3 replies to this topic

[faeryonthegate]

Hi everyone. I am so glad I found this forum.

I started having mild panic attacks and increased anxiety this past summer. I started going to a therapist and I started on Zoloft. After about 6 weeks and a 10 pound weight gain, we decided it wasn't for me and I came off, stepping down, no problems. Then I started on Cymbalta about 6 weeks ago. Here I am, another 8 pounds heavier, and I am SO TIRED all the time. By 9AM I am exhausted, and I get 6-8 hours of sleep a night. By the time I get home from work I can barely function. Everything else is fine except for the weight gain (and I exercise and diet) and the lethargy.

I think I need to come off Cymbalta and see what happens. I've read all about stepping down, taking 1/2 doses, but now I am more scared of the side effects of coming off the stuff than being on it!!!

What do I do?

Thank you!

Cc

[MaureenV]

Hi Cc,

Unfortunately there's only one way to find out and that's to start weaning.


If you feel that life was 'manageable' but 'difficult' (rather than a nightmare) you can taper down slowly. All the info is available on here - you can look back over some of the posts, or ask us questions.

Some people don't have too much difficulty getting off, others have a lot, so don't be too wary of them. Do be aware though, that there can be some 'rebound' depression or anxiety when coming off that is purely a withdrawal, rather than underlying symptoms.


Don't even think about half a dose yet. What strength of Cymbalta are you on?

regards, maureen.

[faeryonthegate]

I'm on 60 mg and have been for about 8 weeks now.

[nursedeborah]

I'm on 60 mg and have been for about 8 weeks now.

Cc,
Welcome!
This was a veryy awful drug for me, and changed my life mentally/physicallly.
I have been doing the slow wean since Aug 31,09 from the same dose. I was
on it for 3 years so my story will be different, and for some it does not make
any difference how long they have been on this drug.

What you can do is take the 60 mg cap and just start decreasing it by 20 beads
and see how that works, if you get too many withdrawls then just add some more
this is a newer method that someone has come up with as we usually only go down by
10 % for about 2 weeks, and then do the same, until you get done.

Yes it takes a very long time to get off this stuff, but the wait is well worth it, as it
keeps the withdrawls down to none, or at least to where they are not distrubing your
life!! You even can add a few beads to get rid of those, it's all what a person can tol-
erate.

You will be getting lots more input from the other's, I just wanted to give you a good
idea of what to expect.

Keep reading posts, and asking questions!!

Welcome,
Debbie