12 replies to this topic

[kmrekl217]

My memory is kinda crap, but I'm pretty sure that I was first prescribed Cymbalta in 2004. Tried to wean off in 2013. Two months of hell. Gave up and went back on.

 

I can't believe that I've been on this drug so long. Sometimes it feels like it's impossible to get off it. I'm only taking 20 mg. It doesn't really help with my depression or anxiety, to be truthful. CBT, yoga, and lots of relaxation breathing help. 

 

I only take Cymbalta, like I have for the past several years, because the withdrawal was horrific. 

 

Nothing really to ask or say. Just disheartened and sad that I'm still on this drug and that it's been such a huge chunk of my life. 

 

 

Every time I think about trying again to wean off, I chicken out. I don't want to go crazy again.

 

[Noush]

Hi Kmreckl. I feel your pain! How did you taper back when you had back withdrawal?

[fishinghat]

kmrek

 

It is good to here that you are still up and kicking around. Yep, I am still here.

 

You may be lucky. Your body has a good chance to heal from your previous experience. You might be able to do a slow 5 or 10 mg drop with fewer problems now. It is worth a try.

[invalidusername]

I do not blame you at all - and there is no shame in it whatsoever.

 

I am at 10mg down from 60mg and it is for sure a living hell. It would be so easy to just switch back.

 

I've also managed to scare my friend who has also been on 20mg for a number of years not to come off having seen what it has done to me only after 4 months...

 

But I should edit to say as 'hat has just mentioned - the support is here to help withdrawal. Just having a bad few days and sympathising with your previous effort. Any effort - success or not - is a very brave act.

[gail]

Hello Kmrek,

I'm glad for you that you are only on 20 mg with no side effects.

I don't see the reason why you should come off unless you wish so yourself.

[kmrekl217]

Hi Kmreckl. I feel your pain! How did you taper back when you had back withdrawal?

I went from 60 to I think 30, then 20 to 0. When I was at zero is when I started to have problems. Besides brain whooshes (not the same as brain zaps), my mood was really labile. Anger to laugher to tears in a matter of minutes. After two months of that with no improvement and feeling like I'd rather be dead than continue with the withdrawal indefinitely, I went back on.

[kmrekl217]

Hello Kmrek,

I'm glad for you that you are only on 20 mg with no side effects.

I don't see the reason why you should come off unless you wish so yourself.

My psychiatrist doesn't think it's healthy that I've been on this medication so long. Dr. thinks it has dulled my emotions, with less and less efficacy over time. I have no idea of the truth of the notion that our bodies build up a tolerance to SSRIs and SSNRIs, and therefore the medication doesn't work as well after some time. 

[Noush]

KMREC - how do YOU feel whilst you're on it? It sounds like you definitely weaned way to fast and not the recommended method last time. Therefore the withdrawal would be a result of that. If I was you & did feel that I wanted off, I would try again but very slowly, dropping a bead every few days. If you have no side effects at present & are in no rush to get off the stuff, you can take a year or two to wean & your body may not even notice you're weaning.

[kmrekl217]

KMREC - how do YOU feel whilst you're on it? It sounds like you definitely weaned way to fast and not the recommended method last time. Therefore the withdrawal would be a result of that. If I was you & did feel that I wanted off, I would try again but very slowly, dropping a bead every few days. If you have no side effects at present & are in no rush to get off the stuff, you can take a year or two to wean & your body may not even notice you're weaning.

I don't think it really dulls my emotions/anxiety at this point. Just prevents brain whooshes. Just talked to my doctor, who thinks I should either go to ten mgs. by taking apart a capsule or switch to Effexor and split that in half. I'm leaning toward trying Effexor. Maybe weaning off that will be easier, but dr. could not tell me how I would react.

[fishinghat]

Actually Kmrek, from everything I have read the withdrawal from Effexor is very similar to Cymbalta's withdrawal. Maybe not a good choice.

[kmrekl217]

Actually Kmrek, from everything I have read the withdrawal from Effexor is very similar to Cymbalta's withdrawal. Maybe not a good choice.

Started today on Effexor. I feel somewhat hopeful, though, because I can split Effexor tablets in half and quarters. Much easier for me than counting beads (or going from 20 mg to nothing like I did last time). The pill splitter won't be able to make it perfectly even because it's a pentagon shape (whose bright idea was that?!) If the withdrawal is still unmanageable and pure agony, at least I can tell my doctor, "I frickin told you so!" 

[kmrekl217]

I made it four days on 10 mg. of Effexor with bad brain whooshes. I have a lot going on right now and with Thanksgiving coming up, I just couldn't handle it. So, I'm back on 20 mg. of Cymbalta. I feel like I'll never get off this stupid drug!

[gail]

Kmrek,

When the time is right, and that all is going well in your life, you will do it but in a really different way. Meaning, slowly.

You will know, because the decision will be made from the best part of you.

Keep updating, we are here for you!