I have been taking cymbalta for over 5 years. I am horrified to have found out about how common "withdrawling" from cymbalta is, and the "truth" about the side effects of this medicine. I have never been addicted to anything in my whole life, so for me to try to eliminate this medicine is very devestating. My daily dose was 60mg. It has NOT helped much with my depression for over 1 year but it was a miracle for my fibro. My Dr. has put me on a regime of: 60mg every other pm, 30mg every other pm, and added 10mg of prozac every am. Ive only been doing this for 13 days, and Im not sure I can make it the next 4 days to my next appt. I am experiencing a persistent head ache, severe irritability, very short tempered, excessive eating, bouts of crying, confusion and am in severe fibro pain. Other people thinking of starting this medicine need to do their own research, dont just take your Dr.s word!!!
Has anyone successfully withdrawled from cymbalta? I'm not sure this pain will be worth it!!?
Question posted by deesjava on 3 Oct 2011
Last updated on 30 January 2021 by MT gal
21 Answers
Hi I am in the process of weaning off this nightmare drug after being on it for 10 years. I’ve tried numerous ways to wean with no success. The withdrawal symptoms are a nightmare. I found a site on line that safely tells you how to do the weaning process without the withdrawals.
So far it’s working for me and I’ve been doing what the suggested now for 4 weeks. To get completely off with 0 side effects is going to take me 7 months but it will be worth it. Best of luck to you in this journey.
NO. I am stuck in this vicious cycle. 120 mg per day. Rewind to last year. I tried to call my doctor to schedule an appointment not realizing one was already scheduled for Jan. because my mind doesn’t function properly when my symptoms flare up. The receptionist said there were NO appts with him, (she did not tell me I already had one scheduled) she only offered a PA appt. I said I would need to look for a new Dr then bc I had been able to see my regular Dr up until that point, and it made no sense. Those words prompted her to dismiss me from the practice entirely.
That sent me spinning further, I lost trust; I missed several doses, I ended up being hospitalized, forced to take new strange antipsychotics for 4 days, and diagnosed with Schizoaffective. A year later I am deemed disabled and prescribed many more drugs which I did not fill or take due to the struggle I currently have with ONE, Cymbalta. I have been to several psychiatrists recently, because they disappear after a few months or so. Leave the practice, get fired, relocate... They allow me 15 minutes of their time to discuss how I am... the unpredictability of my mind and body after missing two or more doses, if I show any negative emotion while there I get more prescriptions, and I’m rushed out the door for the next patient. I could go on, but this should paint an accurate picture of my cycle. I will not give up.
Hello deesjava,
Hang in there, you have been on Cymbalta for (5)yrs. which is a long time. Sorry, to hear that you are going thru this horrible ordeal. I was on that drug for only 2 month starting at 40mg & then 30mgs-20mg etc. (could not deal with the side effects.) My doctor prescribed Mirtazapine now & I'm OK with that! Hopefully your doctor prescribed another med. to help you get off that drug. One has to do their research with these medications. Have you tried Lyrica for Fibromyalgia?
I wish you all the best & take care
I withdrew from Cymbalta using a tapering dosage supplied by my doctor over a one month period with no discontinuation symptoms at all. The key is a gradual reduction.
BTW, Cymbalta (and other psychotropic medications) are NOT addictive. They merely affect the neurotransmitters and receptor sites in your brain and it takes time for your brain to "reboot" when you stop them.
Hopefully, people who discontinue these medications are aware that they will commonly experience a rebound of their original symptoms.
When missing more than one dose, I experience painful physical and painful disturbing mental states that I did not have before Cymbalta. These experiences are not part of my original issues, as I have lived with PTSD and related issues my entire life, and have come to know my body and mind somewhat at least.
When missing more than one dose, I experience painful physical and painful disturbing mental states that I did not have before Cymbalta. These experiences are not part of my original issues, as I have lived with PTSD and related issues my entire life, and have come to know my body and mind somewhat at least.
God bless you! I was on 30 mg of Cymbalta for 18 months. I decided the side effects were not worth any help that it was giving me for fibromyalgia. I read all of the information that everyone has put on about getting off breaking up and capsules counting-out little pills whatever. I don't have the patience for that. I just stop taking it. I have been off of it for 10 days and I have been so blessed. I have a tiny little bit of nausea, a very small amount of vertigo. The upside is the 3:00 Temple headaches are gone, the feeling of living on another planet is gone! I can now think things through which I could not before I'm feeling so much more like myself. Except for the fact that I have some pain from fibromyalgia which I am controlling with Robaxin. I feel so sorry for the general population of people taking Cymbalta and trying to get off of it. The drug is absolutely evil! Being on it is hard on us and getting off of it for most people is agony.
I was on 60mgs of Cymbalta for maybe 5 years for depression. It was very difficult to discern whether it was helping me because I had lost touch with what "happy" felt like. My therapist was adamant that it wasn't really helping, and had been talking with me, and my prescribing psychiatrist, about getting off of it. He had never known me unmedicated and was interested in what my baseline was. I was on board with going off of the Cymbalta, but procrastinated because I knew the process could be a challenge. I finally decided I was ready to taper off and to deal with whatever symptoms came up. I talked with my psychiatrist, and decided to taper off in 10mg increments. I didn't like the idea of skipping days because I'd had bad experiences, while taking it, if I happened to miss a day... extreme emotional reactions, mostly being brought to tears at things that didn't warrant such sadness. So, I ended up taking it RIDICULOUSLY slowly... probably 6 months.
Both my therapist and psychiatrist told me I was tapering off the drug slower than any patient either had treated. But I didn't mind going slowly. It made me more comfortable to do it that way, and I got no argument from either of them. I guess maybe the way I did it isn't financially practical for some people, but my Medicare Part D covered it other than a small copay.
Anyway, I first went down to 50mgs by combining 20s and 30s, and stayed at 50 for maybe a month. Then to 40, also for maybe a month... and down, and down until I got to 10mgs. Then, I actually opened the 20mg capsules and discarded half of the contents. I didn't want to jump from 20 to zero, so it was my choice to do it that way. My pharmacist said it would probably be fine to eyeball it... the idea of actually counting those little beads was even too nitpicky for me.
I went from 10mgs to zero, and have been completely off for about two months.
I found the process very problem-free. No major side-effects at all, and I'm so glad I'm off of it.
One thing I noticed, but relatively recently... quite awhile, I thought, after stopping... is a period of a couple of weeks where I was on the verge of tears a lot. I would only start to talk about something that moved me and would get choked up. It was kind of embarrassing, but only a bit because they didn't feel like sad, depressed tears. It seemed to me that I might be "coming alive" emotionally after maybe being partially shut down for so long. I saw it almost as a gift to be able to have authentic emotions again. I think that teary period has passed somewhat.
Another great side-effect, especially for me being a visual artist, is that my creativity has been reawakened. Maybe it's a coincidence, but I really believe it's because the Cymbalta is out of my system.
I still have bouts of depression. They usually pop up in the evening... and can get pretty dark sometimes... but are short-lived, and are certainly no worse than the way I felt on Cymbalta. My depression was deeper and darker... heavy, like navigating through a thick syrup, if that makes any sense. I really want to find alternative ways to deal with my depression now that I'm off of anti-depressants for the first time in many years. I went to an introductory meditation instruction class a few days ago and have been practicing since then. So far, so good.
I don't think I'm free of depression, but having been on Cymbalta with what I consider to be very negative results, I'm more motivated to try other remedies other than pills, if at all possible.
I totally agree... do your own research before starting this drug... Cymbalta was definitely helpful for me when coping w/the fibromyalgia pain but first it took almost 3 weeks of throwing up, nausea, all over body aches, exhaustion etc just adjusting to getting on it... but that was NOTHING compared to coming off it!!! I am on day 8 & am good at coping usually but this is awful!! Please... PLEASE Don't just assume your doc understands this drug when he/she tells you not to worry... the nightmares, brain Zaps, brain Buzz, extreme nausea, bad headaches, blurred vision... the list goes on... so NOT worth it! I even had read about both how bad it can be starting on it & w/d & had asked doc about it, was told it's ok, not to worry...
as it turns out, most docs Don't really know the severity of it cause studies say otherwise (which as I can attest to, are lies) & also because we as patients need to be sure to go back to our doc & tell them what this is like! Pharmacists are a good source of true information regarding these things... at least if you deal with reputable, honest ones like I do! :)
Hi deesjava,
I won't comment on the new regime he's got you on because there are other people who are professionals or experienced.
My question is about your decision to go off of it if it was great for your fibromyalgia.
I know it's all about balancing but why did you take a chance with the fibro flaring up?
Be well
:-)
Deesjava, I would be getting off then a lot slower than that. My doctor prescribed
60mg, 60mg 60mg, 30mg, 60mg 60mg, 30mg in week one and two then decrease to every other day but very slowly.
Also if anyone's doctors are making you feel pressure the ask to be referred to a psychiatrist who is an actual professional at prescribing mental health medication. Along side with a psychologist who will help with the psychological effecte you are going through.
I'm not off them yet but I wanted to know has anyone experienced weight loss after coming off them? I've put on 40kg since going in them ...
Do.not wait.get immediate medical help would be my.advice they can find.something better. I've heard and experienced nothing but bad things.. weight gain to night sweats to issues vision
I have been taking Cymbalta 60 mg's for about 5 years due to diabetic nerve pain in my hands (I'm the strange Type 1 diabetic - I get the less common complications). While I hate being on any medication long term, I find the Cymbalta close to being a miracle drug. Given the symptoms you all have identified above, I guess I should be grateful not to have a need to withdraw at this time. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!
Equinox14 successfully withdrew from cymbalta but it took a couple of very hard weeks to get through. She said it was hell on wheels, constant crying, headaches and even suicidal thoughts but now she is alright but vows never ever to go back on cymbalta. So remember it does improve so stay strong i know easier said than done right? You can do it ! Best wishes to you.
Hi, I agree with the other responders,please taper off this med. I was on it after I had 2 major surgeries and went thru a deep depression. I was only on it about 5months and thought if I just quit taking it, I wouldnt have any wd's as I wasnt on it that long. WRONG! I experienced the same effects as you and more! I became very suicidal, angry and cried xcessivly for a few weeks. I will never be on this drug again. As with all meds, to taper and ween is the very best way.
It will get better. Be sure to take a multivitamin and eat a good diet of fruits,grains and protein and drink LOTS of water to help flush your system. At least a gallon a day. This really helps. Hang in there it does get better :)
Drawing any medicine that is addictive is difficult. But it just needs a firm determination on withdrawing the medicine. I have successfully quit the use of cymbalta. You can do it too.
When I have expressed my withdrawal symptoms to my physician, she said,"If it makes you cry and have angry outbursts just in the tapering phase maybe you should not quit." I have been trying to make a plan, but was encouraged to stay on a little longer last year since my mom had just passed away, then "wait til spring" (possible SAD), etc. I have really felt that the doctors, three in total are really not sure how to address the withdrawal symptoms. I just want to believe that the emotional outburts I am experiencing are indeed withdrawal symptoms and not manifestation of underlying depression. Feels like PMS X 10 back in the day. Thanks for the encouragement. I am determined, just uncertain how long these symptoms might continue. :)
Hi would you please let me know what you did to tamper from Cymbalta. I need to talk to my health care provider when I see her but I would like to know option to discuss with her. Thank you
Hey there deesjava, I too was prescribed Cymbalta, i jumped on this site straight away and got some very helpful and much needed advice on taking it. After reading alot of adverse posts i told my doctor i refused to get the prescription filled, he answered me by saying "who knows best the patient or the physician" so after that comment every anti depressant he described i just threw in the draw. I heard some dreadful things about withdrawing from Cymbalta, migraines, nausea, hallucinations, insomnia and just crying all the time for now apparent reason. Your comment .. Dont just take your Drs word for it .. is so so true but listen my mate who after years on cymbalta is finally over all the symptoms, she said it took two to three weeks. Thats a long time to be feeling crap though. I wish you luck and just know it does get better. This site as you probably already know is great for support so anytime the blues hit you hard please jump on and talk. Thanks for reading my post. Skins1970
Hi Skins, thanks so much for the help and support, I was going to give up today because of the headache-(bad), fog, confusion, crying, etc, but after reading all the responses Im encouraged to hang on until my visit in 3 days, This does sound like a very helpful site, not just a bunch of winers like 3 of the fibro meetings I attended. D
Hi all. day 9 of no Cymgen (generic cymbalta). Still dizzy, fuzzy etc, but counting the days cos its going to go away! Thank heavens for understanding friends and family - and this site! have a great day all. Cheers kathy
Hi Kathy! Good luck with the withdrawal! I'm dizzy & fuzzy & I'm still ON Cymbalta! LOL Lord help me when I have to get off it! HA HA HA
You're in our thoughts Kathy! All the best to you!
I'll add you to my prayer list. from Wendy :)
skins, why do you go to the doc if you are not going to do what he tells you too? Not being rude, just wondering... I trust my doc. Von-1
i have no choice. He is the only licensed prescriber of methadone i could get in to see. The others which arent too many have their full 30 patients which is all a doc is allowed to have. If i hadnt continued seeing him these last two years i would have sued his certificate right out of his incompetent hands. I never needed to go on methadone. I had a severe amphetamine addiction and just wanted something to take the edge of when i was whacking up the stuff so i didnt feel so anxious all the time. Ive maybe tried herion twice. He put me on methadone and it has totally wrecked my life. He never told me my period would stop or i would gain weight from the sugar in it or the severe sweating and constipation ive even been up to 160mgs on the stuff. He doesnt listen to me period. All i needed was anti anxiety meds from thinking about injecting all the time. He took my bare minimum use of smack n turned me into a smackhead, now i just want to smack him in the head.
I was so angry for a good two years then i jumped off the stuff because i didnt need it, by this time it was too late i went mental n ended up in hospital. I HATE my doctor we literally fight all the time because of the methadone. Now i have to wean myself off it. Im also addicted to the years of benzo px. I have to stop writing im starting to shake with tension of it. Man. I got screwed.
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, anxiety, pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (cfs), side effect, medicine
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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