new girl, on 10 February 2010 - 08:22 PM, said:
I have found myself wanting to be completely off of the drug Cymbalta. I have absolutely no motivation to do anything. I have gained weight and have lost several attempts to diet. I have a 3 year old that is being affected because I feel so fatigued, I am unable to do the things that we should be doing. My child must have his mommy to teach him new things all day long. I am capable of doing so, but not while on cymbalta. I have been having crying spells and I would like to wean off of cymbalta. I have read such horrible things that could happen when I start to wean off. I have tried talking to my fiance, but his support is more like no support. I have no one else to turn to for support. My family support is 0.
Hi NewGirl
Unfortunately what you describe is very definitely the way Cymbalta has affected you. You didn't say why you were put on it but if you haven't dealt with the original issue/s, then you will find they are still there when you do come off C. Pills can help but they don't solve everything.
Also, you didn't say what dose you are currently on. It doesn't matter though. The important thing is that if you want to come off C, the best thing is to wean SLOWLY. By that I mean dropping your current dose by 10% and waiting 3-6 weeks to see how you feel. Sometimes withdrawal symptoms don't kick in for a week or more so it's best to wait. If you do experience withdrawal, then wait until it settles before dropping the dose again. If wdl is severe, then Prozac is an option. It has helped many.
The bottom line is that anti-depressants work by changing your brain function and it can take a while for the brain to kind of 'rewire' itself. By doing a slow taper most people can maintain quality of life and ultimately get off these drugs successfully.
As far as support while going through it.. that's what we are here for
Fellow sufferers often understand better than anyone else.
Kind regards
Junior