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Suggest Treatment For Brain Fog Post Cymbalta Withdrawal
Posted on
Fri, 8 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 8 Jan 2016
Answered on
Mon, 15 Feb 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I started taking Cymbalta in 2011 fibromyalgia and pain. in my research i noticed Cymbalta coming up as a bad drug. I began to wean off Cymbalta October 15, 2015. I took a lower dosage for 3 weeks, then, the in the hospital, the Pshyciatrist there told me to stop Cymbalta and she advised that I take Effexor, it took weeks to kick in. m In the mean time, I have had several brain zaps, I have night sweats , I am beginning to have audio and visual issues. My cognitive was okay, then within a day, I felt what you call some type of dementia, I am hearing people talking when they are not there. more side effects later. this is the big one, this week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Will my cognitive with Fibro Fog come back or will the dementia stay as is?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
You describe a couple issues that need to be addressed.
First, the brain zaps you describe are withdrawal from the Cymbalta. You likely need to take a small amount of Cymbalta while the Effexor takes time to work. This is called a cross-titration and reduces withdrawal symptoms.
Second, you are describing not dementia, but rather auditory hallucinations. You need to call your doctor and inform him of this symptom IMMEDIATELY. It is highly dangerous and calls for a further workup including lab work and head imaging such as an MRI.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
You describe a couple issues that need to be addressed.
First, the brain zaps you describe are withdrawal from the Cymbalta. You likely need to take a small amount of Cymbalta while the Effexor takes time to work. This is called a cross-titration and reduces withdrawal symptoms.
Second, you are describing not dementia, but rather auditory hallucinations. You need to call your doctor and inform him of this symptom IMMEDIATELY. It is highly dangerous and calls for a further workup including lab work and head imaging such as an MRI.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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