I was on opiods for pain, but the withdrawal did not even come close to what I am going through with Cymbalta. The brain zaps and rapid moods swings have diminished to almost zero, but I am left with a profound depression, unlike anything I have experienced. I am determined to succeed. I am also irritable, unbelievably so. I need encouragement. Can only take MAO Inhibitors now. Don't want to go there.
I've been off Cymbalta 45 days. Zaps gone, but have profound depression. Success stories, anyone?
Question posted by lynnoffcym on 30 Dec 2014
Last updated on 18 November 2019 by LauraJosephson
6 Answers
LauraJosephson
18 Nov 2019
I've been off cymbalta for 8 days now. I did not think I would make it. I have puked so much , I have had excruciating migraines, suicidal thoughts and the mood swings I had at first were absolutely horrendous. By far this is the wprst drug I've come off. I'm starting to feel myself again. Unfortunately the drug did the opposite for my depression. It made it worse. Obviously though each person is different and should talk to their health care provider.
TC58
15 Jan 2015
I get it. The brain zaps and the depression as I have only been on it at 120mg daily for 2 months. The suicidal ideation is horrific. I too, am determined to get this poison out of my body and my mind. I send you encouragement from the heart. And I have a question. What are MAO Inhibitors and what is that supposed to do to help? Best of luck to you.
smileyhappy
31 Dec 2014
I was hospitalized for 6 months with major depression until the doctors found that Manerix along with lithium worked for me. It is amazing and gave me my life back. Hope this helps you.im normal and have not suffered since I went in the hospital in 2007. I'm happy and can handle anything including getting over thyroid cancer in 2012.
Take care
lynnoffcym
31 Dec 2014
Thank you for your beautiful story. I don't know what type drug Manerix is, only that the ONLY type antidepressant I can take is a MAOI. I have a call into my doctor this morning to consult with him about what options are available. Cymbalta worked; it just that I encountered a potentially fatal side effect. It leaves me off tricyclics and any type of seratonin reuptake inhibitor. I am not giving in. I have been through so much that I function well, even in spite of setbacks like this. I am an artist and writer. I hope I can pull out of this and get back to what I love to do.
smileyhappy
31 Dec 2014
I believe my meds are maoi also. Ask your doctor. Praying you get well and get back to what you love once again.
balbanese
30 Dec 2014
Yes, especially if you went off to fast, this can go on for months. Help your body recover by looking into nutrition, adequate hydration, try cutting all forms of sugar, artificial sweeteners, gluten, 30 days, you'll be amazed and may never go back, it really will help you defeat this withdrawal.
lynnoffcym
30 Dec 2014
balbanese, you are my angel for today. I have a plan now. I think your suggestions are solid. I read your profile, and let me tell you, I could identify. I was uplifted by your courage and determination. This is what I needed. Thank you. By the way, I drink two glasses of water, first thing in the morning, and my depression lifts somewhat. I drink 5 to eight glasses of water a day since starting my Cymbalta withdrawal, and when I don't, I suffer. lynnoffcym
balbanese
30 Dec 2014
Why, thank you so much for that. It's good to know I can make a difference, all too often, my attempts to help are met with offence, yet, as your read, I will not pander with enabling pseudo-sympathy when truth is what's needed. I take a lot of arrows for that, so, your kind words are fuel to keep me going, for the only reason I spend time here, is to help (even if it may hurt sometimes).
Bless you and have a Happy New Year. Keep in touch (and try the sugar thing. Amazing)!
lynnoffcym
30 Dec 2014
My motto for the last 10 years has been, "Never, never, never give up!" Sometimes the answer is sitting right there in front of us. I have had long, long periods of going without sugar-though I allow myself a small amount of honey in my tea when I have been of a sugar fast. Don't know what makes me go back... I think it's that I get too comfortable and slip into it. So, you don't have to convince me! I liked your response because you did not immediately tell me to turn to (yet another) medication. You inspired me to do what I knew I needed to do. The answer is always within. We also must be patient with those who do not have eyes to see or ears to hear,
balbanese
30 Dec 2014
Oh, I am patient, otherwise I'd be long gone. Thanks again!
TC58
15 Jan 2015
Can someone tell me a bit more about how cutting all of these foods can help with withdrawals from Cymbalata? Would you not be going through multiple symptoms at the same time. Given that the withdrawals from the drug or so stressful to live through I am wondering if this would not make it worse?
balbanese
15 Jan 2015
Anything you can do to help you body function as it is designed to will help you feel better, it makes a huge difference in your emotional life when your physical health is on target
LaurieShay
30 Dec 2014
May want to consider returning to the Cymbalta or trying another antidepressant. There are many categories of antidepressant with many options within each, so not sure why an MAOI is the only choice. Unfortunately, if you have a physiological reason for the depression, medication is the answer. Only you and your doctor can determine whether your depression requires medication or whether you maybe able to combat with therapy.
lynnoffcym
30 Dec 2014
I can medically take NO ANTIDEPRESSANTS, TRYCILIC OR SEROTONIN AFFECTING. THE ONLY ANTIDEPRESSANTS I CAN TAKE ARE MAOIS. THAT IS MY ONLY CHOICE, SAYS MY DOCTOR. TO TAKE OTHERS WILL ENDANGER MY LIFE. I JUST WANT TO HEAR OF OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE HAD SIMILAR SITUATIONS AND GOT THROUGH THE WITHDRAWAL.
kaismama
30 Dec 2014
Of course your depressed. You stopped your antidepressant. Does your dr know.? Fighting depression isn't mind over matter. Its a physical problem you need fixed by the antidepressants.
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cymbalta, m o s, depression, bipolar disorder, pain, withdrawal, opioid, brain, brain zap
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