... I have recently come of cymbalta 60 mg that I researched and took for 6 years for Irritable Bowel Disease with constipation. The reason? Because i was honest with a new insurance provider that required a pre-auth and they denied it. So, I chose to come off, it has been a long time, and my attempts to communicate with the insurance people were fruitless.
I tapered myself, but wow, once stopped, it really is hard-irregardless of why you are taking it. I have really invested in probiotics for my IBS, but the mood lability is brutal. I am so tearful, and easy to loose it with my family.
I should also mention that I am just 4 weeks post op for an extensive shoulder surgery, and the pain is still so severe. I believe it is complicated by the recent conclusion of my Cymbalta taper 2 weeks ago.
I have not had any of the other symptoms of the discontinuation syndrome that I have read about, but would like to know how others manage their mood lability (when not originally taken for mood), and if others have had challenges with increased difficulty in pain management. I would be so grateful for any and all advice. Thanks!
Discontinuation of Cymbalta used to treat IBS?
Question posted by JL2013 on 23 Dec 2013
Last updated on 24 December 2013 by lady2882
Answers
Wow can't believe you were on it for IBS - it was terrible for my IBS but I don't have constipation.
I used L-theanine (make sure it is suntheanine) for the mood swings once off Cymbalta. I took 200mg first thing in the morning with a full glass of water then 200mg again before supper. You can take up to 1000mg a day and I did take 300mg twice a day when it was really bad. Taking 1000 to 2000mg of omega 3 helps too.
I hope that helps
I began taking cymbalta to help manage my pain from advanced arthritis, but noticed a difference in my mood almost immediately. I also suffer from IBS, although I manage it very well using bentyl or rather it's generic form, dicyclomine. I think when one suffers from any chronic condition that it's not unusual to also suffer from depression. Whether it is a mild case where you may not even really be aware of it or a much more advanced version. Cymbalta now has an approved generic form. If you and your Dr agree that you may indeed be suffering from a mild case of depression, along with the benefits it provides you in regards to your IBS, perhaps your insurance company would change their position. Especially now that it's available in a cheaper, generic form.
Unfortunately, the severity of my arthritis moved beyond what pain relief was provided by the cymbalta and I now go to a pain management Dr. But I would think it's quite possible that you find a difference in managing your pain without the cymbalta. In both a mental and physical sense. I would urge you and your Dr to petition the insurance company again regarding the cymbalta, or rather it's generic form. Unfortunately I'm not sure of the generic name, but I'm certain a call to your pharmacist would clarify that for you. I wish you the best of luck! :)
Lisa
Related topics
cymbalta, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, insurance, disease
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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