Hi everyone,
Thought I'd share my successful (well nearly there) getting off cymbalta story.
This forum seems to be a great place for people to get support; but personally, there's only so many stories about the 'hell of getting of cymbalta' I can read (although these stories should be shared with the drug industry and doctors to ensure they are more clear about what to expect on the drug) . Yes, it's awful, we can agree on that. But i also hope there's more examples shared of people who have successfully made the journey out of cymbalta.
Personally, I've had great experience with Cymbalta (30mg) in getting me out of a chronic pain,depression and anxiety funk about 3 years ago. It worked total wonders. I'm in the medical profession, so I really did my research before I went on the drug and knew what i was getting into.
I've been tapering off for about 18 months now, extremely gradually. Like many, I open up the capsule and very gradually reduce the number of beads in there over time. About 4 months ago, I was down to 8-9 of those tiny beads per day. If I missed a dose, I'd get some withdrawal symptoms after 2 days or so. I'd take 8-9 beads and be fine. My doctor said I must be just getting the placebo effect at such tiny doses and I might as well just stop altogether; who knows, but I've felt compelled to keep to my plan and taper off very slowly and methodically.
Recently I was down to about 3-4 of those tiny beads every 3 days. And about 14 days ago, I went off completely. At the moment, I have some slight flu like symptoms and some strange sensations when I move my eyes around. Also a little lethargic. Nothing major.
But the best thing for me is that I'm extremely busy at work at the moment. I don't have the time to dwell on my symptoms. I often find it's at the quieter times that I become more conscious of the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing that aggravates my symptoms is when I get really hungry - not sure why.
So, in short, because i've tapered off so gradually and methodically over 18 months, I've managed to get down from 30mg to 0 without ever having to experience anything beyond mild withdrawal symptoms.
I do understand that many others are trying to taper off much higher doses, and that some people have been living with anxiety and depression for years and so will always need to manage their moods with something. But for me, getting off cymbalta has been ok.
So, lessons learnt from my end:
(1) If you're thinking of taking cymbalta for the first time, consider starting on the lowest dose possible.
(2) If anyone (including doctors) suggests you go cold turkey getting off cymbalta, don't listen to them. It needs to be done very slowly and methodically. I wouldn't even jump from 60mg to 30mg to 20 mg. Pour 8-9 of those little beads out every 6-8 weeks. If your withdrawal symptoms are strong, maybe pour a little less out the next day and see how you feel. When your body adjusts to the slight change in dose, try pouring 15-20 beads this time and waiting another 6-8 weeks. Eventually, you'll only have a few beads sitting at the bottom of the capsule. Then you can start taking every other day, for perhaps another 6-8 weeks, then every 3 days, and so on. It took me 18 months via this method.
(3) If you're freaked out by all the "getting off cymbalta is hell" stories, remember that many people post on forums when they are in the absolute pits. It can help them to share their stories, and many others feel comforted to know others share their experience. But if you're like me, don't read too many and get on with the practical task of getting off the drug slowly and methodically, eating well, being active, and keeping busy with work, friends and play,