Liz88: Tapering off Cymbalta

[Liz88]

Finding a site like this definitely makes me feel less crazy. 

 

I am trying to wean off of Cymbalta. Living in hell. You name it, I have it... anxiety attacks, vertigo all day, MAJOR depression, anger...........the effin list goes on.  I had a miscarriage soon after I started weaning. Hormones and sadness from that mixed with withdrawal symptoms. I can say that this has been the hardest month of my life. My doctor said to go down 1/2 dose for a week, then stop. If I listened to him I would be dead or in the psych ward. I have read a few other stories where doctors recommend the same thing. HOW do they not know how bad it is? I am doing the "bead method".

 

I guess I would love to connect with people who are or have gone through this battle with cymbalta.

[AliG]

Hi Liz. .    Welcome.  I'm sorry for what you have been through and for your loss. I can understand this has been a hard time for you .

Would you mind adding your drug history signature. It will make it easier to help you if we get a clear picture of your history.

Please put your withdrawal history in your signature

 

We recommend  the 10 % taper method.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/

This is your thread to ask questions and  journal your progress.  You are in a good place to deal with this . You will receive lots of support & encouragement.  Read the links and  come back with any other questions or concerns , you might have.

Ali

[Liz88]

Thank you Ali. 

I appreciate the support. 

I added my signature. 

[tootired]

Hi Liz, just thought I'd say hi as I'm attempting to start the Cymbalta tapering journey now myself. I've tried in the past to do it more abruptly, and with alternating doses daily, but have had to ditch the attempts for various reasons (pain, anxiety, etc). Am now trying the 10% taper, and counting the mini-tablets inside my capsules. Day 1 for me, and I've spent much of it tired and sleeping so I'm already worried I'm doing it wrong. Off to a great start then! Or at least one that's representative of a lot of people's journeys with quitting these annoying bastard meds, I guess. Hope you're doing better or at least hanging in there.

[ChessieCat]

Hi Liz,

 

Welcome to SA.  It's really good that you have found this site.  The members are very supportive and there is a wealth of information here too.

 

"Finding a site like this definitely makes me feel less crazy."

 

My reaction was of relief.  And amazement at how many people are in this situation.

 

So that we have a detailed history, would you please add dates with doses for your Cymbalta (as accurately as you can) and especially how and when you decreased from 90 to 60.  This information will make it easier to make suggestions, especially about when it might be okay to start tapering.  Thank you.

 

These drugs change the brain.  These definitely helped me to understand this and consequently made me realise why the 10% taper and holding for 4 weeks is recommended.  Tapering doesn't mean we won't get withdrawal symptoms, but the idea is to minimise them as much as possible.

 

Introduction to AD Withdrawal Syndrome

 

Brain Remodelling

Video: Healing from Antidepressants: Patterns of Recovery

 

And here is Tips for tapering off Cymbalta (duloxetine)