Hi, I'm herewegoagain

August 28, 2026

This is my third attempt at discontinuation. I successfully went off twice but then went back on because of depression symptoms. After going through my journals, I realized that I was severely depressed at times while on the medication. This time I am determined to go off and stay off. I am taking it very, very slowly.

Cymbalta — 20mg — on and off 10 years — actively tapering

7 Replies

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CatinaAug 28

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @herewegoagain, welcome to Taper Community! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm sure that by taking things more slowly this time then you'll be able to get off and stay off the Cymbalta. That determination will serve you well. Since you like keeping journals, I'm sure you'll appreciate being able to track your taper along with your mood and symptoms on the site. We look forward to having you in this community and supporting you on your tapering and healing journey! Catina 💝

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 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.

DuloxiAug 29

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi, Welcome to the community! I'm currently on my second attempt at tapering off Cymbalta. I'd be happy to share experiences and support each other along the way. Best wishes

Cymbalta — 17,5mg(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.

herewegoagainAug 31

WelcomerCymbalta · active

Thank you so much, both of you. I’ve been processing feelings for the last several years from my whole life. It’s been exhausting but it is freeing me up. I still struggle with intense anxiety pretty much nonstop.

Cymbalta — 20mg — on and off 10 years — actively tapering

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CatinaAug 31

Community AnchorEffexor

"I still struggle with intense anxiety pretty much nonstop." — @herewegoagain

I struggle with this too. It's been one of my main symptoms. Have you found anything that helps you? I find that exercise, warm baths, keeping my life stress-free, and getting lots of rest help. I've also found EFT Tapping helpful as well as deep breathing and listening to healing music like Binaural Beats.

DuloxiAug 31

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi herewegoagain, I’d be really interested to know how you’re tapering, especially since you’re experiencing such severe anxiety. Have you kept a record of your taper — for example, the doses and the dates when you made each reduction? I’d really like to compare your tapering history with my own records.

herewegoagainSep 1

WelcomerCymbalta · active

I have not kept a record. I have been taking out 2 beads at a time and staying for a few weeks. The anxiety has been with me for so long that I cannot remember when it started. As a background note anxiety has been a pretty regular presence in my life and compared to the amount I had while going on the drug is nothing.

Cymbalta — 20mg — on and off 10 years — actively tapering

DuloxiSep 1

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi herewegoagain, So the highest dose of duloxetine you ever took was 20 mg? And from there, you removed two beads every few weeks? Theoretically, that sounds like a very slow taper. Do you remember at what dose you started having problems? Interestingly, I can relate to what you’re describing almost completely. I was also someone who tended to experience anxiety mainly during periods of extreme stress. After a prolonged period of chronic stress, fatigue, and exhaustion, I was prescribed Cymbalta.

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