Wife on meds.......

[nkyratdog]

Has anyone had a loved one on cymbalta ? Things have really gotten real lame and the side effects are bad, Im trying to figure out how to get her to stop these but I havent had`any luck. I'm getting fed up and at a loss for words.

[khaskins]

Have her talk to her physician. These kind of meds should not be stopped without physician involvement. I was a Pharmacy Technician for 18 years.

[citified]

mood meds are touchy, My wife has to take something different every couple years. Got to keep trying different ones until you find the right ones.

[Cherrylady2]

Talk to her doctor yourself. She may not be telling him/her about the side effects she's having or she may not even notice it herself or if she does...she may not think they're that bad. The doctor is not only treating your wife...he's treating the whole family with these kind of things. He needs to know what your seeing.

[cantolina]

Talk to her doctor yourself. She may not be telling him/her about the side effects she's having or she may not even notice it herself or if she does...she may not think they're that bad. The doctor is not only treating your wife...he's treating the whole family with these kind of things. He needs to know what your seeing.

Well, the doctor can't talk to him without her permission..

I'd say talk to your wife about BOTH of you talking to her doctor...

There are LOTS of mood meds out there (ask me how I know:laugh )...Maybe Cymbalta isn't the right one....

[Krypto]

All I can say on this subject is this, After my ex went through hip replacement surgery, she started feeling run down & depressed. Her doctor put her on anti depressants, Zoloft. Within 3 years on these meds, I didn't recognize her as the woman that I married any more. She became someone who was hard to get along with anymore. It was like having to walk on eggshells around her to keep from pissing her off. within the next 4 yrs. It became unbearable to live with her, and she refused to get off of them. After 20 yrs. of marriage we had to call it quits for the sake of our son. We (my son & I) tried every option we could think of, therapy included, but nothing worked. we've been divorced 3 yrs. now. The toughest thing I've ever had to do. She is still on them & doesn't understand why she lost most all her friends & why her family doesn't socialize with her as much as they used to. :frownone I hate anti depressants, they change the person you are, and ruin relationships.

[milmat1]

Yes!
I have been on it for nearly one year. Talking to the Dr wont help because all he knows is what the Drug Rep told him. Below is a good link to a Cymbala forum. There are some real Horror stories associated with this drug. In fact one of the original test subjects taking the clinical trials committed suicide right in the Ely Lilly labs !And the FDA and Ely Lilly covered it up. Saying it had nothing to do with the drug !

With that being said, Let me slao say that whatever she does do not let her stop cold turkey!! If you think she had problems before Cymbalta They were nothing compared to the withdrawls ! It has a very short half life in your body and even a missed dose can send her spiraling ! (Trust me on that one!)

This drug was created quickly and pushed through without proper testing because the patent was expiring on Prozac and they needed a new cash cow !

It is a Very danerous drug and acts very strongly on the Brain receptors, Long term affects are unknown, But the Side effects are from mild to total nervous system shut down.
The side effects are blurry vision, Dizzyness, Wierd dreaming, and the worst are the "Brain Zaps" Like your brain "Locks Up" for a second and then resumes. (Like a PC)
Some people have had siezures that continued long after having stopped the drug. It takes several months to be weened and even then It can be Hell!

I told the Dr about the reports I had read and the effects of this and he said he had never heard of any of them. The Dr only knows what the Drug company told him. There are even Warning labels on the samples that read "Remove Before Dispensing" !!

I am not trying to scare you but rather make you aware that this drug is like no other ! And stopping it without dr Monitored weenig can be very dangerous!

Do some reading around the net and you will find tons of info and many many bad stories. However, in my case I have chosen to endure the side effects for the relief it provides me from the pain I have. And as far as my Panic/anxiety attacks they are GONE ! So for me at least for now it is worth the side effects, But you have to weigh that decision carefully !!

Read Here:

http://cymbaltasurvivors.com/index.php

Tell her to read on the forum above and just ask those people about it. How long and what dosage is she taking?

[Rascal]

My wife was on Cymbalta until a recent surgery, they never gave it to her in the hospital the 9 days she was in there though I showed the docs the actual prescription bottles of what she had been taking. She still hasn't taken it since Jan.4th when she was admitted through the emergency room for another problem other than depression. She's acting depressed as hell last couple days, I have little to say or do that seems to be right, and she's tired of being sick, tired of winter...hell maybe she's just tired of me.

[rodhotter]

most drugs side effects are worse than problem they are supposed to fix, there are natural ways to cure many problems, chemicals in todays food and drinks cause problems, theres a ton of info on the net, exotoxins such as aspertame and free glutamic acid cause mood swings, even simple sugar that most people overconsume, it takes some effort to help yourself but its worth it precriptions dont cure anything

[Cyndy]

Make sure you have communicated your feelings about this to her and try to go with her to her doctor and both of you speak to him or her.

[Cyndy]

She's acting depressed as hell last couple days, I have little to say or do that seems to be right, and she's tired of being sick, tired of winter...hell maybe she's just tired of me.

I really don't think its you. Being sick is depressing, winter is depressing, and being with someone who is depressed is depressing. Damn Rascal, you have gone through some :censor lately. I will keep you in my prayers.

[greennhogg]

i feel you must be extremely careful with a depressed person i had a boss a few years back who went through alot of shit with work and home was on anti-d's fell off the booze wagon and hung himself i worked with this guy for two years and never thought he would do that to his family so be careful and more importantly be supportive of your loved ones

[el jinete fantasma]

I've been on both sides of the fence. You can't take it personally when you're dealing with a depressive. A lot of times they can't get outside their own heads to see how they're affecting those around them. All you can do is be as supportive as possible.

[jharback]

most drugs side effects are worse than problem they are supposed to fix, there are natural ways to cure many problems, chemicals in todays food and drinks cause problems, theres a ton of info on the net, exotoxins such as aspertame and free glutamic acid cause mood swings, even simple sugar that most people overconsume, it takes some effort to help yourself but its worth it precriptions dont cure anything

Are you a Doctor or a Scientologist?

[pquirk]

Internet forums are not the best place to find credible medical information. There are many options, talk to a psychiatrist.

[mrlowlight]

Internet forums are not the best place to find credible medical information. There are many options, talk to a psychiatrist.

good advice....I worked in Community Mental Health in Australia as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, case managed many people on anti-depressants. MD's do tend to be light on information sometimes about the drugs they prescribe, so it does pay to do your own research if you don't have the support of a mental health professional. Next step, get an assessment from a psychiatrist or psychologist, any drug therapy should ideally be accompanied by counselling/therapy.

[Gone]

good luck , rode the crazy train for several years. I was in relationships with many drugs, paxil,lithium ,and several others. One ex blew her brains out eventually. I hate to say it but your in a no win situation. Bail out .... its the only thing you can do. Save yourself at least. Even if they change the meds its never gonna permanently change the situation. Its now a done deal. Sorry man.

[milmat1]

good luck , rode the crazy train for several years. I was in relationships with many drugs, paxil,lithium ,and several others. One ex blew her brains out eventually. I hate to say it but your in a no win situation. Bail out .... its the only thing you can do. Save yourself at least. Even if they change the meds its never gonna permanently change the situation. Its now a done deal. Sorry man.

I wonder if it could have been because of an insensitive attituide from the people around her..

This is BS Of course you can win, I have and so has many others. But your not going to find the answers on this board. Only thing we can do is offer support for you.
You need to get to the Dr and talk it over with him. Whatever you do do not let her quit cold turkey !! It takes a slow weening to get off any drug of this kind.

It's also a fact that depression cures itself within about 7-8 yrs. This is for typical depression, Not a Chemical imballance !

[arab1302]

Well, the doctor can't talk to him without her permission..

I'd say talk to your wife about BOTH of you talking to her doctor...

There are LOTS of mood meds out there (ask me how I know:laugh )...Maybe Cymbalta isn't the right one....

I'll +1 the original quote from Cherrylady on this.

You absolutely can talk to the doctor about it. Depending on what arrangement or releases that you may already have in place, the doctor may face a limitation in what he can say about your wife's case; but that does not stand in the way of you telling him about what is going on. At least he is getting the information.

I have been in a similar situation and I wound up talking to the doctors more than she did. If I had not, then they would never have been aware of the complete picture and would have continued to make decisions based off of poor information.

[Cherrylady2]

I'll +1 the original quote from Cherrylady on this.

You absolutely can talk to the doctor about it. Depending on what arrangement or releases that you may already have in place, the doctor may face a limitation in what he can say about your wife's case; but that does not stand in the way of you telling him about what is going on. At least he is getting the information.

I have been in a similar situation and I wound up talking to the doctors more than she did. If I had not, then they would never have been aware of the complete picture and would have continued to make decisions based off of poor information.

Thank you, Arab.....that was exactly the point I was trying to make. You just put into better words for me!

[Gone]

I feel for you.

I have a wife and a 15 year old step daughter both on mood "improving" drugs. My life is a nightmare right now.

[daggar rider]

really sorry yr going threw this, i know head meds are sometimes really helpfull for some ppl but i think they are way over used without other options presented to patients.

i was on paxil for years and became a zombie, my now wife, then girlfriend almost left me. she had to do everything for me when it came to gettin a new head doc to ween me off of them, it was hard and took a while but i haven't and god forbid won't ever use head meds again.

i really feel for ya, i will keep ya both in my prayers

[rodhotter]

its sad most people think a pill will cure this or that, dr's are quick to give them out, at a yearly checkup my dr ask me, do you WANT any prescriptions for ANYTHING, and people YOU are the one that makes the final decision on what you take. dr's push drugs and as stated they only know what the drug rep tells them. there are too many horror stories like these. UNFORTUNATELY $$$$$$$$$ RULES, BIG PHARMA MADE 500 BILLION in one year, do the research the USA is far down the list for health, there books and internet info all over about how the FDA is controlled by BIG PHARMA $$$$$$$, and how BAD our food IS, CHEMICALS EVERYWHERE, many being linked to brain disorders,fake sweetners fake flavors are making us SICK!!!! do you think after big $$$$$$ is spent on research that a drug will not be approved, even when PROZAC was proven UNSAFE the approval board, seating people DIRECTLY CONNECTED to the drug gave the ok and it was later reviewed with the same results, 100,000 documented deaths from VIOX a pain medication from MERCK, its off the market, MERCK made millions and people were MURDERED, with no prosecution. no one wants to believe this BUT ITS TRUE!!!!!!!! KEVIN TRUDEAU tells how they operate, he was on trial and beat the FDA because his statements are TRUE. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!

[superwarden]

Drugs are not the cure, in my opinion, for many people they are the easy way out. Talk to your wife's doctor, there is no law against that.

[nkyratdog]

Things have gotten a bit better the last few weeks.Once the weather warmed up she is outside more and a bit more active. Seems to have cut back some on the meds......just smoking pot more.I can deal more with her on pot than anything else. Thanks for the words from all,made it this far









t

[cantolina]

Drugs are not the cure, in my opinion, for many people they are the easy way out. Talk to your wife's doctor, there is no law against that.

Actually, the new HIPAA laws DO have an effect.....she needs to give permission....

Things have gotten a bit better the last few weeks.Once the weather warmed up she is outside more and a bit more active. Seems to have cut back some on the meds......just smoking pot more.I can deal more with her on pot than anything else. Thanks for the words from all,made it this fart

Pot is self-medication, but to be honest, I've always said that if it ain't a problem, its a good thing....WAAAAAYY better than drinking, anyway...

Hope it works out for you....

[Gone]

for some pills might not be the best option but I tell you what... if Im not on them I am downright suicidal. Anyone who tries to tell me it's just a phase or that I need to snap out of it has obviously never been there. It's totally genetic in my family. My dads side is all the same as I used to be without meds. People who say meds arent the answer is full of shit. The day I was born I cried constantly NONSTOP. It didnt stop until I got on this one specific med. All the other ones I tried did nothing until I found the ONE. You will have to pry it from my cold lifeless hands.

[Gone]

Things have gotten a bit better the last few weeks.Once the weather warmed up she is outside more and a bit more active. Seems to have cut back some on the meds......just smoking pot more.I can deal more with her on pot than anything else. Thanks for the words from all,made it this far

t

exercise releases endorphins which will help boost moods for a short period. this may be helping.

[Gone]

Drugs are not the cure, in my opinion, for many people they are the easy way out. Talk to your wife's doctor, there is no law against that.

stop over at my house if I have been off my meds for a day or two. then you can comment about an easy way out.
and yes...patient privacy act is the law

[idigther]

What you all say about antidepressants hits home. Especially Krypto...boy could we have a conversation. I know about them from both sides. My ex wife is manic / depressive...aka bi-polar and had other disorders. Her swings were violent and she took her meds erratically. She probably did more harm to herself this way. Her mother was a certified nut job, documented schizo, narcissist, drug addicted and bi. Her mom died at 49 of alcoholism and the whole story reads like a dark novel. My ex will be 49 this year. A couple of years before I filed for divorce my Gp doc put me on effexor....! I wasn't depressed, I was mad at letting my life become so shitty. That med is poison and side effects are horrible. I weaned my self off it by reducing the amount in the caps I was taking..like little contact pills, hard as hell to figure. The side effects were awful trying to come off it. It's been 16 months now - free of that poison. I feel great, put on 25 lbs of mostly muscle and working out at the gym is the best med for me. :dpepper I had always been an "up" person yet daily life with my ex was a downward spiral. According to what I've picked up from my daughter and what I've witnessed she still spends much time locked in her bedroom eating and watching TV. She also has had many bouts of crazy spending that caused major debt. Almost 20 years ago I sold my beautiful '69 427 Stingray to bail out of debt she caused then, and she has never learned. How I managed to keep a street bike all along kept me somewhat sane. That and my passion for treasure hunting with my metal detectors. :cheers:cheers
Now I have had both hips replaced and I'll never forget what my ex said to me before the first one..."You are on your own pal." She never even picked up tha scatter rugs around the house. She used to come home while I was rehabbing, learning to walk again...she'd go into a rant how I should have cleaned the house!!! Arghh, I did swing my cane at her once when she started yelling that stuff and missed (don't cuss at me when I'm hobbling in pain and full of oxy). :gun Shoot, I was doing the laundry, using my cane to fish the clothes out of the washer because I had to move, try to walk. Imagine, I can't even get on the crapper without howling in pain and she's going off on me. :wifemad
Double standard. I was with her, supportive through her migraines, fibromyalga, sarcoidosis, and numerous other health battles. I did the cooking, cleaning, shopping and more and she's got the nerve to attack me in my time of major s#it. No partner.
Whoa, I'm going off here. The point is we are in charge of our own happiness and sometimes have to choose for our own well being and future fulfillment on life and love. We have to be mentally strong and take care of out bodies and life will be good. My doctor wouldn't listen to me when I wanted to get off the effexor, so I took charge. I'm a happy man now and am so sorry I waited so long to file. Guess I carried guilt about my daughter, not wanting to upset her by splitting. I see now it was the best for all of us. Guess this topic hit a chord. Life is to precious, take charge, create positive change and promote happiness and sanity. Last I think the antidepressants really made it harder to have clarity, I was just going along with all the negative energy instead of rising above. Create change, don't just "cope". How could I be good for someone else if I'm not good to and for myself?
Now I have found the kindest, most balanced, sweetest woman, one that is also attractive beyond my dreams. She loves to ride...and is unspoiled.

[GWHuntter]

Well, the doctor can't talk to him without her permission..

I'd say talk to your wife about BOTH of you talking to her doctor...

There are LOTS of mood meds out there (ask me how I know:laugh )...Maybe Cymbalta isn't the right one....

NO
You can inform her doctor with out her permition he just can not discuse her personal info with you.
I have done this for my wife with out any problems and all worked out to the better.

[El_Tito25]

Hi:
I'm a psyciatrist. You have 2 options as were mentioned above.
1. Go with your wife to the appointment and share your concerns with your wife on the room. That's the best way to adress issues, and the Dr. won't let things get out of control (AKA the blame game)
2. Call her Dr. and tell him/her your concerns. According to HIPPA, we can NOT even acknowledge we are treating a pt. without the pt's signed consent. Soo, you can call and tell him/her your concerns, but don't expect any feedback.
3. All medication changes should be made with Dr. supervision.
4. Smoking pot may provide some relief (taking the edge off), but in the long run tends to make depression worse.
Hope this helps.