Changing Antidepressants, Advice Requested

[2quilt]

I am tapering off Cymbalta and then going on to Effexor. As you may know, withdrawal is pure hell.
I was told by a nurse who was told by a doctor to tell me...to taper off Cymbalta 60mg to 40 mg to 30 mg to 20 mg to 37.5 mg Effexor after a week.

I am in alot of physical pain and terrible depression. I am NOT thinking of hurting myself or others; I don't have the energy to get my head off the pillow.

Before I ask you this question, let me tell you that I am fully responsible for my actions and I will not hold you responsible for giving suggestions or opinions.

If you were me, and suffering like this, would you go ahead and just stop Cymbalta today and start Effexor tomorrow?

Cymbalta and Effexor both are Serotonin and Norepinephrin reuptake inhibitors, hitting the very same places in the brain; they are in the same class of drugs.

Why should I feel terrible for longer than I have to? I should have asked the nurse or doctor these questions, but I was not feeling very self-advocational at the time, and I can't get a response from them now. I don't see any reason to get my brain so terribly low dosed on Cymbalta, then switch to Effexor. I want to get this over with.

Has anyone else done this quick switch? Results? Brain injury? Dane Bramage? Loss of Brain cells or lowered IQ? A switch of political parties?

 

[Deleted member 541]

Coming off any AD is pure hell and can be dangerous if not done properly.....

I came off of Cymbalta and it was awful, so I can sympathize with you. I weaned for 2 days and wanted to die, so I said screw it and did cold turkey. I figured if I was going to suffer with weaning, I might as well just quit it, and suffer that way. Cymbalta is hell to come off of.....I'm sorry that you are going through this.....

I personally don't think that a week is long enough to switch over to Effoxor. i would think that doing it slower may help you in the long run.....

God I feel for you. I loved the way that I felt on Cymbalta, but after going through the withdrawals..... NEVER AGAIN!!!!!

Hang in there hon......Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Faith Hoffen]

I'm also switching meds. I'm going off Paxil. I just started yesterday. In two weeks I'll be on a different med., a newer one, right now I can't remember which he said. Anyway, I'm a little worried about it, especially after reading what you guys said. I know he said it might be a rough road for the next two weeks. Do you have any suggestions for coping during this time of slowing down on meds.?

 

[2quilt]

I talked to my doctor about switching to Effexor quickly and she said not to unless I wanted a brain seizure.
I'm going to do this slowly.
I like the brain I was issued.

As far as suggestions for existing during this painful time we are having together, Failth H, I would tell you hot showers, hot tubs, heating pads all help with the pain, drink lots of water, flavored water, fruit smoothies and anything through a straw to keep hydrated to keep the headaches away, take something to help you sleep that will not interact with your meds like Benadryl, just to knock yourself out because being awake is not fun now. Don't buy a house or car now, don't end a job and don't propose marriage to anyone while we are not feeling 100% in control of our faculties.

When I was in my last withdrawal, I kept reminding myself of that poor man in the Utah snowstorm who caught his arm under a boulder and had to cut off his own arm with a pen knife to save his own life. If he could do that...I can stay home for a few weeks in my cozy house with food and cats and husband and a telephone and withdraw in relative comfort.
Perspective.

 

[the racha]

2quilt, that is incredible perspective to have. I will remember it when it's my turn to go off the ADs...

 

[Faith Hoffen]

Thank you 2quilt. I really needed to hear that now. I'm not sure I can hardly stand it now though. Maybe I was already having a brain seizure from the way I've been feeling though, and the strange things I've been experiencing. I'm not sure I can do this. I might have to go back up a little in the med. again. The anxiety/depression is soooo bad right now. Please keep me in your thoughts, and your response, suggestions, encouragement... is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[2quilt]

Yes, Faith, do this slowly, with the knowledge that you WILL feel normal again. Stay hydrated, get some vegetables into your tummy. Fast food seems so easy to do right now because you don't feel like cooking. I know, honey. If you can't cook good meals now, at least get a veggie pizza or chinese takeout with lots of vegetables in it. You sure don't want your intestines kicking right now on top of what your brain is doing.

Last weekend was my birthday, and because the gastroenterologist gave me erythromycin (antibiotic) to start my stomach churning again, and the erythromycin instead killed all the flora and fauna in my entire gut, I spent all weekend in the toilet, purging from both ends. I went to the ER twice in 12 hours. Only now, 7 days later, am I feeling strong. All that on top of coming off Cymbalta. I was hating life.

So don't make any rash decisions now while you are not operating at 100%, and drink alot of water to get rid of toxins in your bloodstream.

Keep breathing, honey bunny.

 

[JamesSmith]

You may ask your Doctor to add Trazadone. Some time it happens bcoz of depression., however waking up several times a night is a sign of depression. Anyway, it will or should keep you to sleep all night. You should start with a low dose and work up if needed. Please consult with your doctor too.