9 replies to this topic

[kaz]

I was prescribed Cymbalta for major depressive disorder. I was on it at 120mg per day for a bit more than a year. I tapered off of it over the course of 6 weeks. No trouble. No side effects while I was on it, it also didn't do anything for depression. Just like every antidepressant for me - no effects, no side effects, just nothing. Just my two cents.

[TryinginFL]

Welcome kaz!

 

Wow - congratulations and absolutely amazing!  I don't think I have ever heard of anyone coming off of 120mg in 6 weeks with no withdrawal!

 

You are truly a wonder

[joecinsf]

I was on 120mg for over two years. I started tapering last Sept 2014. My psyc doctor said to start tapering by 30mg. The next day I took 30mg less. By the afternoon I was anxious, suicidal, restless ..... I told him what happened. He was surprised. After some internet research, I proposed 10mg every 30 days. Over six later, I was at 60mg. It was no cake walk. I had some problems tapering to 60mg. The worst tapering period was 50mg to 60mg. I was stuck. My system did not get used to 60mg. After 50 days at 60mg. I decided to finally start tapering by 10% rather than 10mg. I was hoping to avoid the bead measuring and/or counting. I make enough capsules to make up for mg capsules not available. It's going to be an even longer time on Cymbalta.

Please share how you managed to taper off 120mg in 6 weeks. That's incredible to me.

Thanks,
Joe (razzlesf)

[ZappAlta]

One of the lucky few Kaz.  Thank you for sharing

[Sandyshores]

Hi all, new to this forum.  I am on day 2 of tapering from 120 mg cymbalta.  I have been on ever increasing dosages for four years.  It has been 9 months at 120 mg and I can say it is not working so hence the taper.  I do take 175 mg of quetiapine for major depression.  The bead count seems to be the way to go.  I counted 568 beads in a 60 mg capsule.  A bit of a fiasco but managed to get the majority back in so I could take the dosage. 

 

I guess this will be a long road. 

 

Sally

[thismoment]

Hi Sally

Welcome! A few questions if you don't mind.

What length of time have you planned for your weaning off 120 mg Cymbalta?

Do you plan to withdraw from the antipsychotic Quetiapine as well?

Did your physician recommend a withdrawal plan?

Do you have anxiety, and if so, do you have something for that-- like a benzodiazepine?

[Sandyshores]

Hi Sally

Welcome! A few questions if you don't mind.

What length of time have you planned for your weaning off 120 mg Cymbalta?

Do you plan to withdraw from the antipsychotic Quetiapine as well?

Did your physician recommend a withdrawal plan?

Do you have anxiety, and if so, do you have something for that-- like a benzodiazepine?

Thanks for the welcome.  The weaning is my idea.  I realized I was treating symptoms more associated with side effects. Crying spells on 120 mg and 175 mg of quetiapine just made the doctor want to increase the quetiapine.   I am not entirely comfortable with my doc so will check in when needed.    I am leaving the quetiapine alone. 

 

I do have anxiety but, not out of control.  I have been on and off antidepressants for over ten years so I do know when things get too rough, it would be time for a rethink.

 

Thanks,

Ann

[thismoment]

Ann

The crying spells can often be a vent that needs to be opened and let run to exhaustion; when it's stifled, however, pressure continues to build. Just let it run; accept it.

Crying doesn't necessarily mean you need more drugs to dummy it down, bury it, defer it.

I wish that you find peace.

Take care.

[Sandyshores]

this moment

 

Thank you! Your words eloquently descibe my unwanted social embarrassment.  Truly, I have been dreading the "how are you" question.  This forum will help and I look forward to gleaning information and advice.  I will try and share any tidbits that I find helpful. I am trying supplements i.e. chronium, omega fish oil, vitamin d, etc to limit some side effects.

[thismoment]

Ann

 

To find normal, be normal: "How are you?" "I'm okay; thank you for asking. It's never perfect-- you know how it is; how are you?"

 

I took Omega 3 and vitamin D.

 

Find a safe place where you can cry, and just cry. It's there, acknowledge it, accept it; indeed, invite the tears in for tea.