Duloxetine Withdrawal Advice

[LisaLouLou]

I have been on some form of antidepressant since January 2002.  I am now on 20mg duloxetine but am struggling to get any lower because of withdrawal issues.

 

I wonder if to switch to venlafaxine and start tapering using liquid formulation of this drug.  

 

I was on venlafaxine for five years before psychiatrist switched me over to duloxetine in October 2021.  

 

I am constantly falling asleep on duloxetine and struggle to get out of bed in the morning.  I have absolutely no motivation whatsoever.

 

Would it be a bad idea to switch drugs at this stage of my taper?

 

I'm due to see my GP in March. They have not been very helpful so far. I'd like to go prepared with some information.

 

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, LisaLouLou.  Thanks for completing your signature.

 

We generally do not advise switching dugs in order to taper, instead advising that members taper the drug they're currently taking.  This would especially be the case with a switch to Effexor, which is one of the most difficult drugs to get off.  There is also the factor that you don't know how the Effexor will affect you if you switch.  Though you were on Effexor before, because of the switch to Duloxetine your brain is not the same brain as before and so your reaction to a new round of Effexor is impossible to predict.

 

As with other psychiatric drugs, we recommend tapering Duloxetine no faster than 10% of your current dose every 4 weeks.  

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The following link is specifically about tapering Duloxetine, including how to get the nonstandard doses needed for a 10% taper.

 

Tips for tapering off duloxetine (Cymbalta)

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (glyciinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.  I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us.

 

 

Edited February 18, 2023 by Gridley

[LisaLouLou]

Thanks Gridley,

 

My mind is all over the place at the moment. I am struggling to concentrate on anything. Nothing is going in. I tried to go cold turkey the other week and I feel I've damaged my poor brain even further.  

 

I really appreciate your advice. I was unsure the best way forward. 

 

Thank you 😊

 

Lisa