Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms?

[OSUgal]

I have been reading this board for quite awhile - since before the board "crashed". I also have peripheral neuropathy in both of my feet. As most of you know, this is extremely painful without medication.

I have been taking 150 mg of Lyrica twice a day, plus 90 mg of Cymbalta once a day. The doctor is trying to wean me off the Cymbalta, and what a nightmare it has been. I took 60 mg for 1 week, and then was supposed to go down to 30 mg for another week, before quitting entirely. After trying to go to 30 mg after 1 week, my entire body hurt. My bones, joints, heck, even my eyelides, hurt. It was like I had the flu, but without the headache/nausea. My arms and legs would barely function. I believe it was caused by withdrawal from the Cymbalta. I went back to the 60 mg the other day, and the symptoms have lessened quite a bit. Now I don't know what to do to get off of this stuff.

Has anyone else out there had a bad experience trying to get off the Cymbalta?

Also, I have learned a lot about PN from reading this board. I want to thank everyone, especially the "experts" on this board that have helped me in many ways. This is a great support group.

[Silverlady]

Can you get a prescription for 10 mg. capsules? That would allow you to back down very slowly say: 60 the first 2 weeks, 50 the second 2 weeks, 40 the third 2 weeks and so on until you get to the bottom and then quit after a week on the low dose. EVeryone is different. I've been increasing my dose of Lyrica slowly and suffering no side effects other than some drying. I've had to stop and start lots of meds and the best way to do it is very slowly. I think that if you tell your doctor that you need to wean off more slowly, he will help you.

Billye

[Carrie]

OSUgal,

You might try taking Omega 3, or increase it, if you already do. You can also see http:http://www.anxietyhelp.org/treatment.../cymbalta.html
for others trying to get off Cymbalta. I found it after I had already quit Cymbalta over a two weeks period (big mistake!) - go slowly. They suggest even opening capsules and removing one grain at a time. I have nothing nice
to say about Cymbalta.

Wishing you well,
Carrie

[Carrie]

thats-

www.anxietyhelp.org/treatment/medication/cymbalta.html[/url]

[OSUgal]

Originally Posted by Silverlady

Can you get a prescription for 10 mg. capsules? That would allow you to back down very slowly say: 60 the first 2 weeks, 50 the second 2 weeks, 40 the third 2 weeks and so on until you get to the bottom and then quit after a week on the low dose. EVeryone is different. I've been increasing my dose of Lyrica slowly and suffering no side effects other than some drying. I've had to stop and start lots of meds and the best way to do it is very slowly. I think that if you tell your doctor that you need to wean off more slowly, he will help you.

Billye

Silverlady:

Yes, I will have to talk to my doctor and tell him I need to go much more slowly. Thanks. Also, I have been doing great on the Lyrica as well. So far that seems to be working for me with not much in the way of side effects.

[OSUgal]

Originally Posted by Carrie

You might try taking Omega 3, or increase it, if you already do.

Thanks for the advice Carrie. I was reading something tonight about Omega 3 helping with withdrawal symptoms, and it also said it might help with the weight gained from the Cymbalta also. I've gained about 15 lbs. while on Cymbalta. If fish oil can help with that too, then Omega 3 is for me! I'm going to buy some tomorrow and try it.