Getting off Cymbalta

2quilt · #1 17-05-2008, 08:58 AM

I am going to try to get into a clinical trial in a few days, for an antidepressant called reboxetine.
If it works, I can't buy it in the USA. So after the clinical trial is over, I may just get back on Cymbalta, we'll have to see.

To get into the study, I have to get off Cymbalta in a 2 weeks timeperiod. I am on 60 morning, 40 at night.

For those of you who know, what joyous experiences await me as I try to wean myself off Cymbalta? I don't know if it's true, but I think that Cymbalta is hard to get off of...hard on the brain.

Anyone here have ideas? Ah, the things I put myself through for science. and money.

She Cat · #2 17-05-2008, 10:02 AM

2quilt,

I came off of Cymbalta last July. I was only taking 30 mgs daily and I tried for 2 days to wean. I thought I was going to lose my mind. So I went cold turkey. It was awful..... I was on the couch sick for 10 days....I honestly don't see how you are going to come off 100 mgs a day in 2 weeks.

I wish you well hon....I think you are going to need it.

TLight · #3 18-05-2008, 12:49 AM

I've been on Cymbalta for 6 years, just 30mg day. My med manager took me off after an attempt, cold turkey. Unbenouced to her, I had a few left, so I took one every other day for two weeks, then I was out. I went through hell, tingling in my face, felt like when I turned my eyes, it took them a long time to catch up (?), very disorientated, emotional............it was pure agony. I've tried to come off a couple of times. Won't ever try again..........

Good luck and if you are suffereing, just lay low.

faerieevenstar · #4 19-05-2008, 06:49 AM

Gosh I went from 60mg to 30mg daily and had a tough time... good luck. Sorry that doesn't fill you with confidence, just take care!

baileysemt · #5 19-05-2008, 01:13 PM

This is going to sound completely stupid, and I am sorry for that :( but be sure to drink a ton of water throughout the time you are coming off the Cymbalta. While you are feeling poorly, it will help your body tremendously to keep well-hydrated, not to mention that our bodies need water to flush out toxins and regulate its chemical balances. Water is essential anyway, but it is even more important when we are sick (from any cause).

Use lots of ice, flavor it with a bit of juice if you need it to taste good. Whatever, however... try to get at least 60 oz. a day (that's 3 - 20 oz. bottles) ... I know most of us don't get anywhere near that much, and it's hard on our bodies to try to process and flush out our meds without sufficient water comin' in.

Hope it goes well for you, better than you expect.

Bailey

sunnydaze · #6 19-05-2008, 02:02 PM

2Quilt,
I did not know about the down side of Cymbalta. I have always gone off my meds after time to see if I really needed them. I usually weened myself off slowly but taking Cymbalta doesn't sound like it is worth the risk of going off. Thanks for the heads up. I am on 60 mg but take Trazodone also.
sunnydaze

2quilt · #7 20-05-2008, 01:40 PM

oh my.

i will have that first appointment for the clinical trial on wednesday. let's see exactly how fast they want the 'wash' to happen. versus how much money they want to pay me. (I am a clinical trial whore) I will ask them to give me 3 weeks and beg for mercy, asking them if they themselves have ever tried to come off an antidepressant that fast. Then if I get approved for the study, I can post here and let everyone know just how bad it is for me. You can give me moral support.

2quilt · #8 25-05-2008, 06:56 AM

Well, I dont't know if this is Cymbalta withdrawal or Benadryl talking, but last night I slept for 16 hours, and drempt that I was interviewing Jodie Foster, while it was snowing golfball-sized green snow made out of margerine. The snow had little snakes in it that could talk, but everyone was calling them piranas. I was arguing that piranas are fish, not snakes, but nobody believed me. My wheelchair would not go through the snow, so I got up and pushed it, and the seat was piled full of shoes. I looked behind me and there were no footprints in the margerine snow. I was searching for my 2 cats, and I had to carry them one in my arms and the other on my neck while I pushed my chair.

Withdrawal is a wild ride.

2quilt · #9 28-05-2008, 03:30 AM

I am taking about 16 days to wean myself off Cymbalta, and it's not really bad. I am dizzy, can't drive, diarreah all day long and I feel these fleeting moments of rage, but other than that, I am feeling a nice sex drive for the first time in a long time. Yes. I approve of that part.

Shecat and some others did it cold turkey. How about you other people, how did you taper off?

sisu · #10 28-05-2008, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2quilt

Well, I dont't know if this is Cymbalta withdrawal or Benadryl talking, but last night I slept for 16 hours, and drempt that I was interviewing Jodie Foster, while it was snowing golfball-sized green snow made out of margerine. The snow had little snakes in it that could talk, but everyone was calling them piranas. I was arguing that piranas are fish, not snakes, but nobody believed me. My wheelchair would not go through the snow, so I got up and pushed it, and the seat was piled full of shoes. I looked behind me and there were no footprints in the margerine snow. I was searching for my 2 cats, and I had to carry them one in my arms and the other on my neck while I pushed my chair.

Withdrawal is a wild ride.

That is hilarious. Maybe you should keep a diary of all of your "interesting" dreams and it will give you a good laugh on those down days. Sisu