[SunshineChaser]

I'm new to the forum. I have been on Cymbalta for years and have been told I need to get off the drug due to increasing side effects. I am down to 30mg getting ready to move to 20mg. My prescribing physician has been short on withdrawal strategies so I am requesting any information from those with experience on the best way to get off this drug. My physician advised me to go to 20 mg for two week, then to 20 mg every other day for four weeks, then discontinue. Does this sound plausible? Any input would be appreciated.

[Jenni]

Hello
This does sound plausible. I was on Cymbalta for 7 yrs at 90mg - 120mg. I have been tapering off since November. I was doing alternate days for one week each time (90 to 60 then a few weeks at the lower dose; same for 60 to 30 and now 30 to zero). I have found that the first day at the lower dose is pretty awful. Then you top up your system again. The next day at the lower dose is not quite so bad and so on. I wish that I had spent more time alternating between 30 and zero (20 was not available) as I have found the last week, when I have been on zero, really really unpleasant - weepy and snappish and bloated and headache. So, I think that the extended time alternating - as suggested by your doctor - is a good idea.

I would advise you to do a little planning before this last reduction. I had really bad nausea and dizziness so maybe have lots of healthy snacks in your home, maybe get one of those soy drink powders and some frozen berries to mix with it. You want slow burn energy if you have those symptoms. Maybe fill up your freezer with some good food to support your body as much as possible. A lot of people recommend Omega 3 supplements but I am too British to believe in vitamin supplements - lol! If you have a partner, this is not the time for them to book a trip away from you even if it's for business. It is nice to feel the support. If you have children, relax any qualms about letting them watch a lot of DVDs for a couple of weeks and also call in every childcare favour you can. I have had bad headaches and a lot of muscle tension, so I wish I had booked a visit to my osteopath or for a massage.

A little fresh air and an occasional gentle walk has been helping me. Also, it's quite good to do something which distracts you. For me, a little sewing makes me feel more normal.

Make an appointment in advance to see your doctor during the process. S/he will at least be able to tell you that everything is normal and will get better. S/he might also be able to prescribe/suggest something for any troublesome symptoms.

I hope that this doesn't sound over the top and that it doesn't scare you. I want you to benefit from my mistakes! I think a bit of planning and organisation in advance is going to help. It is hard to make lots of rational decisions when you are feeling poorly. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can see the finishing line and just stopping - follow your plan and don't be afraid to spend longer on the alternate-days stage if you are still feeling rough on the zero days. You will get there!

Try to remember how long it took you to feel better (if, indeed you did have withdrawal problems) on your previous reductions. That will help you to know rationally how soon you will get better.

Best wishes for a smooth ride!