My daughter was put on 20 mg Cymbalta in July for nerve pain in her foot following a spinal fusion in May. We were at the doctor yesterday and due to some vision problems being caused by the Cymbalta, she needs to stop taking it. Plus the nerve pain resolved once the swelling around her incision went down.
I asked how she should wean off the medication and the doctor gave us this plan.
Week 1: take one 20 mg capsule every other day
Week 2: take one 20 mg capsule every 2 days
Week 3: take one 20 mg capsule every 4 days and then discontinue.
Her doctor said she may experience some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as loose stools or nausea.
My daughter skipped her pill last night and by 9 am was having one of the worst headaches of her life. Her eyes were tearing up, she was dizzy and lightheaded. The school nurse called later in the day and said I needed to come to pick her up because she was in a lot of pain and she didn't feel comfortable driving home.
She took 2 extra strength Tylenol and went to bed.
I contacted the doctor and explained that she's not tolerating skipping a dose very well.
The doctor gave me a new weaning schedule. She gave us a Plan A or a Plan B. I'm just curious on thoughts.
Plan A:
Week 1: 1/2 capsule daily
Week 2: 1/2 capsule every other day, 1/4 capsule in between days
Week 3: 1/4 capsule every other day
Week 4: 1/4 capsule every 2 days and then discontinue
Plan B:
Week 1: 1/2 capsule every other day, 1 full capsule in between days
Week 2: 1/2 capsule daily
Week 3: 1/4 capsule daily
Week 4: 1/4 capsule every other day
Week 5: 1/4 capsule every 2 days and then discontinue
I've also read that taking Fish Oil supplements while trying to wean is helpful. Is there a recommended dosage? The back of the bottle of Fish Oil I take says one serving (2 capsules) is:
Purified Fish Oil (from Alaska Pollock) -- 2000 mg
Total Omega 3 Fatty Acids -- 1400 mg
EPA -- 800 mg
DHA -- 400 mg
Other Omega 3's -- 200 mg
Thanks so much for any advice!