![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 104 to 128 of 696. Go back in thread:
Posted by SweetieGurl33 on March 26, 2006, at 19:01:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Karla on February 14, 2006, at 16:10:23
Who wants to file a lawsuit againt Eli Lilly with me? I've experienced all of these same withdrawl symptoms as you (trying cold turkey and graudally). I can't get off the drug because I'm in school now. It's horrible. Their 27 page "Perscription Information" manual does not suggest anything about these withdrawl symptoms...or I woudln't have started taking this awful pill! There have been similar lawsuits with Oxycontin and Effexor. Email me at ashleyt@gwu.edu if you're interested.
Posted by SLS on March 27, 2006, at 7:46:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by vlee on March 25, 2006, at 10:06:50
> I have been on 60mg Cymbalta for 18 days for headache and depression. Both have been getting progressively worse over the last 6 days. I want to get off Cymbalta and my question is: since I've been on it such a short time can I get off "cold turkey" or do I have to graduate off (ie. to 30mg for a week, then 30mg every other day for a week, then 30mg every third day for ?????). I've read some pretty scary stuff on Cymbalta - this site has been very informative. Thanks for any help.
> vleeDo not skip days. You need to take it everyday. Otherwise, you will be experience an extended period of withdrawal with fluctuating intensity.
It is better to take very small amounts of Cymbalta every day. You can even try taking it only when the withdrawal symptoms appear. You might end up taking it more than once a day. That's not a problem, as long as you continue to reduce the size of the doses. Try to remain flexible. You'll be using Cymbalta as a PRN only when needed almost like aspirin for a headache. It shouldn't take you more than a week to accomplish this.
If you elect to use another strategy, you can use Benadryl to reduce the withdrawal symptoms should they appear.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on March 27, 2006, at 7:50:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » vlee, posted by SLS on March 27, 2006, at 7:46:59
I failed to mention that you would need to split the pills into fractions to be able to take doses that are small enough to work with effectively.
- Scott
> > I have been on 60mg Cymbalta for 18 days for headache and depression. Both have been getting progressively worse over the last 6 days. I want to get off Cymbalta and my question is: since I've been on it such a short time can I get off "cold turkey" or do I have to graduate off (ie. to 30mg for a week, then 30mg every other day for a week, then 30mg every third day for ?????). I've read some pretty scary stuff on Cymbalta - this site has been very informative. Thanks for any help.
> > vlee
>
> Do not skip days. You need to take it everyday. Otherwise, you will be experience an extended period of withdrawal with fluctuating intensity.
>
> It is better to take very small amounts of Cymbalta every day. You can even try taking it only when the withdrawal symptoms appear. You might end up taking it more than once a day. That's not a problem, as long as you continue to reduce the size of the doses. Try to remain flexible. You'll be using Cymbalta as a PRN only when needed almost like aspirin for a headache. It shouldn't take you more than a week to accomplish this.
>
> If you elect to use another strategy, you can use Benadryl to reduce the withdrawal symptoms should they appear.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Karla on March 29, 2006, at 7:58:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by vlee on March 25, 2006, at 10:06:50
I was on 30 mg and just quit cold turkey but under the guidance of my pdoc. I had no problems quitting.
Posted by gapsgal on April 15, 2006, at 23:27:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on September 24, 2005, at 14:58:31
Hello,
I was on Effexor for quite a while and then was weaned off but onto Cymbalta, now the doc has added wellbutrin and decided that i didnt need the cymbalta. Well he prescribed cutting from 60 to 30 then to 30 every other day and then off...didnt work for me so I changed it to after 30 each day I divided the capsules and took 15 each day for a week then I divided again and took 7.5 each day and then yesterday I divided the 7.5, but decided that was just too much trouble...and besides I was only getting a little bit...well let me tell you that little bit made a huge difference....I am awful today...nausea, dizziness so bad and my pupils are so dilated...i feel sick, but not sure how to describe it really...
The Effexor was horrible to get off of, but the Cymbalta made it easier...now the wellbutrin just doesnt help with the withdrawal...my pharmacy told me to use dramamine...but that knocks me out cold.....I just cant believe that cutting down so slowly could just leave me with such horrible effects...
My head just feels strange like people i have heard who describe having high blood pressure...and mine is always extremely low...
Any suggestions Dr. Bob?
Donna
> > I have been off Cymbalta since Friday (6 days) and am so dizzy I can't leave the house. I went from 60 mg to 30 mg, then I just poured out 1/2 of each capsule (so I was taking 15 mg) for a few days, then stopped. I am so dizzy and I have dirrareah a lot. I feel like I'm going crazy - have to lie down a lot during the day (luckily I work from home). I am still so dizzy after 6 days of no Cymbalta in my system!! Does anyone have any advice - what can I take to stop spinning? I just feel horrible, but refuse to go back on even 1 mg of any antidepressant!!! I am better off on my own. Need advice to get rid of dizziness. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!
>
>
> Some people have reported getting some relief by using Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication. I don't know what the mechanism is by which the dizziness is produced as a withdrawal symptom, so I don't know if a drug like Dramamine would be of any help. It might be worth looking into, though.
>
> It seems that the last 25% of the original dosage is the most difficult to discontinue from. That would be 15mg. In other words, jumping from 15mg to 0mg would very likely produce a severe reaction in vulnerable individuals, despite the gradual taper from 60mg to 15mg. Although inconvenient, using smaller and smaller percentages of opened capsules is still advisable to continue a taper below the 15mg dosage.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on April 16, 2006, at 7:57:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 15, 2006, at 23:27:08
I know this is going to sound too simple to work, but I have had success using very small amounts of the drug as a PRN. It would be like taking aspirin for a recurrent headache. Whenever the withdrawal symptoms would appear, I would take a tiny dose and wait until the symptoms reappear before taking any more. You might end up taking several doses a day, but with decreasing amounts or with a lengthening interdose period.
- Scott
Posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:20:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 15, 2006, at 23:27:08
>
> Scott,I thought of doing that, but since Cymbalta is time released I wondered if it would work for symptoms immediately?
Donna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello,
>
> I was on Effexor for quite a while and then was weaned off but onto Cymbalta, now the doc has added wellbutrin and decided that i didnt need the cymbalta. Well he prescribed cutting from 60 to 30 then to 30 every other day and then off...didnt work for me so I changed it to after 30 each day I divided the capsules and took 15 each day for a week then I divided again and took 7.5 each day and then yesterday I divided the 7.5, but decided that was just too much trouble...and besides I was only getting a little bit...well let me tell you that little bit made a huge difference....I am awful today...nausea, dizziness so bad and my pupils are so dilated...i feel sick, but not sure how to describe it really...
>
> The Effexor was horrible to get off of, but the Cymbalta made it easier...now the wellbutrin just doesnt help with the withdrawal...my pharmacy told me to use dramamine...but that knocks me out cold.....I just cant believe that cutting down so slowly could just leave me with such horrible effects...
>
> My head just feels strange like people i have heard who describe having high blood pressure...and mine is always extremely low...
>
> Any suggestions Dr. Bob?
>
> Donna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > I have been off Cymbalta since Friday (6 days) and am so dizzy I can't leave the house. I went from 60 mg to 30 mg, then I just poured out 1/2 of each capsule (so I was taking 15 mg) for a few days, then stopped. I am so dizzy and I have dirrareah a lot. I feel like I'm going crazy - have to lie down a lot during the day (luckily I work from home). I am still so dizzy after 6 days of no Cymbalta in my system!! Does anyone have any advice - what can I take to stop spinning? I just feel horrible, but refuse to go back on even 1 mg of any antidepressant!!! I am better off on my own. Need advice to get rid of dizziness. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!
> >
> >
> > Some people have reported getting some relief by using Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication. I don't know what the mechanism is by which the dizziness is produced as a withdrawal symptom, so I don't know if a drug like Dramamine would be of any help. It might be worth looking into, though.
> >
> > It seems that the last 25% of the original dosage is the most difficult to discontinue from. That would be 15mg. In other words, jumping from 15mg to 0mg would very likely produce a severe reaction in vulnerable individuals, despite the gradual taper from 60mg to 15mg. Although inconvenient, using smaller and smaller percentages of opened capsules is still advisable to continue a taper below the 15mg dosage.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
Posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:23:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:20:34
> > I broke down last night and took a few granules, and guess what today all the crap is gone...god this makes me so angry I just dont know what to do...going from not even being able to function or make decisions to being perfectly fine...they should remove it all from the market...I had to do something...I work full time, have three kids and am going to graduate school...
Donna
> > Scott,
>
> I thought of doing that, but since Cymbalta is time released I wondered if it would work for symptoms immediately?
>
> Donna
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I was on Effexor for quite a while and then was weaned off but onto Cymbalta, now the doc has added wellbutrin and decided that i didnt need the cymbalta. Well he prescribed cutting from 60 to 30 then to 30 every other day and then off...didnt work for me so I changed it to after 30 each day I divided the capsules and took 15 each day for a week then I divided again and took 7.5 each day and then yesterday I divided the 7.5, but decided that was just too much trouble...and besides I was only getting a little bit...well let me tell you that little bit made a huge difference....I am awful today...nausea, dizziness so bad and my pupils are so dilated...i feel sick, but not sure how to describe it really...
> >
> > The Effexor was horrible to get off of, but the Cymbalta made it easier...now the wellbutrin just doesnt help with the withdrawal...my pharmacy told me to use dramamine...but that knocks me out cold.....I just cant believe that cutting down so slowly could just leave me with such horrible effects...
> >
> > My head just feels strange like people i have heard who describe having high blood pressure...and mine is always extremely low...
> >
> > Any suggestions Dr. Bob?
> >
> > Donna
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > > I have been off Cymbalta since Friday (6 days) and am so dizzy I can't leave the house. I went from 60 mg to 30 mg, then I just poured out 1/2 of each capsule (so I was taking 15 mg) for a few days, then stopped. I am so dizzy and I have dirrareah a lot. I feel like I'm going crazy - have to lie down a lot during the day (luckily I work from home). I am still so dizzy after 6 days of no Cymbalta in my system!! Does anyone have any advice - what can I take to stop spinning? I just feel horrible, but refuse to go back on even 1 mg of any antidepressant!!! I am better off on my own. Need advice to get rid of dizziness. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!
> > >
> > >
> > > Some people have reported getting some relief by using Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication. I don't know what the mechanism is by which the dizziness is produced as a withdrawal symptom, so I don't know if a drug like Dramamine would be of any help. It might be worth looking into, though.
> > >
> > > It seems that the last 25% of the original dosage is the most difficult to discontinue from. That would be 15mg. In other words, jumping from 15mg to 0mg would very likely produce a severe reaction in vulnerable individuals, despite the gradual taper from 60mg to 15mg. Although inconvenient, using smaller and smaller percentages of opened capsules is still advisable to continue a taper below the 15mg dosage.
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by SLS on April 16, 2006, at 10:31:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:23:58
I don't know whether or not Cymbalta has been formulated with a controlled release delivery system. I don't think it is. It might not matter. The random distribution of pellets should provide that you get the proper ratio of immediate versus controlled release medication. I discontinued Effexor XR by counting pellets. It worked well for me. The sooner you recognize the withdrawal symptoms reappearing, the sooner you can take a remedial amount of medication. However, I believe that it is important to be sure that you are indeed experiencing withdrawal symptoms before dosing again. I think this optimizes the rate at which you force the body to re-regulate itself. When I got down to a low dosage of Effexor, I tried to take only enough medication to get me through 6-8 hours before needing to dose again. I ended up taking small amounts of medication 3-4 times a day. I didn't feel the need to be precise with measuring doses. You can remain flexible that way. If you take a little more than is necessary, you will simply extend the time until the next dose. Ideally, the trend will be towards using smaller and smaller doses. I just "eye-balled" and approximated dose sizes. It is probably better to take too little than too much in order to discontinue the medication as quickly as possible. Either way, you will eventually reach a point when it is time to discontinue the drug completely. I always have difficulties describing how to determine where this point is. I guess when you can no longer reduce the dosage by the smallest amount such that a symptom-free period of 4 hours is possible, you can stop. You will likely experience a period of a withdrawal syndrome, but it should be relatively brief and mild.
It is confusing to explain, but simple to do.
- Scott
Posted by gapsgal on April 17, 2006, at 7:59:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 16, 2006, at 10:31:33
Scott,
Thanks for your response...the withdrawals actually tend to remind me of vertigo...and as odd as it is, just a few pellets relieve the symptoms...if I ever get off of this I will never take anything other than Wellbutrin again!
Donna
I don't know whether or not Cymbalta has been formulated with a controlled release delivery system. I don't think it is. It might not matter. The random distribution of pellets should provide that you get the proper ratio of immediate versus controlled release medication. I discontinued Effexor XR by counting pellets. It worked well for me. The sooner you recognize the withdrawal symptoms reappearing, the sooner you can take a remedial amount of medication. However, I believe that it is important to be sure that you are indeed experiencing withdrawal symptoms before dosing again. I think this optimizes the rate at which you force the body to re-regulate itself. When I got down to a low dosage of Effexor, I tried to take only enough medication to get me through 6-8 hours before needing to dose again. I ended up taking small amounts of medication 3-4 times a day. I didn't feel the need to be precise with measuring doses. You can remain flexible that way. If you take a little more than is necessary, you will simply extend the time until the next dose. Ideally, the trend will be towards using smaller and smaller doses. I just "eye-balled" and approximated dose sizes. It is probably better to take too little than too much in order to discontinue the medication as quickly as possible. Either way, you will eventually reach a point when it is time to discontinue the drug completely. I always have difficulties describing how to determine where this point is. I guess when you can no longer reduce the dosage by the smallest amount such that a symptom-free period of 4 hours is possible, you can stop. You will likely experience a period of a withdrawal syndrome, but it should be relatively brief and mild.
>
> It is confusing to explain, but simple to do.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
Posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 17, 2006, at 7:59:20
Guys, I have been with no cymbalta for 9 days, for the last two weeks before I stopped I was counting granules. For three months I made 30 pills last, 60 mg each. Then the last two weeks I started at 150 granules to 25 granules and stopped. I still feel bad but at least I can go to work. I have tryed to quit several times unsuccessfully. I heard someone describe the feeling as having a migrane without the pain. Dizzy, nausea, weird.
> Scott,
>
> Thanks for your response...the withdrawals actually tend to remind me of vertigo...and as odd as it is, just a few pellets relieve the symptoms...if I ever get off of this I will never take anything other than Wellbutrin again!
>
> Donna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I don't know whether or not Cymbalta has been formulated with a controlled release delivery system. I don't think it is. It might not matter. The random distribution of pellets should provide that you get the proper ratio of immediate versus controlled release medication. I discontinued Effexor XR by counting pellets. It worked well for me. The sooner you recognize the withdrawal symptoms reappearing, the sooner you can take a remedial amount of medication. However, I believe that it is important to be sure that you are indeed experiencing withdrawal symptoms before dosing again. I think this optimizes the rate at which you force the body to re-regulate itself. When I got down to a low dosage of Effexor, I tried to take only enough medication to get me through 6-8 hours before needing to dose again. I ended up taking small amounts of medication 3-4 times a day. I didn't feel the need to be precise with measuring doses. You can remain flexible that way. If you take a little more than is necessary, you will simply extend the time until the next dose. Ideally, the trend will be towards using smaller and smaller doses. I just "eye-balled" and approximated dose sizes. It is probably better to take too little than too much in order to discontinue the medication as quickly as possible. Either way, you will eventually reach a point when it is time to discontinue the drug completely. I always have difficulties describing how to determine where this point is. I guess when you can no longer reduce the dosage by the smallest amount such that a symptom-free period of 4 hours is possible, you can stop. You will likely experience a period of a withdrawal syndrome, but it should be relatively brief and mild.
> >
> > It is confusing to explain, but simple to do.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 10:25:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
I'm sure glad I found this site! My doctor prescribed Cymbalta for both pain and depression control, but I was told to STOP my Wellbutrin. I take Wellbutrin mostly to help control my nicotine cravings, and I noticed almost immediately that my smoking increased two-fold or more. So, I decided to wean myself off the Cymbalta. I found this site while surfing the net to find out about the weird "electric shock" feelings I was having in my head, and I was very happy to learn that I wasn't dying! I also learned some better ways to wean myself. Thanks for all your input here.
Does anyone know for sure: Can I get back on my Wellbutrin while still weaning off Cymbalta?
Posted by SLS on April 17, 2006, at 10:50:15
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 10:25:46
> Does anyone know for sure: Can I get back on my Wellbutrin while still weaning off Cymbalta?
The two drugs are compatable. You can take them both at the same time. My one caution is that Wellbutrin might make worse any anxiety that might result from Cymbalta withdrawal. It may be worth a try, though.
How do you plan to taper the dosage of Cymbalta?
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 11:48:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » PB, posted by SLS on April 17, 2006, at 10:50:15
My one caution is that Wellbutrin might make worse any anxiety that might result from Cymbalta withdrawal. It may be worth a try, though.
>
> How do you plan to taper the dosage of Cymbalta?
>
> Good luck.
>
>
> - ScottThanks for the response. What I did was just started taking my 60 mg. capsules every other day, then every third day, then every 4th, etc. But since finding this site, I started dividing the capsules to see if the withdrawal is a little easier on me. I started with 1/4 of a 60mg capsule but I DON'T want to take it every day! So, I'm sort of winging it. I was hoping my Wellbutrin would help.
I can't believe how difficult it is to wean off this! I have only been on it about 2 months, and it's my first experience with antidepressants. (The Wellbutrin was prescribed to help me quit smoking, and I've never had any problem with it.)
PB
Posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 11:48:16
I was on cymbalta since last Oct. I started weaning off over a month. 40mg(from 60mg) for 2 weeks and then 20mg for 2 weeks. I am starting to feel some of the side effects mentioned. The worst are parasthesia in limbs and face, dizziness and vertigo when I stand up too fast, sexual dreams and hands shaking. Basically I feel weird. My emotions have been more labile. I can cry easily and feel a little irritable. Should I ride out the withdrawal or take a smaller dose? It sounds like there are withdrawal effects either way. I want to get off it as quickly as possible. Any suggestions?
Posted by Mark23 on April 24, 2006, at 8:36:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
> I was on cymbalta since last Oct. I started weaning off over a month. 40mg(from 60mg) for 2 weeks and then 20mg for 2 weeks. I am starting to feel some of the side effects mentioned. The worst are parasthesia in limbs and face, dizziness and vertigo when I stand up too fast, sexual dreams and hands shaking. Basically I feel weird. My emotions have been more labile. I can cry easily and feel a little irritable. Should I ride out the withdrawal or take a smaller dose? It sounds like there are withdrawal effects either way. I want to get off it as quickly as possible. Any suggestions?
Posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Mark23 on April 24, 2006, at 8:36:32
> You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
That is unacceptable in my opinion. There has to be a better way.
After being on Effexor 300mg for a year, I was able to discontinue it using a flexible dosing strategy within two weeks and without significant withdrawal symptoms. Once I discontinued the drug entirely, I experienced mild symptoms that lasted for a few days.
I wish I knew for sure whether or not my neurobiology represents the norm. I don't. I am not sure that a flexible dosing strategy will be effective for everyone. But for those who have tried it here on Psycho-Babble, they have reported success.
In the past, I have experienced intense withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing Effexor, Paxil, and Ativan. It is not as if I am immune to withdrawal reactions.
For what it is worth, I think there might be a relationship between abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey) and the persistence of a withdrawal syndrome. People who go cold turkey seem to complain of withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks and months while people who taper gradually do not. If this is true, then going cold turkey is the absolute worst thing one can do to themselves.
- Scott
Posted by secretme on April 24, 2006, at 15:02:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
I may be late to the table on this one, but I have seen television commercials for Cymbalta. This is the first time in my region of the country I've seen these ads. It's interesting that the pharmaceutical company only mentions three major side effects. I don't remember them exactly, but they were rather benign. The ad stresses that "depression hurts", and Cymbalta can help with depression and the pain that accompanies it. Too bad there isn't a commercial advising people how to get rid of the pain when trying to withdraw from this witches brew. Unfortunately, the promotion of Cymbalta means more and more people will be asking their psychiatrists about it, and perhaps, encouraging them to prescribe it!
I'm grateful that I've been through the worst and have recovered from this medication. Taking Cymbalta and experiencing withdrawal might make a person (like me) swear off anti-depressants forever.
I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
Posted by laurieh1966 on April 25, 2006, at 18:05:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
I was on cymbalta for 7 months and started going off of it 5 days ago. My withdrawal symptoms have been terrible including the shakes, electrical feelings throughout my body, nausea, diarrhea, crying, insomnia and nightmares. I called my Dr and she is going to start me on prozac and wean me off of that. It is much easier to go off prozac so I will start that on Thur. Until then I started taking the cymbalta(20mg) and 1 hour after taking it I already feel much better. I will post later with an update on how the prozac goes.
Posted by Jaspar on April 26, 2006, at 13:20:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
I wish that I had read this sooner. I also was counting granules, but I did not go slowly enough, and once I started in with the vomiting, it was too late! I had been down to less that 10mg (down from 60) It took me 4 months to get down to the 10.
Now, I am in my 3rd day of vomiting, dizzy, and things look strange... I am on NO Cymbalta because I threw it up.
HOW LONG will this last??? I am getting dehydrated.
-Jaspar
Posted by gapsgal on April 26, 2006, at 13:47:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 26, 2006, at 13:20:37
>Who knows...I went back to the doctor today and he says that I am not having withdrawals from serotonin...he thinks it is inner ear...so he put me on antivert and some diuretic...
Ha...I know it is withdrawal because when I take the cymbalta it stops...but oh well...
I wish that I had read this sooner. I also was counting granules, but I did not go slowly enough, and once I started in with the vomiting, it was too late! I had been down to less that 10mg (down from 60) It took me 4 months to get down to the 10.
>
> Now, I am in my 3rd day of vomiting, dizzy, and things look strange... I am on NO Cymbalta because I threw it up.
>
> HOW LONG will this last??? I am getting dehydrated.
>
> -Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on April 27, 2006, at 10:51:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 26, 2006, at 13:47:43
OK, what I am doing with the doctor's "blessing" (he actually said it was clever) is this...
Since I couldn't even keep down water, I let a Lorazepam (Benzodiazapine) dissolve in my mouth. I knew that would put me OUT. Then I took about 60 granules of the Cymbalta and put that on my tongue, & swallowed without fluids... Then I fell asleep.
When I woke, I felt SO MUCH BETTER, and could eat and drink.
Today, I am again having withdrawal symptoms, and took a few more granules, and now need to take a few more. I will take a "dosage" this evening. If I get too bad off, I am to take more Lorazepam.
My plan is to go down by FIVE GRANULES of Cymbalta each day.
I just cannot believe this nightmare, and I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY pharmaceutical companies are not required to warn of the WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS as part of the SIDE EFFECTS!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:23:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 27, 2006, at 10:51:03
Jaspar,
How are you separating the granules? They are so tiny and my hands are so unsteady...I work full-time, have three kids and am in a masters program so I am desperete.
Donna
> OK, what I am doing with the doctor's "blessing" (he actually said it was clever) is this...
>
> Since I couldn't even keep down water, I let a Lorazepam (Benzodiazapine) dissolve in my mouth. I knew that would put me OUT. Then I took about 60 granules of the Cymbalta and put that on my tongue, & swallowed without fluids... Then I fell asleep.
>
> When I woke, I felt SO MUCH BETTER, and could eat and drink.
>
> Today, I am again having withdrawal symptoms, and took a few more granules, and now need to take a few more. I will take a "dosage" this evening. If I get too bad off, I am to take more Lorazepam.
>
> My plan is to go down by FIVE GRANULES of Cymbalta each day.
>
> I just cannot believe this nightmare, and I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY pharmaceutical companies are not required to warn of the WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS as part of the SIDE EFFECTS!!!
>
> -Jaspar
>
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:26:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on April 24, 2006, at 15:02:20
SLS,
I agree, the public should know and has a right to know. The doctors are also ill informed as with mine.
> I may be late to the table on this one, but I have seen television commercials for Cymbalta. This is the first time in my region of the country I've seen these ads. It's interesting that the pharmaceutical company only mentions three major side effects. I don't remember them exactly, but they were rather benign. The ad stresses that "depression hurts", and Cymbalta can help with depression and the pain that accompanies it. Too bad there isn't a commercial advising people how to get rid of the pain when trying to withdraw from this witches brew. Unfortunately, the promotion of Cymbalta means more and more people will be asking their psychiatrists about it, and perhaps, encouraging them to prescribe it!
>
> I'm grateful that I've been through the worst and have recovered from this medication. Taking Cymbalta and experiencing withdrawal might make a person (like me) swear off anti-depressants forever.
>
> I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 13:48:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
I tapered my cymbalta down to 7.5 and then tried to get even lower, but still I am having the withdrawals...not as bad but still almost to the point that I cant function in my daily life. I dont know what to do, go back on and try again or what.
> > You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
>
> That is unacceptable in my opinion. There has to be a better way.
>
> After being on Effexor 300mg for a year, I was able to discontinue it using a flexible dosing strategy within two weeks and without significant withdrawal symptoms. Once I discontinued the drug entirely, I experienced mild symptoms that lasted for a few days.
>
> I wish I knew for sure whether or not my neurobiology represents the norm. I don't. I am not sure that a flexible dosing strategy will be effective for everyone. But for those who have tried it here on Psycho-Babble, they have reported success.
>
> In the past, I have experienced intense withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing Effexor, Paxil, and Ativan. It is not as if I am immune to withdrawal reactions.
>
> For what it is worth, I think there might be a relationship between abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey) and the persistence of a withdrawal syndrome. People who go cold turkey seem to complain of withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks and months while people who taper gradually do not. If this is true, then going cold turkey is the absolute worst thing one can do to themselves.
>
>
> - Scott
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