Desperate.....need help a.s.a.p.

[Michelle92378]

I have been taking 60mg of Cymbalta for Fibromyalgia for about 6mos. now.  I decided to have my doctor take me off of the medicine b/c I wanted to try a more natural approach....5-htp.  My dr. suggested I drop down to 30mg for 1 week (which I did) and then take 30mg every other day.  I just started this process and I feel god awful.  I skipped Monday night and all yesterday I had what they call brain zaps (thanks to google), horrible nightmares, fatigue (I'll deal w/ this one), and nausea.  I need help mainly w/ the brain zaps.  I feel like I am ready to short circuit.  I couldn't even take the pill last night b/c I didn't want to go up just to come crashing down again.  Now I am getting a headache thanks to my seratonin levels.  

Has anyone used anything to combat withdrawal symptoms?  ie. 5-htp

I feel like I may not make it.  A lot of forums say these symptoms can last weeks to months.

Please help me.

[Jade59]

Hi Michelle......I have never taken this med myself, but there are a lot of posts with your complaint.  I think your doc is having you taper way to fast.  Put Cymbalta up in "Search Medhelp" at the very top of the page on the right and you will see many many previous posts regarding this med and I'm sure you'll find someone with a slower tapering schedule.  

I don't remember exactly, but it seems people taper by 25mgs every two weeks.  You may have to bring yourself back up to the dose you were taking originally to bring your body back into balance somewhat, and then start the taper over.  

If this is all out of the question for you, then maybe someone will come along with a better idea : )

Hang in there!

[Kande]

Hello, I want to reply to your post. No I have not ever used the same medication as you,but have experienced withdrawal. Mine was from steriods...had a liver transplant. My doctors had to try different steriods and dosages to control rejection. Anyway that was no day at the beach! I could stay awake for days...endless energy. Serious tremmors, inside and out. From what my doctors told me the withdrawl from some of those steriods was the worst you could have. I'm not trying to trump your situation...every withdrawal is bad. I just want you to know you will get thru this. Do you have a friend that could take you out for a relaxing drive? Or could your friend read to you? Anything that calms you would help. I also drank lots of water to flush my system...ask your doctor before you try that. Anyway just know you can and will get thru this. If I can be of any help let me know.  Kande