Update: Doctor Advises Abrupt Withdrawal from 120mg Cymbalta & 1800mg Lithium
Hello everyone, I’m a 42-year-old male, 5’11” tall, weighing 110 kg, and I lead a lifestyle free of substances like cigarettes and alcohol. Recently, I sought advice on a situation I faced regarding my prescriptions for Cymbalta and Lithium. Now that I'm in the city helping my aunt, I figured it was a good time to provide an update for those who might be interested. Buckle up for a lengthy read! To start off, I'm grateful for the insights shared by many. It was reassuring to realize that my concerns were valid, and it seems that Dr. McDoccy may have been somewhat unqualified, to say the least. I recognize the effort he has likely put into his medical career, but there’s definitely more to consider regarding his capabilities. I truly appreciate everyone's support. Now, let’s dive into the details. A few days after my primary doctor arranged a new prescription, he checked in on my well-being. He called again later just to ensure everything was progressing fine. I candidly expressed that while I might be a bit eccentric, I wouldn’t abruptly halt my medications. He seemed to appreciate my honesty. A day before my follow-up appointment, my doctor rang to brief me on the situation with Dr. McDoccy. He couldn’t share specifics for confidentiality reasons, but assured me that Dr. McDoccy wouldn't be returning. It could range from mild penalties to further training or remedial work for him. He humorously noted that this scenario wasn’t quite like a re-education camp. He mentioned I could eventually find the results of this investigation on a government website, though, amusingly, no one in my community could recall the doctor’s name—regardless, he wouldn’t be coming back. Moving forward, my doctor assured me that he had a say in the selection of the new physician and that his son had discussions with the newcomer about integrating into our community. I teasingly asked if this included guidance on how to avoid unwanted attention from locals, and he jokingly affirmed, saying they even covered the basics of safety. It’s evident that my doctor has a good understanding of our culture, given his son’s reputation as an outstanding police officer in our area. In the interim, we were assigned another doctor for a few visits until the new physician arrived. Initially, this new doctor seemed a bit out of place but was genuinely pleasant. My doctor had arranged for me to be the first patient with him. They took the time to thoroughly evaluate my medical history, as well as the circumstances surrounding Dr. McDoccy’s departure and its impact on my mental health. The local nurse also provided me with an additional supply of my medication, which was a relief. Here’s where the story takes an interesting turn! It turns out that the new doctor, whom I’ve come to call Fit Doc, ended up lodging with a local police officer during his shifts, almost like taking a holiday while working. He shared that he had experience working with Indigenous communities in another part of the country and had always been interested in rural health work. He believed that in order to really assist us, he needed to understand our way of life. During his stay, we had some great interactions—he was keen to learn from us. We showed him how to engage with the elders respectfully and even treated him to authentic meals from our traditions. To my surprise, Fit Doc enjoyed kangaroo tail and seemed to be warming up to goanna as well. He was so intrigued that he believed we feasted on fresh hunt daily until one of the uncles let slip that we were simply clearing out the community store's meat supply! His nickname, Fit Doc, sprouted because several locals noticed his youth, fitness, and overall good looks, inspired by a popular British show some of the kids were hooked on. One Sunday, we decided to take him for a run through our land, a tradition encouraged by our elders to keep us connected to the country and promote physical health. Typically, one of us preps the route by placing markers in the sand, and we then paint ourselves up and run free—as nature intended. Surprisingly, Fit Doc didn't hesitate to join in, even as we stripped down and decorated him with paint. He embraced it with laughter, looking oddly at home amidst our fun. Without sharing the total distance with him, we ensured he had support along the way, but he outpaced everyone. He completed the run far ahead of us, hardly breaking a sweat, leading to laughter and disbelief among my people who had been keeping track of time. He has since been visiting neighboring communities to provide medical care, and it seems he has built a connection with our community that will stay with him even after he eventually leaves. I’ll admit, I enjoy writing—seeing how far I’ve come from my educational background. I was fortunate enough to receive schooling beyond the age of 12 and was among a few who completed high school and pursued further education. My hope in sharing this story is to highlight the positive among the struggles we all face, particularly within medical fields dealing with difficult circumstances. I trust that you’ll appreciate the uplifting moments in our experience. P.S. There’s talk of holding a small gathering to honor Fit Doc's first year with us, and we’re considering a name for him. Some wish to translate "Fit Doc" into our language, while I'm advocating for a name related to a locally cherished plant, symbolizing tenacity. Planning to discreetly run a campaign to vote on this name before his next visit—a bit of fun to solidify our bond with him!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 12:20:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It seems like you have a meaningful narrative about your journey with your medications and the positive experiences with your new doctor, all while engaging with your community in a profound way. While I appreciate the light-hearted and enriching tone of your story, let’s focus on addressing your medical concerns around the abrupt withdrawal from Cymbalta and Lithium.
Main Points
- Medication Withdrawal: Stopping Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lithium suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Mental Health Monitoring: It's important to monitor your mental health closely during any medication adjustments.
- Self-Care and Support: Engage in supportive activities and strategies to manage your mental health.
Explanation
Cymbalta is prescribed for conditions like depression, anxiety, and certain types of pain. Abruptly stopping it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, and mood changes. Lithium, used primarily for bipolar disorder, requires careful management because it stabilizes mood, and sudden stops can trigger mood swings or mania. It’s crucial to have a plan for tapering off medications safely under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Next Steps
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Gradual Medication Adjustment: If you have not yet done so, consider discussing with your new doctor the best way to taper off these medications safely over time, rather than stopping them abruptly. Your new doctor's background in rural health and community engagement may help you both develop a comfortable approach.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on how you feel throughout this process. Note any changes in mood, sleep, or appetite. This information will be valuable to share with your doctor for tailored advice.
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Engage in Community Support: Continue to lean on your community for support. Activities like the run you mentioned can be beneficial for overall mental health. Engaging in shared traditions can foster connection and boost your mood.
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Create a Support Structure: If available, talk about establishing a support group with others who might be going through similar challenges and share experiences related to managing medications and mental health.
Remember, your experience with Fit Doc highlights the importance of good, understanding healthcare practices. Continuously communicating with your healthcare provider about any feelings or symptoms you experience is vital for maintaining your overall well-being.
Let me know if you have more specific concerns, or if there’s anything else I can assist you with!
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