How long will I be going through Cymbalta withdrawals?
Question posted by JenJen101 on 9 July 2013
Last updated on 26 April 2024
I've been taking Cymbalta for 8 years for depression and chronic pain. I started having terrible sweating, short term memory loss, severe depression, worsening pain, and many other side effects.
My Dr started slowly trying to get my dosage down from 90mgs, & after getting down from 60mgs to 30mgs, my side effects became unbearable. I forged on and now I'm on my 2nd day of taking just 5mgs of Lexapro, after going 3 days w/out taking Cymbalta.
I'm curious if anyone has successfully conquered this transition, and how long it took to feel somewhat normal? I'm aware it doesn't happen overnight, and I'm not asking for rainbows & butterflies-but the way I feel now is NOT good!! Along with the other stated side effects, I'm so lethargic and my brain is acting as if I turned the switch to off.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
256 Answers Page 15
AM
amyeb
19 Nov 2014
Reading through this thread has been really comforting to me. Not that I would wish this hell upon anyone, but because I know I'm not going totally insane.
I am nine weeks pregnant and five or so days off of Cymbalta. My psychiatrist decided to wean me off Cymbalta and wean me on to Wellbutrin. I was on 60mg of Cymbalta for 13 months. I then went down to 20 mgs for about a week, then 20mg every other day for three days. It's been five days without it now.
I am currently on 75mg Wellbutrin twice daily and 15mg Buspirone twice daily.
Last night, I took 0.5mg of Klonopin after consulting with my OB. I was on it for two years (1.5mg daily) until I got pregnant. She said that it is not safe to regularly take it during pregnancy, but that if I absolutely needed to on occasion it would be okay. I broke down last night and took it and it greatly reduced my brain zaps, but I obviously can't make this a permanent remedy.
My primary symptom is the awful brain zaps/pulses. They get so debilitating that I can not look at my computer screen, which is difficult because I work from home online. My anxiety is absolutely terrible.
I compiled a list of remedies from this thread, so I am going to try them and report back with what has worked and what has not. So far, I have been drinking a ton of lemon water and soaking in Epsom salt every day.
This is especially frustrating to experience during my first pregnancy, as I am now worried about myself AND my baby.
All of my prayers and best wishes go out to everyone suffering from this.
Votes: +0
CT
ctsylor
26 Oct 2014
I am literally laying hear crying after reading these comments. I have felt so alone while going through this. I have been so scared that maybe this was no longer withdrawal and this crazy person that has emerged since being off of Cymbalta is "the real me." I was given this medication for chronic pain and depression and have been on it for about six years. I weaned off of it extremely slowly because I have chronic headaches. After a month of now being completely off I am still having some "brain zaps," extreme weakness and fatigue, and my mood is horrible. I feel so sorry for the people around me. My thoughts are so negative that I literally can't stand anyone. I'm so weak sometimes that this morning I couldn't get my synthroid bottle closed. I am normally a very strong person and this has been one of the hardest things I have done. I feel like my brain and body are running on extremely low capacity.
I keep thinking of just going back on the Cymbalta just so I can feel better but I refuse to let it win! Hang in there gals, we can do this!
Votes: +4
MI
Micganser
16 Nov 2014
Been on Cymbalta 60 mg for 8 years after shingles. Started weening off by going on 30 mg and started symptoms of and started going withdraw I am so dizzy feels like my head is running in slow motion. I have things to do - two businesses to run - driving is a nightmare loosing are - I forget where I am I feel like I things are moving in slow mo and I am normally a sharp person, my job requires me to be sharp and have a very quick brain - my new business requires a lot of energy - I am not a crier and even watching a commercial makes me cry. I am drinking lemon water, lots of veggies - I already eat gluten free, organic and very healthy, I take a good brand of Omega 3, take zinc with B-6, Magnesium, liquid D3, CoQ10 and turmeric. I just can't stand it does it ever end. Going for a brain scan tomorrow because I am having short term memory losses - just to rule out another cause. Can anyone tell me this will improve and eventually go away and I will be normal again.
Thanks so much for any advice or words of wisdom
ID
Idak
19 Nov 2014
Dear CT I have been where you are right now and wondered if it was worth even living... I can tell you that it will get better. At one point I was so weak I could hardly get out of bed. I started meditating and doing stretching exercises in bed that helped strengthen my muscles. Everyday is better and I am now at peace. The black mood, brain zaps, extreme weakness and fatigue are gone. I still must watch what I do and not over extend myself but the most important thing for you to know is there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to find what works for you. For me it was finding a place of peace in my mind where I could meditate and get stronger. Hang in there and believe that you will become the strong person you once were again. My thoughts are with you. IdaK
ID
Idak
19 Nov 2014
Dear CT I have been where you are right now and wondered if it was worth even living... I can tell you that it will get better. At one point I was so weak I could hardly get out of bed. I started meditating and doing stretching exercises in bed that helped strengthen my muscles. Everyday is better and I am now at peace. The black mood, brain zaps, extreme weakness and fatigue are gone. I still must watch what I do and not over extend myself but the most important thing for you to know is there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to find what works for you. For me it was finding a place of peace in my mind where I could meditate and get stronger. Hang in there and believe that you will become the strong person you once were again. My thoughts are with you. IdaK
ID
Idak
19 Nov 2014
Dear CT I have been where you are right now and wondered if it was worth even living... I can tell you that it will get better. At one point I was so weak I could hardly get out of bed. I started meditating and doing stretching exercises in bed that helped strengthen my muscles. Everyday is better and I am now at peace. The black mood, brain zaps, extreme weakness and fatigue are gone. I still must watch what I do and not over extend myself but the most important thing for you to know is there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to find what works for you. For me it was finding a place of peace in my mind where I could meditate and get stronger. Hang in there and believe that you will become the strong person you once were again. My thoughts are with you. IdaK
KE
kermmit
18 Dec 2014
Hang in there if you ever need to talk i am here
MI
Micganser
2 Jan 2015
Thank you all - it's now after the new year - brain zaps about gone - feeling more human - still dealing with paranoia and some anxiety - doing some guided meditation - see the light at the end of the tunnel - thanks for all of the support. Wow this was pretty bad - I count my blessings for all of the support and the strength to get this stuff out of my system.
Be Happy - Be Well and thanks
KV
kvam
22 April 2015
I have been on Cymbalta for 4 years. Three weeks ago I went to the Dr. and told her that I didn't think that the Cymbalta was working anymore. She suggested that we try Zoloft. I already knew that going of Cymbalta would 't be easy. I was taking 60 mg in the a.m. and 30 mg in the evening. She had me take 60 mg of Cymbalta for 6 days while taking 100mg of Zoloft at the same time. The next 6 days I would I took 30 mgs of Cymbalta and still take 100 mgs of Zoloft. Then for the next 6 days I split a 30 mg of Cymbalta and took 100mgs of Zoloft. I am now off of Cymbalta in 18 days. I have had a few side effects, crying and blurred vision, a few zaps. I stayed positive and strong through this and was able to work a lot and I think that helped me to forget about all of the side effects. I suggest that if anyone goes off of Cymbalta that they tapper off slowly and not everyone will have all of the symptoms that we read about. Maybe your Dr.
needs to give you something while going off of Cymbalta. This isn't easy and I will never take this medication again it is bad. Good luck everyone!!!
KE
kenrjones1980
26 Sep 2015
I started crying too. My case is a little different and I hope people read this and I also hope to get advice. I was on Cymbalta for only this last month for depression and fibromyalgia. It was time to get a refill but I didn't feel like it was doing a whole lot so I just stopped taking it. The first couple of days were ok other than extreme sweating and I felt a little off. Then yesterday happened! I felt like my brain was completely unplugged and I had severe panic attacks for the first time in my life and felt I would die!! I haven't slept now in two days because of extreme anxiety and horrible horrible dreams... I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING COMPLETELY CRAZY!!! Pleeeeease make this stop!! I'm so worried and didn't realize it was withdraw until a light bulb went off and I Googled it. I feel just like all the people in this site... thank you everyone for being so honest. This is hard to write because it makes me dizzy but in closing I just want to say...
DON'T GO BACK TO THIS MEDICATION!!! I've never felt like this and I'm so scared and so is my wife for me.
BE
BellasMom9
1 Oct 2015
I thought I was the only one who was going through this or as you said... "this is the real me". I have been on 60mg of Duloxotine for the past year. I was put on it for pain and I suppose the depression that came with my injury, which severely changed my life. I went from an active runner, surfer and yoga practitioner to not being able to walk 30 steps without pain. I still have my injury and am "rehabilitating" from it, but I have gotten myself off of all the medications. I had been on pain medicines of all kinds and none of them even touched the pain I was in. I have now been off of the Cymbalta for a week, but my head constantly feels like it has butterflies in it. I don't get "zaps", it is more of a wave of fog that comes through every few minutes. I decreased my dosage from 60 to 30 for several weeks, then I started opening up the capsules and reducing the amount of balls inside, so that I was decreasing the dosage for a couple weeks.
Now I have been off of it for about a week, but I have anger issues. I constantly want to be alone and don't feel any positive thoughts. I am hoping this will go away.
PA
Passant85
28 Nov 2015
Idak ... Thank you very much for sharing your experience for supporting others even you still going through the syndromes yourself you really give me hope and knowing through you and others that this is part of the withdrawal side effect some how helped me accept the syndromes and be patient not to go back to cymbalta :) thank you I really with you and every one suffering just feel better soon !! Thank you and keep being strong!
I too have had issues getting of Cymbalta. It has been a real pain for sure. Many comments have been against the company making the drug. Of course the literature and commercials all make it sound wonderful (a bit of false advertising) Why I agree this was not right what about the doctors and pharmacists? They are the ones who prescribe and give out such medication. Why are they not better informing their patients? Maybe they were not given enough information in the first place. But giving out such a powerful drug with serious side-effects both while taking and training to get off it is crazy. You would think they would find out more about a drug and pass it on to their patients. Giving us something to really consider instead of going through this dread. Good luck to all of you.
Votes: +0
FR
frankf3
25 Sep 2014
I have been taking 120 Mg per day of Cymbalta for over 2 years for anxiety. My doctor worked with me to get off of Cymbalta giving me the following schedule: 90 Mg for 30 days; 60 Mg for another 30 days; and finally 30 Mg for 30 days. I have had no side a=effects noticeable and have another 15 days to be Cymbalta-free. Hope this helps.
Votes: +1
SP
sparksm
12 Sep 2014
Does anyone still check this thread?
If so... PLEASE let me know if anyone has experienced crawling skin. I can deal with every other symptom but this! I can not sleep, I can not sit too long, and I can not concentrate. AND it is happening in the worst places. I can't go around work all day scratching the back of my thighs and buttocks. :( How uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Votes: +1
IN
Inactive
24 Sep 2014
I was on Effexor many years until it's extreme side effect hit me when they upped my dosage after being on it years. Once my dose was upped, it worked the opposite for me. I didn't care about life. I went on Cymbalta because Effexor no longer worked. I was on it a few years and I'm no longer depressed and in a good place in my life. My dr had me on the lowest dose and the I went a day on a day off for 2 weeks. Had kinda brain zap feeling, tired, a little hard to concentrate. If something on the radio came on negative at all my mind drifted off to something negative I remembered in my past. I felt sick days I took the pill and not days I didn't so I finally stopped taking it altogether. This has been close to 6 weeks all the way off. I am nauseated after noon or when I eat (if I can eat) and anywhere from afternoon to evening I itch horribly. I've tried allergy medication, anti nausea medication nothing works.
The allergy night time helps me sleep but I do still sometimes wake up itching. Sometimes I have a nervous like chill, I can't really explain it otherwise. I feel nervous and kinda shaky and a bit chilled. My mind is pretty much stable. I am a little more sensitive right now, but I expect that. Is there anything to help itch and nausea besides allergy medicine, Zofran, and tums?
IN
Inactive
17 Oct 2014
update from my September post: It has been about 13 weeks and most of my itching and other side effects have almost gone all the way away. While I didn't take this medication for several years, people that have taken it longer or higher doses may have longer and harder withdrawals. My dr. prescribed me hyroxyzine hcl 25 mg every 6 hours to help with itching after I tried all over the counter medicines. I had to tough it out with non drowsy allergy pills during work or driving anywhere because this does make me drowsy. I only took it when I had to and I'm able to tell that the itching is almost stopped without it. Doctors / Pharmacists are not informed enough on medication withdrawals. They are barely informed enough on side effects for taking medications. The FDA needs to make manufacturers inform full disclosures of all side effects and withdrawals. Until that happens, people will continue to have problems not knowing what they've gotten into.
I'm not saying no one should ever take the pill, they should have the knowledge BEFORE choosing to take the pill. That SHOULD be a priority. If I knew what the withdrawals were, I would not have taken it. I would have chose a similar medication with only nausea and cloudy headed feelings for withdrawal symptoms. We SHOULD have the right to know these things. Good luck and push through each day if you are working on getting off this medication.
FI
FibroFrye
22 Oct 2014
I recently have gotten off Cymbalta and am having the same problem, among many others. The itching, rash, headache, sleeplessness and crying for no reason is horrible. The brain zaps make it difficult to concentrate and I am barely getting any work done. I hope this passes soon. I would rather be in fibro-pain all day, every day, than to go through this.
AM
amyeb
19 Nov 2014
I've definitely experienced that crawling skin feeling as well as parethesis (the pins and needles feeling) in my face. It's truly scary to feel that way. I know you posted a few months ago but I hope you're feeling better!
I have been on 120 mg of cymbalta for four years for depression after leaving a physically abusive situation. I told my doctor that I would like to try to ween off the medication. He was EXTREMELY cautious with me. We made a plan that had no time frame but was completely defined by my withdraw symptoms. He prescribed me to 90 mg for 2 months. I am coming into the office and having my vitals, weight, and mental state followed up on every 2 weeks. I just started my second month of 60 mg. I will be on 60 mg for 3 months all together, and then start 30 mg. I will be on 30 mg for 4 months. At that point I will move to 20 mg for a month and then half the 20 mg every day for a month. and then half the 20 every other day for a month AND THEN I will be done - If I am feeling okay.
Please see a doctor to get off this medicine. Take your time to do so. These symptoms, pain, and depression are nothing to mess around with. You cannot go from taking a medicine every day for years to ZERO medication in a month. Your body will just be miserable. I know parts of my withdraw will be and have been painful, but my doctor has seen success this way.
Votes: +1
CH
christoph44
10 Sep 2014
In my opinion, your Doc's plan sounds like one of the most sensible ones I've seen posted on this forum. You are very fortunate. It's good to hear there are at least a few doctors out there who have a clue as to how difficult it is to get off of Cymbalta. I was fortunate to have a doctor who handled my journey off Cymbalta in a very similar manner. It took several months, but the only time frame imposed was by my comfort level and tolerance for the withdrawal symptoms. After getting down to 20mg and staying there for a month I felt so much better and could think more clearly than I had in years, I was very motivated to take the final step off completely. Hang in there, it does get better!
MA
Mamakas
19 Sep 2015
I thought 30 was the lowest dose.I've been on it for 4 years. I forgot to make a new appointment and ran out of cymbalta. My appt isn't till Wednesday. Been without for 5 days. Feel so weak and tired and dizzy. Also very emotional. Feeling overwhelmed!
BL
bluespringsmom
8 Sep 2014
I took 60mg Cymbalta daily since 2009 until about 3 months ago. I was prescribed this med for fibromyalgia after ruling out any other diagnosis by neurologist and my family doctor. I had severe symptoms of fibromyalgia to begin with and started around the time my mother died. Cymbalta was the choice after a trial with Lyrica which put me out. Cymbalta has seem to work well over these years until this year, I gained 20 pounds. My pain seemed to be under control, but I started sweating more than usual, so I made the decision to quit taking Cymbalta and try more natural alternative ways to help with fibromyalgia. I am a strong willed person and once I made the choice, I stuck with it. I had some pretty severe withdrawal symptoms-- the brain zaps, nausea, shakiness, brain fog, no energy. They have all gradually left. I still have the excess weight and some achiness, but overall feel much better knowing my body is rid of that drug.
I drink lots of water, started taking SAMe in the morning on an empty stomach to help with mood swings and fibromyalgia. I also take fish oil, magnesium malate, turmeric curcumin, and glucosamine -- all for fibromyalgia. It has alleviated the pain equally as well as cymbalta did. Just know that eventually your cymbalta withdrawal symptoms will be gone. I have not noticed brain zaps in over two weeks and my energy level is good. I hope to drop the weight before the end of this year. God bless and keep pushing through till your symptoms are gone!
Votes: +2
ME
MeggieGirl
24 Sep 2015
Hi Blues! You have worked out an EXCELLENT regimen! I'm very impressed!
I just wanted to say, I am a huge advocate for a fibromyalgia med Savella, and I know that is extremely easy to stop. I tried to stop it in July (was told to stop it cold over 3 days), but I did more of a slow taper over 1 month, and had no problems at all, except by the time I got to a 50% dose, all my pre-Savella pain came back! So that told me "Okay! This medication IS as amazing as I remembered it being, and I completely took it for granted!"
MA
MatthewCollins
8 Sep 2014
Like you I just started to try to stop Cymbalta. My doctor put me on it almost a year ago after a fibromyalgia diagnosis. It started out fine, but quickly began to cause worsening depression and (go figure) pain which was worse than the myalgia. I told this to my doctor and was told to keep taking it. I've been trying to discontinue the medication for almost a year now and every time the withdrawal symptoms overwhelm me. I've never experienced this level of withdrawal and I am a recovered alcoholic. I would have NEVER taken this medication had my doctor bothered to mention its adverse effects let alone the trauma you experience while trying to quit. I would honestly prefer the pain of alcohol detox over this medication. I'm on the week mark of quitting Cymbalta so I feel your pain. I honestly don't know how much more I can handle.
Please do others a favor and tell anyone and everyone you know who considers Cymbalta of your experience. It should be criminal for doctors such as mine to ever prescribe a medication without FULLY explaining the risks and the adverse effects of them. Honestly I cannot believe this is legal.
Votes: +1
EV
evitamelin
8 Sep 2014
I agree with your conclusion. Just the idea of going through again it's excruciating. I will never, ever will go through anything like that again. When you are ready to stop that last pill, will be great to keep in contact with people who has or is going through the same. I am sure your recovery will be much easier using this site for support and ideas to help you detox. Wish you all the luck.
CH
christoph44
8 Sep 2014
Please hang in there with it. It will get better. I too agree with the comments about the legality of this drug. It took me a full five months to taper off of Cymbalta. Even doing it very slowly is difficult. The weight loss will come. I've lost almost 20lbs since I've been off of this stuff. Try to be patient with yourself. Going off of Cymbalta even in the best of circumstances is very difficult. It is worth the agony you are experiencing to make it to the other side. I am slowly piecing my life back together after having numbed myself to the world with Cymbalta for the past five years. Don't give up on yourself. It will get better!
EV
evitamelin
9 Sep 2014
Thank you so, so much for the encouragements. As of TODAY, I am feeling so much better. About 75% out of the symptoms. Have been working hard on myself physically and mentally. The fact that I understand what is going on with my body it makes it so much better. I feel like I am coming back for a bad dream and I am myself again.
In the past few days, I have made 7 gallons of apple sauce, started 30 gallons of different kinds of wine, gone back to the gym, cut my hair, made my nails, sold my 7 month old standard poodle that was just terrorizing my home and kept my 5 years old, purchased some bees and a few more things I am still making changes. It's incredible. I still get brain zapping but I choose to ignore it and have incorporated it into my way of life, that way they are no big deal. I am exited for my life and I take one day at a time. I am enjoying today! Hugs to all of you. Evy
SE
Selenas95
13 Sep 2014
I have only been on cymbalta for a few months, but I was sick and stopped taking it for a week. I went through the worst withdrawal but didn't know it was from that. I started taking it again, but I ran out. I have been so sick. Vomiting, sweats, and brain zaps. How long is this going to last? Weeks, months?
OMG! I have been desperately searching the internet for any info regarding Cymbalta withdrawals. Today is my 6th day without the drug. Shortly after stopping I started experiencing a horrible brain zapping and other symptoms that alarmed me. I am experiencing dizziness, tremors, nausea, fogginess, memory challenges and excessive perspiration. Fainting and vomiting started today and I am horribly scare. I don't want to go back to it at all. I will not. I think it's a crime and irresponsible of doctors not to disclose everything about the drug. I started to take the drug after my mother died. But what I am going through right now it's beyond anything I could expect or imagine.
I am going to follow the advise I found here to detox myself. I will keep updating as I feel relief.
Votes: +2
EV
evitamelin
30 Aug 2014
Today, my 7th day was a much better day after applying many of the suggestions I red on this site. I had a baking soda bath, had many glasses of distilled water with lemon, did not do much physical exercise, kept myself busy cooking trying to keep my mind occupied, and I did not do drastic movements to minimize the brain zapping. I hope tomorrow is a good day also. I had brain zapping, dizziness, a little nausea and less excessive perspiration. I am ready for bed not and will post about tomorrow.
EV
evitamelin
31 Aug 2014
8th day. I had a small nervous brake down but felt a little better with the other symptoms. Continue with the baking soda bath and lots of water with fresh lemon. I added a vitamin D3. I experience the same amount of sweating followed by cold chills. Brain zapping decrease just a little bit. I took a small glass of wine to sleep and had a good night with only one time sweating episode.
MI
Mimi17
1 Sep 2014
I have been on 60mg for about 6 months.I am exhausted all the time,I literally forget whole conversations I had, sit like a zombie in my living room trying to get a hold of my day.I was just telling my husband I think I need to go to the eye dr because my vision is blurry, I have but on 20lbs I rage out and don't have sex anymore because I have NO INTEREST at all. My calves and knees hurt all the time and my jaw does too.i also have a stiff neck and like the beginning of a headache all the time. Just went to the dr and she said to go down to 30mg every other day for two weeks... a week in and I am sweating like crazy my hands are shakey I was out to lunch with a girlfriend of mine since high school and had a full blown anxiety attack- my first one ever, I could swallow my chest tightened couldn't breath and started crying at the table. Yes I was so embarrassed I still am.
I slept literally all day in an ez chair because I have 5 kids my 18 year old THANK GOD knew something was wrong made everybody breakfast lunch and dinner... I think I should go to 30mg and then off of it all together but I have chronic back pain and can't do the whole narcotic thing again that went on for 3 years. Frustrated !!!
EV
evitamelin
1 Sep 2014
Day 9th. I had today just a couple of nervous brake downs where I just cry some and somehow I managed to feel sorry for myself. I did my normal routine with my vitamins etc. I have been feeling a little better every day. My foggy brain has been getting better but headaches have not diminish. I used to think that I was getting Alzheimer and so on. I am so glad it was just the meds.
I did something last night that really helped me. I was very depressed and then I started to write all of what I was thinking and feeling. I wrote over 2 pages sometimes repeating the same thing. I felt much better after a while then I went to sleep.
Right now as I am writing I am having excessive sweating and a headache. I know all this will go away some day soon.
I am not a doctor to give advice anyone, but I can only share how I am feeling and what I am doing that is working for me. It's an everyday bottle that I am going to win.
I talk to my husband this morning as we took a baking soda tubby and found out that we can talk ourselves from anything bad we wish to do to ourselves. I think I am going to write a book about it some day.
EV
evitamelin
2 Sep 2014
Day 10th. A tremendous change. Some how I have had approximately a 50% reduction on all symptoms except my headaches. It is extremely nice to feel bright most of the time. I think the worst is over. OMG! I am so excited. I think 50% is better that how I was feeling before, and I can't wait to get to 100%.
EV
evitamelin
4 Sep 2014
I believe sharing what I have been going though here it has helped me tremendously. I honestly can see the light at the end of the tunnel as my days are more fruitful and happy. My withdrawals have diminished so much after working so hard in detoxing my body, and I thank here the wonderful people who took the time to share what has helped them. If anyone is going through with Cymbalta's withdrawals, the best thing to do is detox the body as fast as you can. Thanks so much.
PH
Philtrum
28 Sep 2014
First time I took cymbalta was in 2009. After the first week of being dizzy and having upser stomach. Life was great. I became very loving and caring. after about a 6 months on it I tried to quit and felt terrible. It was the hardest thing to do. Braim zapps etc.. Nevertheless after promising myself that I would never go back to such drug again, I gave in 2 years ago. I was on 30 mg for the last two years and started to slip. I felt I needed to increase my dosage but refused to do it. I fid not want to get deeper and deeper into tge drug. Having learned a little bit from my first experience, I started takin zoloft the moment I stopped the cymbalta. I took 12.5 mg for three days and It did not help. I felt anxious and my skin was super sensitive all the time. It has been 7 days of no meds so far. I have not had Brain zapos this time as I did in 2010. The withdrawal symptoms are a super exagerated opposite response to the "good" effects of the medication.
Meaning since I felt very loving with the meds, without it I feel extreme rage. I felt calm and collectes while on cymbalta, without it I am extremely anxious. I had delayed orgasm while on ctmbalta, without it I am speedy gonzalez. The bottom of the pit for me happened today. I went out for a bicycle ride and I could not reach a bathroom, I did not make it to the bushes even. I literally crapped in my pants. I had to call my wife to come and rescue me. How embarrasing is that? A perfectly healthy 44 year old man crapping his pants. The only thing that has kept me going so far is Meditation. I have not read on this posts about anybody meditating. Understanding that somethings are completely out of control and being able to recognize which symptoms are due to the meds have helped. I have been meditating for the last week and It has helped me control the rage and anxiety. I just sit there, focus my attention on the space inside of my head. If you ever try to see your mind, you will only see emptyness and complete darkness. Similar to what must have existed in the universe before the big bang. Imagine how calm and serene everything was at this point, the seconds before creation when everything was possible. Once I am completely relaxed and serene I Open my eyes and feel like i just created my own universe. In my universe I am kind, calm, cool and collected person that radiates confidence and has a loving and peacefull nature. (Even if I just soiled my pants). I hope we can all find the inner strenght to get trough this and live a fulfilled, drug free life.
My mom is 85 and was on 30mg for 2 years. She stopped 15 days ago after taking one every other day for about 2 months. She has a bit of foggy brain, some pain in her joints and is very tired but other than that she is fairly happy. We are using lots of Young Living essential oils on her and diffusing them as well. I think that has been the reason this has been relatively smooth. She tried once before and couldn't stop - felt too bad and hurt too much. I would suggest to everyone here to get some of the following oils- Stress Away,Peace&Calming, Joy, Ylang Ylang and Valor.
Votes: +4
KR
Krissy7770
6 Aug 2014
I was on cymbalta since last fall and have weaned down fro 60 to 30 to 20 and now none for about a week. I'm dizzy a lot and have been having palpitations. I'm scared!! The dizziness and palpitations go hand in hand at times and I had to leave work early today because of them. I found a website that says taking omega 3 helps. Anyone heard of this or tried it?
Votes: +0
AL
allie60028
30 July 2014
Seeing these responses scares me. I'm only on day 5 of withdrawal. The brain zaps and dizziness are almost unbearable. I was in 90 mg for almost a year. I tapered off about 10 days before ending all medication.
Votes: +1
CH
christoph44
30 July 2014
Tapering for only ten days after being on 90 mg does not sound like a good idea to me, particularly if you are have experiencing serious withdrawal. Just my opinion, but any Doc who would have a patient try to transition off of Cymbalta that quickly sounds recklessly irresponsible and probably shouldn't have been prescribing the drug in the first place. Cymbalta effects everyone differently, but it seems that those who have success getting off of Cymbalta usually take a much longer period of time to taper down and do so in very gradual steps. I was on 120 mg and gradually tapered off over 14 week period. Fortunately for me, my doc was okay with me tapering at a pace that was comfortable for me. I still experienced some withdrawal but was able to manage the discomfort.
BA
barbie108
23 Aug 2014
hi i am withdrawing from Cymbalta,it is hell!! i wanted to change med's because the cymbalta was making me sweat too much…no big deal right? i asked my Dr if we could switch to wellbutrin (i thought it may help me loose some weight) he is fine with that…so i ask about weening …i go three days taking 1/2 dose, i was on 90mg so taking 1/2 was 45mg …on day 4 i started the wellbutrin 150xl (generic of course) at first i thought i was feeling lousy due to the welbutrin..of course it turns out that i am withdrawing from the Cymbalta i had no idea!! i am sick…brain zaps, nausea, headache …all of the symptoms described on this site…i learned about this here! my Dr. is acting like oh no big deal…you may be withdrawing…. i feel there is no help out there and no one EVER told me how bad this would be…now i am just wanting to know how long till i get my life back!! anyone with any advice on how to get through this… would be much appreciated
LA
lalag60
21 May 2016
barbie108 how are you doing now? I was so glad to read your post. I am new to this site, but everything I have read is ME!! I am 7 weeks of weaning, with the last week being nothing. I was wondering how many months I am going to suffer through??? But I am determined. Want to just let my doctor know how awful this drug is and why is she prescribing it??? I have quit going to her, she was not interested in helping me get off. Hope you are doing good.
Thank you! I found this discussion so helpful. I could never go higher than 40 mg of cymbalta because it upset my stomach. I am tired of taking acid reducers at age 35. I asked to switch since my anxiety and panic are few and far between. If I found this first I don't think I would have ever started cymbalta had I known about the withdrawal symptoms! The past 2 days I started my fentzima. 1st day wasn't too bad but yesterday holy zaps through my body! So I took cymbalta today. Talked to my doctor and going to have to alternate the 2 because I was told it's serotonin withdrawal. I wasn't sure if this was from the new med or the old. Clearly it is from the cymbalta. I'm hoping for a smooth transition. I am so disappointed in what I've read about cymbalta :(
Votes: +0
BE
beautifulkrissy
28 June 2014
Im going through and have been through multiple attempts of getting off Cymbalta. Cymbalta most definately cause brain zaps. I refer to them as more like body zaps. It is a very nasty drug to get off of. I am exactly one week out from my last dose of 60mg.
JR
jrenelars
28 July 2014
I've been on cymbalta-coming OFF now-for about 15-20 years. I was at 120mgs a day for YEARS until my Dr FINALLY listened to me that I was feeling the OPPOSITE of what it was supposed to do. After TWO YEARS he let me do this. I began alternating 120mgs, the next day 60mgs-all the way down to where I am today-NONE AT ALL. I have been feeling SO AWFUL I can't hardly describe it all. I'm queasy, tingling/buzzing ((from the inside out), weak, REALLY OFF balance AND more. Anyone with ANY INFORMATION on how long this will last OR what to do let me know through here (I'll keep looking on this site). I'm drinking water and TRYING to eat fruit and good stuff. ABSOLUTELY feeling miserable from about 1/2 hour after I get up for the rest of the day. Other medicine doesn't help either (diazepam OR medically necessary m.j.). I DON'T know what else to do ANYONE with ANY ideas respond here and I'll keep looking for an answer.
I'm feeling pretty desperate at this point as I DON'T like hospitals ((too much trauma from my past). As I said I would appreciate ANY HELP at ALL! Thanks jrenelars.
SA
Sandee7
9 Nov 2015
I am just finding out about this problem people are having getting off Cymbalta.I have been on 60 MG for 10 yrs.I feel it's not helping now and I don't want to increase dosage after reading all these things.I scared now of what I'm facing.Please help by telling me what to expect.If my doctor starts me on another medicine does all this still occur? This is so scary.
LA
Lady_Karen
12 Nov 2015
hi, your comment is old, but I was wondering what your doc put you on? This med, cymbalta its a dual med, this is not just an SSRI its an SSNI so if you are trasnfered to a similar med, you wont notice much, it has to be another SSNI though, if its just an SSRI you will feel the withdrawals, and I am wondering how well you fared?
HO
Honestanna
18 Nov 2015
Get off psych meds turn to herbs trust me
PA
Palmacalvert
22 Jan 2016
I have been on Cymbalta for about 4 years after losing my husband. It was the worst thing I have ever done. I have tried to get off of it by tapering down to one every 5th day and stopped only to get sick with zapping, headaches nausea and horrible dizzy spells to the point of interfering with driving or anything. It is very upset knowing that our health provider are aware of this horrible medication bu no one warns you. I wet for 10 days without but I thought I was going to end up in th ER so I took one- il. Continue to try with a longer tapering and I am calling the pharmaciuticle company to get info on how to get off of it I will post it
ML
mlydiac
15 Feb 2016
I was on Cymbalta for 3 years when the hot flashes, fatigue, memory loss, insomnia, leg pain, weakness etc prompted me to try and get off it. My Dr said to go from 60mg a day to 30mg for one week and then drop to 30 every other day for one week and then none. Well there is no way. I am so sick with just taking every other day I'm so nauseous and I have bad headaches, ringing in the ears, weekness, blurred vision, pain etc. I was taking it for nerve pain from nerve damage caused by a root canal surgery. I'm going to order 'withdrawal ease' capsules online and see if they help. I'm also going to take st Johns wart and cut down on Cymbalta gradually. I'll let you know how this works and what else I add. I hope it helps but I don't know if it will because I'm so sick.
DI
Dianalopez
17 April 2016
Hi , I just saw your post i hope it's not late, do you still have symptoms of taking off cymbalta? Does anyone know anything new about how to get rid of symptoms , any updates for 2016?
not sure ,feel like death since finished tapering off them..all side effects the same as other people have mentioned.wish i had known of side of effects of weaning off and going off them.have never felt so ill or down.manufacturers of these tabs have a lot to answer for
Votes: +0
BE
beautifulkrissy
28 June 2014
How have you been doing now? I have tried multiple times to get off these nasty pills. This is the first time and I am one week out from last dose of 60mg.
SH
shar76
29 June 2014
finally feeling much better..it was v v hard but energy and mood back to normal
BA
barbie108
23 Aug 2014
i am happy you are feeling better, that gives me hope…i am resining to the fact that i am going to feel pretty crappy for a wile longer… :(
So glad to find this site! I have been on Cymbalta for 4 years for depression, fibromyalgia and arthritis. I want off the medication, in fact I want off all prescribed meds and know I have to do it slowly. It's been 4 days since decreasing from 60mg to 30mg of Cymbalta under supervision of my doc. So far I've had the stomach upset, headache, blurry vision and just feeling a little"off". Did not realize this would be so hard. I am determined tho. Please comment if you know of safe, natural substances to combat the withdrawal and keep me off any other meds in the future. I have just decided I want my body to be a be of chemicals as possible. I know it will be very hard, but I am very determined.
Votes: +0
HE
heberka
31 May 2014
How have you been since I see it's been 2 weeks?
NE
NewGranmama
1 June 2014
I had been doing well until yesterday. I only have the headache occasionally now, and my other symptoms I mentioned are much better. However, yesterday I started feeling like I need to cry one minute and very irritable and nervous the next. There has not been any changes or extra stresses in my life so I think it's another withdrawal symptom. I have been this way before I stopped Cymbalta but it usually builds up over time with stress or problems of life. Not this abrupt onset. I know it will pass. I hope soon. Thanks for asking.
WI
Winnelope
13 March 2015
I have been on Cymbalta 60mg for 5 years. About a year ago I started experiencing severe headaches, the optical migraines have been helped with magnesium supplements, and I've had an MRI to rule out any causes... I've been trying to figure out the reason & have cut my stress by about half with no help. I read the side effects of Cymbalta and saw that headaches were there, and discussed it with my Dr. She thinks it's unlikely that there is any link, but has agreed to let me start on 30 mg. So far just some minor nausea & my morning wake-up headache was less severe. I hope I can continue and completely get off of this awful medicine! Good luck to everyone else trying.
