[Katty]

I was recently laid off from my job, which means my health insurance is gone as well. I can't pay to see a doctor and my prescription is up. Fabulous timing, I know.
I am 27 and have been on some form of anti depressant since I was 15. A year or so ago I mentioned to my doctor that I wanted to get off of the anti depressant I was taking at that time. He said he didn't think it was the right thing to do, so instead he changed from what I was taking to cymbalta (mostly because my complaint was that I didn't think the med I was on at the time was even having an effect anymore).
So here I am feeling kind of screwed. Especially after reading all of the wonderful story's.
I honestly feel like I probably don't know what 'normal' is at this point because I've been on an anti depressant for so long. Who would even know if I have the same issues I had when I was 14 or 15?
I've been taking the 40 mg capsul every other day for a week. My plan is to go to every two days now. I don't have the option of going to a lower dosage, as I'm sure that would be a nice option. .
The first day (last Monday) I didnt take it I had a severe headache all day. Seemed more like a migrane. AWFUL. Since then I have not experienced that level of headache although I did have less severe headaches in the following days. The thing that stands out most to me is the hot flashes or just what feels like fever. I am definitely experiencing flulike symptoms, and insomnia.... oh the insomnia. Once I get to sleep I can sleep all day. I have no desire to get up... but actually getting to sleep has proven to be a task. My brain is going a mile a minute thinking about things that don't matter.
Thus far I have not seen an increase in my level or depression or anxiety. I was having numerous suicidal thoughts while I was steadily taking the drug than I am now.

[ExCymbaltaUser]

my insurance removed cymbalta from its formulary and i had to stop. my doctor did not want me stopping it, but since i didn't have insurance to pay for it, he helped out. maybe your doctor would be willing to give you some samples to help you taper off? it's worth a call to ask.

also i understand there are a lot of resources for getting meds when you have limited funds. i didn't qualify because i still had insurance and was working. i just don't have $650/mo for meds. the links are on this site. people kindly posted them for me, but I can't seem to find them at the moment. i do remember if you go to the cymbalta manufacturer website there are assistance links.

good luck. this is a hard thing to do, and like you i was forced to go more quickly than some people have the leisure to do. but the slower you go, the easier it will be.

[kellybelle]

I've been off Cymbalta for 3 weeks. I feel naseated, weak, and I have a low hum in my head in addition to brain zaps. Any help?

[Katty]

Honestly, I've found that exercise is really the only thing that helps me. Even if I feel super lethargic, I go run on the treadmill and I feel a ton better. I'm not sure if this has helped anyone else.
Other than that I think you just have to let your body adjust to not having the drug.
Did you get off cold turkey or did you wean off?