictions on certain foods and drink, as there are with the old MAOIs. But, sadly, i didn't find (for me anyway) that it lifted my depression much! the most successful drug for me personally has been Seroxat, despite all the horror stories surrounding it. but i have some hopes that cymbalta may tackle both my depression and the anxiety...    (Thu Dec 31 20:08 2009)

Just wondering how you are doing? We all kno what you are going through. It does get better. Everyday you will feel better. Good luck!   (Sat Dec 26 10:03 2009)

I just want to thank everybody for their contributions. Last weekend, after forgetting to take my meds (60mg), I thought I was having a stroke. I didn't know what the withdrawal symptoms were even after not having it for a few hours. Then I got so angry (real angry - not depressed angry) that a drug that was supposed to help me had taken such control over my life. I'd only been on them for just over two weeks after having Sertraline (Zoloft) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline.
I left Sertraline because of its issues with sexual disfunction. I've been going cold turkey for a week. Now that I know what's wrong with me (bad sleep, brain zaps, tingling, etc.) I'm able to deal with it. I see my doctor on Monday which will be day 10. He'll be angry at me for not tapering but I just can't make myself put any more poison into my system. I'm taking Cell Food, sleeping a lot, swimming, drinking plenty of water and praying. Thanks again for letting me know I'm not alone.   (Thu Dec 17 3:19 2009)

Forgot to add....it is about $68 in Canada!! $68 dollars !!!! Our Medical System stinks!!!!!! They don't deal with controls...but those are cheap here in US.   (Sun Nov 1 20:11 2009)

I have been on Cymbalta for ages....and because of the waiting period to get my SSI insurance - I am stuck with paying cash for it!!!! Over $500 (upstate NY) and Walmart has a discount if you live in a particular County $348!!!!! With Psych's approval went to Canada (who already have the generic)....THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT....I AM A REGULAR PERSON....check out NorthWestPharmacy.com. Legit and extremely nice (phone or email).....in withdrawal waiting for my first order (my own fault...I hemmed and hawed about going to Canada thinking my Psych would crucify me)....have been here before....shakes, brain jolts, body jolts...you name it....Don't hurt yourselves....STAY STRONG...keep your mind BUSY doing other things. But check of this site...it is legit. Hugs to all....this sucks the big one!!!   (Sun Nov 1 20:09 2009)

hi just looking 4 sum help or adivce being to my doc today coz im always tired and have been like this for months and have tried every vitamin u cud think of and im stil tired my sex lif is gone no energy im 26 married wit 3 children 2 foster children so 5 at total!!! any how my doc said im depressed now ive been depressed b4 i told doc this but he asked me sum ?s and i anwerd yes to most of them so he said i was depressed tat ther are so many depression any how i havent took my 1st pill yet as i researched cymbalta 1st and i dnt no wat to do as ive read all these post,s help me please in any way u can (tue aug 4 03:00 (2009)   (Tue Aug 4 11:23 2009)

I would give it a another few weeks, You will feel better every day though. It's been awhile but I believe I was really miserable for 2 weeks then started to improve daily. All in all it was a good 5-6 weeks before I felt like me again. Headaches and fatigue lingered the longest. I am doing great now,I lost all the Cymbalta weight. (I am on Welbutrin now) I can smile and laugh and enjoy life! Hang in there, just remember it will get better. Good luck!    (Tue Jul 21 9:56 2009)

I'm in week 4 of withdrawal from Cymbalta. If anyone had told me that I would be in Hell when I stopped taking this medication, I would have thought twice about it. But then the profit motive must be so high for both Pharmeceutical companies and doctors, that they don't give withdrawal a second thought. When I told my prescribing doctor I wanted to wean off the medications, he asked me why, but never informed me that withdrawal would come at a high cost.
Thank goodness for the posts below. At the age of 62, confusion left me feeling like I might have had a stroke. Now I see that everyone else seems to be having the same symptoms. Also, after the first couple of weeks on my own personal suicide watch (I took the drug for anxiety, not depression), that symptom passed leaving me feeling like my heart was racing out of control all the time, with my hands shaking even though my pulse was normal.
Regarding the neck pain, I'm right there too. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a physical therapist because I can't turn my head left or right. I literally feel your pain.
Does anyone know how long withdrawal takes? I'd really appreciate a window. Thanks.   (Mon Jul 20 13:48 2009)

I cannot believe your Dr told you to go off cold turkey! Evedently he has not read up on the drug. I feel for you and know how you feel. My Dr told me to do two weeks on 60 mg then 2 weeks on 30. Then none. I still had a very tough time. Go back and read some past entries to see if someone's experience can help you. I took Benedryl and slep A LOT. Other than that I put up woth it because I did not know what else to do. If it helps...it does get better. Good Luck and Hang in There!!!!   (Mon Jun 29 7:37 2009)

I am now in my 15th day off Cymbalta after being on it for 6 or so mths. I don't know if my side effects are a result of going off but I do know that I have not felt anything like this before. The last week (being 1 week off)I have severe neck pain & now my whole body aches especially my right hand side. Headaches, nausea, feeling out of it but except the aching neck etc the rest come and go. No energy etc, any advice from anyone as my psychiatrist doesnt seem to care. I told him my side effects whilst on the drug (severe night sweats & nightmares so bad they left me depressed during the day, plus irritability & anger) were doing me more harm than good. So he said go off it cold turkey. This is where i'm at now..   (Sun Jun 28 11:30 2009)

Not all have gone off of Cymbalta cold turkey (I did so slowly, over two months). Be careful regardless. Withdrawals can be trying and brutal.

I'm sure your exercising is boosting mood too, always a great thing to do.

Best of luck.   (Wed Jun 24 18:51 2009)

I've been on Cymbalta for 4 months now & love it! I was in full panic/anxiety mode after all the negative events last year...losing a brother, a job (for 5 months), almost lost my job, had my own breast cancer scare, couldn't focus any longer or workout or even walk the dog!

Now I am feeling great...new job is awesome with none of the anxiety I had before...just let the negative stuff roll off. I'm dating a wonderful guy again (sex drive is fine!), lost 20 lbs, sleeping through the night, at the gym 6 days a week, walks with the dog and my neighbor daily...just enjoying being me again.

When I do go off (whenever that may be) I will do the phased approach with the dr's monitoring...I've noticed all these people on this site going off on their own & cold turkey. Why would you put yourself through that???????    (Tue Jun 23 8:00 2009)

Thank you Shoog. And I'm glad you came out alright!! I just posted because what me and my parents or goin through is so damn hard and I do not want anyone else to go through the same thing. I wish everyone that is on this killer drug the best!!!!   (Wed Jun 3 22:12 2009)

I am so sorry to hear about your brother, that is the worst that can happen with this killef drug. I hope people take heed to your warning. I am off Cymbalta for over a year and came out ok. It was really rough and I would not wish it on my worst enemy. Thank you for sharing with us.   (Wed Jun 3 22:05 2009)

I am new to this site. I was doing some research on Cymbalta and come across this blog. I am not on the killer drug but my brother was. Last tuesday we found my brother. He commited suicide sometimes between saturday and sunday. He was taking Cymbalta for awhile now and decided (on his own) he didnt like the way the medication made him feel so he quit cold turkey about a month ago. Now I being a nurse know that this is not a good idea. So when my mom told me this when he stopped taking it I told them both this is not a good idea. The side effects are way to serious and I guess it went in one ear and out the other. Anyway, the end result is my brother took a rifle and took his own life without any note or answers as to why. Now I know my brother well. He and I have always been very close and prior to him getting off of the killer drug when he was having bad days he text me in the early morning hours out of the blue "I love you" and that was his way of calling out for him. We would talk for hours until he felt better and was passed the "suicide" state. This time, NOTHING!!!! Only thing I can figure out is off of the medication he was going through horrible withdrawls and finally had the courage to follow through with it and knew if he contacted me that I would once again pull him out of that hole. This makes me so angry!!! So I guess what I am trying to get across is if you want to get off of this killer drug please dont do it alone. Please work with your doctor to do it safely and not put yourself and your family through what my brother his son and my family are going through.   (Mon Jun 1 22:29 2009)

Hello, I posted some entries a few months back, the last one being 2/11. I was on Cymbalta for 3 years, 60mg about half of the time, and 90mg for the remainder. I tapered off very slowly. I just wanted to enter an update after being off Cymbalta for 8 months now.

I'm still struggling with anger bouts, difficulty in experiencing joy fully, low motivation and sadness. It's rough, but it's now mixed with good days too. I would love to find a support group for people dealing with similar, private battles.

Being female, I've noticed it all gets worst generally with hormone dips pre-menstrually. My last resort at this point would be an SSRI, not an SNRI. I know personally that the SNRI's like Cymbalta were never a good fit, were minorly beneficial, and in retrospect, not worth the horrific withdrawal process. I've been on two other SSRI's in the past as well, but I now believe that SNRI's are very aggressive drugs.

There was mention of a class action lawsuit by Carol and Michael below. I too would like to support this. To my knowledge, there are no long term studies on these drugs, especially post-medication effects on the brain.

I'm still trying many non-med options, including nutrition (taking care of any nutrient deficiencies, taking stress support vitamins), exercise, manual mental focus and such.

My big concern here is how big a decision it is to go on any mental health drug, especially these SNRI's. I'm interested in finding ways to raise public awareness of this. These drugs are often presented as convenient, low-risk options, ubiquitously available, with very little follow up. I believe patients are generally not educated enough about the weight of this decision, and drug companies are dangerously downplaying such serious considerations.

We are people with the rest of our lives to consider, and it's troubling to me that so little is known as to whether or not there is even any permanent alteration of the brain after these drugs. They have their place, but it seems like too many people are advised to go on these meds at the drop of a hat, without analyzing the baselines first, like blood panels, hormone imbalance, low thyroid, actual rough life events that can be worked through with therapy, etc.

It's so helpful that this forum exists. It's been comforting to read all these entries.   (Fri May 22 14:22 2009)

I tapered too quickly the other week and after going cold turkey for a couple days I went back on the Cymbalta on day 4. I m still down 10mg from where I was before though. I went from 20mg to 10mg(20mg pill with half the beads out) I plan on taking this for a couple more weeks and then dropping down again. but this time I am go down like 5 granuals a week or possibly even a month. I a not having bad side efffects so I can live with this little bit longer if it will help. being on it for almost 2 years...what is another 6 months? My fear is that no matter how I taper once I stop the bad withdrawal will happen anyway.
Anybody taper really slow? how long did withdrawal last once you stoppped?   (Thu May 21 6:34 2009)

Yes Christinad if you can try something else first I would recomend it.
Day 2 with no cymbalta. brain shivers and dizzyness has set it. last night I was up most of the night becuase I could not sleep my legs had the creepy crawlys and I just wiggled and groaned most of the night. Tried taking benedryl to help me sleep and I think that is what made it worse. no more benedryl for me I feel like I will crawl out of my skin. vitamin and mineral combo seems to be helping wtih my I want to hurth somebody-ness. have not had a full blown rage outburst yet and its been over a week since I started tapering. without vitamins I start gating ragefull the same day I taper even it it was only a couple granuals. feeling pretty emotional and have had a few weepy moments. had a rash for a few days on my arms but that seems to have gone away. I think it was a mix between cymbalta and fish oil. now that cymbalta has stopped rash seems to be gone. will keep you posted.   (Fri May 8 10:22 2009)

i have a friend that just raves about this drug - to the point to where she convinced to to give it a try. i'm not depressed. i don't suffer from pain. okay maybe i'm a little anxious and ocd, but not enough to go through such horrid side effects. i took ONE 30mg capsule fri. @ 8.30am. by 11a i started to feel relaxed. i thought, "sweet. this is going to work". by noon i was nauseous and dealing with gas and diarrhea. by 3pm i couldn't focus (good thing i was at work. heh). by 5.30 i found myself unable to drive WHILE i was driving home. i experienced vertigo, joint and muscle pain, i couldn't grip a pen. i itched all over (still do on sunday). even developed a mild rash on my belly. i had to hole up in my apt all weekend. i DID not take a second pill. and after reading all of your posts i think i'll stick to natural mood enhancers (st. john's and 5-htp). i'm feeling a better today and hopefully tomorrow will be more normal.

my main reason for posting is to thank you all for sharing and to wish you luck getting through the side/withdrawal effects.

with love.   (Sun May 3 11:45 2009)

Hello, 35 M been on cymbalta for a couple years. worst side effects were sexual side effects and weight gain, which wasn't all that bad. for the most part when I am on it I am ok and feel fine, starting to have other health issues though and think its the cymbalta. don't want to go through what many have so I am making a final push to get off of it.
have bee usign the multi vitamin, mineral, fish oil combo and it seems to be helping during weaning down. at 20mg pill minus 10 granuals at this point goign to take out 20 tonight. figure teh quicker I get to zero the faster the worst withdrawal will come and hopefully go.
wish me luck thanks for sharing your stories I thought it was just me for a while.   (Fri May 1 11:59 2009)

Hang in there, ncblueyes, you're about where I am in the time aspect. Check out that Road Back site that I talked about - the vitamin regiment reallllllly helps. And I've lost 4 lbs.!!!! without trying, so keep strong.

To update on my withdrawal -- since I was suffering anyway and some of the withdrawal symptoms are the same anyway, I decided to go off my Percocet addiction (20-40mg. daily for 4 years) as well. But I weaned off of them as opposed to going cold turkey with the Cymbalta. Well that made me backtrack a bit with my symptoms - pain, achiness, depression and crying spells plus the zappiness still there. At this point - 2-1/2 weeks since going cold turkey from the Cymbalta and 2 days clean from the Percocet I am trying to keep myself strong. I live alone but I stocked up on healthy foods and all the supplements I talked about and am thankful I don't have to go to a job. But day by day, minute by minute and practicing living the moment of where I am, I can see the beautiful light at the end of this horrible tunnel.
   (Thu Apr 30 19:07 2009)

I took 60 mg for depression (SAD) beginning last October. I felt so much better in the beginning but then "woke up" and realized I was numb to my life - and also had gained 30 pounds in 3 months with no changes in eating. NO interest in family, work, friends, sex...just mindlessly going through life. Started a serious diet at a renowned diet center and could not lose weight. Doctor at diet center said to get off Cymbalta. I saw my doctor who told me to wean off of it and I did - not knowing that I would then spend hours a day with my ears ringing so loud I couldn't hear others, crying hysterically over nothing (we ran out of crackers...that sent me into a three hour cry....huh?). Could not go to work due to dizziness, ringing in ears, etc. Noises seemed amplified and if my husband put ice in a glass I would come out of my skin. I have never been a tortured person but I felt tortured by my own mind. I haven't left my house in five days and I have been totally off the Cymbalta for 14 days. This is agony.....    (Sat Apr 25 18:55 2009)

Hi all, I went cold turkey 2 weeks ago because trying to go every other day for a week, (I had been taking 60 mg. for 10 months) just didn't work. Thank God for these sites - they saved my life as I really thought I was dying. And after reading the blogs and forums, I decided to just bite the bullet and just STOP, because as you know, any kind of weaning just DOES NOT work. The minute you stop, even if you're down to 2 freakin beads a pill (meanwhile going through the hell all along), you go through this withdrawal no matter what!

My husband is a Chiropractor and he made many calls to his MD and pharmacist friends to confirm that you do not destroy your body or brain, etc. by going cold turkey. I think the Dr.'s have you wean for as long as possible so that the money continues to come in for the drug companies (only my opinion). Either that or they really are just that clueless about these withdrawal symptoms and think they're doing the right thing.

I'm making myself write this now, as I've selfishly only been reading all of your comments to get me through the horror (I won't bother repeating all the symptoms that you all know too well) and NOW I'm FEELING BETTER and my anger, depression, suicidal thoughts and thoughts of murder to whomever is responsible for this poison, is going away and I feel myself slipping into the "been there, done that and don't care anymore". I don't want to go there - this needs to be addressed. Is there a class-action lawsuit that anybody knows about?

In any case, the MAIN reason I'm writing is to tell you all to go to this site http://www.theroadback.org/aaataperfast.htm (in case the link doesn't come up, it's The Road Back site) and it gives you a vitamin supplement regimen to follow that addresses all the withdrawal symptoms and it really, really HELPS. The site is large but take the time to surf it, find the 'tapering off of antidpressant' parts and follow their recommendations. You will see what you need to take to address the different symptoms, like major amounts of Omega 3 for the 'brain zaps', etc. I took what I needed and still am but have lessened as I'm feeling better.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still 'zapping', sweating, dizzy and nauseous but getting better and better each day. The crying spells are down to maybe once a day and I was able to drive yesterday without feeling I was going to kill anyone....:)

Keep the faith and thank God for you all!!!    (Sat Apr 25 15:18 2009)

Hi Carol....I tried to email you but my email account would not recognize yours....My name is Michael and I am definitely interested in joining a Class Action Suit regarding CYMBALTA. I was taking 90mgs for over one year, and I cut down to 60 for one week, then 30 for one week, and now I have been off it for almost 2 weeks. I have been sick every day with THOUSANDS of Brain Zaps every day, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach and more. If you want to talk to me by phone, you can email me at thelordpuffer@gmail.com. I live in Los Angeles. Thanks.   (Fri Apr 24 8:31 2009)

I was on cymbalta 30mg for 2 weeks and 60 mg for 3 days. I stated having blurred vision, constipation, no sex drive and sleepless nights so I found this site. When I statrd reading all these stories I thought, OMG, I got to get off this stuff NOW!. I weas scared to death about the withdrawal effects. It's been 5 days now and I never had ANY side effects from quitting. I'm amd shocked and happy as a bee at the same time. My vision has already cleared up, sex was great last night and I feel GREAT! So there is a little hope for some of you. I really do feel bad for all you people that have gone through HELL on this drug. I learned years ago, since the internet arrived, that you HAVE to be your own advocate and research your medication. Thanks much and hope everyone feels better soon. Randy   (Sun Apr 5 15:18 2009)

I'm sorry but I really I could be of help to you
As well as myself.I think you are missing the point. In my opinion. I have been drugged out most of my life and I think Qualifies me to give you some good advise. I realize that you have all been subjected one antidepressant that I know of. I have been subjected to even more. Please listen to me and take nothing you feel will harm you - give me the name of a drug and I will tell you how it affected me. I want to help you guys and myself. Pharmaceuticals are not the way. Please listen because I have age and so much negative experience with so call "prescription Medications that I think I qualify to help.
Please I want to help.

Dolly    (Tue Mar 3 21:42 2009)

Hello, I've been off of Cymbalta for six months now, and also weaned off slowly over a two month period. I too have experienced the terrifying and disabling withdrawal symptoms. They actually have gone on this whole time, though were most acute about six weeks after my final dose (which I hear happens often, though usually about four weeks after). I posted here in October, but wanted to respond to your recent posting.

I'd love to share my thoughts (in CAPS) on your list of questions...

1. Are any of you still experiencing pain after you have been off of cymbalta for a while?

YES, EVEN AFTER SIX MONTHS. I'VE DONE RELENTLESS RESEARCH TO FIND NON-PHARMACEUTICAL WAYS OF BETTERING MY SITUATION. I HAVE DISCOVERED, FOR ME ANYWAY, THREE FRONTS ON WHICH I COULD IMPROVE THIS A LITTLE.

A) AFTER KEEPING TRACK FOR A FEW MONTHS, BEING A WOMAN, I NOTICED THINGS GOT EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT (DEPRESSION, BASIC FUNCTIONING, FEELINGS OF WORTHLESSNESS, NO MOTIVATION OR ABILITY TO HELP MYSELF) JUST AT MENSTRUATION, OR, WHEN HORMONE LEVELS NOSE-DIVE. SO, I'M NOW GETTING SOME VERY LOW-LEVEL HORMONE HELP.

B) I TACKLED ANY NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES I HAD, BEGINNING WITH A BLOOD TEST, AS CERTAIN NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES -- OR BOOSTS -- CAN DEFINITELY INFLUENCE MOOD AND BRAIN FUNCTION. I AM BOOSTING IRON (LOW LEVELS OF SERUM FERRITIN ARE LINKED WITH AT LEAST MILD DEPRESSION) AND VITAMIN D (MANY OF US ARE LOW ON THAT). I'M ALSO TAKING A PHENYLALANINE SUPPLEMENT, AN AMINO ACID YOUR BODY NEEDS TO CREATE DOPAMINE AND EPINEPHERINE. I REALLY FELT I WAS LOW ON THESE AFTER BEING ON CYMBALTA FOR THREE YEARS, SO HAVE BEEN GIVING IT A TRY TO HELP MY BRAIN (HOPEFULLY) RE-ACCLIMATE TO LIFE AFTER THE ARTIFICIAL BOOST. ALSO, LIKE YOU MENTIONED, TAKING A B COMPLEX SEEMS GREAT TOO, SINCE THAT HELPS YOUR BODY DEAL WITH STRESS.

AND, C) EXERCISE. I'M STILL WORKING ON THIS ONE, BUT AFTER SIX WEEKS OR SO OF DOING IT REGULARLY, YOUR BRAIN MAKES CHANGES THAT ELEVATE YOUR MOOD. PLUS, IT JUST FEELS BETTER ON SO MANY OTHER LEVELS TOO.

2. Is anyone doing anything about a law suit?

I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS TOO, AS THERE ARE *NO* LONG-TERM STUDIES OUT THERE ON USE OF THESE KINDS OF DRUGS, AND DEFINITELY NO RESEARCH OR STUDIES ON LIFE AFTER THEM. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY GROUPS OR ORGANIZERS DOING THIS? I THINK SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY, AS THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM. PLUS, THESE DRUGS TEND TO GET WAY OVER-PRESCRIBED.

3. Do you guys think that this stuff could be killing us?

WHO KNOWS. AGAIN, NO REAL STUDIES ON THIS. IT'S PRETTY SCARY TO ME. CERTAINLY, SOME PEOPLE WITH MORE SEVERE DEPRESSION NEED TO CHOOSE MEDICATION OVER THE ALTERNATIVE. BUT, IT DOES SEEM TRUE THAT THERE IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH RESEARCH ON THESE DRUGS. WHAT IS DONE TENDS TO BE FUNDED BY THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES FOR THEIR OWN DRUGS.

Anyway, best of luck to you. What a very frustrating process, I know. I think there are lots of us out there experiencing similar terrors and information dead-ends.   (Wed Feb 11 14:22 2009)

Hello. I am hoping to seek some answers to the horrible pain I continue to feel almost a year after stopping Cymbalta.

I have diagnosed with major depression when I was 19 years old. I am 31 now. For 12 years I tried as many anti-depressants as you can probably name and none helped me permanantly. Then came Cymbalta- what was to be the wonder drug of all. Hey it claimed to help my mental pain, my emotional pain, AND my physical pain! What is not to love, and what great music on the ads! I started on the low dose and noticed that I felt a little better emotionally, but still felt unexplainably sad. Too make a long story not as long as it could be, I was eventually put on the maximum dose. I struggled with moodiness, irritability, and eventually thoughts of suicide returned. I also noticed that if I forgot to take a dose then I would have horrible headaches, the infamous brain zaps, and muscle pain all through my back and neck.

At one point when I noticed just how irritable and withdrawn that I had become (a few friends pointed it out) I decided I did not want to be ruled by this drug. Under the supervision of my doctor over a two month period, I weened myself from cymbalta forever. Each time I went down to a smaller dose I got sick. I had headaches, brain zaps, nausea, flu-like symptoms, I blacked out, my memory would get worse, until the culmination of taking no Cymbalta at all. Fortunately my mother is retired and was able to stay with me- I was withdrawaling like I assume people do on heavy street drugs! I would go to sleep hoping I would not wake up and be in pain throughout the day. My pain would get worse as the day progressed and by 4:00 I could barely stand the headaches, nausea, the ear ringing, and brain zaps.

Ok ok- you have heard this all before. Here is my question to you and the reason I am rambling on this evening. It has been a hear since I have been off of Cymbalta and I continue to have horrible headaches that get worse as the day progresses; my ears ring, and my vision is screwed up. I see little lights at night time. My memory is not what it used to be and when I tell my doctors that I think I was permanatley poisoned by cymbalta they look at me like I am crazy (and isn't that the reason I went on the cymbalta in the first place?) My intestines are weak, and my immune system is not as strong as before.

I am crying out to you guys because I figure you are the only ones that would understand. Here is what I want to know. . .
1. Are any of you still experiencing pain after you have been off of cymbalta for a while?
2. Is anyone doing anything about a law suit?
3. Do you guys think that this stuff could be killing us?

   (Fri Jan 23 13:27 2009)

I was on 6o mg daily for a couple of years, quit cold turkey almost 14 days ago, the first week for me was absolute hell, I was so sick, but I take omega 3,vitamin e and vitamin b seems to be helping. I also take zanax. Feeling much better since getting this crap out of my system, now to lose the 20 pounds I gained on this crap and I'll be feeling alot less depressed.   (Mon Jan 12 13:16 2009)

It has been 3 days. I am feeling so uncomfortable. My head feels dizzy and I feel a a bit sluggish. I also have back probs/pain. I feel like yelling WTF is this? I have never felt so wierd in my entire life. As long as I know so many have made it through whatever mind F... this is with it's very physiological discomfort. Has anyone found any natural remedies for this? Is there something that can stop the nausea, create relaxation from the mind zaps while one goes through this? I noticed I seem to wake up feeling like I'm ok and it's after a few hours that the head thing starts. I wondered if it was something I ate, then remembered it's the Cymbalta withdrawl. Two months?? The only time I would consider enduring discomfort was the birth of my children. WTF is this drug? Has anyone done research? What are the long term after affects?
I will be praying/meditating- for all of us, for our strength to endure this. I just don't know if I can take 2 months of this. Now, I feel like reaching for a glass of wine or a beer. I hardly drink, but notice the need to anesthesize myself. Will 1 or 2 beers hurt?   (Wed Jan 7 0:31 2009)

Thanks so much for your response. That is very inspiring. May I ask what type of retreat or weekend you attended? It sounds incredibly positive, and how fantastic that it yielded what it did for you.

Though my doctor suspected that the state I wrote about last was my new permanent state, I am happy to report that it is shifting for the better. All changes and withdrawal since coming off of Cymbalta has felt very physiologically led. However, and I hope this just continues, I believe I'm reaching a new homeostasis, and it is much calmer. I feel that "strong self" feeling too that you're describing. It's fascinating to compare the before, during and after drug states.

Keeping caffeine low or out of the picture, getting good rest and exercising all seem to help the physiological and thus emotional roller coaster ride. Though I'm on more even ground now, I do feel I have a ways to go.

I'm also convinced I was a little more sensitive to this aggressive drug. Many signs of that were present during the taking of Cymbalta, but this was not really noted by my doctor.

Thanks again for sharing your experience. I'll keep checking back as the acclimating continues.   (Tue Oct 7 16:04 2008)

Cymbalta can work and I got off it gracefully. I am 51
years old. It saved me. I took it for a about 9 months-
60mg a day. I saw my shrink about once every couple
months for 20 minutes, and my therapist more often.
They helped.

I tried to do my "work" but felt no big breakthroughs.
Though I had less sexual desire day to day, I was grateful
that whenever opportunity presented itself with my wife, I
was all there and it was wonderful. I "tried" to quit once -
and weaned down to 30 mg. I felt the old craziness within
a couple days and went back up to 60. That was right.
One day I went out of town and missed taking it - I had
nightmares and took it again as soon as I got home. I was
certainly scared to quit by that time. But I wanted off it.

My shrink recommended a weekend course. I know there
are thousands out there and I am not inclined to market
the one I took here. Find what is right for you. The aim
and point of the course was to find one's deep inner
strength and and become strong whether you have ever
felt that way before. I have. I wanted it back.I wanted my
desire to love life and to take care of myself. I had not
found a way to access that again. And that is not what
Cymbalta helps with.

When I got to the camp, I realized quickly that I had
forgotten my Cymbalta. The crew made arrangements to
get it from my wife.. But I did not take it. And have not
taken it. I came out of the weekend feeling so strong -
not manic. Grounded. Just powerful and solid. I believed
there might never come a time when I felt that strong
again and I suspected that feeling of strength would be
the key to getting through any difficulties of quitting
Cymbalta.

I felt clear and powerful during that weekend. No
nightmares. No doubts. Just increasing strength and
desire to live and love. I was well guided. No caffeine
withdrawal headaches either, which I was surprised at.

Then I came back to real life. I called my shrink. He had
told me in the past I was not ready to get off Cymbalta. I
told him what was going on I and that I felt the power to
stay off the stuff - to go cold turkey off 60mg. He did not
even try to talk me out of it.

There were "brain zaps" for about 4 days. I did not mind
them, and they stopped. I was fairly easily excitable for a
few days. That passed long ago.

I have my desire to exercise back and that feels so good.
I lost the extra weight I put on. I lust for my wife again, -
Yahoo. I have the strength and clarity to pull myself up at
the first signs of my shadow wanting to pull me down.

I had to do my work, and I did alot of it. What got me
over the hump was infusing myself with an awesome jolt
of strength. There are people out there who dedicate
their lives to doing that.

I am now being the model for my 8 year old son that I
could not make myself be before or during Cymbalta. I
am all here. Thanks for reading this. I hope it gives hope
to at least one person.

   (Sat Oct 4 13:22 2008)

Hello 'worried'. I wanted to respond to your post. I took Cymbalta for about three years, having an overall good experience with it, and recently decided I was ready to stop.

I very gradually weaned down from the 60mg dosage, as I read that withdrawal symptoms can be aggressive with this drug. My doctor recommended stepping down over a two week period, but I did it over a month's time. My side effects (head ache, nausea) were minimal because of this, fortunately.

However, I am experiencing horrendous and unexpected withdrawal symptoms right now, six weeks after officially stopping. They kicked in after about three weeks of being completely off the drug. Has anyone else had an exceptionally rough time coming off of Cymbalta (or others similar)?

I feel far worse, not at all myself, than before I'd begun this treatment. My hope is that my brain is still biochemically adjusting to the lack of stimulus and that this is not a new homeostasis. Minute to minute functioning is difficult in that I frequently experience the 'panic attack' equivalent of an 'anger' attack, thus am probably stewing in stress hormones. Enjoyment of simple things seems to be just outside of my access.

I have been on two other such anxiety drugs over the last six years or so, but have never experienced anything as terrifying as this coming off. I know everyone's bodies are different, so I do hope this is unusual. However, I have a feeling I'm not the only one who has experienced a post-drug state as severe as this. Anyone else having such struggles? And, does anyone have recommendations on coping and/or recovering?

The only thing so far that I feel I can do to counter this lack of dopamine and other physiological deficiency is to exercise. I also hope this is something that my brain can recover from over time. My doctor recommended the "new Cymbalta" (and Cymbalta was the "new Effexor"), called Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), but I am not willing to go onto another drug at this point. It feels far too early. Nor am I willing to accept that this is my natural drug-free state. I am beyond frustrated (and yes, angry), but still searching for some answers and some non-pharmacutical help.   (Thu Oct 2 16:41 2008)

Well I am in shock as to all the responses..

I too started Cymbalta about 9 months ago - thank god the highest dose has been 30mg. I am down to 20mg.

I have had terrible weight gain, no sex drive, the runs, dizziness etc.

Tried to get off teh 20 mg and was so sick I had to get back on. Felt like I had the stomach flu, super dizzy, could not even stand up, felt AWFUL.

How on earth do you get off the last 20 MGs?? I am totally freaked out by the amount of folks that have had issues..

Anyone off it now and back to normal?

Did you lose the weight after you got off??

   (Wed Sep 3 15:59 2008)

This is for all of you out there who want to hear something positive about Cymbalta. I have had anxiety and depression off an on all my life, and about 3.5 years ago when my dad died I went into full panic attack mode.

I am one of those people who don't like to take meds because of the side affects, so all I would take was Xanax. I took it for 3 years. I tried all kinds of alternative therapies for my anxiety, but still had panic attacks.

Then finally I got so tired of the anxiety I wound up severely depressed and that's when I "caved in" and agreed to try a med. My Dr. put me on the lowest dose of Cymbalta possible, which was 20mg. (Most docs don't even know they make it that low) I reluctantly tried it.

The first day was not great... bad insomnia and buzzed feeling, but over the next few weeks it got so much better.

I've been on Cymbalta 30mg now for over 6 months and I feel like a whole new person. I don't have any noticable side affects and I just feel... normal! Maybe people out there who have a bad time with Cymbalta have been given too high of a dosage?

Good luck and God bless all of you.
Feel free to contact me with questions...
sandinafh@cox.net   (Tue Sep 2 11:07 2008)

Hey there. First post for me. After experiencing Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome in both hands I was seeing various
doctors for treatment. I was feeling depressed about the
constant pain. My doctor put me on 60mg of Cymbalta. I
immediately didn't like how I felt and couldn't sleep. She
(my doctor) dropped me down to 30mg a day. It seemed
to help with the pain, but I still couldn't sleep. I decided to
go off cymbalta completely. A few days after tapering off,
my hands hurt worse than ever. I went back on Cymbalta
because I couldn't stand the pain. Well...the pain didn't go
away. In fact I have been experiencing joint pain all over
my body. wrists, elbows, knees and feet. I decided to get
off Cymbalta completely. Has anyone else had these type
of joint pains when weaning off this drug? I'm day three of
cold turkey. I know I probably shouldn't, but I was only on
30mg anyway. I just can't stomach the thought of taking it
anymore. Thanks for reading my ramblings! take care-J   (Mon Sep 1 8:45 2008)

I am 33 yrs old and have been diagnosed with bi-polar I, anxiety, and major depression. This is what I have been prescribed in the past 10 or so years: Effexor, Paxil, Xanax, Klonopin, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Seroquel, Topamax, Geodon - I could go on but what's the point? Nothing worked until Cymbalta. The human brain is unique, the reason why I am on Cymbalta is all the others had either not relieved my symptoms or had horrible side effects. Yes, Cymbalta makes me tired, so I take 90 mg at night with .5 Klonopin - for over a year. Whenever you go off any biochemical altering medication YOU WILL HAVE SIDE EFFECTS!!!! Especially SNRI's - you should try getting off Paxil sometime, I was never suicidal until then!! The point I am trying to make here is to please not discourage people from taking medications their doctors are trying to prescribe them - all medications have side effects and everyone is not the same. Keep trying and hang in there until you find what works, it took me 10 years, but I am "normal" now and will NEVER go off Cymbalta - because guess what - I will always have these disorders/diseases - they are a part of me, but I have not let them become me:)   (Wed Aug 20 12:47 2008)

I've been taking Prozac 40 mg for almost 2 year. At first I was taking Prozac with progestrone to help with early menopause, now my periods started again so I've stopped the progestrone and my moodiness/irritiability has gotten much worse. I had heard the Cymbalta was great for mood and anxiety and could even help with weight loss. Sounds great! I asked my Doctor to switch me, she had initally suggested just to increase my Prozac. After reading all the notes now I'm not sure I want to start on Cymbalta.   (Tue Aug 5 21:39 2008)

I started taking Cymbalta 60mg over a year ago. After about two months on it, I couldn't handle the crawling skin and vision issues, so my doctor put me on Effexor. I was on Effexor through December of 2007 and had gained 15 pounds. My weight was depressing me more than my situational depression! With his recommendation, I began to wean myself off of Effexor but had a terrible time doing so. Under the advice of my family and for the sake of my own welfare, I decided to go back to my doctor, at which point, he put me back on Cymbalta.

I am a stubborn person and I hate the idea of a medication having so much control over me. My eyes were always dilated and I was constantly being asked "what are you on?" I looked like an addict! My vision is also failing. So I've decided to wean myself off again. I dropped from 60mg to 30mg for a month, then took 30mg every other day for two weeks. I have since read that weaning every other day is not the best way to do things.

I quit taking Cymbalta altogether a week ago. I've spent a lot of time in bed. I'm exhausted. I can't sleep enough. When I am awake the brain zaps are almost always constant. And the vision is worse. I am foggy. I pulled out in front of a vehicle the other day - I never even saw it coming. And two days ago I stepped off of my curb and fell flat to my face - totally misjudged my step. Needless to say, I should probably not be driving - I can't even stay in between the lines.

I have all but reclused myself from my family. Avoiding and ignoring invitations to go out. I fight depression due to the withdrawals constantly.

Cymbalta was good for me. Sure, I had some not-so-pleasant side effects but it got me through some tough times. I was able to deal with stressful situations and I felt like I was finally on an even keel, as opposed to being on the infamous roller coaster.

I trust that "this too shall pass" and the brain zaps will stop and I can once again emerge from my lair of a room and join society again. The thought of this is what keeps me going back to the medication.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those of you that are going through this, as well. It is good to know that I am not alone.   (Mon Aug 4 8:54 2008)

This was the first I heard someone else describe symptoms like the brain zaps I get. I was starting to think I had a pinched nerve or something. It's to where if I move my eyes it hits me. Does it go to your ears? I was put on Cymbalta and Lyrica for diabetic nerve pain, and fibromyalgia. My legs and feet hurt so bad after I started these pills I had to stop. I just got sick and tired of feeling sick and tired so I stopped taking everything cold turkey, with the exception of the hydrocodone. That I did before, BADDDDD IDEA!! But I have gone from 40mg to 10mg a day. I am thinking of moving to a pot legal state, it simply works for my depression, and other pain problems I have. I hate smoking it though. I didn't get the weight gain since my diabetes is uncontrolled, lost a 100 pounds. I didn't like the way those meds made me feel either. I have a couple of weeks under my belt, a few to go from what I've read here. Good luck to you all. Twist up a hog leg, and feel better.
Jim   (Sun Aug 3 10:05 2008)

I forgot to mention that I have been off Cymbalta for almost three weeks now and I'm still getting the symptoms.   (Fri Aug 1 6:39 2008)

Hello,

Had four neuroma surgeries. When pain came back foot
doctor suggest maybe it is really nerve related. He sent
me to a neuologist, who took all the test. Tests came
back normal. Doctor still said burning I felt in my feet
may be nerve related, maybe nerve iritated instead of
nerve damage. Put me on Cymbalta. Started me at 30mg
because insurance wouldn't pay for three pills at 20mg,
only 2 pills at 30mg. Anyways after a few days I got more
than usually burning in feet and ankle swelled a little.
Started on Friday and next Wednesday, this started to
happen. I was taking one 30mg a day. On Wednesday I
was told to stop cold turkey. Told me I wasn't on it long
enough to effect me. Before taking this drug, I had
burning in feet that hurt when walking, standing, once in
a while sitting down (only in left foot that I think still has
a neuroma in it). After taking this drug, I now have sharp
stabbing pain every so often. More often pin prick
feelings, and burning in feet that don't go away when I
take my shoes off, as my original pain was like. The
burning is much worse than before the drug. I feel
burning on my finger tips and a sort of tingling
sometimes in my feet. All of these symptoms I never had
before the Cymbalta. I ask the neurologist and the guy
just say I don't know and wants to feed me a new drug.
My nerve test came back normal and he was just working
on a hunch from then on. I wasn't going to take another
drug from him!! At times I think I do have carpal tunnel in
my wrists but I never use to feel burning in my fingers
and why all these new symptoms in my feet that won't go
away. I have been taking advil a lot the past week, seeing
if my nerves are inflammed and maybe that will help. I
have felt some relief but not enough. I'm just disgusted
and don't know what to think or do anymore. Anyone else
have problems like this? I think I read something before
about fish oil. I already take salmon oil fish pills three
times a day.   (Fri Aug 1 4:45 2008)

Hi!
I am going through the side effects of withdrawal from Cymbalta right now, I believe it has opened the portal to hell...
I am doing it with the help of my doc but I am miserable. Went down from 60 mgs to 30mgs for a month, now it is 30mgs every other day. On the off day I am so anxiety ridden I don't know what to do I am frozen until I can take the next dose, and headaches and dizziness as well. I don't feel like myself which I suppose is to be expected since i don't really know who "myself" is. I was put on this for situational depression, I had been on Prozac for years and thought it was not working for me anymore, so she put me on this wretched drug. I was fine until about a year ago and found I was becoming very lazy, very very tired and unmotivated. After much research I realized it was the Cymbalta, it literally took my life away, no desire to travel anymore, increased anxiety, tons of fear, not wanting to even go to the store for groceries!! Before this med I was walking 4 miles a day, now nothing... gained 15 lbs.
All in all Eli Lilly is evil in my opinion for not giving our docs more info on the side effects, or the withdrawal effects. I am going to go on 20mgs day now for a while and just keep slowly trying to wean off of this terrible med. I hope I can get to the light that I have heard is at the end of the tunnel. One last thing, I had confused being in peri-menopause and I was wrong, it was this med the whole time. My quality of life has been awful, I just want to be happy again, and I am never taking another anti-depressant, I will be happy to finally get to know the "real me".
   (Wed Jul 30 20:42 2008)

Just thought I would register and add my experience, hopefully it will help somebody as much as this forum and discussion have helped me.

I am 39, male, generally healthy, married, kids, work, house, bills, etc, etc.... I have always had anxiety issues since I can remember, but 2 years ago in the midst of an exceptionally stressful time in my life the anxiety became too much to handle. I had a minor break down, just lost it emotionally and physically. Went to a doctor, started on Lexapro.

After 4 months on that with some positive results my doc suggested a switch to Cymbalta. Ramped up, 30MG to start, then to 60mg after a few weeks. I did get some nice relief from the drug. Was able to sleep through the night pretty well with a little help from xanax. No more nightmares, no more really anxious moments, felt okay. My only issue at that time was the slight fogginess I felt, almost like being high a little bit. After a consult with my GP we agreed that this was what the Cymbalta did, and I decided that the benefits (for the time being) were worth it.

Fast forward to 12 months after being on 60mg of Cymbalta....I really started to feel drugged out all the time...foggy, some diziness, forgetful....many of the symptoms others have described here. Went back to my doc and she dropped me back to 30mg....thought maybe I was getting too much. 2 months later, no real change except I think the foggy feelings got more intense. Had Cymbalta stopped working? I had no idea this could happen until I did some research and found this website.

So having been relatively anxiety free for 18 months I spoke with my doc and decided to go off Cymbalta and all drugs completely except for xanax as needed. She did warm me I would likely feel some withdrawl, she mentioned inner ear issues, dizziness, seasickness feeling, etc. At least she mentioned these side effects. Sounds like many docs are denying they exist????

So I took my last dose of 30mg Cymbalta exactly a week ago. I felt good for 2 days, and thought, excellent, no withdrawl. Spoke too soon though :( . Since day 3 I have had the similar fogginess I had while ON the drug. I have had dizzy spells. No real "zapping" as others here have described, but definitely a mild form of it....totally weird. Been having amazingly vivid dreams, not nightmares, but some wild stuff. Sleep pattern is eradic, but not awful. Some upset stomach issues. Only once have I had any feelings of anxiety, and a xanax took care of that.

I just wanted to get off of everything for a while, hopefully forever. I felt like I needed to feel like ME again, have I forgotten what it is like to be "normal"....non-drugged???? After a week I can say that some of the withdrawl symptons have definitely tapered off. My stomach is not upset anymore. This fogginess STINKS though, it just has to go away!!!

Anyway, my experience coming off the drug has not been nearly as horrible as some have described here. Its no picnic though. I have not been on tons of meds to know what its like to come on and off and on and off these types of drugs.

And for those of you who have had tougher times I feel for you, and I pray that you can be strong, and you can find the support and help that you need to get through your own situations.

I found comfort in knowing that others felt the same or similar things that I felt, that I was not losing my mind, that I was not having a stroke, that it was the drug still in my system doing this to me. And although I don't know any of you, each of your stories in some way helps me get through my own situation.

Thank you.

Al    (Mon Jul 28 12:44 2008)

Not me. I took it for the past 3 days (with Wellbutrin,
which I've been on for a few years for depression but my
anxiety has broken through). I was sick, sick, sick from
this stuff. Nauseous, spaced-out, constipated,
lethargic...it was horrible. I didn't take it today and it took
almost the whole day to START feeling better.

I have used both Paxil and Lexapro with great success
re:depression, but gained weight on both. Wondering if a
Lexapro-Wellbutrin combination would prevent the
weight gain.

All I know is, no Cymbalta for me. And thank you to this
forum, because reading all of your experiences gave me
the knowledge to stop taking it immediatley. Waiting to
hear back from my doctor.   (Fri Jul 25 15:21 2008)

Does anyone have anything good to say about this drug. I have taken it once and feel like crap. I am taking it for depression and is suppose to help with ADD. Is anyone else take it for this reason. The comments here are scaring the crap out of me and not sure if I want to keep taking them.   (Thu Jul 24 11:43 2008)

Oh LAWD! I stopped over a week ago. had been on cymbalta for about 6 months, i immediately gained weight, got an duodenal ulcer, and automatically became lethargic and anti-social. Sex drive, yep.. gone... couldn't even maintain an erection and I'm only 30! Well, the main reason I started on it was because my new EX and the therapist that HE chose decided to tag team me and get me on Cymbalta. Well, the ex is gone and now so is the drug. I immediately started feeling light headed and dizzy.. and i thought this was part of the brain zapping that everyone describes.. NOT! I had my first one last night as I was trying to nap due to a migraine that I was getting (undoubtedly from the withdrawal process). Just as I'm about to fade out, then SMACK! A zap... it felt like ice cold water had been thrown on my head and ripped me from a deep sleep. It scared the bejesus out of me. Didn't really hurt, just stunned me. I kinda laughed when it happend cuz I knew exactly what it was. I have also started having very odd dreams, nothing tragic, but just very abstract, like my ex trying to still emotionally harm me in any way that he can. Some other side effects that caused me to stop taking cymbalta is that I have started to get really bad numbness in my extremeties, mainly in my left arm and hand, and I'm right handed! I also would have four to 5 hot flashes a day. It got to where I was keeping my air on 60 in my apartment with all vents closed in the place except in the bedroom, and on top of that, i had a ceiling fan on high as well as a free standing fan next to my bed on high.. I really hope I can lose this weight. I'll suffer through the zaps and fogginess for a few weeks if it means getting back to my old self. I didn't really need the drug in the first place, but I was trying to please people. Well, screw that from now on, if you don't like me, move on...    (Wed Jul 16 12:49 2008)