HEADACHES NON-STOP ?

[GABE7981]

I have been on Paxil CR for one year in 2004. I changed to Cymbalta in 2005 because I changed my psychiatrist because my mother thought I was getting addicted to it, so she made me change. The new psychiatrist put me on Cymbalta, and for the first year, I was ok. It did me well, until this year in March. I began having dizzy spells, and panic attacks very frequently, and horrible headaches to where I am light sensitive, noise sensitive, anything would bother me. Since March, I have passed out 4 times. The last time I almost passed out was on thursday night (dec 20th). I tought the headaches I get were because I needed a new eye glasses prescription, and I did that, but I still get the horrid headaches that seem to never go away. I also went to the ER quite a few times, and they did all types of tests on me, CT scans, x-rays, blood tests, you name it. All tests came out negative for pinched nerves in my spine/neck, blood clots, tumors, etc. I began to do my own research on the internet about Cymbalta, and found this forum, and I started reading all these posts made by all of you others with the same symptoms, and so I wanted to add my own two cents. I am slowly downgrading my doses, and I am currently at 30MG that I am dividing in half. Today is my second day at 15MG. My headache today wasn't that bad as I usually get it. I felt a little nervous though, because I went with my girl to the downtown area near our town so she can go shopping for Christmas clothes. I was in the car waiting for her, and I started feeling a little nervous because there were a lot of people walking around. I also have had these symptoms: dizziness, light headedness, weakness, laziness, sleepiness, headaches/migraines, fear of going anywhere outside of my house, fear of driving and losing control if I have a panic attack or  getting dizzy while driving, I was afraid to take a shower because I didn't want to get dizzy and fall or something, and I also was afraid of being alone because heaven forbid I faint, and never wake up if nobody is here with me to help me. I also have gotten the pins and needles/ tingling feelings in my arms and my legs, shortness of breath, dry mouth, dehydration, nausea, and I have lost 50 pounds since May of this year. I know my weight loss is good because I used to weigh 387 pounds, and now with that 50 pound weight loss now, I feel better, eating a little better than I used to, but hardly any exercise at all so far. I am starting an exercise plan tomorrow, so hopefully my weight loss won't return anytime soon. Anyway, I know I have said enough, and to everyone here with the withdrawals of the Cymbalta, things will get better, and keep a good attitude towards all new experiences. This is not the end of the world, so just stay strong. You all can get through this. I will keep on the 15MG for another 3 days, and then I will half that, for 3 days, and I'm done with that ****. I am going back to Paxil! Wish me luck.

[LifesAHeadache]

Did your mom do research on Paxil - I am concerned that she thinks you were getting addicted to Paxil and made you switch doctors.  Paxil is not addictive like a narcotic but you do have to taper off because of the neurotransmitter impact.  Obviously forget the Cymbalta, it works on norepenephrine (sp).  You want to make sure you don't go on a similar drug as well.  Now I am concerned about the PAXIL because that makes almost everybody gain a lot of weight.  Have you ever tried Prozac, it is considered the SSRI with the least amount of side effects.  But I completely understand if you want the Paxil back.

[GABE7981]

My mom did not do research on the Paxil, but she was worried I was getting addicted, but I went to the bookstore and read about it myself, and my psychologist and doctor, and therapist said it was  non addictive. Paxil made me feel really good, I was going out, and doing everything. I had almost no side effects. If one day I forgot to take it, I would get a small headache, but nothing like the head pain I get now. no comparison whatsoever. Anyway, I have heard of Prozac, but have not read about it. I will do my research, and see what my doctor thinks about it. He tried to put me on Effexor, but I only took it for 3 days about a month ago, and that was noooo good either. Anyway, I would like to go back to Paxil, but I would actually rather not have to take any meds at all. I wish I neveer had this anxiety ****. It ruined my life. I am so afraid of normal activities, and now afraid to drive. I hardly go out of my house. It is ridiculous. I am 26, and never had a job because of this. I am have this thing in my house, where there is a workbook, and cassette tapes, also videos to watch and listen to about anxiety. It is from the midwest center of stress and anxiety Linda Bassett or whatever her name is.... It has things in there that help me control it a little better, I am not done with it. If I have any success with that program at all, I will let you know. All I want is a normal life. Thanks for your opinions, and comments.