2 replies to this topic

[fgm1013]

Hi there - I'm new to the forum and like I've seen in so many other stories, trying to get myself off of Cymbalta.

 

I was on Effexsor for about 4 years for fibromyalgia and depression. In 2012 in AZ, I had a very severe depression episode due to family issues. So my doc said he'd like to move me to Cymbalta because it would help the depression and was so much better for fibro and I agreed to start up and was on 60 mg.

 

If I had know about the withdrawal issues, I would have never done this....

 

In addition to the fibro, I have Hashimodo's Thyroiditis, which was diagnosed in 2001. 

 

In 2012 we moved to CA for my job and in 2013, thanks to increases in insurance costs and prescription coverage, I found myself facing the fact that I couldn't afford the 60mg script and in talking with my doc we decided to try to start the process of getting off of the medication.

 

No, the fibro isn't gone and the thyroid doesn't help, but I depserately wanted to be able to try and work with it naturally and lose the crutch of meds.

 

We changed my throid med to Armour which works so much better and then dropped down to 30 mg on the Cymbalta. He had me start the 30 and said if the symptoms got bad, then alternate for two weeks, then take 60 2x/week and 30 5x/wk for two weeks and then 60 1x, 30 6x for 2 weeks and then go completely on the 30.

 

Oh my gosh it was awful - the zaps, the pain, the memory issues - and my ocd went through the roof! But I did it and now am just on 30. THe thought of dropping to 20 was intimidating, but I knew it was going to happen, but not in 2014 - it's been a year and I still have some zaps and just "weird" feelings sometimes. I wanted to be ready.

 

Currently, I'm in the process moving back to AZ (very happily!) - I'm currently working there while my kids finish school for the year with my husband in CA and it hit me - I realized being back in the dry, warm climate was the key to feeling better with my fibro & thyroid and I want to get completely off of Cymbalta!

 

In discussing this with my husband, we thought that I should start to taper off after they move here so I have a full support system.

 

My questions to the group are:

1. I'm on the generic version of Cymbalta - what is the method to taper off for generics?

 

2. Is it best to wait for the family or should I start now?

 

3. I'm worried that the symptoms will interfere on my job - I'm in IT with a great company and I don't want to jeapordize anything! What can I do to combat the symptoms - I've heard supplements, but is there a list of the type, dosage and what issues they will help with?

 

4. Is there anyone with Hashimodo's who as done this? I'm worried the stress will cause a swing on my thyroid - it's been controlled for the last 9 months.

 

Thanks

 

[gail]

FGM, just want to say welcome to the forum!

I wish that I could help you here, am not familiar with the generic.
How many beads in a 30mg? The way you got there put you in withdrawal over and over again.

Have you stabilized on this 30mg?

I would wait for the family to get organized.
As for supplements, the big one is Omega 3. Water, lots. Look it up is the topic Supplements.

And not familiar with Hashimodo either.

I know I am not much of a help, but I heard you and it kills me not to do more for you. Just hope that other members can help you!

In the mean time, use the search engine and search for Generic, Hashimodo etc.

Forum a bit slow, be sure to check the box to your upper right, follow this topic, you will recieve immediate notice to your questions.

Stay with us, something will pop up sooner or later!

[TryinginFL]

Welcome fgm!

 

We're happy that you have found us! 

 

I can only speak for the fibro as I have it as well.  I am an over 11 month cold turkey survivor of 60mg/day.  I didn't find this forum until I was about 2 weeks into it and just kept going on the cold turkey trip.  I DON'T RECOMMEND IT !!!   Unfortunately, this is what your Dr. was doing to you by switching around the amounts and days to take this crap.  It only has a half life of 12 hrs, so it doesn't take long to get into cold turkey withdrawal.  I also CT'd off of Lyrica at the same time - a true trip to Hell for almost a year!

 

I also suggest that you wait for your family as you will need their support -- it also helps if you can get your husband to follow some of the posts here on the forum.  That way, he will know better what to expect.  I'm sorry that I cannot help with the thyroid -  I have no knowledge along those lines.

 

Bead counting is definitely the way to go, as Gail mentioned, and there is a forum on "Bead Counting - How to do It" under the "Are You New Here?".  I think that the generic is also covered in that topic.  And, again, as Gail said, there is a forum on "Nutritional Support".  Many have had success with some or a combination of these things - I didn't do very well there, but then, we are all different.  Everything you mentioned, however, is typical of the wonderful withdrawal process.  This is why you want to do the bead counting.  I wish I had known about it at the time...

 

Please feel free to post often - vent, cry, ask questions, and let us know how you are doing!  We want to help!

 

Liz