7 replies to this topic

[mrskorba]

I have a whole huge list of physical and mental health issues, but my psych dr lowered my cymbalta dose from 90mg to 60mg. Im wondering how long it usually takes for the lowered dose to make itself known in my body? I have fibromyalgia and yesterday I woke up in a huge flare that I havent had in a very long time, since Ive been on the 90 mg of cymbalta. He lowered my cymbalta dose to start me on lamictal for my bipolar depression. I also take topomax 300mg a day for bipolar mania. I do take muscle relaxers and percocet for pain killers I have Ankylosing Spondylitis ( form of arthritis) herniated disc or hemangioma. I also take xanax for anxiety, trazodone and ambien for sleep. I plan on calling him tomorrow to see if I can go back up on my cymbalta dose. I do need it for my fibro. I really cant have this pain everyday. Its the only thing I have found in 10 years that helps with it. My pain killers and muscle relaxers dont even touch the pain I feel. Please if you have any info about the lowering of the dosage please let me know. Thank you so much!

[thismoment]

mrskorba

 

Hi and welcome!

 

I'm not really qualified to say how these meds would all interact to affect the reduction of the Cymbalta (duloxetine) dosage, but generally if you reduce duloxetine from 90 mg to 60 mg you will know it in a day or two.

 

If it's really bothering you, I think you could talk the psychiatrist into raising it back to 90 mg.

 

Take care.

[lady2882Nancy]

You may find lowering the dose easier if you do the bead counting method.

 

Look under the forum section     ARE YOU NEW HERE?

 Sub heading                               Bead counting - how to do it

 

I did a bump to get it back  up to the top of the section

[fishinghat]

Normally when going from 90 to 60 mg the bead counting method works the best as this is a rapid drop. (As all knowing Lady Nancy said). Your withdrawal will probably get worse before it gets better. I also would suggest back on the 90, stabalize and then bead count back to the 60. Slow and easy.

[TryinginFL]

Welcome  mrskorba!

 

You have already received the most helpful information from some of our most knowledgeable members - I really don't have anything to add, other than to offer my support.

 

I also have fibro, as well as arthritis.  I have been off the C. for 13 months now, but take a small amount of Hydrocodone daily ( I have managed to cut my usual amount in half) and also Alprazolam (which I have also managed to cut in half!).  I have found a supplement that was suggested by one of our other members, DoneWithCrap, called CuraMed.   It is 750mg of Turmeric with Curcumin and is excellent for inflammation.  It has helped my pain immensely and I must admit that I was really surprised!  I have been taking this for about a month now and I ordered from Amazon. Just an FYI should you like to try it!

 

I wish you the best and please come back to let us know how you are getting along or to ask questions - we're here for you!

 

Liz

[mrskorba]

My dr approved me to go back up to the 90. Thank you all for your help!!!

[kathyl]

Good luck to you. I only take the Gabapentin 600mg 3 X day for neuropathy and Fibro. I was just recently diagnosed with fibro and osteoarthritis. 

I have been Cymbalta free for approx. 5 years now.

My pain is manageable for now. 

Hugs to all of you.  

[FiveNotions]

Hi mrskorba, welcome to the forum!

To add a bit to the wisdom already shared....cymbalta has a half-life of 12 hrs approx in the blood stream...which is Avery short half life compared to other ssri's....it means that you'll notice any withdrawal/dose effects sooner, rather than later....

I really urge you to use the bead counting method...I quit cold turkey and it was awful...I'm over a year off now and can assure you that there's healing and recovery, and that life without Crapalta is far, far better than life on it....but I can also assure you that getting off of it cold turkey isn't the way to do it, unless there's no other choice....

I think that the slow and gentle approach of bead counting would be much better for you, especially because you have multiple health issues and are on other meds....glad your doc put you back up to the 90 mg!

Please keep us posted on how you're doing....if you need help figuring out the bead counting, those of us who've done it that way can help you.... I'll refrain, since I don't have personal experience....

Hang in there!