Have been on Cymbalta 60mg 2xd about 7 yrs. started tapering off early Dec. 2016. Dr. Advised 60mg 1xd for 8 wks. Then 30mg for 8 wks, back to 30mg 2xd for a week if withdrawal symptoms. Issues have been mild-moderate so far.
What next? Drs dont appear to be very knowledgeable about safe tapering from this drug. Joined online group 'Cymbalta Hurts Worse' which is very supportive. My withdrawal issues, so far, are not as extreme as many of the participants are.
Could hives/major itching be a withdrawal symptom? Thank you.
Safe schedule for tapering off Cymbalta/duloxetine?
Question posted by Trishand rich on 22 April 2017
Last updated on 14 June 2020 by mjp26
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Answers
mjp26
15 June 2020
I am 60 and have been on Cymbalta since January 2016. It is now June 2020. Since April I have been weening myself off this drug. I will be finished with the 3 month supply Rx mid July and I will FINALLY be off of it.
OH MY GOSH
It is amazing. I have a much better sense of smell! My sense of taste has increased!
My libido has came once again to life. My taste has changed from fatty animal fats to all plant based foods, except eggs. Plant-based cheese is GOOD. Give it a try.
It is at least a 3-month long process to fully get off of this medication. Once you are ready and feel prepared to no longer take this antidepressant, go slowly. Start a little at a time. You will figure out how to do this if you are truly motivated.
Good luck ladies.
It is WELL worth it.
chuck1957
23 April 2017
Yes, Tish itching and hives are a possibility during the withdrawal process, this is the problem many doctors don't know you have to taper off of these medications. Sounds like which dose you're on now you could start to try taking it every other day, to stretch it out more if you have problems with that then the 30 mg daily for a few more weeks then start with the every other day then every 3 days. No matter what you read you never take beads out of the capsules. each color can be another strength or the dissolve at a different time this is very dangerous. Please check back and let us know how you are doing and if this is working or if we need to find more help for you and sometimes the doctor can give you something else to help try to ease the withdrawals. Good luck
Trishand rich
23 April 2017
Thanks. Chuck, all the tiny beads in the capsules are uniform white. Capsule is blue/white. Checked with pharmacy and all beads should be identical in strength and composition.
There is a 20mg capsule..I just don't want to struggle with a setback because of withdrawal/serotonin syndrome from tapering too quickly.
chuck1957
23 April 2017
Trish; Just still no matter what the Pharmacist tells you, Several you can ask and get different answers Cymbalta may be all the same color but my concern is the timed release rule of thumb never break into one or you loose the timed release effect and could get all the dose withing a few hours vs 12 to 24 or whatever but very good to always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Trishand rich
23 April 2017
Thank you, Chuck. Good advice!
Trish
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