Need Cymbalta Help!

I am on day 4 of Cymbalta. My new doc put me on it because I was suffering with all kinds of jaw pain, muscle pain, severe depression, panic and anxiety. I also take .5 mg Xanax 2 times per day for severe anxiety which helps. I used to be on Celexa and weaned off because of the sweats and jaw clenching and had horrible withdrawal which I think contributed to all my pain.

I really didn't want to go on another antidepressant. But the doctor talked me into it. The first day was a sick nightmare. Now on day 4 I feel just...weird. No more crying or severe panic, pain is a bit better, but I can't sleep, I am hyper and I am worried about side effects and eventual withdrawal effects. I don't feel depressed or anxious, I just feel hyper yet calm. It may be a placebo effect, I mean it's only been 4 days and I'm on 30 mg.

I just don't want to take this stuff. I read about Cymbalta may cause liver damage. I am health and medicine phobic and this medicine really scares me. I don't want liver damage. I used to drink a lot but recently quit. still, maybe my liver is weak from all the past damage, I don't want to make it worse with this med.

Can I stop cold turkey after four days or do I have to taper? I just want to go a natural route. Diet, exercise, something other than these antidepressants. I am just really scared of them but my doc is so convinced I should take them.

I know the doctor is not going to be happy, but it's my body and my choice, right?

Anyway, can I stop cold turkey or should I taper, it's only been four days.

What does everyone think? I am so confused. I go back and forth between thinking I should and thinking I shouldn't do this.

Angela

Post Edited By Moderator (getting by) : 4/12/2008 7:14:55 PM (GMT-6)

Hi Angela,

I am sorry that I had to take a sentence out of your post, but according to rule #1 we can't allow you to discuss illegal substances.  Again, sorry but I have to follow the rules.

I can see you are having some anxiety with taking prescription medications.  I don't blame you.  I take my share and it is stressful just filling my pill box.LOL . . .

Do you go to any counseling?  If you do not want to take the meds, maybe counseling would be the route to go.  I would recommend it.  Cognative Behavioral Therapy might be a suggestion for you. 

Any way it takes cymbalta a few weeks I think to get the full benefit from it.  I don't know whether or not you would have withdrawals or not if you stop it. 

Do you have blood work done to check your liver enzymes?  If you are worried, maybe that would ease your mind and you wouldn't be so hesitant to take the cymbalta.

This is just my opinion.  So I can't recomend going off of your meds, I think that you should talk to the doctor first.

Hugs, Karen

fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue, depression,allergies