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30 Answers Page 2
VI
Vicki Sullivan
28 Jan 2017
My husband is currently trying to get off Cymbalta. He started 6 weeks ago and still feels awful most days, barely able to work. Our Doctor told us Cymbalta is, without a doubt, one if the hardest anti-depressants to go off of. Do not do every other day, it causes too much chemical imbalance in the brain. You must do this under your doctors careful watch. Also, his doctor prescribed 20mg. Prozac to smooth the way. This was after his first 2 AWFUL weeks.The Prozac is temporary, a 30 day supply & much easier to stop. However, my husband has a bad allergic reaction to the Prozac, so he's back to feeling just terrible, all these weeks later. He's been on Cymbalta 2-3 yrs., thank God it's only been a few months for you. Good luck & God bless!
Votes: +1
LO
LoveSupps
18 Dec 2016
I'm bipolar too. Actually, tapering off Cymbalta made me feel much better because it turned out it was making me feel more depressed. I've been on 90 then tapered off to 60. Felt much better in two days, Will continue to taper off. If you get past the lowest dose, you can take one every other a day, then every four days etc.
Votes: +0
JU
JustHuman
18 Dec 2016
LoveSupps, be very careful using this method. It may work for you... or it may have serious backfires. Cymbalta resists withdrawal far worse than any other medicine I've seen. One can't simply taper off as with other meds.
It is not difficult to drop from 60 to 40. It is a bit more difficult but still possible to drop from 40 to 20. So long as you are taking SOME Cymbalta regularly, you should do okay. It is the final withdrawal that gets you-- the one that triggers systemic revolt.
Be aware there are some who withdraw from Cymbalta without problems, some who have difficulty, some for whom it is a nightmare situation-- and some whose body becomes dependent and cannot withdraw. So go into this with both eyes open.
The only method I have read that consistently helps people withdraw is to follow the course you're taking down to 20mg a day. Then... open the capsule and withdraw ONE pellet. Put the capsule back together and take that form for 3 days. On the 4th day remove TWO pellets. Take that for 3 days. Then 3 pellets, 4, pellets, etc. This method will take approximately a year to withdraw... but it is a relatively "safe" method and greatly reduces the negative effects of Cymbalta withdrawal.
It has already been established that removing 1 pellet a day is "too quick" a withdrawal for Cymbalta. So yes, bring yourself down to 20mg *if you can*... then begin a very slow, cautious withdrawal effort. Definitely contact your doctor before attempting this. If he shows no knowledge of Cymbalta withdrawal issues... you need to see a doctor who does. My best wishes to you.
JU
JustHuman
18 Dec 2016
Follow-up: one of the biggest dangers of Cymbalta withdrawal is getting down to a small amount of Cymbalta, taking it for granted you've "kicked it"... then stopping taking it altogether. This often triggers a "cold withdrawal" syndrome no matter how small an amount you're taking. The only point at which I'd feel safe to stop taking Cymbalta entirely is when I'm down to just 2 or 3 pellets. Ceasing entirely on any dose higher than that could set back your entire effort and trigger withdrawal symptoms. Please people, be forewarned. This isn't a simple medicine. There was a reason Eli Lilly misrepresented this medicine to the market; it is far more dangerous than your average post-operative pain medication.
RH
RHEALTHNT
16 Oct 2016
I was on 60 mg /30 mg twice a day for 7 months... Good to seek Dr's. Help first. I like you wanted to get off quickly. ..side effects are terrible and not a good idea to be under a lot of pressure when you decide to do this... maybe take a couple of weeks off of work or try and rest and stay home and get bed rest... watch tv, read, etc. Take a cold rag or cold gel pack and place in the back of your neck (or around neck)..helps keep you comfortable. I went from taking 30 mg twice a day (1 each 12 hours) to changing it each day 1 every 18 hours, then 24 hours, 36 hours then 42 hours. From there I went back the next week every 24 hours, however I dropped the dose to approx. 1/2 a capsule (opened up capsule put 1/2 in 2 clear cups. 1st cup, added small amount of water and drank it with medicine beads), 2nd cup with medication, saved for next dose in 24 hours...
if you can do this for 1-4 weeks, then take 1/2 dose every 36 hours, then 42 hours, until you get to every other day and and so on... Good Luck, and make sure you have your doctors, families, and friend's support. ... you should not try doing this on your own. ... allow others to help you during this difficult time. ..You can do it. :)
Votes: +1
BM
bmontalvo
4 Oct 2016
Can cymbalta change sexual appetite?
Votes: +0
MJ
mjjdb
29 Oct 2016
All SSRIs and SNRIs have sexual side-effects which include libido and sexual function. I went on Cymbalta because my Dr told me it had fewer sexual side-effects than Zoloft. For me, they're about the same. I was weaning myself off of Cymbalta 60 mg. First 1 pill every other day for 2 wks, then every 3 days for 2 wks, then started every 4 days. I had no withdrawal symptoms weaning like this. Then my primary care Dr told me I had weaned enough and to just stop. 3-4 days later withdrawal set in and now I'm miserable! Not as bad as some, but I have nausea and stomach pain, dizziness/vertigo, headache, flushing and sweating and ringing in my ears. This has been going on for about 2 weeks. Symptoms seem to come and go. My Dr recommended taking B12, 1000 mcg daily. She also recommended L-tryptophan 500 mg daily. I'm a little afraid to try the L-tryptophan because it increases seritonin just like Cymbalta and the dr said I might have to wean off of that too! Has anyone tried L-tryptophan for withdrawal symptoms?
SH
Shikaakwa
18 April 2016
More than 2 1/2 years ago, brc329 asked how to get off Cymbalta safely. At that time, I was still in the middle of taking 60Mg per day which I have been prescribed since 2011. Since then, I have found this same article more than once while thinking about getting off of it.
This year, I chose to taper off of Cymbalta because the idea of taking an SSNRI seems to me like putting hand-cuffs on your brain and your emotional response. I do not any longer wish to have an inorganic life experience. It has been more than 5 years since I have felt any anger. It has been more than 5 years since I have been the occasionally manic, naturally high person who I am. For example, I used to get really angry when some debt collector would call about student loans and tell me I will face wage garnishment. I used to be very social, enjoyed being with friends and new people and would get involved in group activities.
I used to be *that guy* who would have a ball at karaoke night or on the dance floor. I haven't seen *that guy* in years.
Before choosing to quit Cymbalta, I was afraid the success I have come to know professionally would come to an abrupt end. I thought my career advancement could be attributed to the sterile, static and and flat emotional responses I had come to rely upon for years.
... the affects of Cymbalta are not a good trade. Essentially, I have stopped maturing and am literally a half-retard with arrested development. This ends _now_.
My approach has been to open the capsule and count the beads, removing them. I started by removing 36 beads and setting them aside in an empty prescription bottle. For six weeks, with the 36 beads removed, there were no perceivable negative side-effects. Next, I began removing just a little bit less than double and am now removing 64 beads. With the 64 beads removed, which I have been doing for more than two weeks there still have been no negative side-effects.
After another month, I plan to remove 100 beads and keep it up for six weeks. With the lower dosage, I will continue removing the beads until I'm down to maybe just 16 or 32 and will continue with those until I am completely weaned from Cymbalta.
Probably, the extended duration of weaning myself from Cymbalta is a bit more conservative than most people would choose or would like due to their desire to quit more quickly. But, unknown withdrawal symptoms and side-effects of post-accute withdrawal are no mans friend. The above seems to me the most reasonable way to safely, slowly and successfully quit Cymbalta.
Be yourself and don't do drugs like Cymbalta.
Votes: +5
NO
Nobodo
20 April 2016
I am glad you have found a way to come off this drug. However, your comment could be a lot more helpful to others. You state that you were on 60mg daily and to come off the drug you removed 36 beads, then removed 64 beads, and hope to get down to 16 or 32 beads.
The problem is you have not stated how many beads are in the pills you use, so removing 36 beads tells the reader nothing.
For example, I have been taking generic Duloxetine for quite some time now, and have received pills from two different manufacturers. One manufacturer puts 6 large beads in a 30mg capsule, and 12 of the exact same beads in a 60mg capsule. Another manufacturer puts hundreds of tiny beads (I never counted them, don't know how many) in a 60mg capsule.
If posting about how to cut down dosage, please include information so the reader can have an idea of how much the dosage is actually being cut down. Thanks!
LM
Lmelsh918
10 July 2016
Don't try to do this yourself. I tried and have never thought about hurting myself and ended up calling my husband to remove all funds from the house, took the medication and left the house tool i felt better. This is a horrible drug to get off of. I'm afraid i never will. Was put on it for pain. Cant imagine what it would be like for someone suffering depression.
SH
Shikaakwa
10 July 2016
Hi Lmelsh918,
Are you going to wait for someone to do everything for you? Life doesn't work like this. You must be your own agent of change. What would you expect to happen if all people needed permission from someone else before they took action to positively improve themselves and remove the chains of bondage, marketed in the 21st century as SSRIs?
It sounds like your story was abrupt cessation and is probably not a good idea for anybody.
Next time, taper down less dramatically over a much longer period of time so your body doesn't notice the change.
As of today, I have not taken any Cymbalta in two weeks and I am beginning to be my old self once again; but sadly just as I have come off of it; a co-worker is being put on it and had nobody to talk to about her worries.
Thankfully, when she was describing anxiety regarding "her new medicine" I was happy to talk about the pill I had been tapering off of and had recently stopped taking altogether. It happened to be the same prescription she had just been written.
Before we even spoke about it she was scared as hell because of reading all of the "you can't get off of it" stories.
Well, I'll write back in the future and keep you all posted. It feels like I am done with this pill.
I haven't hurt myself.
I have started a healthy diet, am eating nutritional food and have lost a good amount of weight.
I have not emptied my bank account.
I have been hung up on twice this week for being "difficult". Since I'm not drugged anymore, persuading me into compliance, what do you expect?
Be Healthy, -Shikaakwa
SH
Shikaakwa
10 July 2016
Hi Nobodo,
These were the tiny beads with probably 250 to 300 of them (or more) in a 60mg capsule.
Thanks for asking me to clarify for the future readers.
Also, once I got beyond 100 or so of them and was tired of counting, I started simply filling the smaller side of the capsule full of beads and dumping it out into the pill bottle where I had been saving them. Then, I would reassemble the capsule and swallow the rest. When doing so, there was between 1/3 to 1/2 of the beads left in the capsule. Once dosing at the level just described, I was done after running out of pills (always having received a 28 day supply from the doctor for 60mg once per day). I still have a bottle of these beads sitting here. I suppose if I *need* to be still taking _some_ of the medicine, then I can continue to taper with what I have left. I do not believe I will ever need to fill another prescription.
After 9 years, tried several times to get off of this monster drug and paying so much money and not to mention family time sleeping my life away- i finally got off cymbalta. I weened down to the 20 mg. Was on that for 3 months. Then stopped. Everytime i got brain zaps or felt nauseous (every 2 hours) i took 3-1200 mgs of fish oil. After 1 week i tried 2 fish oils then the next week 1. The zaps got farther apart. And now they are almost gone. I only took the fish oils when i felt the zaps. I was frustrated and snapped at everyone for 2 weeks. I took b 12 for energy and b 1 for nausea. I am now back down to 1 fish oil a day just for my heart. I did it. Finally! I did look up what happens when you take too much fish oil and it makes your immune system go down and you could bleed more. So i did get colds alot but so worth it. I am off cymbalta.
Votes: +5
MJ
mjjdb
29 Oct 2016
What dosages of B12 and B1 did you take? Thanks
SC
Scrambledblonde
1 Dec 2015
WORST drug ever on the market! Not to mention when & if U ever try to come off it! It's complete hell! Withdraws R so bad U want to start taking again to escape dizziness, mind zaps, sweating which's worse on it bc U soak the sheets w/sweat. Forget snuggling w/Ur spouse bc U'll be soaking wet w/sweat. Tried tapering down dose & felt the same as stopping cold turk so I escaped HELL by myself FINALLY!! by randomly taking 1 day, skipping 1 day, taking 1 day, skipping 2, taking 2 days, skipping 1, taking 2 days, skip 3, taking 1, skip 3, taking 2, skip 4 take 1, skip 1, take 1, skip 2, take 1, skip 3, & cont. this random pattern for 2 months or so. Then I finally realized I was at skipping 5 days & I never took another 1 again!!
Votes: +6
SH
shersan1
16 Jan 2016
I was actually prescribed this medicine for a serious injury and it has actually increased the pain and the other affects of the injury. Since they are still running tests to find what is causing some of the pain and symptoms of the injury and it is work related, I know my doctor won't take me off any of the medications I felt I would have to do it myself. The medicine is causing substantial weight gain and mood swings neither of which I want to continue to experience. Of all the comments I read this one just seemed to be more rational to me given my circumstances. So I think I will pray and try this one and ask God to give me strength.
PF
Pfox
14 May 2016
I been on 60 mg since 2005 it is now 2016 please someone help me try to get off Cymbalta
AD
Addgirl06
5 June 2016
On Facebook there is a private/closed group called "Cymbalta Hurts Worse". They will have all the info. you need to begin a very very slow taper. Good luck to you!
WI
Willie01
5 Jan 2017
I need help with this medicine also I'm taking 60 mgs a day stopped for 1 week after been on it for 3 months, dizzy ,light headed, blood pressure is up and headaches. So I took a 30 MG to see if it would help me.i
MA
MaxDryan
16 Feb 2017
I am happy you were able to quit Cymbalta. Please refrain from hyperbole. While it may be the worst drug you have been on, I doubt you have personal experience with every known drug.
SH
Shannyj2
17 Feb 2017
Dear scrambled blonde I want to try to follow this regime to get off Cymbalta but I don't really understand your pattern can you please help me to understand it better so I can stop taking the satanic medication
NI
Ninaninja
27 March 2017
Cymbalta, use it for pain. Been on it for over 10yrs. Tried to get off forever. Pissed of in Utah. I want of those terrible drug, help.
SH
shebugg
10 Nov 2017
I have been on this drug for 3+ months waiting for some improvement in my peripheral neuropathy. I did not have any improvement so, I asked my doctor if I could stop it. She told me to take 1 30 mg capsule every other day for 2 weeks and I should be fine. What a hot lie! I have been trying to withdraw for a month and I cannot go 1 day with developing headaches, hot flashes, sweating, and nausea. I am miserable. I will be calling her tomorrow.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. It does not provide any appreciable impovement and you cannot get off of it.
Don't do what you said. A good doctor would decrease your dosage weekly by 10 milligrams. After being on 20 milligrams for a week, you'd take 20 milligrams every other day for two weeks.
Votes: +1
MA
Magenta22
1 March 2017
Hi Hockeytank Hope you don't mind me saying but taking the tablets on alternate days is a really bad thing to do, as all you are doing is taking nothing for a day which is far too extreme, then going right back to where you started. The dose must be evenly decreased, and it's really important to let a doc advise you.
BR
Brock77
13 May 2017
After a discussion with my dr I was told the withdrawal protocol for Cymbalta was as it is with other long term meds (I was already on 30mg) skip a day, then after a week to 10 days skip 2 days, etc. if there are complications I am to call them. She did indicate I could try the method of opening the pills and taking some out. Since I was familiar with the other protocol I am trying that. My biggest problem is on the off days I have an 'off' day. I have MVP & Fibromyalgia so an 'off' day is very physical and mental. We increased my Wellbutrin to help the mental stress.
CA
campbellblank
28 Nov 2014
I have only been on Cymbalta for 10 days How much do I need to taper to get off?
Votes: +0
IN
Inactive
29 Nov 2014
I wouldn't think you would need to do a taper - if necessary, just a short one. But the only way to do it right is by contacting the doctor that prescribed it to you. If you go off it without their permission you may find yourself without a doctor. I know I have one provider that fires patients for doing a lot less. Best to do it by the book. Regards -EJ23
PA
Palmacalvert
22 Jan 2016
In your situation I would definitely start now as you have only been on for a very short time but would consult dr
LI
Linda8
14 May 2017
I suffer neuropathy after chemo. Various drugs were tried. I ended up taking ultram 50 MG 1 or 2 three times daily. I take Cymbalta 60 MG once daily. I have discovered these drugs have major reactions. So I'm trying to limit the reactions by taking Cymbalta every other day and Ultram one twice daily. My neuropathy pain has not increased, but I have a terrible headache. Since I have seasonal allergy headaches, I question the cause. My nausea & dizziness are mildly improved. I will see what my doctor recommends. I'd like to stop taking Cymbalta but do not want increased neuropathy pain. Anyone else experienced this? We're u able to stop taking?
Im weaning off cymbalta because i feel it keeps me from sleeping and truthfully i dont think it even helped me. I was on 30 then went to 60 for about four months. I also felt it made me gain weight. I will take a diazapem if i really feel anxious but i want to get off of this. My doctor has me taking 30 mg a day for a week. Then for another week open the capsule and take half for another week, then 1/4 for another week. He said only 2% of people get any symptoms and usually are cold like symptons. I dont feel good but that could be cause of all the lack of sleep ive been experiencing on this and taking xanax to sleep. I stopped the xanax and take a diazapem at night i dont wake up groggy. Hopefully i do well with this recomendation he gave me. I am falling asleep much better now on my own and its about 4 nights so I really think the cymbalta gave me those effects. Dr said can cause this but usually not it did for me. hope this helps.
Votes: +4
PA
Palmacalvert
4 Feb 2016
I have been on Cymbalta for about 4 years for depression after losing my husbands and also chronic pain. In the beginning it was great after all these years been on it I gain 30 lb and experiencing insomnia, tremor and anxiety every now and than I want so much to be off of it and tried to follow dr advise but tried to do it in a shorter time . The fifth week on being on one per wk I thought I was dying I became very ill and now I take one every 2 days and I am ok but very emotional.
IN
Inactive
5 Sep 2013
It took me a full year to get off of 120 mgs of Cymbalta. My doctor wanted me to drop 30 mgs at a time but the withdrawal was just horrible, so I dropped by taking a little less of what is inside a capsule, then a week later I took a little more out, ect. If I started getting really anxious or having mood swings I would go back up a little. Of course I needed a doctor to continue prescribing the 30 mg capsules, and mine was very agreeable. Cymbalta is a very strong, mind-altering medication. I know you want to get off it quickly, but just be aware that the withdrawal can be really tough. It may take longer than you anticipate and yes, the taper needs to be approved by your doctor. For your health and safety. Please take care - EJ23
Votes: +6
SU
Suhana zaheer
7 Sep 2014
I am on 60 mg of cymbalta 30 mg twice a day n I take it on different times but two times per day. I was thinking of taking two togather at a time n b done with it. Plz advice? Other thing why u guys are getting off of cymbalta n while getting off u guys feel terrible ... plz answer.
IN
Inactive
7 Sep 2014
I got off of it because it was helping very little, if any, and I was also on Lyrica and Klonopin. My pharmacist advised me that all 3 of these meds work to lessen nerve pain by scrambling the nerve pain signals, and actually (and very likely) cause more neuropathy. When I got off the 120 mgs of Cymbalta I was no worse off, or better than when I was on it. Just had to go off slowly because the withdrawal is horrible! If it's working well for you, that's great. For me I was just on a very powerful medication that wasn't helping me. - EJ23
IN
Inactive
4 Dec 2015
I'm changing my answer - Yes, advise your doctor that you'll be gradually decreasing on Cymbalta, but then listen to your body to tell you when it's OK to make a drop. For me, a drop of 30 mgs was much too much! I needed to drop by a few of the little balls inside the capsule at a time. And this worked - without any withdrawal symptoms!! I have now gotten off or reduced the dose by half on 9 different medications in the past six months by decreasing this way - taking some out of the capsule and slowly increasing the amount you are taking out, or by chipping some off the tablet with a razor. SLOW is the key for tapering off meds! Whenever a doctor told me how much to drop I always - Always! ended up with withdrawal nightmares. If you are experiencing withdrawal - that is your body telling you it is stressed - slow down! Kind Regards - EJ23
GI
Gizzmobb16
12 Feb 2017
I have been on the generic Cymbalta for about 5 years weaned off 420 milligram about a year ago from the excessive sweating and dizziness now I take one 30 milligram in the morning and a 30 milligram in the evening I really want to go off this medication due to the excessive sweating dry mouth dizziness forgetfulness what is the best way to try to do this
GI
Gizzmobb16
12 Feb 2017
I have been on the generic Cymbalta for about 5 years weaned off 420 milligram about a year ago from the excessive sweating and dizziness now I take one 30 milligram in the morning and a 30 milligram in the evening I really want to go off this medication due to the excessive sweating dry mouth dizziness forgetfulness what is the best way to try to do this
TE
Terry567
28 March 2017
I have been on cymbalta and now I'm in the generic I just want off of the medication and I don't know how to get off of it I have been taking it for the past two years any advice for me
KE
kennymathews1017
2 Dec 2017
Yes. I am in the process of withdrawing from cymbalta. The psychiatrist has strongly advised me to withdraw very gradually. It still feels like hell. Ofttimes it's hard to keep on keeping on having faith that I'll be alright. I have been on this medication for about 15 years. I was up to 120 mgs. daily. The doctor advised me to reduce my intake by 10 mgs. - 1 week alternating the current dose with 10mgs. less every other day. Then 1 week on the lower dose. And so on. I take gabapentin to help with the anxiety in the am. & pm. afternoon. Then 1-2 capsules at night. The nighttime dosages don't help as much and I feel drugged in the morning. I Take 20 mgs. of Laguna with my midday meal to help, I 'm told with the withdrawal of cymbalta. It's tough. I need to find a better help for aiding my sleep
Regardless, the life and death struggle feels very serious at times. It's above my "pay grade " so I feel constrained to trust the doctor. I'd like better ways to mitigate the virtually ongoing anxiety and pressure in my brain. Any remedy suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
IN
Inactive
2 Dec 2017
Now that I’ve tapered off Cymbalta and Lyrica, I’ve learned much more about the need to taper very slowly. My withdrawal from Lyrica was horrific (took me 14 months to get off 250 mgs). Check out FB Groups for Cymbalta - they give great advise.
I am actually on my last day of weaning myself off of 60 mg per day of cymbalta. I just moved to a new city so I did it without a doctor (which by almost everyone's account is NOT recommended). Today is the 24th day and here is what I did: 8 days of 40mg- I poured the capsule out into a ziplock and did my best to eyeball the grains into 3rds. 12 days of 20 mg 4 days of 10 mg
It has sucked and I experience many of the withdrawal symptoms. It may get worse before it gets better but honestly, it hasn't been horrific like some people.
Read up as much as you can on what to expect. Set up a plan and let a few people close to you know what you're doing. I think that having a support network is extremely important. It is also safer for you! Take care and keep this forum posted. It has been really helpful for me. Good luck!
Votes: +4
SH
Sharilee4051
11 Nov 2016
Please help me get off this Med. I've been on it for two months. I've been sick ever since I started it. My doctor wants me to just stop it but I can't without getting sicker. I'm going to recommend being put on Lexapro because I was on it before and did well.
JU
JustHuman
13 Nov 2016
Sharilee you may need more professional help than your current doctor or even hopitalization where they can give you precise weaning dosages as well as substitute meds. Cymbalta is hands down the worst med I've ever tried to withdraw. The people who conned patients into taking this stuff should be forced to take it for 3 months and then forced to withdraw-- to demonstrate to them what their lies do to people all the time.
SH
Sharilee4051
12 Dec 2016
I can't take the pain of withdrawal!!! What can I do? I just went from 30mg to 20mg 5 days ago. I've had a very bad reaction to this Med since I started it 4 months ago. Help!!! Can I get detox at the hospital to get off?!
SH
Shannyj2
17 Feb 2017
This can be a severely dangerous drug to wean off of. PLEASE consult several pharmacist's, doctors, and Google groups of people weaning from this drug. Last week I learned of someone who thought they were done weaning. They have been off a little more than a week numerous people in the group called Cymbalta hurts worse... said that at approximately the 2-week mar, unbearable symptoms of withdrawal can start. I'm just asking you to be extra careful.
KN
knash34
22 March 2017
I was on this horrible drug for four years. I tried, unsuccessfully, to quit this drug three times. Under the supervision of my physician, I tried lowering my dosage from 60 mg to 30 mg every other day, but on the 30 mg days, I was going through withdrawal by the end of the day. I tried taking Lexapro while lowering my dosage of Cymbalta. And I tried Wellbutrin while lowering my dosage of Cymbalta. Nothing worked. I was having panic attacks and going through severe withdrawal. Well, my doctor finally found a replacement. I took Zoloft while taking 30 mg of Cymbalta every day for two weeks, then every other day for two weeks, and I'm now on my third week without Cymbalta. I can't even express my happiness at being free from that horrible drug.
PE
PedsOT
11 April 2017
To the one that said you started adding Zoloft to withdraw from Cymbalta. Good luck and I hope you never have to withdraw from Zoloft. While I was in graduate school I started Prozac and did well until I felt like things were better but not what they could be period at some point they put me on Zoloft and all I wanted to do was sleep. I was going to have a sleep study done and had to be off all prescription medication before they would schedule it. When my prescription ran out I just did not get it refilled. That was a huge mistake. For about 2 months every time I turned around, the wind blew or I heard a noise I was not expecting I felt like I was getting electrocuted. At one point I was sitting in my chair during a lecture class and someone sneeze. I fell out of my seat because the shock was so bad.
When I finally went back to the psychiatrist talk about getting on meds again I didn't even know that was related to stopping the Zoloft and don't really know how it came up but the psychiatrist explained that was withdrawal. Now several years later I have been on high doses of Effexor XR and when I have run out of my medicine and not been able to get it filled for a few days or when I was taking a generic I get those same symptoms. For me the generic would have me be perfectly fine for a few days and then on a random day I would start having withdrawal symptoms towards the end of the day. I found out this is because they can put anywhere from 80% to 120% of the active ingredient in each capsule. A pharmacist told me who makes the name brand of Effexor XR and I only purchase their generic. I have been told if I want to get off of it I will have to open the capsule and take out one bead of the medicine increasing one bead each day until I get completely off and if I have withdrawal symptoms I have to go back to the day before amount and stay on that a couple of days before taking out another bead. My guess is that would take at least a year considering I take 300 milligrams a day.
MA
Magenta22
10 July 2017
Hi Is there any reason why you needed to come off the tablets so quickly? My heart goes out to you as you must certainly have suffered badly, but surely you could have found yourself a doctor? No-one should need to suffer by coming off Cymbalta by themselves, even with the support of this wonderful group. It's a terrible drug to get free of and, as another poster mentioned, it can make you suffer for a long time after ending it properly. I wouldn't recommend to anyone to come off these without the help of a doctor, if you need to slow it down more then your doctor can change the rate for you. Please don't ever try to do it by yourself unless you have absolutely no choice. It can make you feel seriously down & out of control.My very best to anyone contemplating this. Magenta22
SO
southerncatgirl
18 July 2017
I realize I am commenting on a super old post; but since I read it now, maybe others will. Coming off Cymbalta is indeed horrid. I'm trying to wean off 3 other meds at the same time, AND in perimenopause, AND unemployed, so life sucks. I wanted to die last night. I'm wondering if the Cymbalta is the worst, even though I'm only on 30mg, but I have been for years. I was on 60 mg for about a year, but a close friend said I "seemed slow" when on it, so I cut back to 30 and it wasn't too bad. But now, doing it in combo with other med weans, it's very hard. The good news is I am working w/ a holistic nurse practitioner. She said there are some enzyme supplements we can add in around week 2 or 3. I am in week 4 but haven't had a chance to make another appt w/ her. I plan to soon. Her advice was good: "Take SMALL, GRACEFUL steps." Right now I feel like i have ants crawling on me, and when I look to brush them away, there are none.
There's nothing (e.g., like a loose hair). Overall, severe irritability and lack of patience are the worst side effects. I'm glad I found this group.
AM
am141404
8 Oct 2017
I have been on this drug for years and am now ready to get off. I believe it is responsible for the excessive sweating I experience. I am so bad I barely leave the comfort of my bedroom and air conditioner, and my house has built in air which isn't cold enough! I have been miserable for 10 years now and missed out on so much in life. In addition, I used to be a meticulous housekeeper and now my house looks like a hoarder's place! Is anyone else experiencing any of this?
TO
Tobuy
15 Sep 2018
I just found out about all this. I am going to get with my doc and get a lower dosage, then another, than another. I’m on 60 and not even sure why I taking this anyway. Honestly I’m scared to death and am extremely upset that I never knew any of this! Thank you
DO NOT try to get off this med quickly. This med needs to be tapered off slowly or you can have serious long lasting side effects. Due to the extremely short half life of this drug skipping days merely causes you to go in and out of withdrawal. You can go down to 30mg for a month then down to 20mg for a month then try to go off or divide the dose in 1/2 so it is 10 mg for a month and get off from there. You may even need to get down to a 5 mg dose for a month before you can get off without alot of side effects. If at any time you get withdrawal symptoms then get back on the previous dose or you will suffer. Withdrawals from this med last 4 to 12 weeks but have been known to last longer and I am talking about disabling side effects as in you cannot work or even take care of yourself kind of side effects.
Talk to your doctor as the easiest way to get off this med is to start another SSRI with a longer 1/2 life like Lexapro. Once stablized on Lexapro for 6 weeks you can taper off it much easier. I do know what I am talking about as I have been off Cymbalta for just over 4 months now and am still dealing with the side effects and am not the only one this has happened to.
Votes: +6
AR
aries4780
16 March 2014
I agree that it needs to be tapered down very slowly, but the lowest strength capsule is 20mg, there is no way to make a 10mg or 5mg dose bcs those dosage capsules do not exist. And there aren't any other forms of Cymbalta available, either (liquid, etc).
TO
tomclayton
12 Dec 2014
If you get duloxetine (Cymbalta) from overseas, where it is MUCH more reasonably priced compared to the obscene prices in the US, even the new "generic," they are small pills that can be subdivided. But even if you have capsules, just use simple math to subdivide piles of the tiny pills in the capsules to taper off.
ME
Melyndainva
6 Jan 2015
What kind of side affects are you still experiencing after four months of being off, if I may ask?
LA
lady2882
7 Jan 2015
I have been off this med for. a year and 9 months and no longer deal with the side effects other than the mental health ones that Cymbalta caused
ME
Melyndainva
7 Jan 2015
Lady2882...
How long total did it take you to ween off it and then the amount of time of the side affects ???
LA
lady2882
7 Jan 2015
Took me about 6 weeks to get off but it would have been better if I had gone slower so that I didn't have all the withdrawal syndrome which lasted about 12 weeks but I was in that 2% of people who have long term issues. Most people are feeling better in 4-6 weeks
JA
jancancanyou
13 April 2015
I have taken cymbalta for 21/2 years. Do to side effects of nightmares nightly I decided to wean off. Take 60 mg and now doing 30mg then will do 20 and going down to 5mg. Since cymbalta has half life take every day and less mg then go down. I am having some emotional upsets each day but family and friends understand why.
JA
jancancanyou
13 April 2015
I have taken cymbalta for 21/2 years. Do to side effects of nightmares nightly I decided to wean off. Take 60 mg and now doing 30mg then will do 20 and going down to 5mg. Since cymbalta has half life take every day and less mg then go down. I am having some emotional upsets each day but family and friends understand why.
LA
lady2882
13 April 2015
Sounds like you have a very good plan. Good luck to you and take care
PA
pammyshandhurts
13 July 2015
I ran out of this med, (cymbalta) on the holiday. I went without it for 2 1/2 to 3 days, I'm on 90 mg a day... well... BAD THINGS happened! I freaked out on people, (family & friends) had brain zaps, could not stop talking, screaming at the top of my lungs very hateful things. When I got back on it, I slept for two days. I don't want to take it anymore, I want off this horrible drug! I take it for nerve pain, started with 30 mg now up to 90 mg a day. It's not helping much at all. At first I thought it was helping, not so much now. I've been on it about 5 months now. I'm talking to my doctor for help.
PA
pammyshandhurts
13 July 2015
I ran out of this med, (cymbalta) on the holiday. I went without it for 2 1/2 to 3 days, I'm on 90 mg a day... well... BAD THINGS happened! I freaked out on people, (family & friends) had brain zaps, could not stop talking, screaming at the top of my lungs very hateful things. When I got back on it, I slept for two days. I don't want to take it anymore, I want off this horrible drug! I take it for nerve pain, started with 30 mg now up to 90 mg a day. It's not helping much at all. At first I thought it was helping, not so much now. I've been on it about 5 months now. I'm talking to my doctor for help.
AR
ArmyTraumaRN
25 Sep 2016
Your not a healthcare professional and people like you perpetuate bogus information. This med is easily titrated off in two weeks. Most people like myself find the side effects far worse than the effects of stopping. I stopped in one day and suffered no side effects and eliminated a terrible drug from my body. Your dissertation of getting off this medication is ridiculous and the short half life makes it easy to stop because the medication is easily removed from your body. Doctors are a great resource but many are the same idiots that put you on a bad drug. This drug has severe sexual side effects. Suicide chances dramatically increase. Depression is a side effect that is present more than 40% of the time in many studies. SSRIsand SNRIs are easily replaced by therapy. I encourage everyone not to pay any attention to in educated people making medical advice to people based on their situation.
Many of these people are serial drug seeking/attention seeking people that think meds are the only treatment for depression. Exercise is the number one beneficial treatment for depression. Taking a Ned that affects your sexual relationship makes depression worse and destroys relationships making you feel worse. So get on your bike, go for a run. Do cardio at the gym. Walk. Being fat is also a big reason people are depressed when exercise not medications are in order but doctors want to write scripts because the drug companies pay them based on the number of prescriptions written monthly. CVS, Walgreens, all pharmacies sell reports of which doctor wrote prescriptions and are remunerated (paid) for the number of patients they put in it. They are not on your side. They are in business to make money. Crazies like the post above mine are frequent fliers that thrive on the attention and want a pill for everything they see on TV. As a Army combat trauma nurse I have treated successfully more than 10000 combat casualties in Iraq. The number one issue in solving combat induced depression is getting people off alcohol. Has your doctor explained that alcohol metabolizes SSRI/SNRI and render your daily pull ineffective completely? Stop the med. you may have a bad day or two but if your not willing to exercise you will die long before your time anyway. exercise is the key to health. Be lazy be dead.
TR
Trishand rich
2 June 2017
Dr can give you scrip for 5% lower doses and you fill at compounding pharmacy. Make sure they use same brand. Go very very slowly in taper. Check out FBk 'cymbaltahurtsworse'
AN
annetteaep
24 Oct 2017
I too want to get off SIM baughter I've only been taking 30 mg at night for 6 weeks I too was thinking of doing every other day does this sound good? My reasons for getting off this drug they make me depressed I did this to help alleviate back pain it has taken my happy from me
LI
lillysnana
19 Oct 2019
Hi I know your comment was a long time ago, however I just wonder how your doing and how you managed to get off it? I started it at 30 mg 6 weeks ago. However on Monday the14 10.19. I decided that was my last time I'd take it. I done not bad til Thursday and started crying then yesterday I cried a lot. I phoned ma GP but as it was 2.30 on a Friday afternoon I couldn't get an appointment til Monday. I did get to speak to a doctor who told me to take a 30mg right away and continue on it until I get to the doctor and we work out a withdrawal plan. I hate this medicine and could kick myself for starting it in the first place x
Hi, brc! No, don't fool around trying to do this yourself ~ you need your doctor to tell you the best way to gradually withdraw. But, if I may ask, why do you want to stop taking it so soon? Bad side effects? Or are you feeling better and think you don't need it anymore? Just keep in mind that many people have a relapse of their symptoms when they stop taking their meds. Best wishes, WCV
Votes: +4
FA
Factfinder411
3 Sep 2013
Talk to your doctor because its dangerous to do it yourself.
Votes: +8
ME
merridy0010
8 Sep 2017
I have been on antidepresssants since my daughter was born 24 years ago an cymbals for the last 10 years. I want off of them. If I go a couple of days without them I go crazy.
KE
kennymathews1017
2 Dec 2017
Please find a very knowledgeable doctor with expertise. Cymbalta is heavy duty from my experience presently
CI
cindy-59
8 Jan 2018
Please do not get off Cymbalta this way! Join the group Cymbalta Hurts Worse to find the correct way to taper. Best wishes xo
SU
Sunshine27
16 Jan 2018
I just started Cymbalta about two weeks ago, but am on the 60 msg, after reading all the side effects I want off! What kind of withdrawal symptoms are we talking about?
CI
cindy-59
24 Feb 2018
Hi Sunshine27. Even though you have been taking it for only two weeks your body could already be dependent on it. You could experience many of the withdrawal symptoms or you could be one of the blessed ones who only have a few. The symptoms vary; but I will tell you some of mine. I have insomnia, diarrhea at times and constipation other times. I am weak and tired all the time. My anxiety is through the roof and it’s hard for me to concentrate. I’m having a hard time to get through this message; but I want to help you in any way that I can. My emotions are going crazy. Sometimes I cry for no reason. There is more; but I can’t continue. Just make sure that you taper correctly or your road to recovery will be so much worse. Best wishes to you xo
CI
cindy-59
31 March 2018
Hi there. I’ve been wondering how everyone is doing. I really worry about people who get off Cymbalta and other medications like it. I hope you all have realized that you need to taper slowly off these drugs. The best way to do is is taper at 10% every 12-14 days. If you’re feeling good keep up with the taper. If not; hold there until you do. Some can go faster; some have to go slower. Please listen to what your body is telling you. Best wishes and take care. Cindy59
LA
Latalexus
26 June 2018
Wow! Really scary ! I want to get off the 60mg of Duloxetine. I have been taking 40mg since 20+ years last two months they upped it for my pain of fibromyalgia. I don’t want to take it anymore. So it seems skipping a day will not work? My doctor does not want me to stop but I do. I found help Since last six weeks. I have been working with a company which helps me strengthen my musculoskeletal system. My aches and pains are 80% gone. So happy after many years. I don’t want drugs anymore. Worried about the side effects of quiting
CI
cindy-59
26 June 2018
Hi Latalexis. I’ve been taking 60 mg of Cymbalta for 8-9 years. I started tapering last year (2017) and I’m down to 20 mg now. It can be done; but you have to listen to your body on how fast or slow you should go. I taper 10% every 10-14 days. You might be able to go faster or you might have to go slower. We are all different so our tapers might be a bit different. Never miss a day! You need to keep the Cymbalta in your system so that you can handle the withdrawals. If you have any more questions just ask... I would love to help one more person get off this drug. Take care
TO
Tobuy
15 Sep 2018
I’m on 60 mg but the next lower dose is 40 mg. I want off so bad but can’t afford some of these side effects. I will be going to doc. Do you think 60 mg to 40 mg would be horrible??? I guess they make a 30 mg and 20 mg. Maybe I will try that! Very scared but ready to try!
CI
cindy-59
15 Sep 2018
Hi Tobuy. I have been tapering off by opening the capsules and counting the beads. You have to start by counting the beads in 3 capsules and divide by 3. The capsules don’t have the same amount of beads in each other so you have to estimate. The number you get after dividing by 3 is the amount of beads you put back in the capsule. Then you stay at that amount every day for 12-14 days. I am down to 15 mg from 60 mg and I have had to start to go slower. I have heard many people have had to do the same thing. It can seem very difficult to do this when you start but it doesn’t long to get used to counting the beads and putting them back into the capsules. Take care and I wish you the best. Cindy
LI
lillysnana
31 Oct 2019
Hi I was on cymbalta 30mg for 6 weeks and 4 days. I had terrible memory problems and pain over my liver. I have fatty liver but never had any problems at all until I started on that. I went 4 days without it and for the first 2 was fine. The third day I cried all day, by the fourth day I couldn't take it anymore and went back on it. As soon as I was back on it my crying stopped but my liver pain came back. I went to my GP on the Monday 3 days after restarting and she put me straight on to prozac 20mg, because of my liver pain we never had time for a slow taper. Well that was 11 days ago and I really hate my life right now, I go from angry, to crying, to screaming, shouting, my poor poor family. I can't concentrate, I can't settle, I can't sleep good, I wake in a sweat every couple of hours and my heart is so fast im sure it will stop.
On top of that I have burning skin all over, pins and needles, strange feelings through my fingers, my eye sight seems different I can't explain it. I get dizzy and off balanced and struggle so hard just to function. I've been to the doctors 4 times in 11 days and today the doctor I got was so rude, I was telling her I feel suicidal and she completely ignored me about that. She then said cymbalta doesn't have withdrawal symptoms, then contradicted her self by saying that it has some of the worst. She ignored my plea for some sedation too help me sleep at night, she gave me a prescription for prozac to take ma dosage up to 40mg per day as 20 mg is very low. However she said I've not to start them for 4 days. My advice is please see a doctor a doctor who cares and understands how you will feel coming off cymbalta. And try to do a switch if possible, it's not been great but its took the edge off slightly. Also hopefully your doctor will be willing to prescribe a week or two worth of a sedative for when the withdrawal gets to bad. Also take omega 3 oil or capsules, and a multivitamin. And prepare for a rough few weeks. I wish you all the luck in the world and I hope your Doctor is much nicer to you than mine was to me. Please keep us updated x
