![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 94 to 118 of 696. Go back in thread:
Posted by LinnieLoo55 on February 1, 2006, at 13:06:36
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Mark23 on January 31, 2006, at 17:43:54
>Hello, I'm glad all this info was out there! I was really wondering what was going on. I was only up to 40mg for 4 months, spent another month at 20mg and then 5, 20mg caps every other day. I believed the technical information that indicated that you had to take them whole. For some reason they don't want it to be released in the stomach, hence the high (relatively) pH requirement before the capsule dissolves. By breaking open capsules to get lower dosages I guess many of you have disproved the necessity for it to make it past the stomach before dissolving. While on Cymbalta I used 200mg or more caffeine to help both the tiredness and headaches.
>
> Anyway, day 3 after the last pill the shocks (cataplexic attacks) began. After a couple more days I realized it was tied to eye movement (more by side to side than up and down). Knowing a little more will help me through what sounds like will be a few weeks. Hopefully closing your eyes or just staring straight ahead (without moving your head) helps someone else.
>
> I know that light therapy has been around for a long time but didn't seem to help me, but now I've really upped the dose. I have a bank of 4, 4' fluorescent bulbs on the ceiling above my bed connected to a timer so it goes on the same time everyday. I stare at them for an hour. I drew some marks on them so I have something to focus on before moving my gaze to another mark. I started this a month ago, and It sure helps me. I might be in the minority, but setting up a couple shop lights would be worth an experiment for others.I have heard of light therapy and it was even suggested by my doctor. I will read more about this. Are you off of the cymbalta now? Are you taking anything for your depression. I'm taking 30mg of lexapro right now. Plus seroquel 100mg and klonopin twice a day. I also take adderall 30mg or I would sleep all day. I have ADD and it does give me some focus and keeps me awake although I always go back to bed in the morning because of the after effects of the seroquel. The seroquel has helped allot with my depression and mood swings.
Thanks for the post
>
Posted by Mark23 on February 1, 2006, at 14:50:50
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by LinnieLoo55 on February 1, 2006, at 13:06:36
> I have heard of light therapy and it was even suggested by my doctor. I will read more about this. Are you off of the cymbalta now? Are you taking anything for your depression. I'm taking 30mg of lexapro right now. Plus seroquel 100mg and klonopin twice a day. I also take adderall 30mg or I would sleep all day. I have ADD and it does give me some focus and keeps me awake although I always go back to bed in the morning because of the after effects of the seroquel. The seroquel has helped allot with my depression and mood swings.
> Thanks for the post
> >
>
> I'm currently on mirtazapine (remeron) micro dose 7.5mg to help me sleep, planning to get off that too. It's amazing how much the light helps. I had some positive results from lexapro, but (ears ring, wake 3-5 am, headaches, flatulence, ibs, tmj) so crossed that one off.
Actually I had been unknowingly poisoning myself (two meds). The Cymbalta gave me bad headaches so I used muscle relaxants. Diazapan was one of them and because of my condition, it took me the longest time to determine that for me it greatly increased my depression. The other depressor I was on was my blood pressure drug atenolol. After figuring that out I discovered others had this problem. My never again list of meds is growing. My current bp med is licenopro and when I need a muscle relaxant I use cyclobenzaprine. Good luck
Posted by secretme on February 1, 2006, at 16:11:26
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Mark23 on February 1, 2006, at 14:50:50
Thanks for the information on the light therapy. Is there any possibility of harming the eyes by looking at fluorescent lights for long periods of time? How do you time yourself on this type of therapy? I have had floaters in the past while on Cymbalta, but they're gone, and I don't want them back.
I've taken Remeron, then on to Lexapro before Cymbalta. Remeron is horrific if you have IBS, and if you have a high enough dose, look for a lot of weight gain. Ditto for the Lexapro, and add the flatulence. When I mentioned this to my psychiatrist, he said he didn't know what I was talking about and should see a gastroenterologist.
I am on three BP medications, having gone through every family of these medications. Also went to a BP clinic and a renal specialist. Without HCTZ .25, none of the meds did much, so I've learned to live with a mild diuretic. The other two I take work to relax the smooth muscles in the arteries: Cardura (I use the generic.) and hydralazine. There can be some dizsziness with these, but this is the only combination keeping my BP under control.
Friday I go to the oncologist to see if it's tamoxifen, Arimidex or some other drug to keep the breast cancer away. Thank God I was able to get away from Cymbalta. I believe the loss of some short-term memory and tinitis are permanent. They really hit their stride as I weaned off the Cymbalta, and they have not gone away. However, all the other demons are gone and probably looking for another body to inhabit.
Good luck.
Posted by Mark23 on February 1, 2006, at 17:15:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on February 1, 2006, at 16:11:26
> Thanks for the information on the light therapy. Is there any possibility of harming the eyes by looking at fluorescent lights for long periods of time? How do you time yourself on this type of therapy? I have had floaters in the past while on Cymbalta, but they're gone, and I don't want them back.
I personally don't think I could hurt my eyes with the fluorescent lights, but it also takes several minutes for me to get used to them. It's probably 5 minutes before I can stare. I replaced my light switch with a timer ($20) so it's automatic. I can't imagine how it could cause floaters. If you try it, I hope it works; it does take a couple weeks.
Posted by gardenergirl on February 1, 2006, at 17:50:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Mark23 on February 1, 2006, at 17:15:21
I use light therapy, too, and both units I have specifically say NOT to stare directly into the light. Instead, you are supposed to sit about 2 ft. away and so that the light bathes your face, but not so you are looking directly into it.
Also, the research showing light therapy to be effective uses 10,000 lux and full spectrum light. Four fluorescent tubes, especially over your bed (at that distance from your face), are unlikely to reach that level of intensity.
Although if it works for you....
But I would think that staring directly into any light for an hour could only be bad for your eyes. I wouldn't recommend it.
gg
For more information:
http://alaskanorthernlights.com/
http://www.apollohealth.com/
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/
http://www.lighttherapyproducts.com/products_lamps.html
Posted by Mary O on February 5, 2006, at 21:05:57
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by bettyboop on November 30, 2005, at 21:32:46
I've looked through messages to find out if I am alone here...it's been two full weeks and I am still experiencing the weird facial shocks and headaches. Light seems to exaccerbate the problem as does the impact from my steps when I'm walking.
Anyway, I finally tapered down from 60mg to 30 mg every other day. That didn't work..I was trying too quickly to get off at that point.
So, I took the 60 mg and divided the little granules into three so that I was taking 20mg per night. I did this for a month. Then, I began taking 20mg every other night. I did this for two months. Finally, I tried taking 20mg every third day. This seemed to be working with regard to minimal withdrawl symptoms. So, I was only taking about 60-80 mg per week when I decided to only take them when the headaches and disorientation got really bad. I made it four days, then five, then six, then a week. Yay!But, now, 2 full weeks later, after taking such small doses and after not having taken a dose at all for a full week before that (so only 20mg for a week before quitting) I am STILL feeling the side effects.
Has anyone else experienced withdrawl symtoms after taking so little and for having not taken any for two full weeks?
Posted by secretme on February 6, 2006, at 11:57:44
In reply to Still Withdrawing after 2-Weeks!, posted by Mary O on February 5, 2006, at 21:05:57
For me, it took more than a month off Cymbalta before most of the withdrawal side effects were gone. I believe there are some side effects that never go away. I still have problems with my short-term memory, and the tinitis in my left ear is worse than before starting on Cymbalta. Some changes may be permanent, but nothing is as horrific as being on Cymbalta and then coming off. Give yourself more time, and don't take any dose of this medication, no matter how low or scattered.
Posted by Karla on February 14, 2006, at 16:10:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on January 17, 2006, at 7:29:52
I quit taking it cold turkey at the beginning of Jan. I was taking 30mg. I needed to stop taking it so I didn't have any drug interactions with narcotics and anastesia that I was getting for surgery on my rotator cuff. I had no problems stopping cymbalta and have had no withdrawls. My anxiety attacks stopped so I quit taking the xanax also. After hearing all the bad stuff about it I am not going back on it.
Posted by vlee on March 25, 2006, at 10:06:50
In reply to Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Regina on March 3, 2005, at 16:37:18
I have been on 60mg Cymbalta for 18 days for headache and depression. Both have been getting progressively worse over the last 6 days. I want to get off Cymbalta and my question is: since I've been on it such a short time can I get off "cold turkey" or do I have to graduate off (ie. to 30mg for a week, then 30mg every other day for a week, then 30mg every third day for ?????). I've read some pretty scary stuff on Cymbalta - this site has been very informative. Thanks for any help.
vlee
Posted by LinnieLoo55 on March 25, 2006, at 12:08:18
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by vlee on March 25, 2006, at 10:06:50
> I have been on 60mg Cymbalta for 18 days for headache and depression. Both have been getting progressively worse over the last 6 days. I want to get off Cymbalta and my question is: since I've been on it such a short time can I get off "cold turkey" or do I have to graduate off (ie. to 30mg for a week, then 30mg every other day for a week, then 30mg every third day for ?????). I've read some pretty scary stuff on Cymbalta - this site has been very informative. Thanks for any help.
> vleeI would go slower than that. You can split the capsules and just wet your finger and put it in your mouth and wash it down with water. This was the hardest medication for me to get off of next to effexor. Do that for 5 days and then lower it again. I'm not sure if these come in 60mg capsule, but just split one of them and take the other one with it. If it's a 60mg, just leave 1/4 behind. Good luck. Sinus medication helps with the withdrawals.
Posted by SweetieGurl33 on March 26, 2006, at 19:01:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Karla on February 14, 2006, at 16:10:23
Who wants to file a lawsuit againt Eli Lilly with me? I've experienced all of these same withdrawl symptoms as you (trying cold turkey and graudally). I can't get off the drug because I'm in school now. It's horrible. Their 27 page "Perscription Information" manual does not suggest anything about these withdrawl symptoms...or I woudln't have started taking this awful pill! There have been similar lawsuits with Oxycontin and Effexor. Email me at ashleyt@gwu.edu if you're interested.
Posted by SLS on March 27, 2006, at 7:46:59
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by vlee on March 25, 2006, at 10:06:50
> I have been on 60mg Cymbalta for 18 days for headache and depression. Both have been getting progressively worse over the last 6 days. I want to get off Cymbalta and my question is: since I've been on it such a short time can I get off "cold turkey" or do I have to graduate off (ie. to 30mg for a week, then 30mg every other day for a week, then 30mg every third day for ?????). I've read some pretty scary stuff on Cymbalta - this site has been very informative. Thanks for any help.
> vleeDo not skip days. You need to take it everyday. Otherwise, you will be experience an extended period of withdrawal with fluctuating intensity.
It is better to take very small amounts of Cymbalta every day. You can even try taking it only when the withdrawal symptoms appear. You might end up taking it more than once a day. That's not a problem, as long as you continue to reduce the size of the doses. Try to remain flexible. You'll be using Cymbalta as a PRN only when needed almost like aspirin for a headache. It shouldn't take you more than a week to accomplish this.
If you elect to use another strategy, you can use Benadryl to reduce the withdrawal symptoms should they appear.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on March 27, 2006, at 7:50:00
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » vlee, posted by SLS on March 27, 2006, at 7:46:59
I failed to mention that you would need to split the pills into fractions to be able to take doses that are small enough to work with effectively.
- Scott
> > I have been on 60mg Cymbalta for 18 days for headache and depression. Both have been getting progressively worse over the last 6 days. I want to get off Cymbalta and my question is: since I've been on it such a short time can I get off "cold turkey" or do I have to graduate off (ie. to 30mg for a week, then 30mg every other day for a week, then 30mg every third day for ?????). I've read some pretty scary stuff on Cymbalta - this site has been very informative. Thanks for any help.
> > vlee
>
> Do not skip days. You need to take it everyday. Otherwise, you will be experience an extended period of withdrawal with fluctuating intensity.
>
> It is better to take very small amounts of Cymbalta every day. You can even try taking it only when the withdrawal symptoms appear. You might end up taking it more than once a day. That's not a problem, as long as you continue to reduce the size of the doses. Try to remain flexible. You'll be using Cymbalta as a PRN only when needed almost like aspirin for a headache. It shouldn't take you more than a week to accomplish this.
>
> If you elect to use another strategy, you can use Benadryl to reduce the withdrawal symptoms should they appear.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Karla on March 29, 2006, at 7:58:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by vlee on March 25, 2006, at 10:06:50
I was on 30 mg and just quit cold turkey but under the guidance of my pdoc. I had no problems quitting.
Posted by gapsgal on April 15, 2006, at 23:27:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on September 24, 2005, at 14:58:31
Hello,
I was on Effexor for quite a while and then was weaned off but onto Cymbalta, now the doc has added wellbutrin and decided that i didnt need the cymbalta. Well he prescribed cutting from 60 to 30 then to 30 every other day and then off...didnt work for me so I changed it to after 30 each day I divided the capsules and took 15 each day for a week then I divided again and took 7.5 each day and then yesterday I divided the 7.5, but decided that was just too much trouble...and besides I was only getting a little bit...well let me tell you that little bit made a huge difference....I am awful today...nausea, dizziness so bad and my pupils are so dilated...i feel sick, but not sure how to describe it really...
The Effexor was horrible to get off of, but the Cymbalta made it easier...now the wellbutrin just doesnt help with the withdrawal...my pharmacy told me to use dramamine...but that knocks me out cold.....I just cant believe that cutting down so slowly could just leave me with such horrible effects...
My head just feels strange like people i have heard who describe having high blood pressure...and mine is always extremely low...
Any suggestions Dr. Bob?
Donna
> > I have been off Cymbalta since Friday (6 days) and am so dizzy I can't leave the house. I went from 60 mg to 30 mg, then I just poured out 1/2 of each capsule (so I was taking 15 mg) for a few days, then stopped. I am so dizzy and I have dirrareah a lot. I feel like I'm going crazy - have to lie down a lot during the day (luckily I work from home). I am still so dizzy after 6 days of no Cymbalta in my system!! Does anyone have any advice - what can I take to stop spinning? I just feel horrible, but refuse to go back on even 1 mg of any antidepressant!!! I am better off on my own. Need advice to get rid of dizziness. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!
>
>
> Some people have reported getting some relief by using Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication. I don't know what the mechanism is by which the dizziness is produced as a withdrawal symptom, so I don't know if a drug like Dramamine would be of any help. It might be worth looking into, though.
>
> It seems that the last 25% of the original dosage is the most difficult to discontinue from. That would be 15mg. In other words, jumping from 15mg to 0mg would very likely produce a severe reaction in vulnerable individuals, despite the gradual taper from 60mg to 15mg. Although inconvenient, using smaller and smaller percentages of opened capsules is still advisable to continue a taper below the 15mg dosage.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on April 16, 2006, at 7:57:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 15, 2006, at 23:27:08
I know this is going to sound too simple to work, but I have had success using very small amounts of the drug as a PRN. It would be like taking aspirin for a recurrent headache. Whenever the withdrawal symptoms would appear, I would take a tiny dose and wait until the symptoms reappear before taking any more. You might end up taking several doses a day, but with decreasing amounts or with a lengthening interdose period.
- Scott
Posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:20:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 15, 2006, at 23:27:08
>
> Scott,I thought of doing that, but since Cymbalta is time released I wondered if it would work for symptoms immediately?
Donna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello,
>
> I was on Effexor for quite a while and then was weaned off but onto Cymbalta, now the doc has added wellbutrin and decided that i didnt need the cymbalta. Well he prescribed cutting from 60 to 30 then to 30 every other day and then off...didnt work for me so I changed it to after 30 each day I divided the capsules and took 15 each day for a week then I divided again and took 7.5 each day and then yesterday I divided the 7.5, but decided that was just too much trouble...and besides I was only getting a little bit...well let me tell you that little bit made a huge difference....I am awful today...nausea, dizziness so bad and my pupils are so dilated...i feel sick, but not sure how to describe it really...
>
> The Effexor was horrible to get off of, but the Cymbalta made it easier...now the wellbutrin just doesnt help with the withdrawal...my pharmacy told me to use dramamine...but that knocks me out cold.....I just cant believe that cutting down so slowly could just leave me with such horrible effects...
>
> My head just feels strange like people i have heard who describe having high blood pressure...and mine is always extremely low...
>
> Any suggestions Dr. Bob?
>
> Donna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > I have been off Cymbalta since Friday (6 days) and am so dizzy I can't leave the house. I went from 60 mg to 30 mg, then I just poured out 1/2 of each capsule (so I was taking 15 mg) for a few days, then stopped. I am so dizzy and I have dirrareah a lot. I feel like I'm going crazy - have to lie down a lot during the day (luckily I work from home). I am still so dizzy after 6 days of no Cymbalta in my system!! Does anyone have any advice - what can I take to stop spinning? I just feel horrible, but refuse to go back on even 1 mg of any antidepressant!!! I am better off on my own. Need advice to get rid of dizziness. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!
> >
> >
> > Some people have reported getting some relief by using Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication. I don't know what the mechanism is by which the dizziness is produced as a withdrawal symptom, so I don't know if a drug like Dramamine would be of any help. It might be worth looking into, though.
> >
> > It seems that the last 25% of the original dosage is the most difficult to discontinue from. That would be 15mg. In other words, jumping from 15mg to 0mg would very likely produce a severe reaction in vulnerable individuals, despite the gradual taper from 60mg to 15mg. Although inconvenient, using smaller and smaller percentages of opened capsules is still advisable to continue a taper below the 15mg dosage.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
Posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:23:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:20:34
> > I broke down last night and took a few granules, and guess what today all the crap is gone...god this makes me so angry I just dont know what to do...going from not even being able to function or make decisions to being perfectly fine...they should remove it all from the market...I had to do something...I work full time, have three kids and am going to graduate school...
Donna
> > Scott,
>
> I thought of doing that, but since Cymbalta is time released I wondered if it would work for symptoms immediately?
>
> Donna
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I was on Effexor for quite a while and then was weaned off but onto Cymbalta, now the doc has added wellbutrin and decided that i didnt need the cymbalta. Well he prescribed cutting from 60 to 30 then to 30 every other day and then off...didnt work for me so I changed it to after 30 each day I divided the capsules and took 15 each day for a week then I divided again and took 7.5 each day and then yesterday I divided the 7.5, but decided that was just too much trouble...and besides I was only getting a little bit...well let me tell you that little bit made a huge difference....I am awful today...nausea, dizziness so bad and my pupils are so dilated...i feel sick, but not sure how to describe it really...
> >
> > The Effexor was horrible to get off of, but the Cymbalta made it easier...now the wellbutrin just doesnt help with the withdrawal...my pharmacy told me to use dramamine...but that knocks me out cold.....I just cant believe that cutting down so slowly could just leave me with such horrible effects...
> >
> > My head just feels strange like people i have heard who describe having high blood pressure...and mine is always extremely low...
> >
> > Any suggestions Dr. Bob?
> >
> > Donna
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > > I have been off Cymbalta since Friday (6 days) and am so dizzy I can't leave the house. I went from 60 mg to 30 mg, then I just poured out 1/2 of each capsule (so I was taking 15 mg) for a few days, then stopped. I am so dizzy and I have dirrareah a lot. I feel like I'm going crazy - have to lie down a lot during the day (luckily I work from home). I am still so dizzy after 6 days of no Cymbalta in my system!! Does anyone have any advice - what can I take to stop spinning? I just feel horrible, but refuse to go back on even 1 mg of any antidepressant!!! I am better off on my own. Need advice to get rid of dizziness. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!
> > >
> > >
> > > Some people have reported getting some relief by using Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication. I don't know what the mechanism is by which the dizziness is produced as a withdrawal symptom, so I don't know if a drug like Dramamine would be of any help. It might be worth looking into, though.
> > >
> > > It seems that the last 25% of the original dosage is the most difficult to discontinue from. That would be 15mg. In other words, jumping from 15mg to 0mg would very likely produce a severe reaction in vulnerable individuals, despite the gradual taper from 60mg to 15mg. Although inconvenient, using smaller and smaller percentages of opened capsules is still advisable to continue a taper below the 15mg dosage.
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by SLS on April 16, 2006, at 10:31:33
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 16, 2006, at 9:23:58
I don't know whether or not Cymbalta has been formulated with a controlled release delivery system. I don't think it is. It might not matter. The random distribution of pellets should provide that you get the proper ratio of immediate versus controlled release medication. I discontinued Effexor XR by counting pellets. It worked well for me. The sooner you recognize the withdrawal symptoms reappearing, the sooner you can take a remedial amount of medication. However, I believe that it is important to be sure that you are indeed experiencing withdrawal symptoms before dosing again. I think this optimizes the rate at which you force the body to re-regulate itself. When I got down to a low dosage of Effexor, I tried to take only enough medication to get me through 6-8 hours before needing to dose again. I ended up taking small amounts of medication 3-4 times a day. I didn't feel the need to be precise with measuring doses. You can remain flexible that way. If you take a little more than is necessary, you will simply extend the time until the next dose. Ideally, the trend will be towards using smaller and smaller doses. I just "eye-balled" and approximated dose sizes. It is probably better to take too little than too much in order to discontinue the medication as quickly as possible. Either way, you will eventually reach a point when it is time to discontinue the drug completely. I always have difficulties describing how to determine where this point is. I guess when you can no longer reduce the dosage by the smallest amount such that a symptom-free period of 4 hours is possible, you can stop. You will likely experience a period of a withdrawal syndrome, but it should be relatively brief and mild.
It is confusing to explain, but simple to do.
- Scott
Posted by gapsgal on April 17, 2006, at 7:59:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 16, 2006, at 10:31:33
Scott,
Thanks for your response...the withdrawals actually tend to remind me of vertigo...and as odd as it is, just a few pellets relieve the symptoms...if I ever get off of this I will never take anything other than Wellbutrin again!
Donna
I don't know whether or not Cymbalta has been formulated with a controlled release delivery system. I don't think it is. It might not matter. The random distribution of pellets should provide that you get the proper ratio of immediate versus controlled release medication. I discontinued Effexor XR by counting pellets. It worked well for me. The sooner you recognize the withdrawal symptoms reappearing, the sooner you can take a remedial amount of medication. However, I believe that it is important to be sure that you are indeed experiencing withdrawal symptoms before dosing again. I think this optimizes the rate at which you force the body to re-regulate itself. When I got down to a low dosage of Effexor, I tried to take only enough medication to get me through 6-8 hours before needing to dose again. I ended up taking small amounts of medication 3-4 times a day. I didn't feel the need to be precise with measuring doses. You can remain flexible that way. If you take a little more than is necessary, you will simply extend the time until the next dose. Ideally, the trend will be towards using smaller and smaller doses. I just "eye-balled" and approximated dose sizes. It is probably better to take too little than too much in order to discontinue the medication as quickly as possible. Either way, you will eventually reach a point when it is time to discontinue the drug completely. I always have difficulties describing how to determine where this point is. I guess when you can no longer reduce the dosage by the smallest amount such that a symptom-free period of 4 hours is possible, you can stop. You will likely experience a period of a withdrawal syndrome, but it should be relatively brief and mild.
>
> It is confusing to explain, but simple to do.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
Posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 17, 2006, at 7:59:20
Guys, I have been with no cymbalta for 9 days, for the last two weeks before I stopped I was counting granules. For three months I made 30 pills last, 60 mg each. Then the last two weeks I started at 150 granules to 25 granules and stopped. I still feel bad but at least I can go to work. I have tryed to quit several times unsuccessfully. I heard someone describe the feeling as having a migrane without the pain. Dizzy, nausea, weird.
> Scott,
>
> Thanks for your response...the withdrawals actually tend to remind me of vertigo...and as odd as it is, just a few pellets relieve the symptoms...if I ever get off of this I will never take anything other than Wellbutrin again!
>
> Donna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I don't know whether or not Cymbalta has been formulated with a controlled release delivery system. I don't think it is. It might not matter. The random distribution of pellets should provide that you get the proper ratio of immediate versus controlled release medication. I discontinued Effexor XR by counting pellets. It worked well for me. The sooner you recognize the withdrawal symptoms reappearing, the sooner you can take a remedial amount of medication. However, I believe that it is important to be sure that you are indeed experiencing withdrawal symptoms before dosing again. I think this optimizes the rate at which you force the body to re-regulate itself. When I got down to a low dosage of Effexor, I tried to take only enough medication to get me through 6-8 hours before needing to dose again. I ended up taking small amounts of medication 3-4 times a day. I didn't feel the need to be precise with measuring doses. You can remain flexible that way. If you take a little more than is necessary, you will simply extend the time until the next dose. Ideally, the trend will be towards using smaller and smaller doses. I just "eye-balled" and approximated dose sizes. It is probably better to take too little than too much in order to discontinue the medication as quickly as possible. Either way, you will eventually reach a point when it is time to discontinue the drug completely. I always have difficulties describing how to determine where this point is. I guess when you can no longer reduce the dosage by the smallest amount such that a symptom-free period of 4 hours is possible, you can stop. You will likely experience a period of a withdrawal syndrome, but it should be relatively brief and mild.
> >
> > It is confusing to explain, but simple to do.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 10:25:46
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
I'm sure glad I found this site! My doctor prescribed Cymbalta for both pain and depression control, but I was told to STOP my Wellbutrin. I take Wellbutrin mostly to help control my nicotine cravings, and I noticed almost immediately that my smoking increased two-fold or more. So, I decided to wean myself off the Cymbalta. I found this site while surfing the net to find out about the weird "electric shock" feelings I was having in my head, and I was very happy to learn that I wasn't dying! I also learned some better ways to wean myself. Thanks for all your input here.
Does anyone know for sure: Can I get back on my Wellbutrin while still weaning off Cymbalta?
Posted by SLS on April 17, 2006, at 10:50:15
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 10:25:46
> Does anyone know for sure: Can I get back on my Wellbutrin while still weaning off Cymbalta?
The two drugs are compatable. You can take them both at the same time. My one caution is that Wellbutrin might make worse any anxiety that might result from Cymbalta withdrawal. It may be worth a try, though.
How do you plan to taper the dosage of Cymbalta?
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 11:48:16
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » PB, posted by SLS on April 17, 2006, at 10:50:15
My one caution is that Wellbutrin might make worse any anxiety that might result from Cymbalta withdrawal. It may be worth a try, though.
>
> How do you plan to taper the dosage of Cymbalta?
>
> Good luck.
>
>
> - ScottThanks for the response. What I did was just started taking my 60 mg. capsules every other day, then every third day, then every 4th, etc. But since finding this site, I started dividing the capsules to see if the withdrawal is a little easier on me. I started with 1/4 of a 60mg capsule but I DON'T want to take it every day! So, I'm sort of winging it. I was hoping my Wellbutrin would help.
I can't believe how difficult it is to wean off this! I have only been on it about 2 months, and it's my first experience with antidepressants. (The Wellbutrin was prescribed to help me quit smoking, and I've never had any problem with it.)
PB
Posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by PB on April 17, 2006, at 11:48:16
I was on cymbalta since last Oct. I started weaning off over a month. 40mg(from 60mg) for 2 weeks and then 20mg for 2 weeks. I am starting to feel some of the side effects mentioned. The worst are parasthesia in limbs and face, dizziness and vertigo when I stand up too fast, sexual dreams and hands shaking. Basically I feel weird. My emotions have been more labile. I can cry easily and feel a little irritable. Should I ride out the withdrawal or take a smaller dose? It sounds like there are withdrawal effects either way. I want to get off it as quickly as possible. Any suggestions?
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Withdrawal | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.