gary98: Preparing to Taper

[gary98]

I'm planning to taper from 60 mg cymbalta, starting next month. I'm waiting until mid-late September to do my research and preparation, line up Dr support and prescriptions. Also, summertime is non-routine for me with lots of spontaneous events that disrupt my attention (ADD). Over the years (30+) I've taken amitriptyline, paxil, prozac, and now cymbalta. The most recent was an attempt to manage ADD better (I don't use stimulants since I retired), but to no avail. I transitioned from prozac to cymbalta with no trouble except I think cymbalta has had a more pronounced negative effect on libido.

 

I'm thinking about transitioning back to prozac for the taper because of the longer half-life. Theoretically it seems like that transition would be harder than prozac>cymbalta. Is that correct? My question is should I take that step first, or just begin tapering 10% off the cymbalta? Opinions, experiences?

 

I've made 2 withdrawal attempts years ago, getting down to about 15-25% levels before giving up. I think both attempts were done too quickly. I'm excited to learn about hyperbolic tapering which I think is what I need.

 

thanks!

Edited August 8, 2023 by manymoretodays
name to title

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @gary98

 

Here are our Tips for tapering off duloxetine (Cymbalta)

 

We do not advise a drug switch as a bridge to go off an antidepressant because sometimes it doesn't work. Bridging is a technique to use when a direct taper fails.

 

Please let us know if you would like peer counseling for tapering.

 

To help us out, follow these instructions Please summarize your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this.