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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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?
Posted by Mark23 on April 24, 2006, at 8:36:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
> 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?
Posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Mark23 on April 24, 2006, at 8:36:32
> You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
That is unacceptable in my opinion. There has to be a better way.
After being on Effexor 300mg for a year, I was able to discontinue it using a flexible dosing strategy within two weeks and without significant withdrawal symptoms. Once I discontinued the drug entirely, I experienced mild symptoms that lasted for a few days.
I wish I knew for sure whether or not my neurobiology represents the norm. I don't. I am not sure that a flexible dosing strategy will be effective for everyone. But for those who have tried it here on Psycho-Babble, they have reported success.
In the past, I have experienced intense withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing Effexor, Paxil, and Ativan. It is not as if I am immune to withdrawal reactions.
For what it is worth, I think there might be a relationship between abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey) and the persistence of a withdrawal syndrome. People who go cold turkey seem to complain of withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks and months while people who taper gradually do not. If this is true, then going cold turkey is the absolute worst thing one can do to themselves.
- Scott
Posted by secretme on April 24, 2006, at 15:02:20
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
I may be late to the table on this one, but I have seen television commercials for Cymbalta. This is the first time in my region of the country I've seen these ads. It's interesting that the pharmaceutical company only mentions three major side effects. I don't remember them exactly, but they were rather benign. The ad stresses that "depression hurts", and Cymbalta can help with depression and the pain that accompanies it. Too bad there isn't a commercial advising people how to get rid of the pain when trying to withdraw from this witches brew. Unfortunately, the promotion of Cymbalta means more and more people will be asking their psychiatrists about it, and perhaps, encouraging them to prescribe it!
I'm grateful that I've been through the worst and have recovered from this medication. Taking Cymbalta and experiencing withdrawal might make a person (like me) swear off anti-depressants forever.
I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
Posted by laurieh1966 on April 25, 2006, at 18:05:21
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by laurieh1966 on April 24, 2006, at 2:02:49
I was on cymbalta for 7 months and started going off of it 5 days ago. My withdrawal symptoms have been terrible including the shakes, electrical feelings throughout my body, nausea, diarrhea, crying, insomnia and nightmares. I called my Dr and she is going to start me on prozac and wean me off of that. It is much easier to go off prozac so I will start that on Thur. Until then I started taking the cymbalta(20mg) and 1 hour after taking it I already feel much better. I will post later with an update on how the prozac goes.
Posted by Jaspar on April 26, 2006, at 13:20:37
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by ang123 on April 17, 2006, at 8:40:14
I wish that I had read this sooner. I also was counting granules, but I did not go slowly enough, and once I started in with the vomiting, it was too late! I had been down to less that 10mg (down from 60) It took me 4 months to get down to the 10.
Now, I am in my 3rd day of vomiting, dizzy, and things look strange... I am on NO Cymbalta because I threw it up.
HOW LONG will this last??? I am getting dehydrated.
-Jaspar
Posted by gapsgal on April 26, 2006, at 13:47:43
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 26, 2006, at 13:20:37
>Who knows...I went back to the doctor today and he says that I am not having withdrawals from serotonin...he thinks it is inner ear...so he put me on antivert and some diuretic...
Ha...I know it is withdrawal because when I take the cymbalta it stops...but oh well...
I wish that I had read this sooner. I also was counting granules, but I did not go slowly enough, and once I started in with the vomiting, it was too late! I had been down to less that 10mg (down from 60) It took me 4 months to get down to the 10.
>
> Now, I am in my 3rd day of vomiting, dizzy, and things look strange... I am on NO Cymbalta because I threw it up.
>
> HOW LONG will this last??? I am getting dehydrated.
>
> -Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on April 27, 2006, at 10:51:03
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 26, 2006, at 13:47:43
OK, what I am doing with the doctor's "blessing" (he actually said it was clever) is this...
Since I couldn't even keep down water, I let a Lorazepam (Benzodiazapine) dissolve in my mouth. I knew that would put me OUT. Then I took about 60 granules of the Cymbalta and put that on my tongue, & swallowed without fluids... Then I fell asleep.
When I woke, I felt SO MUCH BETTER, and could eat and drink.
Today, I am again having withdrawal symptoms, and took a few more granules, and now need to take a few more. I will take a "dosage" this evening. If I get too bad off, I am to take more Lorazepam.
My plan is to go down by FIVE GRANULES of Cymbalta each day.
I just cannot believe this nightmare, and I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY pharmaceutical companies are not required to warn of the WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS as part of the SIDE EFFECTS!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:23:39
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 27, 2006, at 10:51:03
Jaspar,
How are you separating the granules? They are so tiny and my hands are so unsteady...I work full-time, have three kids and am in a masters program so I am desperete.
Donna
> OK, what I am doing with the doctor's "blessing" (he actually said it was clever) is this...
>
> Since I couldn't even keep down water, I let a Lorazepam (Benzodiazapine) dissolve in my mouth. I knew that would put me OUT. Then I took about 60 granules of the Cymbalta and put that on my tongue, & swallowed without fluids... Then I fell asleep.
>
> When I woke, I felt SO MUCH BETTER, and could eat and drink.
>
> Today, I am again having withdrawal symptoms, and took a few more granules, and now need to take a few more. I will take a "dosage" this evening. If I get too bad off, I am to take more Lorazepam.
>
> My plan is to go down by FIVE GRANULES of Cymbalta each day.
>
> I just cannot believe this nightmare, and I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY pharmaceutical companies are not required to warn of the WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS as part of the SIDE EFFECTS!!!
>
> -Jaspar
>
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:26:14
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on April 24, 2006, at 15:02:20
SLS,
I agree, the public should know and has a right to know. The doctors are also ill informed as with mine.
> I may be late to the table on this one, but I have seen television commercials for Cymbalta. This is the first time in my region of the country I've seen these ads. It's interesting that the pharmaceutical company only mentions three major side effects. I don't remember them exactly, but they were rather benign. The ad stresses that "depression hurts", and Cymbalta can help with depression and the pain that accompanies it. Too bad there isn't a commercial advising people how to get rid of the pain when trying to withdraw from this witches brew. Unfortunately, the promotion of Cymbalta means more and more people will be asking their psychiatrists about it, and perhaps, encouraging them to prescribe it!
>
> I'm grateful that I've been through the worst and have recovered from this medication. Taking Cymbalta and experiencing withdrawal might make a person (like me) swear off anti-depressants forever.
>
> I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
Posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 13:48:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 24, 2006, at 9:24:42
I tapered my cymbalta down to 7.5 and then tried to get even lower, but still I am having the withdrawals...not as bad but still almost to the point that I cant function in my daily life. I dont know what to do, go back on and try again or what.
> > You've seen the various suggestions. I'm in the cold turkey camp. For a few days driving wasn't a good idea. After about 6 weeks I could go a day without a symptom. After 3 months I could go a week without a symptom.
>
> That is unacceptable in my opinion. There has to be a better way.
>
> After being on Effexor 300mg for a year, I was able to discontinue it using a flexible dosing strategy within two weeks and without significant withdrawal symptoms. Once I discontinued the drug entirely, I experienced mild symptoms that lasted for a few days.
>
> I wish I knew for sure whether or not my neurobiology represents the norm. I don't. I am not sure that a flexible dosing strategy will be effective for everyone. But for those who have tried it here on Psycho-Babble, they have reported success.
>
> In the past, I have experienced intense withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing Effexor, Paxil, and Ativan. It is not as if I am immune to withdrawal reactions.
>
> For what it is worth, I think there might be a relationship between abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey) and the persistence of a withdrawal syndrome. People who go cold turkey seem to complain of withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks and months while people who taper gradually do not. If this is true, then going cold turkey is the absolute worst thing one can do to themselves.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Jaspar on April 28, 2006, at 16:31:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:23:39
> How are you separating the granules? They are so tiny and my hands are so unsteady...I work full-time, have three kids and am in a masters program so I am desperete.
I put a bunch into the palm of my hand, then I use a knife to push grains out onto a plate. Some granules stick to the knife from static electricity. I thought it was going to be nearly impossible, but it wasn't as hard as I thought. If 5 granules cling to the knife, I just count the five, add it to the group in the dish.I then dump out the leftovers from my palm, put the ones from the dish into my palm, then scoop them up into the emptied pill capsule.
Last night I took 55 granules and 2 extra granules this afternoon.
-Jaspar
Posted by Jaspar on April 28, 2006, at 16:36:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by gapsgal on April 27, 2006, at 12:26:14
> > I wish people like us could write a public service ad to follow every commercial for Cymbalta.
LOL!!! I was thinking of one to counter "Depression Hurts"... one that says, "Cymbalta hurts".
How about "CymbaltaHurts.com"
:-)
Actually, there IS something we CAN do. Report it to MEDWATCH! http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/
-Jaspar
Posted by secretme on April 28, 2006, at 23:32:41
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 28, 2006, at 16:36:53
Thanks for the information on MEDWATCH. It may only be a cathartic exercise, but it is one I have been waiting to describe, miserable minute by miserable minute. I wish I could implicate my doctor for his gross negligence and unwillingness to help me stop this horrible medication, even though he knew I was suffering through treatment for breast cancer at the same time. I hope others who have contributed to this dialogue will do the same. Let's hope we continue to help others get the monkeys off their backs.
secretme
Posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 11:28:38
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by secretme on April 28, 2006, at 23:32:41
> This has helped me. I've been on 60mg for 16 months for anxiety and started 30 mg last night. If I read right, 25mg of Benadryl and Omega 3 vitimins should help. My doc has me on the 30mg for a month then I will go off completely. However, it sounds like I should have a bit in the house in case I need a few granuals. Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
Thanks,
Kparis
Posted by Jaspar on April 30, 2006, at 13:19:17
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal » secretme, posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 11:28:38
> . . .Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
I am using something similar - another benzodiazapine called Lorazapem. I take a 0.5mg tablet and break in half, and sometimes in half again, so I am using just 0.175-0.25mg at a time.
One good thing about it when I am nauseous from the withdrawal, is that it is so tiny and powdery that I can take it without water, just let it dissolve in my mouth.
-Jaspar
Posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 13:25:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by Jaspar on April 30, 2006, at 13:19:17
> > . . .Has anyone ever used klonopin (a small dose) to help get through this?
>
> I am using something similar - another benzodiazapine called Lorazapem. I take a 0.5mg tablet and break in half, and sometimes in half again, so I am using just 0.175-0.25mg at a time.
>
> One good thing about it when I am nauseous from the withdrawal, is that it is so tiny and powdery that I can take it without water, just let it dissolve in my mouth.
>
> -JasparHi Jaspar,
Thanks for the response. I started the Cymbalta because of panic disorder (severe, each day due to the bitter ending of a long-term and mostly happy marriage) and used the kolonipin for the extra umph. I have weaned myself off of the kolonipn and now I'm attacking the Cymbalta. I think that the K will help with the withdrawal but I'll not want to get "addicted" to it again.
Kparis
Posted by Jaspar on May 3, 2006, at 9:55:53
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal, posted by kparis on April 30, 2006, at 13:25:42
This is working. I still have a little bit of withdrawal symptoms but they are so minor. My plan will have me off in another 10 days... 35 granules, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0
I am thinking that it might have been better though for me to have stayed on each dosage for at least two days instead of trying to decrease by even 5 granules each day.
This has been unbelievable.
Lilly needs to have a "withdrawal kit" for us folks... like for going from 60mg to 55 to 50, to 45, going down by 5 mgs every week or so, then at 20mg, start going down by maybe 2mg at a time, then at 10 mg going down by 1mg at a time, then a couple of granules at a time.
They also need to warn how long it will take to get OFF the medication... For getting off 60mg, so far I am on my 5th month. God help the person who HAS to come off it "cold turkey"... and I was coming off it because of HIVES which luckily are being controlled with other medications.
One other thing I wonder... is there a relationship between having a problem coming off of Paxil & coming off of Cymbalta, and if so, they should put that as a warning. I can't believe I fell into this trap TWICE!!!
-Jaspar
Posted by ang123 on May 3, 2006, at 10:02:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta withdrawal (for the company, Lilly), posted by Jaspar on May 3, 2006, at 9:55:53
Jaspar, I did it the way you are and have been on no medication since April 8th. Once I hit no meds, I was very dizzy the first two weeks, but I could manage to work and care for 2 kids. So now pretty much I have no issues and am feelin good. Good Luck.
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Psycho-Babble Withdrawal | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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