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Scared To Start The Weaning Process...


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#1 scaredtoquit

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    Seeking advice and support for Cymbalta withdrawal

Posted 27 December 2014 - 02:50 AM

I have been taking 120 mg/day Cymbalta for several years for depression and anxiety.  For many months now, I have felt that it is simply no longer helping, but I am *terrified* to begin the weaning process.  I experience brain zaps and headaches if I miss my dose by even a few hours, so I *know* that withdrawal is going to be hard. I could really use advise and support...I am really scared!


#2 fishinghat

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 08:34 AM

Welcome CTQ.

 

The problem is that you are adding to your anxiety by all this worrying. The thing is you need to get off the Cymbalta before it causes any more "damage" to you. Just go real slow and you wil make it. The slower you go the better. Just remember you are not alone. we will help in anyway we can as you go along.


#3 gail

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 10:15 AM

Hello Ctq, welcome to the forum,

Of course missing a dose will do this.
The method we use here is the bead counting.

In the Are you new here is a topic on bead counting that explains how to do this.

Some may start at the regular dosage they take, let's say 120 or go straight to 90 and stabilize, if they can. If not, you bead count from the 120.
Are you on the generic? 2 capsules of 60?
And it has to be taken every day, no skipping.

Don't forget to check the box to your upper right Follow this topic, you will receive instant replies in your e mails.

#4 brzghoff

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 11:25 AM

Hi STQ

 

your fear is understandable - however, withdrawal doesn't have to be a nightmare. why are you taking cymbalta? you mentioned you don't think its working anymore, which makes me guess its for depression and/or anxiety. is this the case? does your doctor know how you feel? does he /she support your interest in weaning off or at least reducing the dose? it is ideal if you have a doctor who supports your decision and can provide you with guidance that makes sense, such as bead counting or even cross tapering to a different anti-depressant with a much longer half life - which means the withdrawal symptoms aren't near as severe. that strategy is to cross taper (concurrently reduce the C and increase on another anti-d) until you are stabilized on the other anti-d such as prozac, and eventually wean from that drug. the cross taper definitely requires assistance from a physician. if you have a doctor that supports you -  you are able to work as a "team". there are some members here who have doctors like that, but unfortunately, many doctors are not aware/familiar or are skeptical with the idea that withdrawal is a challenge or that a gradual reduction is imperative for your recovery. many have a "concept' that anti-d's are "for life"

 

another thing about reducing your dosage - go very slowly! the bead counting posts that gail refers to mention that as well.

 

fishing hat gives some great advice about how worrying complicates the cycle of anxiety. if you don't already have a good therapist who is well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy, i highly recommend it. also google or you tube "mindfulness meditation" as a strategy. exercise of any kind is important anytime, but especially when going through the withdrawal/reduction process. something as simple as taking a 20 minute daily walk is helpful - but more if you can handle it.

 

folks here are very supportive - please let us know what you decide and keep us up to date on how you are doing. 

 

with care,

 

brz


#5 Clara

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 11:35 AM

Hi STQ and welcome! I too, was on 120mgs for many years! Went cold turkey after tapering to 20 mgs. DO NOT DO THAT! I beg you not to go cold turkey! Bead counting is the best way to go! Please listen to F'hat and others and go very slowly! We're here for you all the way! Come here to ask ?, vent rant, whatever! Keep us posted... we care and will help in any way we can!


#6 GinaC

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 11:50 AM

This is the first time on the web site.  After reading a few of the post I am freaking out.  To give some background I am 49. I have been on Cymbalta 60 mg for a year. I was diagnosed with anxiety after a heart attack and was prescribed Cymbalta to fix the problem. Other medication I am currently taking are metoprolol tartrate for palpitation, cinnamon for heart health, mega red for heart health, tramidine for muscle relaxer, hydrocodone for 7 herniated disk.  I have been off Cymbalta cold turkey for 2 weeks.  My current withdrawal symptoms are brain zaps ( its the only way I know how to describe it. Its like my brain has been asleep for awhile and now that it is waking up the synapse and electrical path ways of the brain are becoming active again and it feels like a lot of miss fires) , hallucinations (mostly at night accompanied by voices in my head). spending LOTS of money, gaining LOTS of weight, confusion and much more....are these symptoms permanent....If they are I don't think I could take much more.  


#7 fishinghat

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 12:00 PM

No they are not permanent . Most will pass within a few weeks, slowly. Cold turkey is definitely harder on the person but you are so far into it I hate to suggest going back on the cymbalta and trying to wean slowly. Some of us suffer from traces of these symptoms several months after coming off but they are a lot less intensive. Some, especially like you, who have been on it a relatively short time have less long-term problems so the outlook is fairly good. There are some supplements that can be taken that may help on others on here with experience with them will chip in with there advice.

 

Hang in there, you are not alone. We are always here for you!!


#8 Clara

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 12:21 PM

GinaC, welcome! And NO the symptoms are not permanent! They will lessen as time passes! Do your best to be patient as the zaps. etc. come and go. We're here for you! It WILL get better! Hugs and prayers for you!


#9 scaredtoquit

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 02:14 PM

Thanks for the support!  drz, I do take Cymbalta for depression and anxiety, but have felt for months that it is not helping with the depression as it seems to be getting worse.  I have an appointment with my doctor in January and think that he will be very supportive of my wish to wean. I will definitely discuss the cross taper method with him.  I am not opposed to taking meds, but feel that if the Cymbalta is not working for me then it's time to make a change.  I appreciate the support! Glad to know that I'm not alone!


#10 gail

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Posted 27 December 2014 - 04:47 PM

Ctq,

Wise move. Cross tapering is a good option. With a long half life one like Zoloft, don't know of others.

I quit the C for the same reasons, it was getting worse and worse.

Keep us posted, all here for you.

#11 scaredtoquit

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Posted 30 December 2014 - 02:04 PM

My current dosage is 120 mg per day (2 x 60 mg capsules).  Each 60 mg capsule contains 12 beads...so 5 mg each.  I have started by removing 1 bead from 1 capsule per day...so, overall, just reducing to 115 mg for now.  I want to go SLOW and easy!  I'm 3 days in and so far no brain zaps.  I have experienced insomnia, fatigue, headache and mood swings, however, these symptoms are so common for me that I don't know if it's withdrawal or not!  :P

 

That's the thing for me...when I look at the long list of side effects and withdrawal symptoms, I have experienced most even while on the drug at a high dosage, so why should I continue.  I want a clean slate...it may take a year, but I think that it will be worth it.





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