I started taking Cymbalta maybe (don't remember squat) last October at 30 mg twice or once a day. Then it was upped to 60 mg once a day. It also made me jittery. I was a little like when I took Effexor many years ago; though Effexor was like what I'd imagine crack would be like - seriously. I'd like to get off the Cymbalta - especially with stuff I've been reading lately re: Antidepressants causing brain problems(forget the specifics). I did find that if I take the Cymbalta and exactly I stress, the same time every day that the jittery, sweats were not as bad. It is my thought that the jittery gets worse from a withdrawal-type issue. HOWEVER, the Lamictal seems to be great help - Neurontin and Robaxin help with mood and pain. I have MAJOR pain (nerve,joint,headaches,muscles,...), so Cymbalta didn't do too much about that. I call it 'insane pain'. Have to start taking the lamicatal slowing - like most stuff. I does make me tired. But for those with, how shall I say, no memory, too confused therefore abused by mean people (who suck), therefore I get quite angry and end up trashing relationships - whether it be with the car dealer for repairs or dispicable family members. Rant.... the lamictal keeps me much more calm. Still have anxiety. I also posted to Doc board here for Pain Mgmt and a doc to work with my NY doc - I now live in VA - unique situation - please read it as I need HELP. Thanks.
Posted by char (Member # 8315) on :
Dear Eastern,
Sorry to hear that it has been so hard for you.
I am having a little trouble understanding if and what your specific question is?
Could you clarify for me (us)?
Char
Posted by AP (Member # 8430) on :
PMd you about finding a doctor.
Posted by minimonkey (Member # 8693) on :
I don't quite understand the question, either --
Cymbalta (and Effexor) can cause horrendous side effects for some folks, and a terrible withdrawal. Others (like me) seem to have no problem with it. Wellbutrin was the one that made me feel like *I* had smoked crack (as I imagine it would feel, that is...)
Have you been tested/evaluated clinically for babesia? Turned out that was what was causing my shaking and sweating, not anxiety (as I had previously thought.) Do you have a good LLMD?
Posted by AlisonP (Member # 7771) on :
Hi there,
I am one of those people with horrendous side effects trying to come off of Cymbalata. It did nearly nothing for my pain while I was on it, and going off was just about the most hellish month I have ever had. Shaking, sweating, hot flashes, super tender skin, pain, agony, bone aches, curl-up-in-a-ball-and-want-to-die sort of stuff.
I also found out that it is from the same family as Effexor, which, had I known I would never have taken it in the first place as I have seen 3 people try to go off effexor and one of them nearly had to be hospitalized and the other had a comlpete psychotic break (I suspect this person has neuro lyme too, exaerbating its effect).
But as Minimonkey said, not everyone goes throug this. But it was bad enough for me to want to warn everyone I can think of to be careful and aware.