Posted by SLS on July 17, 2006, at 6:04:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by JoJo55 on July 17, 2006, at 0:08:39
Can you continue to use Cymbalta while monitoring your enzymes?
It makes no sense to attempt to discontinue Cymbalta by skipping days. Its half-life is too short. You are better off taking miniscule doses several times a day when necessary. You can open up the capsules and divide their contents into fractions to accomplish this. Taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) often mitigates the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. Another option is to use Prozac as a temporary surrogate for a few weeks. Because it has a half-life of over a week, it acts as a natural gentle taper. You might need to take only 2-4 10mg doses spaced out over a week or two.
I have seen a drug called sibutramine (Meridia) used for fibromyalgia. You might want to look into it. I recently watched a video demonstrating some remarkable results. It is currently approved to treat obesity. It shares some important properties with Cymbalta and Effexor and adds to these dopamine reuptake inhibition. Peter Mueller, MD claims that, in addition to reducing pain, it also improves cognition and mood. His patients often responded within a day or two.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:466069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060627/msgs/667694.html