What are the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal?

@jeanne51, Good afternoon. I have read with dismay your post about Cymbalta side effects and your struggle with the cognitive issues. And I have read posts on the referenced FB page re: Cymbalta. Maybe because I never have been a medicine taker, or because I am generally distrusting of medications and/or the drug industry I am cautious and a true doubting Thomas. It has now become second nature for me to build on experience, trust my assessments and keep things as simple as possible.

Based on years of questionable experiences, I now am labeled as highly sensitive to medications. In my simple language, that means that I do not tolerate new medications unless the dosages are delivered in stages over a 3 month period. It takes a while for our bodies to adapt to a new chemical....especially if it has to get along with everything else we swallow daily. This "Connect" forum has taught me to be my own advocate and my mantra for every day is "May I be free and protected from both inner and outer harm."

What has amazed me is that with this 3-month plan, most of the listed side effects do not pay me a visit. So a foggy brain on an initial dose of 60 mg of duloxetine is just a forgotten item at the grocery store because you start the first month at 20 mg. My PCP and I worked this out and our first test was duloxetine. It worked beautifully. The side effects have all been positive in terms of reducing my anxiety induced pain. I do need to mention that after becoming familiar with medication at a certain dosage....it does happen that after a while, our bodies are quite comfortable and the desired effects have decreased or dimmed. Then, we will complain that a medication isn't working for us and request a higher dosage. Or, we learn that there is something else and perhaps something better just coming out and we want to give it a try. So we wean ourselves off one and take on a new pharmacological challenge.

That behavior is certainly justified for those of us who are in chronic, all the time, pain. We are anxious to believe and to experience those cherished pain-free moments. I hope you find peace. And I will share one last example. With a recent diagnosis of osteoporosis, I was given the monthly capsule of Boniva. There was no way to build tolerance so I went for it. That experience turned out so poorly, with pain in my facial bones e.g., eye sockets, and jaw, that I was begging to have all of my teeth pulled just for a few moments relief. We are now in negotiations for an exception ruling so that I can give myself daily injections for the next 18 months at an unbelievable financial cost. Still, I want to live as well as I can at 77. I have my fingers crossed for both of us. Chris

I'm glad that you have certain exercises and volunteer work that are helpful to you along with the meds. Sounds like a good plan! I appreciate you sharing that information, @stressedmesseddepressed

i am trying to discontinue my use of 20mg Duloxetine daily after many years. The only thing my primary MD told me to do is take it every other day but insomnia is awful. Where do I go to find a better schedule to wean off it? Years ago I helped my daughter wean off Effexor by counting out the tiny pellets it took her 4 months but the weaning schedule her MD gave her made her physically ill. The pellets in Duloxetine are minuscule by I may have to go that route if I don’t find a schedule.

i am trying to discontinue my use of 20mg Duloxetine daily after many years. The only thing my primary MD told me to do is take it every other day but insomnia is awful. Where do I go to find a better schedule to wean off it? Years ago I helped my daughter wean off Effexor by counting out the tiny pellets it took her 4 months but the weaning schedule her MD gave her made her physically ill. The pellets in Duloxetine are minuscule by I may have to go that route if I don’t find a schedule.

Hi, @karyn1971 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. That sounds very difficult that the insomnia is so awful with discontinuing your use of daily duloxetine (Cymbalta) and going to the every other day dosage your doctor suggested.

Hoping that members like @jeanne51 @sandiegan1972 @jakedduck1 @karen00 @kindnessmatters will have some input on the withdrawal process from this medication, especially sleep issues.

Have you consulted with your pharmacist on a tapering schedule for this medication? If so, what did he or she say?

@lisalucier Hi Lisa, not sure how, but I received this post......Karen00

Hi, @karyn1971 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. That sounds very difficult that the insomnia is so awful with discontinuing your use of daily duloxetine (Cymbalta) and going to the every other day dosage your doctor suggested.

Hoping that members like @jeanne51 @sandiegan1972 @jakedduck1 @karen00 @kindnessmatters will have some input on the withdrawal process from this medication, especially sleep issues.

Have you consulted with your pharmacist on a tapering schedule for this medication? If so, what did he or she say?

i am trying to discontinue my use of 20mg Duloxetine daily after many years. The only thing my primary MD told me to do is take it every other day but insomnia is awful. Where do I go to find a better schedule to wean off it? Years ago I helped my daughter wean off Effexor by counting out the tiny pellets it took her 4 months but the weaning schedule her MD gave her made her physically ill. The pellets in Duloxetine are minuscule by I may have to go that route if I don’t find a schedule.

@lisalucier Hi Lisa, I’m not sure why anyone would think I’m withdrawing from Cymbalta???? Just really confused - as one of my favorite song goes - it’s a “Ball of Confusion”!