Chinagirlz
Welcome. As you've discovered, the step-down method doesn't work. Cymbalta has a short half-life (12 hours), so using the step-down method puts you in and out of withdrawal in rapid succession which makes for a rough ride.
The only way your physician would know about this would be to research it on his or her own. It would be a conflict of interest for the pharmaceutical rep to educate the doc on the difficulties of withdrawing from the stuff he's selling. That's why there are forums like this.
It's best to start weaning from a stable beginning. If the 30 mg is working for you, stay on that until you feel comfortable. You might put a few things in order: have someone you can call upon when you need support; you might consider taking time off from work; advise your physician your weaning plan (be prepared for opposition there); and know that you can get through this. It's a lengthy project, but only you can say if it's worth the struggle.
The advised rate of withdrawal varies- Most of us recommend tapering off in a continuous, linear, and gentle slope over about 90 days. If your capsule has 200 beads in it, 200 divide 90 is 2.2. therefore reduce by removing approximately 2 beads each day. Day one take out 2 beads, day two 4 beads, day three 6 beads and so on until its all gone. Should withdrawal become difficult, stop reducing and level off for a few days until you feel stable, then continue.
You could be struggling for 6 to 8 weeks before seeing light at the end of the tunnel. After 3 months you should feel out of the woods and know that you can get through. Again, rates of recovery vary. Things continue to improve and you should be feeling a lot like your old self inside of a year.
You could have a myriad of symptoms appear that compel you to go to the doctor. Don't be surprised if the doctor recommends you stay on the medication or try a different antidepressant (this is really common).
Most folks here are working through withdrawal, and we are patiently healing our brains.
Best wishes.
