Semler: quitting cold turkey - the road home is uncertain

[Semler]

When I became frustrated with the stigma that surrounds ADHD, my new doctor told me that antidepressants in high doses has been proven to help with ADHD. So in April I started on 20mg of Cymbalta and then increased to 60mg. Today is December 29th I started taking 1 tab every other day about 2 weeks ago and 6 days ago I quit cold turkey. Luckily I’m off work for another 4 days but I’m worried about returning to work. If I’m not dizzy I’m nauseated or both. Sleeping has been intermittent and sprinkled with sweating and chills. I itch, EVERYWHERE ALL THE TME. And the body jolts are hard to hide. I tried to drive yesterday and had to pull over. I’m used to “pushing through” the pain, the symptoms, the everything to get the job done. I beat cancer in 2017 while working full time and maintaining the level of excellence my team expects from me, I don’t remember 2017, but I did it. I honestly dont know if I can do this. I’m frustrated with my doctor for downplaying the effect that Cymbalta has on you and more frustrated with myself for not doing my own research and blindly following my doctors advice. Please tell me it gets better soon....

[ChessieCat]

Hi Semler and welcome to SA,

 

The only known way to reduce withdrawal symptoms is to take the drug you were last taking.  Please read Post #1 of this topic:  About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Skipping days is not recommended:  Skipping Days vs Every Day Dosing Graph

 

Once we know the dates and doses you were taking your drug we will be able to suggest a dose to reinstate.

 

This topic may be helpful:  are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

To help us out, please create a drug signature.  Keep it simple by following these instructions (NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you):

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Tips for tapering off Cymbalta (duloxetine)

 

Once we have more details of the dates and doses we will be better able to assist you.  This is your own Introduction topic which is the place to ask questions about your own situation and where you can journal your progress.