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 8
JA
jayne savage
10 Oct 2016
Taking Cymbalta a since winter of 2014. Agreed to take it for the help with chronic pain. (I've had multiple spinal column traumas and surgeries.) and for depression. My problem is it gives me the symptoms if Bi-Polar disorder. The higher the dosage, the more talking, irritability, argumentative, etc I get. In 90mgs I was jumping back and forth... Dr Jekyl/Mr. Hyde routine. Backed down to 30mgs at my request. Still over talking. But thankfully no aggression or irritability. No help with pain. Could be making it worse. I want this drug out of my body! Terrified of the withdrawal effects. Had those with both Effexor and Lexapro! Wild mood swings! Horrid Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde routine!! Also take Gralise 1800mgs time release for nerve pain. Lots of weight gain in last year! What to do?? This intense jabbering! Diarrhea of the mouth. Especially after coffee! Terrified of withdrawal!! Also must take meds for chronic severe pain. Recent edema in legs, ankles and feet. Lasix isn't resolving this! What to do???
Votes: +0
SA
sarann
7 Oct 2016
I just want to thank every one for all of the information you have given. I just went off Cymbalta a few months ago. I tried the 1st time but on 2nd day I just about went crazy. So tried another approach and it worked. I started with 60 mg 1wk, then 60 one day and every other day 30 for 2 wks. Then the same down to 10 mg. I didn't have too many symp. except being tired. BUT after I was off I couldn't sleep, felt bad, eat a so many sweets I am now borderline diabetic, I cry at nothing, I just went to ER because I felt like I had the worst flu it's been 2 wks. Don't know when I will feel better. ER said High sugar. I am almost caving in but my daughter is helping me. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone. I have neurophy and it did help but not for this long. I hear there is a law suit over this drug. I need to enter in a class A lawsuit. I will let you know how it goes. I need to feel good in order to fight my other problems.
Votes: +0
BR
brokenheart12
8 Oct 2016
I am so sorry you are struggling with the withdrawal. I wish we could get the medical profession to understand how awful the Cymbalta withdrawal is. I feel we should have been warned. I hope that you get some relief soon.
ME
Megans
9 Oct 2016
Does anyone know how to avoid release once fully off it?
ME
Megans
5 Oct 2016
Hi all I have been on cymbalta for 3 weeks and planning to come off with doctors order. One every 2nd day 10 tablets and one every 3rd day 10 tablets and the one every fourth day 10 tablets. Hoping that no side effects after this. I have just started on the every 2nd day. Side effects are dizziness and some nausea feelings in the stomach. I'm from Australia and the drugs here are quiet cheap compared to USA I have also been given Valium to help with the sleep issues I have had. The doctors have tried on me all sorts of antidepressants and none seem to work anymore as I am facing eye pain foggyness and no sleep. Everyone's post have given me inspiration and determination. The worst feeling is the suicidals thoughts. It's hard at work at times too when no one knows how u feel :(
Votes: +0
SM
Smileyaz
5 Oct 2016
Just so you know i had feelings of being possessed and I thought that I had an entity whilst on cymbalta. Not during withdrawal but whilst taking it. I was so scared to tell people because of what they may think. I felt so lonely and isolated because of this. I have had no thoughts like this since stopping cymbalta 5 months ago or before taking the drug. Its the drug not your head. Hang in there Megan. It's amazing your able to work so fair play to you. I had so much rage and anger i think i would of floored everyone in my workplace. You can do it.
ME
Megans
5 Oct 2016
Thanks for your message it's great to know there is others out there. How long were you on this drug for?
SM
Smileyaz
6 Oct 2016
I was on 60mg for 1 year. I tapered by dropping from 60mg to 30mg for a month and then 30mg every other day for a month. That was ok but 4 days after the last tablet was when the torture began.
ME
Megans
6 Oct 2016
Are you off them fully now? I have only been on them for 2-3 weeks and tapping down by taking every second day for 10 days and then every third for 10 days and then every fourth day for 10 days. Hoping this won't hurt me too much :( the sleep has been the worst doctor has given me Valium 5mgs I hope they start to work
This is my third attempt to get off my 60mg dose of cymbalta. I've taken cymbalta for 8 years for depression. I've been cymbalta free for one month and did it by titrating slowly, reducing 10 mg per week. Cymbalta comes in 20 mg and 10 mg. If side effects were really bad, i'd stay on the reduced amount an extra week. The really horrible side effects, diarrhea, body aches, nausea, all started after I was off completely. I take fish oil, B12, 2000 mgs of Vit. D and strong multivitamin. Exercise, lots of fluids, baths and massages help. Also dramamine if the nauseousness is really bad. Sugar, dairy and gluten all seem to antagonize the gastro issues. I have no idea how long this will continue, but I will never go back on this medication and strongly believe it should be pulled off the market. Good luck to everyone, myself included, who is going through this nightmare. I could write more, but I must run to the bathroom. Thanks cymbalta and eli lily, you scumbags.
Votes: +3
EL
Elliott215
19 Sep 2016
Hi I have been on Cymbalta for 9 years for chronic pain due to arthritis and fibromyalgia . I have weaned over the years down to 30 mg . And recently did every other day . This is day right with nothing and pure hell ! Brain zaps ! Ears ringing dizziness like my eye balls are Rollin around in a fish bowl . Irritability and diareah stomach upset and vomiting . Crazy real dreams and sleepy at 6 at night and sleep till 2 then up for the day . Ativan has helped a bit but need to take every few hours . I have no patience with any one and. My rumetologist had retired so I am dealing with my nurse practitioner that thinks I should be able to do this help
Votes: +0
KI
kickcymbalta2016
20 Sep 2016
I know what you all are feeling like because I've been through it myself first hand! It's not even fair because some of you so carefully titrated off of it for a long time. Try and get as much rest as you can. Drink lots to detoxify your body. Take hot baths with epsom salt and baking soda to help detox. Don't eat sweets. Stick to healthy diet, veggies, protein, fruits. Try and take something to help you sleep longer. Getting the right amount of sleep it vital. It's hard, I know, with sleeping and having nightmares. I have mentioned on this forum a few times how going to a chiroprator/nutritionist and got on whole food supplements. There is good kinds of St Johns Wort and other types that can put some serotonin back in your body. That Cymbalta, when we all quit it here on this forum, must have taken every last bit of serotonin out of our entire bodies just for meanness. Like the Grinch taking every last crumb just for spite.
I also try to eat foods that have omega 3's... good ocean fish, almonds, pumpkin seeds or a spoonful of hemp, flax, and chia seeds with cereal or something. When you are up to it, its really important to get some exercise. I still feel like my feet and lets are going through mud, but once I get going, I actually can put some power into my walk/trot. And I felt a lot better after that.
SM
Smileyaz
20 Sep 2016
Hang in there Elliott. It is hell, I had all the same side effects. except the stomach upset. To cope I set up an environment at home to get through it, ambient music (carbon lifeforms on youtube) soft lighting to get me through the sleepless nights, I also found walking very useful. Even in the rain I put the wellies on and went out. It helped with the anger and rage and also expending the energy helped a little with the sleep too. Lots of fruit and veg seemed to help to and lots of water. Don't put any unneeded pressure on yourself, Only goal is to get through this, everything else can wait, Try to get support from friends, family and make them aware of what you are going through if possible so they can assist you. Stick at it, you can do it. I'm 16 weeks since last tablet and things are so much better, it's so worth it.
CH
CharleysAngel
18 Sep 2016
I just googled your question (as I had the very same question) and ended up here. I've been on Cymbalta for almost 2,5 years after my doctor put me on it for Vertigo. I had had severe Vertigo attacks since 2011 and was prescribed Serc and it usually helped in a week or 2. When I woke up with tinnitus and without balance again at the start of January of 2014 I started with heavy dose of Serc right away. Month later I was still not able to sit without falling over, to use toilet I had to crawl on my hands and knees to it while my teenage daughter held me up so I wouldn't fall off to bowl. That is when my doctor put me on Cymbalta. 2 weeks later I was up my usual self and have been on it since. I've gone through all sort of doctors and scans to find the reason of the Vertigo attacks and the constant tinnitus (I've not had silence in my head since 5th of January 2014, I've forgotten what silence sounds like).
While on Cymbalta I've had no Vertigo attacks. After all the tests noone has still been able to tell me why it keeps happening to me. So my doctor told me to simply give up and keep taking the Cymbalta cause it helps. But I hate the thought of putting all this potion into my body so 11 months ago I decided I will wean myself off behind my doctors back. I went from 60mg to 30 and was on it until 4 months ago. Then I started opening the capsules (as no smaller dose was available) and counting the little balls into 2 piles. I was on 15mg up until 7 days ago and went down to 7,5mg. Each time I went down in the dose I had mild withdrawal symptoms for about 2 weeks-little nausea in the evenings, little dizziness.. Noting major. But the last week has been a hell! I am barely able to function with all the dizziness and nausea. I walk with a cane (for balance) inside the house cause the dizziness is so severe. There is no way I can drive or walk outside the house where I have no walls as security blanket to lean on. I have zero energy so all I do is lie down and sleep when I can. I feel so useless and helpless and so dempted to increase the dose back to 15mg. But I'm tetermined to get off this. I have no idea where I will end up and will full blow Vertigo return and make me a complete vegetable again. But I have to try. If it was up to my doctor (I am also looking for new doctor that is not so keen on chemicals) I'd be on it for the rest of my life (I'm 40 now). When I asked her what if Cymbalta will stop working for Vertigo she just said, and let me quote: "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it". Even though I'm so miserable I'm gonna keep taking the 7,5mg until I physically can, I just can't admit a defeat without fighting to the end. I decided to try and start with Serc today to help with the balance issues. I really hope I'll be in a way better state this time next week.
Votes: +0
TO
Tom Baker
22 April 2018
Been on Cymbalta for only 4 days. Stopped now for 48 hours. What can I expect.
CI
cindy-59
23 Jan 2019
Hi Tom Baker. You should be ok but I would look out for signs of withdrawal; sort of flu like feelings, just in case. Drink lots of water to flush the Cymbalta out of your system. I know that some people have had problems after a couple days but it’s very few. Get plenty of rest if you feel tired. Take care and I wish you the best. Cindy59
IN
Inactive
12 Sep 2016
RJ, yes. To both the diarrhea and RLS. I had no idea how constipated I'd been on cymbalta. But for me, the diarrhea alternates with a few days constipation still. I've only been off cymbalta for two weeks. And, at night, the feeling of being crawled over and bitten by bugs is awful. Or i'll get painful tingling in my hands and feet. I had to up my gabapentin to get through the panic attacks, 300 mg 3x daily. I'm going off that next, but I think i'll need help with that one. I have tried to go off it before by titrating down and the withdrawal, for me, was much worse than cymbalta.
Votes: +0
KI
kickcymbalta2016
20 Sep 2016
KaraKD, this forum is confusing to me. I was going to ask you if you are feeling any better and if you got off the last 30 MG of cymbalta yet. But the date on the bottom of the forum says you posted like 11 hours ago. Yet, when I go to comment on that post, it pops up along with your post saying you posted 9 Jul 2013??? So are you still with us today? September 20, 2016? Or are you long gone since July 2013?
IN
Inactive
21 Sep 2016
They got my post date wrong. I took my last cymbalta 3 weeks ago. Almost immediately, my thinking was more clear. I had more energy. I was less depressed. I am no longer constipated and my sex drive is coming back on-line.
Of course, then I got a wicked cold and have had it for two weeks. So no energy again. :( But I know it'll get better once this stupid cold is gone.
SM
Smileyaz
12 Sep 2016
I've been off Cymbalta now for 4months. Now I only get very very mild side effects only after alcohol. My own personal experience and I hope it helps others.
Day 4 after last 30mg Cymbalta to 3 weeks. The worst by miles, (see previous post) Very intense side effects (as mentioned in numerous posts mainly brain zaps every time moved eyes, completely wired the whole time, intense rage (although I've never had a fight in my life) so close to unbearable.
3 weeks to 7 weeks - Less intense side effects however made worse by fact I was exhausted from the previous 3 weeks hell and trauma so felt as difficult for different reasons.
7 weeks to 12 weeks - Much improved and nothing like first 7 weeks but manageable.
12 weeks till now - very mild side effects noticed more after alcohol, strong caffeine, high exertion.
I feel for you if you are going through this, ride it out, it does get easier, your whole focus on getting through it, support from friends, family and showing them info to help them understand what you are going through. The things you have control of like diet, loads of fruit and veg to get vits and minerals, avoiding stressful environments where possible (all together the first 3 weeks), avoiding unfamiliar environments, getting fresh air, mild exercise in a relaxed environment, no pressure on yourself for achieving anything else but get through the withdrawal. I also refused to (which wasn't too hard at the time due to what Cymbalta had done to me) seek tablets to help with the side effects with the worry it would prolong or just unsettle an already unsettled emotional state due to the withdrawal. So to deal with the terrible insomnia and nervous leg syndrome I exercised until I was really tired. Also I had no alcohol or caffeine other than tea until week 10 for same reasons as not seeking tablets.
I am now so much better for it so hang in there. Find a way, whatever it is of getting through first 3 weeks, for me walking if it was light, even in the rain in my wellies away from people, busy places, at home very chilled music, soft light and very chilled atmosphere, anything else I couldn't cope with, No work or any commitments to add stress.
Support is so important so feel free to get in touch and I will try to help anyway I can. Thanks to all who have posted in this thread as it without doubt helped me get through it.
(Duloxetine (Cymbalta) 60mg 11 months, 60mg to 30mg taper for 1month, 30mg day on day off taper for 1 month) 4 days later the trauma began. Obviously the suggested taper by the doctor should of been longer.
Votes: +0
LL
LL52
12 Sep 2016
Your experience gives me more hope than the others. The fact that you're better after 4 mos is encouraging. I started detoxing from duloxetine last month because of the price but knew nothing regarding withdrawal symptoms. I had been on 60mg per day for 3 yrs and am now skipping my dose every 3rd day. I'm glad I found this site to help me understand the severity of not doing it slowly. I can't find specific instructions of taking the capsule apart to remove some beads. Can anyone help?
LA
lalag60
12 Sep 2016
LL52 , I bought a pill cutter and was able to cut the capsule enough to get it to come apart. I had been on 60 mg for several years. There were 12 beads inside the capsule, so I started taking 6 beads for 2 weeks, then 3 beads for 2 weeks, then only 1 bead for 2 weeks. That was several months ago, I began on March 27th. I have been off for quite sometime now, believe me it was so worth it. My withdrawal symptoms were very mild, but I did have them. I am so glad I did it on my own, my doctor was unwilling to help. Please do not give up. It is so worth it to be off this horrible drug.
SM
Smileyaz
12 Sep 2016
Thank you for the replies, That is great info to reinforce a long tapering period and method to do it. Many thanks as the work on awareness and assistance to help others starts here for me.
LL
LL52
12 Sep 2016
Thanks lalag60 for answering my question so quickly! When you took apart the capsul did you swallow the beads by themselves and were you able to save the remaining beads for the next dose? I'm going to the store to by the pill cutter so I don't know what the beads look like or if it's safe to swallow them without the capsule. Thanks again
AN
Anti-Antidepresant
4 Oct 2016
Thank you for sharing your experience. Today is my 22nd day off cymbalta. First week was a shock, brain zaps every other minute, exhaustaion, nausea. Second week was a little improvement for 3 days but then I felt suddenly bad again. These up and down cycles make me so frustrated. If there is even very little bit improvement every day I will be so patient. But after a better day, collapsing again makes me scared. Did you experience improvement in these cycles? I have had the worst flu in my life last week. It seems like it will never heal. I still have hope and wAiting for the light end of tunnel.
SM
Smileyaz
4 Oct 2016
Hi anti anti. It wasn't a gradual improvement. I also had cycles of slightly better days than others but all days were torture until at least week 5. I also notice very mild zaps and insomnia now on week 20 after alcohol or high stress, or high exertion and therefore think that during the earlier weeks these may have resulted in worse days than others. To help with not knowing what the next day will bring I made no commitments, appointments for the following days. Only ones that may help, like family bringing me food or to help with household tasks etc. You are through the worst of it however it is still going to be really tough but you have come this far so you can do it. I can't stress enough of how much better i am for being off it. Find your creature comforts to help you through. Mine were very chilled music, Pints of tea and ambient lighting. An ambient light i bought helped so much i bought 3 more the next night.
Don't know why, i only needed one but it was very helpful. The point is these comforts helped me to get through it instead of putting other drugs inside me which i thought would only prolong clearing my system of chemicals. I remember at 21 days I was so exhausted from the previous weeks torture. But the zapping becomes milder and less frequent and side effects changed from extreme rage(very uncharacteristic of me) to horrendous insomnia. The only place i could sleep was on the floor of the living room, but it worked for me. You are doing so well and keep it up. Ride it out, it is not your head, but the chemicals we were advised to take from professionals messing it up. Look forward to a clear head, normal emotions and also the achievement and accomplishment of getting through one of the hardest things we surely will have to do in our lives. You can do it and we are here to help if we can. And also feel your pain too. Don't give up and don't hesitate to get in touch if it helps. Sorry i can't help more.
BJ
BJET
26 Oct 2016
In 2004, I was prescribed 60 mg of cymbalta after being diagnosed with severe depression. The beginning of this year, my depression started to get worse and my physician wanted to add another drug along with the cymbalta. When I suggested that I would like to be evaluated to determine if I even needed to be on an antidepressant (since I thought maybe the cymbalta stopped working and didn't want to take MORE medication), the doctor suggested that I get in touch with a phychiatrist for a correct evaluation. I called 5 different groups of doctors, and not one of them would see me to help me with an evaluation! Discouraged, I started weaning myself down, then asked my physician for help by prescribing a lower dose. Today is my 6th day of being "clean" and I feel all the symptoms that everyone else is feeling! I don't even want to talk to anyone. I'm totally disoriented. I can't focus. Total rage (road rage) is taking over my being.
The only thing that is keeping me going is my husband's understanding and support! We are going on vacation in 10 days an I so-o-o hope it helps. Thank you all for your comments; at least now I know I'm not alone.
SM
Smileyaz
27 Oct 2016
Thank you for your comment, It reinforces the fact the drug causes these symptoms. It isn't our heads. So you can do this. You have to ride it out and Support and understanding is key. I'm so much better now 20+ weeks ago and you will be too.
I have great compassion for anyone withdrawing from Cymbalta. I was on 60 mg and have been to itrating for a year. Does anyone have my two worse debilitating complaints? 1. Chronic diarrhea? 2. Restless legs syndrome? I also have crying spells, pain, and bad panic attacks to the point I feel like I'm on the verge of passing out. These symptoms have been going on for the 4 weeks since I took my final pill,,, it's awful. I have been drinking a lot of lemon water mostly to prevent dehydration after the diarrhea. This is so hard.
Thx, RJ
The crying, I welcome... I can't believe I can feel again.
Votes: +1
IN
Inactive
10 Sep 2016
Yeah, I'm having trouble with the vision thing, too. And my insomnia is acting up again, in spite of my trazodone prescription. Anxiety is worse, but my depression seems to be getting better already.
I was on 60 mg for two years and it was doing nothing for my depression. So two and a half months ago, my doc upped it to 120 mgs. That made me nearly suicidal. I was only at that dose for a month, so I dropped it by 30 mg every two weeks. I've been off it entirely for a couple weeks and the withdrawal is still unpleasant.
Oh, and that lovely bug crawling sensation. I'm hoping this crap stops soon.
Votes: +0
AN
Andy321
10 Sep 2016
Took me 2 months to completely get off cymbalta. The first month was hell... I been off it for a year and I feel like a new person...
BI
biggun3081
8 Sep 2016
I have been off Cymbalta 3 months after taking 60mg for 4 years and 30mg for 1 year. I suffer daily bouts with zero ability to focus, rare but controllable bouts of extreme violent anger, thankfully I have not expressed. I cannot focus vision sometimes and at other times cannot remember basic things. This was not worth the temporary relief of anxiety, I hope I will not be like this forever...
Votes: +0
TJ
tjkrol
2 Sep 2016
I was weaned from 60mg to 30mg to nothing over 2 months. It has been about 5 weeks and i still have major problems dealing with tube withdrawals. I have increased pain, foggy brain, anger issues, and major fatigue and nausia.. It has affected my ability to function and I am open to suggestions to get over this.
Votes: +0
KR
KristaT34
26 Aug 2016
My mother took her life July 24 th 2016. She was struggling with coming off of cymbalta. This was NOT MY MOM. She wrote a letter blaming my brother and I. She was not being rational or in her right mind playing with these drugs. It's absolutely NOT OK for this to happen to you when your already dealing with life in general. I am going to make a huge stink about this and stop these docs just passing pills to pacify- when they need to listen and heal!!!
Votes: +4
IN
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Krista, I am so sorry for your loss. You are right. That was not your Mom.
I know from experience that Cymbalta can induce some pretty serious depression. And I can see how coming off it might do the same.
I'm going to check Cymbalta's current prescription description insert on-line to see if they've even updated it since the FDA's warning in 2004 about withdrawals.
IN
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
This is the info i've found that is given to docs regarding patients withdrawing from cymbalta:
Discontinuing Cymbalta Adverse reactions after discontinuation of Cymbalta, after abrupt or tapered discontinuation, include: dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, paresthesia, irritability, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, and fatigue. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
LA
lalag60
26 Aug 2016
KristaT34, I am sorry for your loss. You are so right in that I am sure that your mother was not herself. And no, it is NOT OK. This is the worst drug EVER!! Talk with her doctors, yes raise a stink, I tried with mine, and have not stopped, even though I don't think they listened.
Again, I am so sorry.
LL
LL52
12 Sep 2016
This question is for lalag60 or anyone who knows the answer. How do you take apart the duloxetine capsules to lower the dose?
LA
laurapallas
1 Jan 2017
Hi Krista. I have been on 90 mgs. of Cymbalta for ten years. I have finally decided to wean myself off and found this forum. I am horrified that so many people have had such devastating consequences when trying to wean themselves off this drug. I am now very afraid that I may not make it getting off of this. Someone asked the question, "Class Action Lawsuit: anyone? I am all for that. I can't locate the person who said that, so I hope that some people will see this and we could organize somehow.
I will say that it sounds like a lot of people have tried to wean themselves off WAY too fast. My Dr. suggested cutting down 15 mgs. for a month, then cut back just another 7 mgs. for a month, then the last 8 mgs. of the 30 mg. capsule for a month. That would leave me with 60 mgs. left. He recommended cutting back just 15 mgs. a month until off. That is way slower than anything I have seen here, but I do not think it will prevent me from having side effects, but it may help getting through them a little easier. I would hope that all who are on this forum will organize and we can do something about the horrible deception of Eli Lilly and the Drs. who prescribe this toxic and very dangerous drug.
Hi, all. I was prescribed Cymbalta about 2 years ago, initially at 60 mg. However, I was prescribed like 5 other meds at the same time. I had been treated with every other antidepressant under the sun at some point before that 13 years prior.
No doctor could give me an accurate diagnosis. I started with just depression, fatigue and insomnia. And they knew I'm a woman. So I got thrown into the crazy chick bucket and they started throwing psych meds at me.
Years go by and I start developing all these physical symptoms. Dry skin, dry eyes, "rosacea," miscarriage, early menopause, fungal rashes, bronchitis, high blood pressure, thinning hair, light and heat sensitivity (seriously, the sun makes me feel ill), GERD, arthritis, Raynaud's, and GI upsets.
Now I'm in a place where I don't know if my physical symptoms are some systemic, possibly autoimmune, process or a result of all these damned meds I was on! I've weaned myself down to .1 mg clonidine 2Xday (was 3Xday), 300 mg gabapentin 2Xday (was 4Xday). And I warn you. Don't ever be put on gabapentin unless you're actually having seizures. It's as bad as Cymbalta, easily, and you could have seizures in WD.
And, of course, Cymbalta. My doc had upped it from 60 to 120 because it wasn't working for my depression and I became nearly suicidal. I was only on the 120 a month. So I dropped it 30mg every two weeks and am back to 60.
I'm determined to get off all my meds and I'm starting with this one. I don't want to ask for a bridge med, so I am probably in for a rough ride. But I do want to do it quickly. Thanks for all the great advice I've seen here on this thread. This will all help me tremendously.
Votes: +3
DF
dfr75
20 Aug 2016
Unfortunately all the side effects you are experiencing are all common with this drug. The withdrawals can be worse than any other drug I have read about. Depending on your individual body/mind makeup... will determine how bad it will be. I have heard of people bouncing back within a few months and others taking years. The very worst of the physical side effects seem to calm down before the mental effects do. Also seems like the longer you were on Cymbalta. .the longer it takes to recover. I personally was on this for about the same time as you. I am still struggling and praying it is permanent. I have been off for about a year. I did not replace the drug with any other because I am terrified of anything that could mess with my mind. This may be why it has been harder on me. Honestly the only things that helped at all have been yoga and b12 shots. The hardest part is not giving up hope it will change. The floods of hopelessness and am I stuck like this can be unbearable. Stay strong and pray or meditate or whatever helps you. Hope you have family support. Good luck
Votes: +5
KI
kickcymbalta2016
22 Aug 2016
Does anyone believe we can get off of antidepressants and not get back on them? People say I may have a chemical inbalance and have to stay on an antidepressant, I guess forever! I am taking very healthy, nutritionist recommended whole food supplements that have no side affects at all... unlike prescription antidepressants. On Cymbalta, I craved and ate sweets so bad, gained 10 lbs, blood pressure got a little higher like 123/80, and usually it's like 90/60! I was chronically constipated and I felt sedated, and my nutritionist said, "that's because you were!" Now that I'm off the Cymbalta for almost 5 months, I have lost 8 lbs, hardly no sweet cravings, my blood pressure is back to 90/60, and I have a lot more energy and never have constipation. So how is everyone else doing once they get through the worse part of cymbalta withdrawals as far as not getting back on an antidepressant? I am still having crying spells a lot.
IN
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
I am choosing to believe I can come off all of my meds with the help of my therapist. I took my cymbalta down to 30 mg a few days ago. A month and a half ago, I was at 120.
I ache like crazy. I am wicked constipated! Oh, that is the worst feeling after several days. I just took some ExLax. Hopefully, that will help. I'm excessively hot and have slight fevers off and on. My eyesight is going wonky. My insomnia is back, in spite of being on trazadone. I'm having weird skin zaps that are either a sharp pinprick feeling, a sudden localized itch, or a feeling like a cold drop of water hit me. I'm having allergy-like symptoms. Sudden headaches. This just sucks.
But I am also feeling my brain come back on-line. I hadn't realized how sedated I was. Now, it's like trying to think through a fog, but I am more aware and more interested in things. I also have more energy despite the pain. I'm doing more.
I am terrified of what going off that last 30 mg is going to feel like. But i'm still going to do it.
