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What are the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal?

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Mar 28, 2022 | Replies (43)

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@stressedmesseddepressed

Here's what I did, and it worked, no problems. I asked my Psychiatrist M.D. if I could, after many years on Cymbalta, change to Lexapro, as I felt that I had "burned out" on Cymbalta, i.e., it was no longer working very well. She agreed to let me switch, I've read good things about Lexapro, and what she did was to - I was taking 60mg a day of Cymbalta, the M.D. Psychiatrist gave me a 5-day supply of 30 mg. Cymbalta, down from the 60 mg, and simultaneously started me on the Lexapro starting dosage of 10mg, and I had, gratefully, no problem transitioning off the Cymbalta and onto the Lexapro, BUT, I want to add that 1) I did this under an expert doctor's supervision and 2) I take other medications that may have made transitioning off the Cymbalta and onto the Lexapro in 5 days that may have made the transition easier and painless, namely, I also take 1.25 mg clonazepam (I hate clonazepam and would never ever advise someone to take a benzo as THAT withdrawal is horrible!! (I went - under a doctor's careful supervision!!!! from 4 mg. daily to now 1.25 mg and soon will be off, again, under my doctor's careful supervision) off clonazepam/Klonopin and I take Buspirone (I like that medication better but want to get off it asap, too, as I'm finding that walking 30 mins. every day and other exercises like yoga stretching takes away my anxiety disorder largely and "positive thinking." Thinking only positive thoughts and avoiding stressful-to-me thoughts and people (reducing social media!!!) and giving myself permission to pursue as hobbies activities I love and volunteer work which is amazing.

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Replies to "Here's what I did, and it worked, no problems. I asked my Psychiatrist M.D. if I..."

I am under a doctors supervision. Thank you for your response.

Hi, @stressedmesseddepressed - It's great to hear from you. I'm glad to hear your transition from duloxetine (Cymbalta) to escitalopram (Lexapro) went well. Your caveats with how it worked for you also seem wise with the unique variables in your case.

I agree with @hopeful33250 that it's great you have found some other activities that are also contributing positively to your mental health, like your walking and yoga, avoiding certain stressors and positive thinking. I have found, too, that my thinking is critical: I have realized at times before when I was quite down that I was hurting myself with my repetitive negative thoughts about myself or some situation.

What hobbies and volunteer work are you pursuing?