I have been weaning myself off Cymbalta 60 mg. I refilled the last 30 day dose on January 24th 2011. Since then I have taken the pills every other day or every other two days and I have 12 of the 30 pills left. I quit cold turkey now for an entire week. Last time I took the pill was last Sunday Feb 27th 2011. My symptoms consist of fatigue, constant hunger, thirst, anxiety, uncontrollable crying, unstable emotions (hot & cold, up & down), paranoid thoughts, insecurity, bloat, diarrhea.. at one point was unable to walk long distances or move too quickly because I feel dizzy and faint. I am terrified that this will last any longer than it already has. Today I felt better but I still feel light headed and can't move too fast. I also am unable to think clearly or very fast. I am scared and so far I haven't heard of anyone quitting this drug cold turkey. Any words of advise or encouragement would be welcomed. Thanks
I quit Cymbalta 60 mg cold turkey Feb 27th 2011. Am I over the worst of withdrawl?
Question posted by Chelly2011 on 7 March 2011
Last updated on 12 April 2022
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20 Answers Page 2
I quit cymbalta (60mg) and klonapen(10mg) cold turkey one week ago today 03/22/11. I am still experiencing dizziness, a cough, and irritability, and also a tingling sensation in my lips. The first couple of days was stomach pain and back pain like I had the flu. I sure do hope this gets better. The dizziness is the worst for me, can't even drive.
I am also coming off of Cymbalta, but my psychiatrist has done a different wean. I was on 60mg and a month ago he brought me down to 10mg a day and added 10mg of Pamelor. This was an easy wean.
I went back last week and he totally cut off the Cymbalta and upped the Pamelor to 25mg (taking it for pain and depression)
I've had the worst weekend in the world. I cannot stop crying. Everything sets me off and I break into tears. I feel awful about things and feeling kind of negative. I'm dizzy and weak and feel like I'm in a fog or out in left field somewhere. I am not attempting to drive further than the kid's bus stop.
My doctor told me that it's very hard for some to come off of Cymbalta and he stressed that going from the 10mg to 0 would be the hardest part. He also reassured me that the withdrawl symptoms are those that are not detrimental or would not kill me.
He also told me that if it didn't get better, to call him and he'd add a 5 day run of Prozac (something I've read that helps with the withdrawl) I think I may call him about it today.
I wish you the best. I too am hoping these feeling subside soon. The only difference I see with your wean and mine is that when you do take one pill, you're adding 60mg back into your system/brain and then not taking it will start a bigger withdrawl. You may want to check with your md about this.
Hang in there medicationsupport!! It will get better as the Pamelor builds in your system. If you are experiencing depressive symptoms that are intolerable then please call the doctor. You may need to the Prozac to tide you over. Good luck!!
I am going through the same symtoms.i took my last pill 2/17/13.
I had got to the point of pure insanity..i called my doc she dropped me to a 30mg every other day for a week.then going to skip two days. I hope my sanity is returned... i lost my job because of it..
i hope all gets better soon for you and i.
Well, I am on week two of tapering. I started today with one every 3rd day and so far so good. I am hoping to be drug free and plan to be totally off of antiD on April 2nd. So far only a bit of anxiety has been noted. Keep me posted as of your experiences.
Hey Chelly2011,
While I never recommend stopping an antiD cold turkey, since you already have then you will be ok. The side effects you are experiencing are normal, not comfortable, I know. The side effects could last as much as another week, but you are probably through the worst of it.
Are you going to try another anitdepressant for the depression? Please be very cautious as depression can be very sneaky. If the crying and unstable mood continues more than another week, please seek medical attention before it gets too bad.
Good luck,
Laurie
Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person but have not been known to be as severe if tapering is involved... The maximum time that is listed in overall trials and testing where the body is somewhat recovered from abstaining that specific medication is about 3 weeks... could be less... To better understand your situation, do you plan on taking another psych med? How long have you been on these types of med's?Have or were you taking anything else to offset side effects and how do you feel now? Going by your statement it has only been 6 days without? If withdrawal symptoms get worse and do not lessen, I would call your personal physician... blaze22
I have not been on other medications. I had a bad break up in November and it did a number on me so my doctor put me on cymbalta. I liked that it made me not hungry and I was able to lose 20 lbs quickly. I am super emotional but I am feeling better now.. very little anxiety..
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Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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