What Causes High BP And Decreased Appetite While Weaning Off Of Cymbalta?

Posted on Thu, 25 Jun 2015

Question: I am weaning off of Cymbalta, with the guidance of my health professional, some of my concerns are my blood pressure is higher than usual, and I am having anxiety attacks, I am trying not to take anything for the anxiety. My appitite has decreased, ( which won't hurt me at all ) my friend's comment was "you are not in your right mind and you are not rational" I know I am not myself, I'm confused as to what to do. I don't like these feelings, I am fighting some suicidal thoughts, I have not acted on any of them, but have made comments that led others to believe I would, that is not me either.

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Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.

I have read your query and understood you concerns but I have few questions in my mind:
1. Why do you want to stop cymbalta when you have depressive thoughts as well as anxiety attacks?
2. Are you taking other drugs apart from cymbalta? Are you on anti-hypertensive drugs?
3. Do your symptoms have improved with treatment or not?
4. Are you visiting a psychiatrist or a physician?
5. For how long have you been on cymbalata and for which symptoms?

Answer the above questions. I feel that if you are not feeling well mentally then you need drugs to control your thoughts and feelings.

I am waiting for your reply. wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (13 minutes later)

1~I was put on Cymbalta when my the love of my life had died, just a short time after we had reconnected. We had made plans for me to retire. I was a mess to say the least. I was on Lexapro and Wellbutrin, and the doctor, not my doctor changed me to Cymbalta. The depressive thoughts and anxiety have done nothing but increase since I have been on Cymbalta and the suicidal thoughts scare me. I have only been on it since Dec 8
2~I am still on 20 mg of Lexapro
3~ my symptoms on Cymbalta have not gotten any better, but worsened, I can't think clear, my friends tell me I am not rational in my thinking and in talking.
4~I am working with my nurse practioner as far as weaning off
5~ since Dec 8 due to the loss of my love and the melt down I went through at the time.
I would like to be off all drugs and work with a counselor with a clear mind, not one that is altered with medication.

Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is better to wean off cymbalata

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.

If cymbalata is not giving any benefit then it should be stopped after discussion with the doctor. In my patients I would have decreased 10 mg every week.

From your reply it seems that you do not have visited a psychiatrist for your psychological distress. I suggest you to visit a psychiatrist if you have never visited one. Only a Psychiatrist can manage psychiatric illness or psychosocial issues in better way. Physician and nursing practitioner do not have enough knowledge of psychotropic drugs and psychiatric illnesses.

Psychiatrist will guide you through the management plan. If you do not want to take drugs then it is good, but consult and take advice from a expert person.

If you were my patient then I would have gradually stopped cymbalata and started you on remeron. You still have symptoms and it needs drugs. When the symptoms will improve, you can have psychotherapy by a counsellor and your drugs will be stopped after 6 months.

Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (17 minutes later)

With the guidance of my health professional we have decided that going off Cymbalta due to the side affects is the best thing for me. She is knowledgable and has always had my best interest in mind. I'm just wanting to know if the blood pressure and anxiety can be due to getting off Cymbalta, we are doing it slowly over a course of several weeks, not cold turkey.

Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Withdrawal from cymbalata can cause anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.

Discontinuation of cymbalta can cause anxiety symptoms which can be presented as racing heart beat, excessive perspiration, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, confusion, headache, fainting episodes etc. Your anxiety and increase blood pressure can be because of the discontinuation of cymbalata though it is not clod turkey.

You shall have these symptoms until you are completely off cymbalata. These symptoms can subside within 10 to 15 days after you stop cymbalta completely.

You can take benzodiazepine on as and when required basis for anxiety after discussion with your health professional.

Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (6 hours later)

Thank you . You have eased my mind to know these symptoms are due to the decrease in cymbalta and they will in a short time be gone. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your appreciating words.

If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.

Wish you good health.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar