Suggest Treatment For Fatigue And Tingling Sensation In Body After Discontinuing Cymbalta

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 5 Jan 2016 Answered on

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have seen a military provider and a civilian VA provider and they both think i am okay. I feel so exhausted and worn out that trying to do anything from getting out of bed, making meals, cleaning, thinking, or trying to rest is a chore. I had the following tests done (thyroid, CBC with diff, chemistry panel, liver panel, hepatitis panel, HIV 1/2, GC/Chlymidia (for IVF procedure to be started 14 Jan) and urinalysis) and it all came out fine. I did have RF, ANA, and cat scan for MS check at least 3-5 years ago and it came out fine. I am trying to get a referral to a endocrinologist or rheumatoid specialist but I don't know how long that is going to take. My husband seems to be upset at me as to why I am feeling so fatigued and uninterested in anything. I do have to mention that I have stopped taking my Cymbolta 30 mg a day because of recent studies I have read online that it leads to early Alzheimer's and Dementia. I started taking it about 10 years ago for excessive tingling and numbness in all my extremities. Lastly, I have been seeing a Infertility doctor for one year to concieve but no success yet. That is the other reason I stopped taking Cymbolta. I feel like I have no where to turn right now.The severe fatigue started approximately 1 1/2 months ago. Before that I was working out 5 days a week with personal trainer at medium and high intensity levels. I am a full time student and retired USAF veteran. I just retired one year ago.I stopped taking my cymbolta altogether around 19 Dec but was going every other day or so for about 2 to 3 weeks before that. I also stopped taking my allergy medication Zyrtec-D for the same reasons of Cymbolta. I have taken an allergy medication of some sort every day since I was 19 years old.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible Fibromyalgia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam

I can certainly understand your concerns.

I apologize for the delayed response owing to my work schedule.

I worked through your query in detail.

As per your symptoms, you possibly seem to have Fibromyalgia. As a conclusive evidence I advise you to get tested for Antipolymer antibodies.

These are positive in more than 50% individuals with Fibromyalgia.

There is no cure for Fibromyalgia. Lifestyle modification with diet and exercise will offer great improvement.

I generally prescribe my patients with oral pills of Escitalopram and Clonazepam for 6 to 8 months to aid in symptom relief. Following factors help to improve symptoms

1.Diet (e.g. good nutrition, vitamin supplementation, bone health, weight loss)

2.Stress management.

3.Aerobic exercise (eg, low-impact aerobics, walking, water aerobics, stationary bicycle).

4.Sleep therapy (e.g. education/instruction on sleep hygiene).

5.Psychological and behavioral therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral, operant-behavioral)

Other useful strategies include the following:

Relaxation training
Activity pacing
Guided imagery
Written emotional disclosure
Distraction strategies.

Consultation with a an expert Psychotherapist will help you to explore above therapies.

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe the same to you.

Further management if any is largely based on test results.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar