... Cymbalta for 8 yrs? I have been on it since 2005..and on 120 mg for the last 4 years. I'm having some new and severe side effects now and need to get off if it. But, I've tried I can't take the withdrawal and have to go back on it. HELP
Is there anyone in this group that's been on Cymbalta 120 mg per day? Also anyone who's been on?
Question posted by actup on 10 July 2013
Last updated on 29 December 2017 by simkitkat66
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6 Answers
simkitkat66
29 Dec 2017
Hi. I can completely relate to all your questions and answers I have read regarding cymbalta, side effects, etc. I was diagnosed with manic depressive disorder. I was on fluorine for many years but after a while, it didn't work so well. I was very depressed and found it hard to function. So, the Nurse Practitioner switched me over to Lexapro, which made me feel agitated and my heart race. Then, I was switched to cymbalta 30 mg. I didn't feel much different. Then my dosage went up to 60 mg daily and I started to have more good days than bad. Then, it went up to 90 mg daily. I still had bad days but a lot of good days too. (It's just life and brain chemistry I believe, that's why all of us do have some bad days.) But, my dosage to 120 mg started a couple of weeks ago and since then, I'm having issues! I feel panicked a lot, as if I'm on the verge of nervous breakdown. I cry at the drop of a hat. Getting bad headaches and vertigo.
Has anyone experienced this in cymbalta 120 mg? I'm going back down to 90 mg Today. My appointment with my nurse is next week. I also take Trazodone at night, 1 to 2 tabs 50 mg each. Any advice is helpful. Thanks.
CEE CEE7
16 Nov 2017
I've been on Cymbalta for over 10 year I am on 60mg at night, have had my cymbalta put up too as much as 120mg but it didn't help me at the time so I went back to 60mg and I am fine now just had trouble sleeping at night so I take it at night now too make me tired
CEE CEE7
22 April 2017
Recently I was put on 120mg of cymbalta I too have been on it for 8 years I have mania and the second tablet just made it worst I went back to taking 60mg and have to go back to the doctor on Monday. I recently tried Avanza for sleep and that was horrible for me made my left eye twitch and slept all day in the day time.
WildcatVet
22 April 2017
Antidepressants have been shown to provoke manic episodes in some users ~ usually when there is an underlying condition such as Bipolar II or Bipolar depression.
LHC1983
22 April 2017
Thanks for your reply Cee Cee7. Hope it works out. I'm just so keen to try and get the balance sorted again. Were you on Cymbalta because of the mania or did the Cymbalta bring it on?
CEE CEE7
22 April 2017
I am on cymbalta for depression and for the past 2 years on and off I have not been able to sleep at night so the doctor thought she would increase to 90 mg then too 120 mg to see if it would help me sleep but it made things worst. But not everyone is the same
LHC1983
22 April 2017
Yep. It sure is tough. Sleep is not consistent. Hasn't impacted too much at work except for a low tolerance for fools and a few tears when discussing how I am going.
Antonia1975
16 Nov 2017
Hi there: How do you take Cymbalta 120mg? Do you take 60mg in the morning and 60 in the afternoon or at once. Thanks a lot!
LHC1983
22 April 2017
Just wondering why you increased to 120mg? I have been on Cymbalta 60mg for about 8 years, trialled a random generic and within 2 weeks withdrawals came on with avengence. Now taking 90mg for 3 weeks, irritability gone but sadness still there. Will be going back to ask for 120mg. Hence my query... thanks
lady2882
10 July 2013
Hi actup
There are a number of ways to get off Cymbalta. For you I would recommend a very gradual reduction in dose. You would need to go down by 30mg a month to start. If that is too hard then there is a slower way which I could explain to you in a PM.
JenJen has it right it is a very hard med to get off of and I recommend a SSRI with a long half life to ease the side effects.
Find a support group online like cymbaltawithdrawal dot com as I found it really helped to have others who understand how you are feeling when you go through it. Their support really made a difference for me.
Take care
JenJen101
11 July 2013
Thank you so much for the info on Cymbaltawithdrawal.com! There is so many amazing stories, ideas to help you succeed, not to mention many many people who are very compassionate & helpful.
Yesterday I decided rather than waiting another couple of days to up my Lexapro from the half a pill a day, to begin taking the whole pill. What a difference! Don't get me wrong I still have many many w/drawal problems, but I didn't feel as depressed! I immediately went to the site you wrote about, & read many peeps were told to take the whole pill. I figured @ this point what did I have to lose? Definitely not my mind, since its been gone for a long time now! I still had much worse pain than usual-but nothing like it was since starting the tapering. The only really bad side effect was really bad diarrhea.
I can't thank you enough & also I did get some supplements, have only been eating healthy foods-that is when I have any urge to eat. I'm a pretty good eater, & have always been. Have been craving much more sweets than usual though. But raspberry sorbet has helped my sweet tooth:)
I do have a question about Lexapro. Does it cause weight gain? That's not something I want, but if its between gaining a few lbs & feeling like crap-I'd have no problem buying some bigger clothes! Thanks again lady2882:)
lady2882
11 July 2013
Unfortunately all antidepressants have the potential to cause weight gain but if you are able to live and feel happy again what's a few pounds, as long as it isn't a huge weight gain. Who knows maybe you will be one of those that lose weight or stays the same.
Glad you found the site. When you are there you will see that lady2882 is still active there. I find helping others is a good way to help myself.
Take care
sally01
9 June 2015
I've been on 120 mg cymbalta for 5 years. Its really been great for me. My doctor wanted me to tamper off so I could try another drug.I tried brintelx omg no good then viibryd wow I was about to jump off the bridge. Back on cymbalta 120 mg and doing great. I feel that all antidepressant work good, just gotta find the one that works for U.
CEE CEE7
20 Feb 2017
Hi I am on 120mg a day of Cymbalta and I have been on Cymbalta for 9 years I was only taking 60mg for 9 years and recently was put on 90mg then 1 week later the 120mg. I find this antidepressant the best on the market, I have been on alot of antidepressants that did not work for me prior to taking Cymbalta.
JenJen101
10 July 2013
Actup I was on 90mgs Cymbalta for over 8yrs. I started having major side effects(sweating like a pig, increased pain, increased depression, brain zaps,short term memory loss, bladder issues, brain just quit working, suicidal thoughts, mania, etc). I had no idea after taking Cymbalta for as long as I did, that it was causing the majority of my problems. Never had these problems prior, it was as if my body told Cymbalta to get out of town & my body reacted by having worse withdrawal.
Please please please trust me I know how bad the withdrawals are. I'm on my 3rd day of transitioning to Lexapro-only 5mgs for another day then finally 10mgs after a week. I've been feeling so out of sorts I've been passing out sitting straight up, roaming around the house at all hrs ranging from 1-4am & walking into walls, not eating meals but rather grabbing on to anything sweet & eating it. I've taken just about every high powered narcotic on the market, & I can honestly say Cymbalta is the 100% worse drug Ive EVER taken.
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, side effect
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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