Duloxitine

[Lesboss]

I have just stopped taking Duloxitine 30mg. I feel ok, I have brain zaps. I also have an irregular heart beat, I have never had this before & is causing me to feel anxious. Has anyone else had this

[Antaine]

Brain zaps are a side effect of most anti-depressants which also act on anxiety. I found them so distressing that I went back on the drugs so they would stop, which they did. That was 25 years ago. I'm still on Duloxetine at the maximum daily dosage, because I feel it does work in helping me to feel a little calmer. I never had any cardiac symptoms on any drug I was on for depression/anxiety. You should, of course, talk with your GP about your concerns about your heart symptoms. (S)He will be able to test you, to put your mind at ease.

[Lesboss in reply to Antaine]

I don’t worry about the brain zaps, they aren’t that bad. I was very concerned about the other long term side effects of Duloxetine. I stopped taking the a week ago. My anxiety has improved & I feel much better. Pleased they work for you. Don’t advise anyone to start this medication though.

[Antaine in reply to Lesboss]

Patients are not the people to recommend/discourage treatments. Just accept it doesn't seem to be for you and speak with your GP/psychiatrist, who may be able to prescribe something else which might help and have less worrisome side effects. Without talking with your doctor you can't be sure it's the Duloxetine which is responsible for your heart issues. My advice (non-medical) is to get your GP to investigate your heart issues, to set your mind at ease. I'm glad your symptoms have lessened on no treatment and hope that situation persists for you. Stay well.

[Munkygirl]

Hello, of course I'm no physician but when I tapered off zoloft, I had brain zaps bad. I read about 5-htp, it's natural and the 1st day I took 1 in the morning, one at night. Then 1 at night. I had a total of 2 episodes and that was it. Took for a month, then had surgery so went off of it. Not one zap but I did find that my anxiety and panic returned, so I believe the 5-htp controlled my anxiety. 26 days post surgery and I just started taking it again. I use NOW brand.