| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
dwinsor52
USA
81 Posts |
 Posted - 06/10/2008 : 06:09:35
|
| I feel discouraged. I have been mostly pain free for the last 3 years. Last week I went into full relapse. This comes in the middle of a tapering off of cymbalta, which I have been trying to get off for 2 years. I am very, very frustrated with myself that I cannot get off this horrible drug. I see from previous postings that I sound like a broken record. I look like a nut to my doctor. I feel completely frustrated with myself. I start to go off, then I get scared, then I obsess, then I go back on, then I obsess, then I start tapering again. I can't tell whether my obsession about getting off this drug is a TMS equivalent in and of itself, or whether my frustration with myself for not being able to stick to the taper is causing inner rage at myself and thus pain. I am not depressed and it is reasonable to consider going off the drug. However, my fear is so big that I am wondering how this might play into having pain. I should also state that I have had TMS relapse after going ON cymbalta, so I know it does nothing for pain except placebo, and I get very angry at the drug ads that tout it for physical pain. It's almost like I know the truth, but I am scared to take a leap and let go of it. This feels familiar. When I saw Dr. Sarno back in 1997, it still took me about 8 years to really "get it" and let go of physical treatments. I experienced success once I did that. Why can't I do that with the Cymbalta? My relapse must be tied into this inner turmoil. Can anyone out there give me some advice? |
|
|
armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2008 : 12:50:32
|
quote:
I start to go off, then I get scared, then I obsess, then I go back on, then I obsess, then I start tapering again. I can't tell whether my obsession about getting off this drug is a TMS equivalent in and of itself, or whether my frustration with myself for not being able to stick to the taper is causing inner rage at myself and thus pain.
I think it's a simpler explanation than the two you offer here; it's contained in your first sentence. "I start to go off, then I get scared, then I obsess." If you are still having emotional reactions to your symptoms (fear) then they will keep on appearing.
If you went off and you had no fear, I suspect you would also have no symptoms. You might try figuring out a way to calm yourself, and having a really strong system for doing so, before you go off, and then you will have a counter every time you get scared.
--
It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
 |
|
|
Littlebird
USA
391 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2008 : 14:15:10
|
Your post is really timely for me, as I'm planning to begin tapering off of a couple of meds that I've continued to use. I think Armchairlinguist has a good point about fear and obsession, issues I'm still trying to deal with in certain areas, even though I've overcome them in other areas.
I'd recommend that you get a copy of the book "The Antidepressant Solution: A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Overcoming Antidepressant Withdrawal, Dependence, and 'Addiction'" by Dr. Joseph Glenmullen. He addresses Cymbalta in the book. Even if your issue is not withdrawal symptoms, but the return of pain, I think the information could be helpful. Some of the experiences of patients that he describes sound very TMS fear related to me, like the patient who would open his capsules (I forget which med he took) and take out one little bead at a time, because if he took out two beads he'd have a relapse and have to increase his dose again.
Please let us know how it goes for you. Best wishes! |
|
|
|
positivevibes
204 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2008 : 18:26:45
|
I've been on and off a few SSRIs over the years (haven't taken one in almost 3 years now -- I think I can finally say I've beat the depression). Even when you're tapering off, an amount of the stuff remains in your body. I don't think you're totally off of it until many weeks (or possibly months) go by.
Just a thought -- have you considered taking a non-narcotic painkiller at the same time you're tapering off the Cymbalta? I don't mean anything really strong -- maybe just a prescripton strength Tylenol or some strong NSAIDs.
You also might want to do some research and see if this pain you begin to feel when you try to taper off is some sort of withdrawal reaction. See if others have experienced it. Then you might have a better idea of whether your mind is just playing TMS tricks on you, or whether the pain is an actual withdrawal symptom.
**********
You are not your mind; you are not your thoughts. The incessant mental noise [of your thoughts] creates a false mind-made self that causes fear and suffering and prevents you from connecting with your true self and living in the Now. - Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Frustrated I can't get off Cymbalta
