Hi, I'm Donna Fulkerson

Hi @Donna Fulkerson, welcome to Taper Community! Oh goodness, yes doctors are clueless about safe deprescribing. Your experience is so common with people trying to get off these drugs. I'm so glad that you read Laura's book. I haven't had a chance to, but I hear it's fantastic! Doing a very slow Hyperbolic taper off Cymbalta is the way to go. Slower is faster when it comes to withdrawal, especially for long-time users. Your brain has adapted to this drug for so long. I too have been on these drugs a very long time. Extra care needs to be taken. I'm so glad you're motivated to do this the right way, and we'll be here to support you every step of the way! Catina 🩵

Hi Donna Fulkerson, It’s unbelievable—so often it seems to be the same story. I simply don’t understand why, after all these years, so many doctors around the world still seem to know so little about withdrawal. My doctor also told me that I would have to take the medication for the rest of my life, even though he had never properly informed me about the medication or about withdrawal in the first place. After being on it for such a long time, slow is faster—especially once you get down to the lower doses. Below 30 mg, and particularly below 20 mg, things can become even more challenging. Definitely take your time to look through the Resources section, learn as much as you can, and familiarize yourself with the theory behind hyperbolic tapering. I’m happy to share my own experience if there’s anything you’d like to know.