vicky81: Help with withdrawal, side effects and starting back on duloxetine

[vicky81]

Hi so I started on 60mg duloxetine back in june/July. I cried and cried in this and persevered for 10 weeks. I had some weeks were I didn't cry ...but then it just went back to crying. 

I work in Broadmoor so I'm lucky to have psychiatrist sometimes if they're around to ask questions. 

I then thought this isn't fir me....so I started tapering....as soon as I dropped to 40mg ...crying stopped. Did this fir 2 weeks. Same with 30, same with 20. My boss reckoned the 60 was too high. 

The only reason I was coming off was the fatigue.  

So 3 days after stopping bam I got depressed like I've never  had ...crying everyday.....I stuck the withdrawal for 21 days before calling the doctor to ask to go back on.

I started 3 days on 20, as my psychiatrist friend said it wasn't high enough, then I went on 30 for 7 days (had 1 day without crying on the 30) 

Then I chose to go to 40. I'm on  day 3 and all I'm doing I'd crying of a morning in particular.  

I don't know what to do? I've been told I'm very sensitive to these medications by professionals, ....but I thought going a bit higher may "knock the withdrawal " out of me quicker? Only my thinking. 

Im just really low , more anxiety feelings and these crying spells. 

I don't know what to do? and if I'm on the right path with the 40? Do I stick at ot or come down? Please please help me. 

Vicky

Edited December 15, 2024 by Emonda
Name to title

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm glad you found us.  We will try to walk you through this, and help you.  

 

Can you please give us specific information in your signature about your drug history for all drugs and supplements you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  Only give us drug names, dosages, and dates, as best you can remember, in a list format.  Read the link below for instructions.  

 

How to List Your Drug History in Your Signature

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

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

 

From the information you have given me, I'm inclined to suggest dropping your dose back down to 20 mg.  It sounds like you had an adverse reaction to the drug, and that you were able to better tolerate it at the lower doses.  When I see a detailed drug signature,  I will have a better idea of what is going on, and can better advise you.  Please be sure to include dates, as specific as you can remember.  

Edited December 19, 2024 by getofflex

[getofflex]

We generally suggest very low reinstatement amounts.  It is likely you reinstated at too high a dose.  Unfortunately, most doctors are not familiar with adverse reactions and withdrawal, and how to properly reinstate.  When we see your drug signature, we can give you a better idea of what dose to reinstate.  

[vicky81]

On 12/15/2024 at 9:50 AM, vicky81 said:

Hi so I started on 60mg duloxetine back in june/July. I cried and cried in this and persevered for 10 weeks. I had some weeks were I didn't cry ...but then it just went back to crying. 

I work in Broadmoor so I'm lucky to have psychiatrist sometimes if they're around to ask questions. 

I then thought this isn't fir me....so I started tapering....as soon as I dropped to 40mg ...crying stopped. Did this fir 2 weeks. Same with 30, same with 20. My boss reckoned the 60 was too high. 

The only reason I was coming off was the fatigue.  

So 3 days after stopping bam I got depressed like I've never  had ...crying everyday.....I stuck the withdrawal for 21 days before calling the doctor to ask to go back on.

I started 3 days on 20, as my psychiatrist friend said it wasn't high enough, then I went on 30 for 7 days (had 1 day without crying on the 30) 

Then I chose to go to 40. I'm on  day 3 and all I'm doing I'd crying of a morning in particular.  

I don't know what to do? I've been told I'm very sensitive to these medications by professionals, ....but I thought going a bit higher may "knock the withdrawal " out of me quicker? Only my thinking. 

Im just really low , more anxiety feelings and these crying spells. 

I don't know what to do? and if I'm on the right path with the 40? Do I stick at ot or come down? Please please help me. 

Vicky

Cymbalta 60mg for 10 weeks starting 4th July.

Tapered to 40 on 11th September for 2 weeks

Then Tapered to 30 for 2 weeks 

Then tapered to 20 for 3 weeks

Then tapered to 10 for 2 weeks 

Then stopped duloxetine. 

3 days later got terrible withdrawal I lasted 21 days then asked GP to go back on.

Started on 20 for 3 days (1 day no tears)

Then 30 for 7 days (1 day no tears)

Then 40 to present day (day 8 20th dec)

 

[Evelyne]

Welcome to SA @vicky81❤️ You'll be okay, with time and patience.

 

@getofflex - I've been in contact with @vicky81, and she's having quite a lot of technical difficulties with her signature and with the forum in general. Hopefully her message into this topic came through for mods to see!

[vicky81]

On 12/19/2024 at 8:08 PM, getofflex said:

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm glad you found us.  We will try to walk you through this, and help you.  

 

Can you please give us specific information in your signature about your drug history for all drugs and supplements you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  Only give us drug names, dosages, and dates, as best you can remember, in a list format.  Read the link below for instructions.  

 

How to List Your Drug History in Your Signature

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

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

 

From the information you have given me, I'm inclined to suggest dropping your dose back down to 20 mg.  It sounds like you had an adverse reaction to the drug, and that you were able to better tolerate it at the lower doses.  When I see a detailed drug signature,  I will have a better idea of what is going on, and can better advise you.  Please be sure to include dates, as specific as you can remember.  

Please can you advise me if I should lower from 40mg please ss I'm suffering greatly thanks you 🙏

[vicky81]

Please can you advise me if I should lower my dose as I'm really suffering 

 Kindest regards 

Vicky81 

God bless 

[vicky81]

Sorry about this but I have created  a couple of the same post I think in error...one has my drug history at the bottom of it. 

Im Desperately seeking an answer to see if lowering my mg on duloxetine would be be better as I'm sensitive.  

Many thanks In advance 

Vicky81

[Emonda]

Hi Vicky81,

I saw the message you sent.

 

I went into your signature and removed your real name...we want to protect your privacy.

 

Where you've put the picture of the cup of coffee, that's where you need to place your signature.

 

Your signature needs to show the exact dates/doses (just post the details in your reply initially and we can move it to your signature later)...When I read your post it sounded approximately as follows (but please fine-tune / correct).

• 18 July - 26 Sept: 60mg duloxetine

• 27 Sept – 11 Oct: 40mg

• 12 Oct – 26 Oct: 30mg

• 27 Oct – 10 Nov: 20mg

• 11 Nov-2 Dec: 0mg

• 3 Dec – 6 Dec: 20mg

• 7 Dec – 14 Dec: 30mg

• 15 Dec: 40mg

If you can clarify this schedule, someone will try to help.

It is safer to reinstate at a low dose. When you are less than one month from a CT, I've seen a figure of 50% of the last dose suggested (your last dose was 20mg, and 50% of this, of course, is 10mg). It looks like you are somewhat higher than that. How are you feeling? Can you describe your symptoms?

Please read these two links:

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

Kindling

Once you have read this and corrected my understanding of your signature, someone will try to assist.

Warm wishes, Emonda

[LukeUK]

I'm not sure what the best dose to reinstate at is, but be very careful making multiple changes, over and over again to try to alleviate suffering.

 

Unfortunately, once destabilised by these drugs, it can take a considerable amount of time to restabilise.

 

My hope would be that someone more experienced with this will provide some advice on a dose, but unfortunately the effects of these drugs can be unpredictable even when following "good advice", as you have sadly now found out.

 

Once you have decided on a dose, whether that's 40 or something intermediate, ideally you need to stick with it and hope that over time you stabilise. Making lots of changes can continue to make things worse.

 

On 12/15/2024 at 9:50 AM, vicky81 said:

I work in Broadmoor so I'm lucky to have psychiatrist sometimes if they're around to ask questions. 

 

I'm not so sure that this is lucky. Advice from psychiatry has landed you here, and further advice from psychiatrists whose main job it is to prevent harm to the public from patients detained in a high security psychiatric hospital is unlikely to be focused on harm-reduction from adverse reactions.

 

 

On 12/15/2024 at 9:50 AM, vicky81 said:

I don't know what to do? I've been told I'm very sensitive to these medications by professionals

 

This is the point I'm making, now that you've been harmed, you do not have clear advice, and it is already being implied that it's somehow your fault for being sensitive to the medications, not bad practice.

 

Be very wary of advice provided by individuals who do not see these medications as dangerous.

[Emonda]

4 minutes ago, LukeUK said:

be very careful making multiple changes, over and over again to try to alleviate suffering.

 

5 minutes ago, LukeUK said:

Making lots of changes can continue to make things worse.

 

Completely agree

 

Please confirm your signature, Vicky, so someone can try to assist.

[vicky81]

38 minutes ago, LukeUK said:

I'm not sure what the best dose to reinstate at is, but be very careful making multiple changes, over and over again to try to alleviate suffering.

 

Unfortunately, once destabilised by these drugs, it can take a considerable amount of time to restabilise.

 

My hope would be that someone more experienced with this will provide some advice on a dose, but unfortunately the effects of these drugs can be unpredictable even when following "good advice", as you have sadly now found out.

 

Once you have decided on a dose, whether that's 40 or something intermediate, ideally you need to stick with it and hope that over time you stabilise. Making lots of changes can continue to make things worse.

 

 

I'm not so sure that this is lucky. Advice from psychiatry has landed you here, and further advice from psychiatrists whose main job it is to prevent harm to the public from patients detained in a high security psychiatric hospital is unlikely to be focused on harm-reduction from adverse reactions.

 

 

 

This is the point I'm making, now that you've been harmed, you do not have clear advice, and it is already being implied that it's somehow your fault for being sensitive to the medications, not bad practice.

 

Be very wary of advice provided by individuals who do not see these medications as dangerous.

Thank you so much I just hope the lady Geffrolex?? Will answer me too

[vicky81]

42 minutes ago, Emonda said:

 

 

Completely agree

 

Please confirm your signature, Vicky, so someone can try to assist.

vicky81

[vicky81]

43 minutes ago, Emonda said:

 

 

Completely agree

 

Please confirm your signature, Vicky, so someone can try to assist.

It's because I'm so sensitive I think I went up to quickly to 40mg. 

Thinking that 30 would be better for me being so sensitive and crying all the time? That's why I require input from an Mod please 

[vicky81]

33 minutes ago, vicky81 said:

Thank you so much I just hope the lady Geffrolex?? Will answer me too

The 40 reminds me of when I was on the 60 back in August....was too high for me....all I did was cry. 

[thenextguy]

1 hour ago, LukeUK said:

I'm not sure what the best dose to reinstate at is, but be very careful making multiple changes, over and over again to try to alleviate suffering.

 

100%. I would add that this is especially true with duloxetine given it's very short half-life. 

 

@vicky81

The rapid changes of doses are distorting how you might feel at a dose once you can stabilize a little bit. If I were in your shoes, I would try holding at 30mg for a bit. At least a month and then evaluate. You won't feel 100% after a month, but these wild swings should diminish if you give your body a chance to stabilize on a dosage a bit. Then you can focus on a long-term plan to get off the meds.

 

Given the state of your nervous system, there isn't a dose you can switch to that will provide immediate relief. 

[vicky81]

4 minutes ago, thenextguy said:

 

100%. I would add that this is especially true with duloxetine given it's very short half-life. 

 

@vicky81

The rapid changes of doses are distorting how you might feel at a dose once you can stabilize a little bit. If I were in your shoes, I would try holding at 30mg for a bit. At least a month and then evaluate. You won't feel 100% after a month, but these wild swings should diminish if you give your body a chance to stabilize on a dosage a bit. Then you can focus on a long-term plan to get off the meds.

 

Given the state of your nervous system, there isn't a dose you can switch to that will provide immediate relief. 

Awww thank you so very much ....

[vicky81]

3 hours ago, Emonda said:

Hi Vicky81,

I saw the message you sent.

 

I went into your signature and removed your real name...we want to protect your privacy.

 

Where you've put the picture of the cup of coffee, that's where you need to place your signature.

 

Your signature needs to show the exact dates/doses (just post the details in your reply initially and we can move it to your signature later)...When I read your post it sounded approximately as follows (but please fine-tune / correct).

• 18 July - 26 Sept: 60mg duloxetine

   

• 27 Sept – 11 Oct: 40mg

   

• 12 Oct – 26 Oct: 30mg

   

• 27 Oct – 10 Nov: 20mg

   

• 11 Nov-2 Dec: 0mg

   

• 3 Dec – 6 Dec: 20mg

   

• 7 Dec – 14 Dec: 30mg

   

• 15 Dec: 40mg

   

 

If you can clarify this schedule, someone will try to help.

 

It is safer to reinstate at a low dose. When you are less than one month from a CT, I've seen a figure of 50% of the last dose suggested (your last dose was 20mg, and 50% of this, of course, is 10mg). It looks like you are somewhat higher than that. How are you feeling? Can you describe your symptoms?

Please read these two links:

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

Kindling

Once you have read this and corrected my understanding of your signature, someone will try to assist.

Warm wishes, Emonda

Hi Emonda

Thank you so very much for replying! 

Yes my last dose was 10.g but they weren't accurate as I didn't count the beads and felt awful for those 2 weeks. 

Before this was 20 for 2 weeks I was fine apart from 2 crying g spells as I guess I was coming off?

 

On 40 I feel terrible. Crying alot, very low, no motivation  no joy. 

 

My partner suggested going to 30 from tomorrow as I guess I can't just jump from 40 to 20 right? 

So what do you think? 

[vicky81]

1 minute ago, vicky81 said:

Hi Emonda

Thank you so very much for replying! 

Yes my last dose was 10.g but they weren't accurate as I didn't count the beads and felt awful for those 2 weeks. 

Before this was 20 for 2 weeks I was fine apart from 2 crying g spells as I guess I was coming off?

 

On 40 I feel terrible. Crying alot, very low, no motivation  no joy. 

 

My partner suggested going to 30 from tomorrow as I guess I can't just jump from 40 to 20 right? 

So what do you think? 

Yes I was off duloxetine for 21 days before restarting . 

[vicky81]

47 minutes ago, vicky81 said:

Yes I was off duloxetine for 21 days before restarting . 

Hi again I have read the articles on reinstatement. 

I just woukd like to know what mg or plan I have now please? Do I go to 30 tomorrow? If so how long before going to 20? If you could please reply this evening I'd be so very grateful as my partner is worried too 

[vicky81]

15 minutes ago, vicky81 said:

Hi again I have read the articles on reinstatement. 

I just woukd like to know what mg or plan I have now please? Do I go to 30 tomorrow? If so how long before going to 20? If you could please reply this evening I'd be so very grateful as my partner is worried too 

I woukd like to go down to 20s ....but you font think it'd too late for me ?? Plus how many days should I do on 30 first? Please I'm so desperate to get well 

[thenextguy]

1 minute ago, vicky81 said:

I woukd like to go down to 20s ....but you font think it'd too late for me ?? Plus how many days should I do on 30 first? Please I'm so desperate to get well 

 Vicky, I think you could make a case for either 20 or 30. If I were your shoes, I would choose 30mg. Others will chime in, and they may have different opinions. However, I think it's important to realize that there isn't a quick fix here. You will be tapering for a long time if you want to get off this drug. The first thing you need to do is stabilize somewhat. It's not clear how long that will take as everyone is different. 

 

What sort of capsules do you have? They come in 20mg, 30mg and 60mg. If you have 30mg capsules, that would be great because then you don't have to worry about counting beads for the time being. You can worry about that when you're feeling better.

 

 

[vicky81]

2 minutes ago, thenextguy said:

 Vicky, I think you could make a case for either 20 or 30. If I were your shoes, I would choose 30mg. Others will chime in, and they may have different opinions. However, I think it's important to realize that there isn't a quick fix here. You will be tapering for a long time if you want to get off this drug. The first thing you need to do is stabilize somewhat. It's not clear how long that will take as everyone is different. 

 

What sort of capsules do you have? They come in 20mg, 30mg and 60mg. If you have 30mg capsules, that would be great because then you don't have to worry about counting beads for the time being. You can worry about that when you're feeling better.

 

 

Hey hun I've got 30 and 20.but I thought I'd have to like a week on 3o then stay on 20,? As I'm not looking at coming off hun x

[vicky81]

16 minutes ago, thenextguy said:

 Vicky, I think you could make a case for either 20 or 30. If I were your shoes, I would choose 30mg. Others will chime in, and they may have different opinions. However, I think it's important to realize that there isn't a quick fix here. You will be tapering for a long time if you want to get off this drug. The first thing you need to do is stabilize somewhat. It's not clear how long that will take as everyone is different. 

 

What sort of capsules do you have? They come in 20mg, 30mg and 60mg. If you have 30mg capsules, that would be great because then you don't have to worry about counting beads for the time being. You can worry about that when you're feeling better.

 

 

So I will stabilise again won't I? In the future at some point? I'm scared il be like this forever 

[LostInCanada]

@vicky81 when being asked to confirm your signature it means place your drug history in the area that is designated for it...that , your drug history, is your signature. (not your name)

5 hours ago, Emonda said:

• 18 July - 26 Sept: 60mg duloxetine

   

• 27 Sept – 11 Oct: 40mg

   

• 12 Oct – 26 Oct: 30mg

   

• 27 Oct – 10 Nov: 20mg

   

• 11 Nov-2 Dec: 0mg

   

• 3 Dec – 6 Dec: 20mg

   

• 7 Dec – 14 Dec: 30mg

   

• 15 Dec: 40mg

What Emonda has written here needs to be put in there. Click this link, put it in there and then save it.

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/settings/signature/

Emonda is a moderator as is Getofflex. Emonda has suggested 10 mg. This is a reasonable reinstatement. Your central nervous system has been destabilized. This will take time to heal. It is not a quick process at this point but healing will happen. Read through the topics in this site. Take time to learn how to navigate it. 

[vicky81]

9 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@vicky81 when being asked to confirm your signature it means place your drug history in the area that is designated for it...that , your drug history, is your signature. (not your name)

What Emonda has written here needs to be put in there. Click this link, put it in there and then save it.

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/settings/signature/

Emonda is a moderator as is Getofflex. Emonda has suggested 10 mg. This is a reasonable reinstatement. Your central nervous system has been destabilized. This will take time to heal. It is not a quick process at this point but healing will happen. Read through the topics in this site. Take time to learn how to navigate it. 

I don't have any 10mg. I have 20s. 

I'm so upset right now ....because I'm on 40. Don't I come down to 30 first please, ? 

[LostInCanada]

1 minute ago, vicky81 said:

Don't I come down to 30 first please, ? 

No...you haven't been on 40 mg that long... More is not better.

You are at risk of kindling taking too much. 

Is crying your only symptom?

Your drug signature is vital as it helps the moderators see your time line immediately. They do not have time to search through posts to find it. Please click on the link and fill it out. Make sure you hit the save button.

[vicky81]

17 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@vicky81 when being asked to confirm your signature it means place your drug history in the area that is designated for it...that , your drug history, is your signature. (not your name)

What Emonda has written here needs to be put in there. Click this link, put it in there and then save it.

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/settings/signature/

Emonda is a moderator as is Getofflex. Emonda has suggested 10 mg. This is a reasonable reinstatement. Your central nervous system has been destabilized. This will take time to heal. It is not a quick process at this point but healing will happen. Read through the topics in this site. Take time to learn how to navigate it. 

I have just put my drug history in yhe box where it says signature 

[vicky81]

1 minute ago, LostInCanada said:

No...you haven't been on 40 mg that long... More is not better.

You are at risk of kindling taking too much. 

Is crying your only symptom?

Your drug signature is vital as it helps the moderators see your time line immediately. They do not have time to search through posts to find it. Please click on the link and fill it out. Make sure you hit the save button.

Sorry I'm new 

[LostInCanada]

You need to do it again and hit the save button at the bottom under the box.

[vicky81]

Just now, vicky81 said:

Sorry I'm new 

Yes lots of crying and low mood bit of depression that came from the withdrawal 

[vicky81]

3 minutes ago, vicky81 said:

Sorry I'm new 

What is kindling? 

[LostInCanada]

Is your drug is capsule form with little beads? Please read this link on how to taper your drug effectively.

 

 

 

[LostInCanada]

Please complete your drug signature 

Once it is done correctly, you will see it appear at the end of each of your posts where Blondie81 is now. Thanks 

 

[vicky81]

6 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Is your drug is capsule form with little beads? Please read this link on how to taper your drug effectively.

 

 

 

Thanks so much but I'm not looking to taper and  come off. I just want to cone down to a lower dose but nor 10mg . 

[vicky81]

59 minutes ago, thenextguy said:

 Vicky, I think you could make a case for either 20 or 30. If I were your shoes, I would choose 30mg. Others will chime in, and they may have different opinions. However, I think it's important to realize that there isn't a quick fix here. You will be tapering for a long time if you want to get off this drug. The first thing you need to do is stabilize somewhat. It's not clear how long that will take as everyone is different. 

 

What sort of capsules do you have? They come in 20mg, 30mg and 60mg. If you have 30mg capsules, that would be great because then you don't have to worry about counting beads for the time being. You can worry about that when you're feeling better.

 

 

Hi can I ask you......can I just go straight to 20mg in the morning if I want? Without doing 30 first?