Help
I'm not sure if anyone will find this useful or interesting. I'm just putting it out there in case it does.
I get the 'electric shock' twinge as my most noticable withdrawal symptom. It's like licking a battery, or something akin to how Wile E. Coyote reacts in the aftermath of using one of Acme's jackhammers or earthquake machines.
Bottom Line: I've experienced this symptom as much milder, and commencing somewhat later after missing a dose, now that I've switched from Cymbalta capsules to a generic tablet.
Here is more detail, if it's of any help:
Cymbalta (3x30mg, capsules, 1xday): If I missed a dose, the twinges started within hours. I usually take it in the afternoon, and if I forgot, the physical 'reminders' would start after dinner. Taking the missed dose eliminated the symptom fairly quickly (before bed). If I put off taking the missed dose (sometimes for days because I'm lousy at getting prescriptions filled on time), the twinges would keep getting more and more intense, to the point of interfering with my daily life.
Symbal (3x30mg, tablets, 1xday): If I missed the day's dose, I wouldn't notice until somewhat over 24 hours later. Rather than doubling up with the missed dose + the current dose, I'd take the current dose only. The twinging symptom would continue until I either took a couple more tablets hours later, or was able to ignore it and go to bed. I haven't let it go longer than missing one dose, so I can't say how the withdrawal would progress as compared to Cymbalta.
The actual 'electric shock'/twinging symptom with the Symbal is significantly weaker than the Cymbalta. I guess I would describe it as feeling further away and muffled, like someone yelling to me from across the street instead of right in my ear.
I've been on this generic brand for about 2 months. My first online order was filled using different generic brand (I don't recall the packaging), which I also took for 2 months. The first was in capsules, and I didn't notice a difference between it and Cymbalta.
By the way: I've tried Prozac and taken Lexapro for an extended period. I had no withdrawal symptoms with either. Prozac made me feel detached, and Lexapro didn't seem to help my depression. I've been taking duloxetine for about 2.5 years now.
I attempted to quit Cymbalta once nearly 2 years ago. After about a month of flu-like symptoms with the twinges, I gave up. I honestly thought I had the flu, until I got back on my previous regimine. I had no business quitting at that point, and actually my doctor upped me from 60mg to 90mg not long afterwards.
JJ
