Posted by laima on July 27, 2006, at 21:46:17
In reply to new to emsa and SCARED!!!!, posted by hermansmom on July 27, 2006, at 14:29:53
Dear hermansmom,
I had an awful experience with cymbalta, too: suicidal, immediately. I'm on EMSAM 9 now, after starting on the 6, and am delighted to report that on day 3, I scarcely dare say- I think it's starting to work! Unwanted weight gain is definately not a pleasant experience, and having experienced bewildering weight gain with some tricyclics and ssris, I wish to express empathy for what you are going through. Though it sounds promising what you already report about your recent weight loss! I don't think you are being vain. If, as it was for me, the weight is not what you want, that's how it is. I had always been so skinny when younger, my gain was an utter shock, and I confess, I wanted to fit into clothes a certain way and such. It did affect my self esteem. You might be encouraged to know my own weight gain went away, after I ended ssris and went through a stepped up excercise program for awhile (which also lifted my mood.) Of course, I pass no judgement on people who of course come in all sizes- but if the gain is unwanted, you need to buy new clothes but none fit, and especially if one is female, etc., -it might not be politically correct to admit- but sometimes one still in fact just ends up wanting to change size. A therapist I once had and greatly respected (before she retired) told me, "Well- you are not really fat and you are not too skinny-you are a teeny hefty-though not a lot-nothing wrong there-but if you want to lose some weight- go for it rather than wonder about it." I guess what I mean to say is, I think what I learned from her was that if you feel better about yourself and how you look and feel at a different weight than where you are-and your assessments and expectations are reasonable and not extreme, I don't think you are being vain. It also doesn't mean you are making any judgements about others. And I also think you have reported some encouraging developments towards where it sounds that you want to go. I really think we feel better when we feel have some control over our bodies and feel more attractive-whatever that means for an individual. Hope that makes sense and isn't misinterpretable.
Very sincere best wishes,
Laima
> I have recently gone off of cymbalta and have experienced helliosh withdrawal symptoms. I, like many of you have been on virtually every SSRI and have been treatment resistant. I have an anxiety disorder, major depression, and agoraphobia. I saw my pdoc yesterday, and he gave me emsam samples (6mg) and wants me to try it for 2 weeks. I also take clonazepam (klonipin) and Rozarem (sp?) a sleep RX. I gained a gang of weigth on Cymbalta about 60 pounds in 7-8 mos. Since going off it 22 days ago, i have lost 7 lbs (still look like a fat beast, but going down is better than up!) The weight gain has worsened my depression, and social anxiety-frankly, I just feel fat and disgusting and at my wits end!!!I have been off work for 2 years and pdoc has suggested ECT, but I'm scared of that, now, too. The Cymbalta experience (increased suicidal ideation, including hospitalization for suicide attempt, and withdrwal symptoms from hell) has made me reluctant to try yet another guinea pig drug. I am curious about potential psych side effects,as well as weight gain, I already have low BP, and wonder if there are withdrawal effect from this as with Cymbalta. If you google cymbalta withdrwal you'll get an idea of what I mean. I am so scared and so desperate! I know the weight gain thing may just sound like a vanity thing, but it really has put a huge dent in my self image and increased my dpression. I already feel gross and worthless enough.
poster:laima
thread:661128
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060724/msgs/671256.html