I am somewhat new to this site. I have posted a couple times, but failed to introduce myself. I have been fighting the effects of Fibromyalgia, CFS and chronic daily headaches since 2003. In March of that yr I had what seemed to be a everyday virus (fever, bodyaches). Achiness continued so doc began series of tests. Only thing that showed was fairly high SED rate. Thus began my journey of doctor after doctor, test after test and medication after medication. I don't work any longer. There is no way I could be a productive employee. I have been poked and prodded and tested so many times for so many things I don't even remember what they were for. I was drawn to this site because of what I have recently been going thru. I was put on CYMBALTA about 3 yrs ago for my pain from fibro. It seemed to help, but I was left with extreme (I mean very extreme) hot flashed and sweating. Lived with it until Aug. when my doc thought I might do better on SAVELLA. He weaned me off of 120mg of Cymbalta over a 3 week period. Two days after my last dose, I began what I now know to be withdrawals. I began to have Brain Zaps almost constantly. They have been the worst thing I've ever experienced. very debilitating. Also, extreme body aches, deep ache in chest, diarreha, dizzy, light headed, very unstable on feet, nausea, foggy drugged feeling in head, unable to speak or write normal (like my brain wasn't keeping up with body & thoughts), shakey/jittery, and emotional uncontrolable crying.
This is my 3rd week off (last dose 9/18/09). Just beginng to feel somewhat better. Still not able to venture out too far. What I have found is that my doctor, along with many,many others are not made aware of these potentially severe withdrawals. Drug Co & their Reps downplay withdrawal and no protcol given to docs for tapering. My doc thought he was doing right thing. I felt alone with what I was going thru until I found several websites that indicated cymbalta withdrawal is very prevalent, almost common.
Anyway, that is a brief synopsis of me. Thanks for listening
Asti