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Why Should I Go Off Cymbalta?


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#1 kmrekl217

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Posted 28 March 2018 - 01:15 AM

My doctor has been asking me for the past two-three years to try to wean off Cymbalta again. Doctor says that antidepressants are like a cast for a broken bone. They're not supposed to be permanent. 

 

I am not sure that I agree with that anymore. There was a time before the first time I tried getting off Cymbalta where I was open to seeing if I could manage my mood without the help of medication. 

 

I don't experience anything terrible when I take Cymbalta consistently; it's only when I miss a dose or when I tried to get off the medication completely. Sure it doesn't completely erase all my anxiety or depression, but that's life. The meds can't control my thoughts which are what make me anxious and depressed at times. That's where therapy helps.

 

 

Short of any evidence of organ damage or other serious physical side effects including if I were pregnant or nursing, I am starting to wonder why the heck I should try to get off the drug.

 

 

Anyone have any thoughts as to why I should get off Cymbalta?

 

 


#2 gail

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    5 months on cymbalta, scary side effects, to get help and to return the favor if I can.

Posted 28 March 2018 - 08:38 AM

Hi KM,

I see no reason why you should get off. You feel better on it, great!

So, for the moment, all ok by me. Ok by you?

Later, if you decide to get pregnant, that's another story. As long as you feel good, that is all that is needed!

#3 fishinghat

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Posted 28 March 2018 - 08:40 AM

I understand where your dr is coming from. Research has clearly showed that antidepressants are very effective for short-term relief of anxiety and depression but with therapy most of the symptoms can be managed with time FOR MOST PEOPLE. And there is certainly an increasing risk of damage to organs and systems with long-term use BUT that can be managed to an extent. I believe that we are better off with as little medicine as possible in general, however, this is an individual decision. If the side effects are acceptable and your quality of life is within reason than continue. It is up to you to decide what is an acceptable quality of life and if the long-term risks are worth the benefit. If you do decide to continue usage then I would have your dr perform a Liver Function Test (blood test, ast and alt enzymes), Thyroid Blood Test (TSH, t3 and t4) and a hormone blood test for Testosterone and all 3 forms of Estrogen. Manufacturers recommend these every 6 months but most of my drs say every year is sufficient unless tests start showing a trend.

 

Just my opinion.

 

By the way, some individuals have genetic conditions which result in anxiety and/or depression and therapy may not be enough and medication is the only option. Then there is the extreme cases of prisoners of war. repetitive trauma victims and others who simply have been through too much and medication is simply necessary.





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