8 replies to this topic

[ConnieStar]

I've been on 20mg of Cymbalta for about 2 years. I am also on Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Ziprasadone(Geodon). I have had bouts of severe depression and do feel that I need something; however the Cymbalta is not agreeing with me. I'm having unbearable sweating. I thought at first it was because i stopped estrogen when I was diagnosed with very early stage breast cancer (essentially cured). I don't think it's hot flashes, because I can be cold and still sweat. I don't think Cymbalta did much, if anything for osteoarthritis aches and pains- ibuprofen and acetaminophen (tylenol) work better. I'm in my late 60s.

 

I had some 30mg caps so I tried taking about half of one and had a pretty bad day, as I was jittery,and irritable. It's also possible that I didn't get all of my ziprasadone absorbed and that may have had a role.

I then decided to try the bead counting method and counted 121 beads in my 20mg capsules. So far I eliminated 4 beads yesterday and 8 beads today. So far so good.

Has anyone else bead counted down from a 20mg capsule? Anyone else had so few beads in the capsule? Of course the prescription label from the pharmacy doesn't tell me which manufacturer made it, and there is no name or number on the capsule.

[fishinghat]

Welcome CS

 

That is strange that the manufacturer's name is not on the bottle. That is required by law. I must admit though that on my prescriptions it is written so small I have to use a magnifying glass.  lol

 

Many here have weaned off of 30 mg but 20 mg is fairly unusual as it is rated as below therapeutic dose and is not available in the USA heard. I do know that some members have had a few as 7 big beads inside there capsule. 121 beads is workable but I might suggest that you be prepared to slow down your drop rate to around 1 to 2 beads a day. Mist drop at around 1% per day and usually have to pause and stabilize fairly often. As long as you can handle the 4 beads a day though, more power to you.

 

Hang in there and let us know how you are doing. Don't be afraid to ask questions or just complain. We know what it can be like.

[Merete]

I found that there were about 420 beads in my 60 mg capsules and 210 in my 30 mg, +- 4-5 beads variation as they vary in size. Gotten really good at counting those nasty little things!

[ConnieStar]

So I am now down to 30 beads per day, which I calculate to be about 5 mg. I am not feeling great but I am managing. It's hard to put into words why I am not feeling great. I feel as  though I am shaking inside, although my hands are perfectly steady. Interestingly I feel a kind of pressure in my head but I have not had a headache since I got down to about 10mg, and I was having them more days than not on the 20mg.  I was on 30mg for several months, until May when I asked my psychiatrist about discontinuing it and he suggested the 20mg dose. I did feel quite a bit better on the lower 20mg dose. It is supposed to help with osteoarthritis pain but I did not find it helpful- anti inflammatories work better. I am currently taking Celebrex (celecoxib). Before the Duloxetine I was on a low dose of escitalopram (Lexapro) and I generally felt pretty good. I have been very severely depressed in the past and my psychiatrist feels I need these meds, and for the most part I agree. It's just that the side effects of duloxetine did not agree with me. Years ago I was put on venlafexine (Effexor) and within a month I had 2 migraines with vomiting and my blood pressure went up, so we stopped it. Venlafexine and duloxetine are similar in their effects.

I am currently in Costa Rica for seven months (lucky me) and I will try to get a straight SSRI like Lexapro here. That my help with my withdrawal. I have a medication called Zofran (ondansetron) which is working very well for nausea. I recommend it. I have it because i have always gotten motion sickness easily.

I should perhaps mention that I am an MD. But every doctor is always a patient too.

[fishinghat]

Welcome CS

 

Well at least you are one of the good drs who know better than going cold turkey. It sounds like you are on a good approach. I don't know how many beads you were dropping each day but would advise going a little slower from here out. The last 5 mg are the toughest. Just take your time and go very slow.

 

By the way many members have had success with cross tapering to Lexapro, Zoloft or Prozac for what it is worth.

 

Keep us posted on how you are doing and hang in there.

[ConnieStar]

Well after 5 days of 30 beads per day I have dropped to 25 beads today and will see how it goes. I think I am having fewer withdrawal side effects. I haven't checked yet about getting an SSRI- lexapro (excitalopram) is the one I did best on.

[fishinghat]

You are doing great. Lets hope it stays that way.

 

If you are doing OK are you sure you need to go back on another antiD?

 

I know you said you are in Costa Rico and I know it has been hit really hard lately. I am glad you are OK. Watch out for yourself down there.

[ConnieStar]

It's Puerto Rico that has been hit hard. Costa Rica is rarely hit with hurricanes, and we are not on the coast. What we do have sometimes are earthquakes, usually little ones where i am. It's the rainy season right now and my neighborhood is having mud slides.

[fishinghat]

Mud slides, doesn't sound like fun. Glad you are safe though.