7 replies to this topic

[sal0526]

When I decided to come off if Cymbalta (mostly due to weight gain that caused me to.look pregnant), the psychiatric nurse who prescribed it to me took me from 120mgs to 60mgs, then had me stop. I have never been so sick in my life. Nausea, headaches. Brain zaps, extreme fatigue. I missed so many days if work, I can't believe I didn't get fired. When I told her, she seemed surprised and non chalant. She wrote an RX for 30mgs, and let me take that for 30 days, and expected me to just stop. Again, all the same horrible physical withdrawal issues. I called her in a near panic attack, and again, she seemed surprised and unphased. I had to ask her for the 20mgs. Now I'm coming close to the end of that supply, and terrified of how I will feel. My question is how was she not aware of this problem, and shouldn't she know not to cut me off at 60mgs? Let alone 30mgs..and now who knows about 20mgs. Am I not in good hands? Please advise, thank you.

[sal0526]

I also wanted to add that when I called to cancel snd reschedule my appointment with thus nurse (well within the 24hr policy timeframe), she called back and left a rather irritated message, she said "we really need to talk about you cancelations, it just so happens I can reschefule this time". And her tone was very irritated. I canceled bc I hadn't been to work in 3 days bc if the withdrawsl symptoms. I couldn't even leave the house. Her messgae for me so upset, I had a panic attack and then.altered between crying and anxiety for the next 24hrs. I don't think she has any clue about this medication, and I really want to call her back and tell her how destructive and inappropriate her message was. I have to call anyway, bc I do not want to be in her care anymore, I am looking for someone else, but should I let her know how much she hurt me, how it felt like she, a medical professional who is supposed to be helping me manage my anxiety and depression, she kicked me while I was down?

[cookie]

I have also had the crying and anxiety. I have been tapering for a year. Could it be that you tapered too fast?.

[Imdone]

Sal,.....you poor girl? (guy?)!! That all sounds horrible.

I agree with you that you should try to find someone with more empathy, kindness and knowledge. But don't be surprised if the next dr. you find thinks you can come off fast too. Most of the drs out there are unaware that getting off Cymbalta is so tough.

I recommend you read the following thread on the best way to get off: https://www.cymbalta...h__1#entry20147

Print the above thread out, maybe, to take to the dr. to explain the way YOU want to get off. Never mind how THEY want you to get off the med. Be powerful; tell them how YOU want to do it, because you obviously know a lot more about the very real withdrawal symptoms than they do. Tell them your body is very sensitive and you want to do it the slow way, so there is less (maybe none) withdrawal effects and less likely to return to depression (which is a real possibility if you get off too fast).

I am following the above thread method. I went from 90mg to current 52mg. I have had minor withdrawal symptoms and missed no work. Have had no brain zaps. Worst problem has been fatigue which I treat by sleeping more than usual.

[sal0526]

Thank you, I really appreciate your kind response. I will indeed stand up for myself when speaking with my next doctor who I hope to find asap. I wish you, and all others, a continued safe and gentle withdrawal process.

[Imdone]

Great Sal! Keep us posted of how you're doing!

[CR44]

Hi, I'm new here ...and seek for help.

I've been on Cymbalta for 7 months at 60mg, have gained tremendous weight 15 Lbs/7Kg I need to get off this pill. I have made a lifetime research and I am also terrified to get off it.
One of the many recomendations I read was : Day 1 - take 7 pebbles out of the pill, Day 2 - 14, Day 3- 21, etc... 7 pebbles each day my calculation is it will take 2 months to get to zero pebbles.

has anyone heard about this?? comments appreciated.

[Imdone]

CR44, are you not from the USA? I ask because you mentioned kg. Your pills may be different than ours. The way to find out how many beads = 1 mg is to count all the beads and then divide that number by the number of mg in the pill. Taking 7 beads out sounds fine. Especially if it is working for you. You can't argue with success!