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[MaddieLouise]

This is positive news for those on Cymbalta who are trying to come off and thank you for sharing.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

[BrainZaps]

Hello all,

Been on SSRI's for 13 years.............Cymbalta for the last 5 years. Mainly for depression.

Started tapering in April......2 granules a day less from 60mg to zero. Been 7 days with no Cymbalta....Brain zaps still happening, irritable, emotional and very anxious and angry and just flat.

I really thought I had figured this whole anx./dep. thing out and thought I'd try getting off these dam pills that I believe put me in a slightly manic state at times.

The only plus thus far is much more enjoyable sex :) Who knew ;) Otherwise the rest of this sucks.

What to do.............

Best wishes

PS: The posts on this thread have been very helpful.......Thanks

[MaddieLouise]

Wow, if you literally meant 2 granuals a day less, I'm very impressed. It can be torture or so I've heard, so I hope I never have to go off of it-ha!

[cymbaltazombie]

Hi,

I am new and trying to wean off 60 mg. Cymbalta. My doctor said to alternate days, gradually expanding the time between capsules. I have read here and that seems to NOT be a good idea, although I did it a couple of times without any side effects. SInce I only have the 60 mg.caps to deal with, I was thinking of using the method of removing granules. I can't seem to find empty gelatine caps anywhere in my area. Can I just open and the number of granules I need, then reclose the capsule? Is there anything wrong with just swallowing the granules with water? Thanks. The information I have gotten in this forum is invaluable.I can't wait to be free from this drug!

Edited by cymbaltazombie, 17 July 2012 - 08:57 AM.

[Spiritual_Wanderer]

Hi. Welcome to DF. As a disclaimer, we can't give you medical advice. If you look at the dosing and discontinuation information for Cymbalta, it tells you NOT to open the capsules. It's not like splitting a pill. You have no way of knowing what you have removed. Talk to your doctor. Maybe you could ask him if he will give you a short prescription of 30mg pills (ask if he has any free samples he could give you - my psych did when I was getting off Lexapro). There is also a study that showed taking a small dose of Prozac while discontinuing a med can lessen withdrawal symptoms (Prozac has a long half life). I hope you feel better and are able to get off this med soon.

[Woman32]

Brainzap: I also felt (more) anxiety while going through withdrawel. It was related to my brain going through HELL - and now almost 4 weeks after my last Cymbalta intake - my anxiety has gone away! So it might not be that you dont have controle - maybe it is just the withdrawel playing trix on you... Hang in there - wait a while before you deside that you have anxiety/depression - maybe you "only" suffer from withdrawel rightnow???!!! Makes sense?

[BrainZaps]

Wow, if you literally meant 2 granuals a day less, I'm very impressed. It can be torture or so I've heard, so I hope I never have to go off of it-ha!

Yes 2 granules a day less from a 60 mg capsule. Each has 200 granules. It became pretty painstaking to count when I got into the -100's. A couple times I got frustrated and jumped 4 & 6 less. What a mission :(

This is day 9? with no Cymbalta and I'm feeling a little better. Less zaps. Just coaching myself thru the anxiety by choosing what to think and hopefully forming new neural pathways.

Best wishes..... Sincerely ;)

Edited by BrainZaps, 17 July 2012 - 06:58 PM.

[BrainZaps]

Brainzap: I also felt (more) anxiety while going through withdrawel. It was related to my brain going through HELL - and now almost 4 weeks after my last Cymbalta intake - my anxiety has gone away! So it might not be that you dont have controle - maybe it is just the withdrawel playing trix on you... Hang in there - wait a while before you deside that you have anxiety/depression - maybe you "only" suffer from withdrawel rightnow???!!! Makes sense?

Thank you for the encouraging suggestion. I considered that also but feelings cause thoughts and thoughts cause feelings. When you're in that cloud nothing makes sense as we here know.

But as I said in my previous post above......I'm feeling much better....And hopeful.

[AmandaJayne]

I'm on day 5 of a cold turkey discontinuation of 60 mg per day for the last year. Before that, I had been on Lexapro. I had thought I was having anxiety attacks, so, my doctor prescribed buspirone. After being in a car accident, I had lost my prescription and found myself without the cymbalta for over 48 hrs. I couldn't believe how much better (and worse) I felt! The "anxiety attacks" I had thought I was experiencing consisted of dizzy spells, nausea, and brain zaps...yup, sounds a lot like withdrawal symptoms. Did anyone else experience these symptoms while ON the drug??
Going off the cymbalta has exacerbated those symptoms, but I feel so much more like ME. Don't get me wrong, it was a very helpful drug when I needed it, but this withdrawal is crazy. I feel as though it's akin to trying to beat an alcohol addiction. I'm finding the more water I drink, the better and am attempting to contact my PCP in order to see if she has any further recommendations to combat the withdrawals. Thankfully, I haven't experienced any of the mood swings or manic tendencies others have. I'm finding that keeping busy helps keep me from dwelling on how I feel. I have the luxury of staying home with my kids which afford Mae the opportunity to take naps and get plenty of rest. I'm also trying a total body cleanse to attempt to aid my body in clearing itself of the drug. Has anyone else tried that and with what results?
I'm encouraged by the stories shared and look forward to sharing my own once I feel "normal" again. I'm amazed at the severity of the withdrawals, it would seem someone, somewhere would have something to help us all kick this drug when we no longer need it, but that would make sense and it seems nothing works in a way that makes sense anymore...

[MaddieLouise]

Hi AmandaJayne,

First, I hope your PCP didn't recommend a cold turkey withdrawal. That's generally not wise. A slow tapering off any of these ADs is far easier on the system. Many people go down to 30 mg. for a couple of weeks, and then maybe a lower dosage for a few weeks. In some cases people take the medication every other day as they taper off.

I'm not sure how well a cleanse works, as I've never seen anyone post about it, but I'm sure your digestive system will do much better.

Good luck and keep in mind a different perspective and that is-the majority of stories you will hear or are posted will be the horrible, nightmarish ones. Some people are good about letting us know the smooth withdrawals, but it's rare.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouse

[AmandaJayne]

First, I hope your PCP didn't recommend a cold turkey withdrawal. That's generally not wise. A slow tapering off any of these ADs is far easier on the system. Many people go down to 30 mg. for a couple of weeks, and then maybe a lower dosage for a few weeks. In some cases people take the medication every other day as they taper off.

Actually, I was considering discontinuing or lowering my dosage while on vacation this summer. Driving home, I was in a car accident and my car was totaled. We were all ok, but 4 hrs away from home with only the Items I shakily grabbed from the car before it was towed. In unorganized chaos that ensued, I was without my meds for over 48 hrs. I was heartened by the increase in energy and, well, joy I was feeling. It affirmed what my body had been telling me, I don't need an SSRI anymore.

Despite the brain zaps and occasional dizziness, I dreaded the idea of taking the Cymbalta again and reentering the zombie-like state I've been existing in. It was MY decision to bite the bullet and continue to withdrawal on my own. I have since contacted my doctor to inform her of my decision. It just seemed disingenuous to me to suffer the withdrawals for over 48 hrs only to take more and feed the monster. I figured that was 48 hrs up the mountain, why not just continue to climb?

[MaddieLouise]

Well, if you aren't suffering and your PCP said it was okay to continue, that's great, and I'm glad to hear you aren't having any problems!

[pas2355]

Brainzap: I also felt (more) anxiety while going through withdrawel. It was related to my brain going through HELL - and now almost 4 weeks after my last Cymbalta intake - my anxiety has gone away! So it might not be that you dont have controle - maybe it is just the withdrawel playing trix on you... Hang in there - wait a while before you deside that you have anxiety/depression - maybe you "only" suffer from withdrawel rightnow???!!! Makes sense?

Your story is exactly like mine...dosages and all. I have not had any brain zaps...I am on Day 13 of withdrawal. The only symptom that is intolerable is the nausea. Any advice on how to treat/eliminate it? Thanks

Edited by pas2355, 24 July 2012 - 09:25 AM.

[MaddieLouise]

Many people have suggested treating the nausea like you would a stomach virus. Chicken soup - just broth, some soda crackers, maybe some Sprite or Ginger ale. Unfortunately it's one of the start-up symptoms that your stomach may be upset, although I think you will see an improvement each day.

So sorry you are suffering with this.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

[pas2355]

At your suggestion, I bought some saltine crackers and ginger ale. This is the first day in weeks that I was not nauseous in the afternoon after I had them.

[MaddieLouise]

That is fantastic! I hope it keeps working, but that you don't need to live on crackers and soda for long!

[Woman32]

The nausia was very bad for mé also. I just tried to eat whenever I could.
I been of for about 5 weeks. And are experincing panic attacs - I have good reason to be feeling like crap - how ever the panic is terrible! I really hope to stay of Cymbalta since the withdrawel was hellish.., whats a Girl to dó.....

[pas2355]

I realized the other day that along with weaning off of Cymbalta I also just stopped using Percocet. I had been on 2 pills per day. Not sure of dosage...can't remember. I was so consumed with getting off Cymbalta I just didn't take it...I know strange. But anyway I now realize I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms from both :(. My Dr. is helping to keep me strong. I have been totally off of Cymbalta and Percocet since July 11 and my symptoms are much better but everyday is a struggle. I feel like I have lost my whole summer. I have not been out of the house since the 11th except to go to the Dr. When I saw her on Wed. of this week I told her I wanted to go off my Xanax as well. I want this all over and done with so I can start to live my life again. I have been taking .5 mg. 1x at HS for the last 8-9 years. It really wasn't helping all that much I just kept taking it. My Dr. has recommended splitting the pill in half for 3 weeks, then taking a 1/2 pill every other day, every third day, etc. until I'm off. I hope I make it through all this. I will NEVER take more than an advil ever again. Nausea and vomitting continue occasionally but now my newest symptom (seems every day a new one!!) intollerable, uncontrollable itching all over the body periodically throughout the day.........Any thoughts? Recommendations? All info welcome!!

[AmandaJayne]

I am now over the 2 week mark and wanted to encourage you all, it does get better! When getting off my Cymbalta and Buspar, I did an almost total body/lifestyle change. It was really rough at first, but I'm seeing really hopeful results. I started on a 14 day cleanse when I quit the Cymbalta. I also stopped caffeine consumption as well. A cleanse and caffeine withdrawals can be a little harsh at first, so, I figured since I was having to muscle through so many Cymbalta symptoms, I wouldn't even notice a few more and I was right! Aside from the orange juice I drink in the morning to take my magnesium malate powder (and swallow all my other supplements), I drink water only. This is a new venture for me as I have been prone to dehydration all my life (even as a child) because I don't ever feel thirsty. My goal was to drink enough water that my urine is clear. I haven't reached that volume yet, but I'm getting there!
In addition to the magnesium maleate, I take omega-3, acidophilus, calcium, raspberry keytones, and a women's multivitamin pack. I've noticed significant improvements in the brain zaps and "hearing my eyes move" department.
I also recommend an exercise regimen if you don't have one. Start small, I do water aerobics 3x per week and yoga once. Now that I feel better, I'm adding weights and jogging.
I've also started DOING what needs to be done at my house, while depressed and while on meds, it seemed as though nothing got done, then I would feel guilty, then more depressed and anxious, and it would spiral. Not everyone has that same problem, but for me, my depression was about control, I didn't have any. While detoxing, I organized my home, finances, and even inventoried my stand-up freezer!! Lol! It wasn't fun, but I felt SO much better when it was finished.
I want to encourage all of you that this is a temporary trail in your journey to get better, don't let these setbacks rob you of the full life you can lead if only you are able to make it through. It seems ridiculous that Mary Poppins shooing away the boogie men at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics made me tear up and sniffle, but there's also joy to be found in that: I FEEL things so much more acutely! I am living my life instead of my life living me and that's the way it's supposed to be. If our families can supports through this rough adjustment period, they're going to be rewarded with our best selves and what mom doesn't want to give that to her kids??
Bach Flower Remedies have also been a Godsend for me. I don't ascribe to all their "higher self" and "astral planes" business, but that doesn't diminish it's effectiveness! You can google it and check it out. When I get cranky, my 4 year old will bring me my Rescue Remedy and tell me that I need to take my drops. They are non-habit forming and totally homeopathic. I can't say how they work, but they do. Move noticed the longer I have been off meds and the "cleaner" my system is, the more effective they are. Google them if they interest you!
Wow, I've written a cheerleading tome! I understand that the ways I've chosen to deal with my withdrawal symptoms and confront my depression won't work for everyone, but if you can glean something helpful from my experience, you are welcome to it! Be encouraged, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and the work it takes to get and stay there is worth it. You and your family and friends DESERVE the best you.

*Being thankful for where you've been, happy with where you are, and hopeful about you're going is a great place to be and TOTALLY worth the effort it takes to get and stay there.*

[BrainZaps]

21 Days no Cymbalta. Still getting anxiety attacks and still very emotional.....sad, angry. But I guess the dam Cymbalta has been masking "feelings" for so long I'm am having to re-learn and conquer this friggin thing the way I should have the first time around. Today was a difficult day but I'm not profoundly depressed nor profoundly anxious.

I keep telling myself this is a re-learning stage. What more can I do?

Best wishes all.

[MaddieLouise]

Brainzaps,

I think you have the right attitude and all you can do is keep trying to make each day a little better by staying occupied and not obsessing about withdrawal.
The fact that today you felt neither anxious nor depressed indicates some progress in my opinion.

Hang in there!

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

[MaddieLouise]

The nausia was very bad for mé also. I just tried to eat whenever I could.
I been of for about 5 weeks. And are experincing panic attacs - I have good reason to be feeling like crap - how ever the panic is terrible! I really hope to stay of Cymbalta since the withdrawel was hellish.., whats a Girl to dó.....

I also experienced panic attacks, but they did subside, so I hope that you can see some relief in about a few more weeks. I'd certainly keep in touch with your Dr.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

[jupiteruno]

This forum has been good for me to read through. Thank you, everyone.

I will never understand why doctors so casually prescribe drugs. I was placed on 60mg Cymbalta for depression and anxiety a bit less than a year ago; assured it was the best drug out there, with the fewest side effects. It worked for the chronic anxiety, but the way it accomplished that was by making me too tired to feel anything. I slept 12-15 hours a day, and when I was up, could not get out of my own way, yawned constantly, and accumulated a huge amount of guilt for not getting anything done. I gained at least 20 lbs., mostly around the middle...and if you think about it, that's darned depressing in itself.

I have no medical insurance and this stuff is very expensive. I was assured there were always samples available, and to just let the office know when I needed more. Ooops, not the case, and I had to shell out some big bucks because, as you know, it's not advisable to just stop taking the drug. I finally reached the end of my rope; couldn't get any samples, my sliding-scale application was denied so no help there and no money to pay out of pocket.

Cold turkey time, brain zaps and extreme dizziness which caused me to lose my balance while climbing to the tailgate of my husband's truck, resulting in a broken wrist.

Eighteen days since I went cold turkey and still having brain zaps and dizziness, causing me to wonder what on earth this drug did to my brain!!!! And will I be in withdrawal forever? Some days are better than others, a fact I don't understand. Yesterday I was dizzy all day, today just every so often, and that's how it's been. Just when I think it's going away, Bam! It comes back with a vengeance. I will never take another ssri. I'd rather deal with honest anxiety and depression than ill-understood drugs.

I would have weaned myself off if I could have; couldn't afford the prescription in the first place, and now I have to pay for the broken wrist...ER alone was $1000; still haven't gotten the bill from the orthopedist for their xrays and the cast. My SS stipend is shrinking rapidly!

Thank you for listening. It helps in some basic and visceral way to be able to talk.

[Ktab]

Hi, I am so happy I found this site. I've been taking Cymbalta for pain for the last 6mo or more and did not care for the side affects. Originally, my doctor decided to move me up from Lexapro to Cymbalta hoping to help with the pain. Personally, I didn't notice any difference. So about 2wks ago I had decided to end my relationship with Cymbalta due to the side affects. My doctor told me to finish the last week of 60mg and then take 30mg for a week and I'd be fine afterwards.
OMG--it's been 3days now and I feel like I am losing my mind! I never knew of the brain zaps, but someone else who had gotten off of Cymbalta called them the "vit-vits". Brain zaps definitely describe the feeling I am having better than anything. I'm also nervous,have vertigo, can't sit still, legs shaking and feeling depressed (and I was never depressed before). And, I'm worried about driving as I have to go to work everyday and not enjoying that either.
Ugh....any idea how long this ordeal will last? Any natural products to help ease the zaps?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.....
Ktab

[Ktab]

Hi, I am so happy I found this site. I've been taking Cymbalta for pain for the last 6mo or more and did not care for the side affects. Originally, my doctor decided to move me up from Lexapro to Cymbalta hoping to help with the pain. Personally, I didn't notice any difference. So about 2wks ago I had decided to end my relationship with Cymbalta due to the side affects. My doctor told me to finish the last week of 60mg and then take 30mg for a week and I'd be fine afterwards.
OMG--it's been 3days now and I feel like I am losing my mind! I never knew of the brain zaps, but someone else who had gotten off of Cymbalta called them the "vit-vits". Brain zaps definitely describe the feeling I am having better than anything. I'm also nervous,have vertigo, can't sit still, legs shaking and feeling depressed (and I was never depressed before). And, I'm worried about driving as I have to go to work everyday and not enjoying that either.
Ugh....any idea how long this ordeal will last? Any natural products to help ease the zaps?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.....
Ktab

^{Oh....and did I tell you about the ringing in my ears? It's unbearable and inhibits me from sleeping......}

[Koenoes]

Hi Guys,

I've been contemplating going off Cymbalta for a few months now. I've been on 60mg for at least 4 years. Although I feel fine, except for a few side effects (I can't handle the bad dreams at night and sometimes that affects how I feel during the day). My doctor told me not to stop cold turkey as the withdrawal symptoms are very bad (and I have first hand experience with that as my daughter did and went through hell). Skipping tablets by taking them every other day doesn't really work either because the lifespan of a tablet is about 12 hours and as soon as you skip a tablet you start going into withdrawal. I have, over the past 43 days, been tapering mine (please don't laugh) by opening the tablet and by counting the little grains inside. There are more or less 600 grains in a 60mg tablet (I've counted). Every 10 days I've made it 10% or 60 grains less (ok this is where the counting comes , you don't have to count every tablet, just remove 60 grains) but to this day, and I am now on 30mg, I have'nt had any withdrawal symptoms at all and I'm feeling fine, no depression, no panic attacks what so ever and I don't even dream so much anymore! I'm going to stay on 30mg for about 2 weeks to see if I feel ok, and if so I will start "counting" again till I'm off completely. I know it a lot of work and you need a lot of patience counting those little grains, but it's definately worth it.

Rmap23, the worse thing you can be on for Bipolar is Cymbalta. It will make it 100% worse. My daughter, which I mentioned above, was on Cymbalta and for a few years now her lifes been really bad. She's been put on the correct medication for Bipolar (Seroquel) and she's a different person.

Hope that helps!

[Woman32]

Ktab: when I went from 30 mg to zero I experienced zaps and headace and dizzynesd and bad nausia for 2-3 weeks. I had to stay home from work in the beginning. I dident trust my self to drive for 2-3 weeks.
Now it has been about 6 weeks and I am experiecing panic - but try to tell myself that now of the meds I need to learn other ways to cope.

[Woman32]

MaddieLouise: thanks for your comment :-) When did you stop experiencing panic? Wich I assume you did since you advice me to hang in there...
I have a therepist that I see - my doc is not very helpfull - I know he would just suggest going back om my meds - and I really want to give myself a fair chance to stay of.

[MaddieLouise]

Woman32,

I misunderstood you, because I thought you had gone back on Cymbalta! I'm still on it, but had anxiety episodes in the beginning as a start-up side effect.

So sorry! I know if you read other posts in this topic, you will see where many people experienced anxiety and panic. Even though your therapist is helpful, you should find an MD that you like while you go through this tapering off Cymbalta because it can be very unpleasant.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

Edited by MaddieLouise, 02 August 2012 - 10:27 PM.

[MaddieLouise]

Hi Guys,

I've been contemplating going off Cymbalta for a few months now. I've been on 60mg for at least 4 years. Although I feel fine, except for a few side effects (I can't handle the bad dreams at night and sometimes that affects how I feel during the day). My doctor told me not to stop cold turkey as the withdrawal symptoms are very bad (and I have first hand experience with that as my daughter did and went through hell). Skipping tablets by taking them every other day doesn't really work either because the lifespan of a tablet is about 12 hours and as soon as you skip a tablet you start going into withdrawal. I have, over the past 43 days, been tapering mine (please don't laugh) by opening the tablet and by counting the little grains inside. There are more or less 600 grains in a 60mg tablet (I've counted). Every 10 days I've made it 10% or 60 grains less (ok this is where the counting comes , you don't have to count every tablet, just remove 60 grains) but to this day, and I am now on 30mg, I have'nt had any withdrawal symptoms at all and I'm feeling fine, no depression, no panic attacks what so ever and I don't even dream so much anymore! I'm going to stay on 30mg for about 2 weeks to see if I feel ok, and if so I will start "counting" again till I'm off completely. I know it a lot of work and you need a lot of patience counting those little grains, but it's definately worth it.

Rmap23, the worse thing you can be on for Bipolar is Cymbalta. It will make it 100% worse. My daughter, which I mentioned above, was on Cymbalta and for a few years now her lifes been really bad. She's been put on the correct medication for Bipolar (Seroquel) and she's a different person.

Hope that helps!

Koenoes,

No one will laugh at you for doing that! I've read where others have done the same thing, and this method actually seems to work well, although wow! That's a lot of work, but probably worth the effort.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

[BrainZaps]

Brainzaps,

I think you have the right attitude and all you can do is keep trying to make each day a little better by staying occupied and not obsessing about withdrawal.
The fact that today you felt neither anxious nor depressed indicates some progress in my opinion.

Hang in there!

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

Thank you for the supporting words. Since my last post I have been increasingly anxious and depressed. Then my Step father died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer and I'm all messed up. I'm going to tough it and go through this grieving process before making any decisions regarding antidepressants. I believe this whole thing has more to do with low self esteem and self trust. I want so badly to get better even though every sensation I feel is of defeat. But I have been here before and maybe, just maybe this is the final cycle. I have too many reasons to win.

[MaddieLouise]

It does sound like you are making progress Seppi Lepi.

Much luck!

MaddieLouise

[pas2355]

I have been totally off Cymbalta since July 11, having tapered down from 90mg. over a 3 week period. As I stated previously, I also stopped taking Percocet during the same time. I felt really awful..weak, nauseous, etc for about 3 weeks. I am so much better the last few days. So there is hope. I feel like a new person. Since I was already feeling so bad I also decided to wean myself off of Xanax .5mg @ HS. I weaned to .25 for a week (at the suggestion of my Dr.) and now I am off totally. That was horrendous as well. But now I feel so good that I am "Clean". The only thing I take now is Nexium and an occasional Ibuprofen. So everyone please, please hang in there...it really does get better and I was absolutely convinced I would feel terrible for the rest of my life!!! Good luck everyone!!!!

[MaddieLouise]

Good for you Pas2355! Three weeks is probably some world record-ha! Have Olympics on the brain I guess.

Edited by MaddieLouise, 04 August 2012 - 02:04 PM.

[Galia]

Had to stop 90 mg Cymbalta cold-turkey because got bilateral edema in hand and feet and was on my way to anaphylactic shock. Can't taper or get back on it. It has been 3 days and it is good to read success stories. Also on a small dose of lithium and taking Benadryl and supplements and hoping for the best. Please keep posting your progress because it really helps with the "one day at a time"!!

[MaddieLouise]

Good Luck Gaila. Hope you don't have withdrawal symptoms.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise

[Galia]

Oh, MaddieLouise, the list is long and painful and, mostly repeats what has been said before. I find the worst are the mood swings into suicidal ideation. Also found another that was not mentioned before: coital cephalgia- severe pounding headache at the most inconvenient times... Read up about it and "they" suggest taking some anti inflammatory before trying the next time. I hope that helps someone. The nausea and dizziness lasted about a week. I find the zaps and hearing my eyes move humorous, and I actually have a few good hours every day. But then the crying and irrational thoughts start, and I am convinced my family would be better off without me. Zyprexa in small doses helps with that. Good friends help too ;)
I keep reminding myself why I am doing this- there is no way back. I no longer need mega doses of benadryl and the edema in my hands and feet is minimal. One week down, time to tackle the second one!

[MaddieLouise]

Galia,

I've heard it can be awful for some, but I'm certain each day will get better. Always keep a grip on reality when it comes to the suicidal ideation because you know that is most likely feeling so awful during the withdrawal.

Kind Regards,

MaddieLouise

[auti]

Thank you so much AmandaJayne for the encouragement. I am on day 2 of cold turkey after about 9 months of 30 mg. I hope to follow in your footsteps. Today has been extremely difficult though. I can't handle noise AT ALL. I'm so dizzy I don't want to move and every time I turn my head or move my eyes I feel like I'm sideways or something. And I can't seem to quit crying. I have cried in public multiple times today. My partner is unsympathetic and somewhat embarassed by me, and tells me I need to go back on the meds. But I can't afford them. I lost my job and insurance and ran out of money. I have been unemployed for 4 months and just relocated across the country to "start over". This is a very challenging thing to go through during what is already a very difficult time in my life. I hope you continue to feel better as each day passes. You've inspired me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[MaddieLouise]

Auti,

I'm glad you feel inspired, however, it's usually not recommended to go off of these meds. cold turkey. I'm certain your previous Dr. or a health clinic (free or low-cost) would guide you through this by giving you enough meds to taper off slowly (read the article under http://www.depressio...ssive-disorder/).

I wish you luck.

Sincerely,

MaddieLouise