I thought I'd share my recent experience dealing with Cymbalta- something I'd never given a thought to.

Last week, Tuesday night is when it started, I came down with a stomach bug. It was bad; I couldn't keep water down and if I took my oral meds of course they came right back up. I'd start to feel a little better and then it would hit again. Thank God that I'm on the patch for pain because I don't know how I would have controlled my pain.

By Saturday night, although feeling a little better, I still hadn't ingested much more than water. I woke up with body wracking spasms, I mean my entire body would clench up and then relax again. I looked like Linda Blair in "The Exorsist". I had almost no control of my muscles. My husband took me to the ER- I thought I was low on potassium or just plain dehydrated.

Actually I was suffering from Seratonin Withdrawl Syndrome! Because of the stomach flu and the abrupt stopping of Cymbalta my body was completly devoid of seratonin. When you take Cymbalta your body can actually stop producing it's own seratonin. I had no idea that something like that, while it's rare, could happen.

I guess the moral of the story is "Don't be like Griff!" If you are sick for that long you should see a doctor, especially with the kinds of medications a lot of us are taking. I'm fine now but never, never again want to go through something like that. It almost makes me want to turn in my medication badge and go it solo......almost.

Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles.

How to use cyclobenzaprine

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 2 to 3 weeks or if it worsens.

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), trouble urinating.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada.

Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart block, heart failure, recent heart attack), difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), glaucoma.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, imipramine).

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

Before using this medication, report the use of drugs that increase serotonin, including street drugs (such as MDMA/"ecstasy"), St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, among others.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe drowsiness, slurred speech, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations).

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised December 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.