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[Ulysses]

Hi everyone,

 

I am new here. Though I've read off-and-on over the past year and appreciate you all helping me feel like I'm not crazy even when my doctor didn't get it (which he does now). I've been on Cymbalta for seven years, and started weaning off earlier this year. 

 

I have been weaning for the past few months. I have gone from 60mg to 30. Then a half dose of 30 (eyeballing the beads). The worst part of withdrawal was when I got the stomach flu during this stage. I was more depressed than ever because I was dehydrated and couldn't keep the meds down. I've never cried so much in my life. A supportive church and family saved my life. 

 

Since then I slowed down the weaning. I have gotten to the point of 15 mg (approximately) every other day. Five days ago I decided that I think I've weaned enough to be done.  I'm a teacher (teaching summer school) and have three kids, and we just moved and my parent's are sick, so it's not an ideal \time to try this, but I don't want to delay it forever weaning and feeling a little off always.

 

The first two days with no cymbalta were actually ok. I was optimistic that the weaning worked, but on the third day, I felt exhausted and angry. I got in argument with my wife and was short with my kids. I could tell I wasn't my normal self. The brain-zaps started (but not as strong as before). I also have low impulse control and am eating a lot and spending money.

 

I am on day 5, and the symptoms are not too bad considering how they used to be. I have mostly fatigue, a little dizziness, and some brain zaps. Is it likely to get much worse considering how much I've already weaned? If so, I will wean some more. I can't afford weeks of frustration and pain right now. However, if I'm close to being in the clear, I'd love to be done.

 

Do any of you have any advice if I have relatively minor symptoms 5 days out, will they get worse, or am I likely to have it get better soon? 

 

Thanks,

 

Ulysses

[fishinghat]

For most the last 5 mg is the toughest. We typically recommend the bead counting method which is slow but more controllable. Having said that you have been doing remarkably well considering the big drops you have been making. If things start getting really bad you can go back to 15, stabilize and then start bead counting. Another option is if things get worse you can always take about a mg or two in a capsule to give you some relief while your body adjusts. Please keep us posted on your progress.

 

Stay hydrated and use 2000 mg of omega 3 per day. Not a cure but it helps. You can also take a Benadryl occasionally to take the edge off of any emotional issues that develop.