Justaguynamedmike: Cymbalta cessation

[Justaguynamedmike]

I was taking Cymbalta for around 6 years and with the help of a Psychiatrist, tapered off. I have been completely off for 10 weeks and still have crying spells. Is this just who I am? Or could it possibly still be from cessation of the drug?

[Justaguynamedmike]

Cymbalta Questions

 

I have been on 30 mg Cymbalta since 2016 and about 3 1/2 months ago my provider did a four week taper of the Cymbalta. I have now completely been off for 10 weeks, and while the withdrawal symptoms are not great, they are manageable. Is it unwise to continue the cold turkey approach after such a short taper?

 

Edited October 22, 2022 by ChessieCat
added Intro topic title before merging with intro topic

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Congratulations for getting off Cymbalta!  To answer your question, yes, it is likely that your crying spells are from withdrawal from the Cymbalta.  Crying spells are a very common symptom of withdrawal from psych meds.  Since your symptoms are manageable, I would not suggest that you reinstate the drug, especially after being off of it for 10 weeks. It takes our nervous systems many weeks or months to recover from these drugs, and in some cases, years.  You should expect to see gradual improvement with ups and downs.  

 

Can you please list, in your signature, the month and approximately when in this month you did the fast taper, and jumped off the drug?  Thanks.  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications.

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Stability is really important when we are recovering from psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

 

I know I've given you a lot of information.  I would start with the link on how drugs remodel your brain.  Please let us know how you are doing.  

 

Edited October 28, 2022 by getofflex