sleepless in indy

[oby2010]

I am in love with a wonderful man, who has been on Cymbalta for around 3 years. He is now taking 60mg daily, but is unable to wean off the drug.
My concern is when he sleeps, he twitches so much that it wakes me up. He also talks in his sleep, and often had violent dreams that wake him up yelling at the top of his lungs. He trashes when he is having these night mares, and has thrown himself out of bed, hitting his head so hard, as to almost knock himself out. Last night he was thrashing so violently, that he kicked me out of bed. I am afraid that I might be in danger, or that he may actually harm himself or me in his sleep.
I have tried to hold his arms so that he doesn't hurt me, but last night I was so shook up, I don't know what to do.

[hollyann]

Hi. Has he always done this, or is it just since the increase? He needs to talk to his doctor about this if he hasn't already. They could maybe lower the dose of cymbalta to 30 mg instead of taking him off it right away, and maybe add omething to help with withdrawals.

Also another thing, not sure how you will take the suggestion is maybe sleeping in other rooms for the time being so that you stay safe. I know its hard when you are married and want to be with the person but it would only be temporarily. Holding his arms could possibly making the thrashing worse. It might be a better idea to leave the room and check on him periodically, or maybe talk to him, and try to wake him up from a safe distance.

Just encourage him to talk to his doctor about this. I wish you the best.

hollyann