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Tapering: Cymbalta

holding

213 posts

Europe

Be Calm! I am Back😁

July 11, 2026¡¡
This morning I was still feeling really bad. I've been overwhelmed by an acute wave for the past three days. I tried to stay calm and realized that the feeling of derealization was what was affecting me the most. Before even considering increasing my dose again, I told myself that today I would focus specifically on the derealization. So I practiced grounding exercises—looking, touching, smelling, naming colors, and consciously paying attention to individual objects around me. After that, I noticed a small improvement. Then I spent 25 minutes on the cross trainer and intentionally focused on my movement and my sensory experience. Intrusive thoughts still came and went, but I was able to bring my attention back, and it worked. After that, I took a long shower, consciously noticing the sensations of both warm and cold water. You probably won't believe it, but about 20 minutes later my perception started to improve. My mood lifted, and I felt increasingly calm and at peace. I've made it through the rest of the day—it's now 9:00 p.m.—without thinking about increasing my dose. I'm so grateful to have experienced this small window, and I hope this gives some of you hope if you're currently in a wave. If you're struggling, pay attention to whether derealization might also be triggering your other symptoms, such as anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I hope this window lasts a little longer, and I'm going to appreciate every minute of it. ❤️

Cymbalta — 15mg(12mg) — 17 Jahre — holding -with clinician - 90 mg – 2021: First tapering attempt.
60 mg – 2023: Second tapering attempt.
With a doctor's supervision—but unfortunately, a doctor who doesn't know how to properly taper off an antidepressant.

1 Reply

Catina
⭐
Catina2mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
That is SO impressive....way to go! It does take work on our part sometimes, but what you shared is going to help so many others! Thanks for sharing that encouraging experience. ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

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