Hello all, I am new to this forum even though I have had ms for 20 plus years. I need some advice Please! I was put on duloxetine for pain about three years ago,however it seems it has caused some problems with my heart (prolonged qt, what ever thar Is! ) anyway, I was taken off it and have zhad very server withdrawal symptoms including two bouts of planning to commit suicide. I have been off it for 4 months now and am still feeling very low. When I told my gp after the first episode I was referred to the community psychiatric nurse, who was a very nice guy, but not very helpful. I was told that I could be admitted to hospital even without my consent (sectioning? ),so I am reluctant to speak to the gp again. This is the fourth time I have had serious side effects from coming off a drug. Is there anywhere out there that could help or advise me without yet more drugs or being hospitalised?
It sounds like the duloxetine was keeping you emotionally ‘well’ and now your off it your depressed. Have you been offered any other anti depressant or anything to help with the suicidal thoughts? Hoping you get the help you need. X
Thank you to all who got back regarding my battle with Duloxetine. I was prescribed this medicine for pain management rather than depression, which it was designed for when first launched. According to Dr Google it has a very bad reputation in the states regarding withdrawal symptoms, so it was not a great surprise that I would feel lousy when I came off it. My question is about managing those symptoms which are mainly, nightmares, brain zaps and quite worrying suicidal thoughts. I am reluctant to take yet more pills if it can be avoided. Has anyone gone through this themselves.
For the record, I am male aged 174 (that’s how old is feel anyway!)
Sorry to read about this problem you have - so many prescription drugs have dreadful side-effects. l have had PPMS for 35yrs and have been prescribed quite a few that have had me completely off my legs.
l have been prescription free for a long time - and have no faith in GP’s/Neuros. l take a high dose vitamin d /B12/ magnesium
Do google vitamin d deficiency depression/pain and vitamin B12 deficiency depression/pain and magnesium and pain.
For some unknown - as yet - reason we with MS need a much higher level of these important vits and mineral as we do not absorb them well.
Healthy Origins or NuU Softgels vitd3 10,000ius would be a good start. One daily. [amazon a reliable site for getting most vits]
Look for B12 methylcobalamin sublingual 5,000mcg - you can get this liquid form or tablets that dissolve on the tongue.
Not a quick fix - so be patient. l get my vitd levels checked by CityAssay LAb B/ham - it is a postal service - using just a pin prick test. You need to get your levels up to 225 mols.
Magnesium Malate is good for pain. Mag Citrate and Oxide are very laxative. But a cup full of Epsom Salts in the bath - if you can get in - and out of one - will help -as it is well absorbed through the skin.
Hope you can soon find a way through all of your problems soon and feel much happier.