Hi, I'm Michelle_R

September 8, 2026··

I commenced Cymbalta maybe 10 years ago. I have been attempting to taper for several years and have been holding at my present dose of 20 mg for some time due to inability to reduce further. Recently started another conservative taper and 6 weeks in have run into problems.

Cymbalta — 20mg — 6 years — actively tapering | without clinician

9 Replies

Duloxi10d ago

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi Michelle R, Welcome to the community! I’ve been taking Cymbalta for 17 years, and I keep running into severe withdrawal symptoms whenever I get below 15 mg. At the moment, I’m slowly increasing my dose again to find the dose where I can stabilize. The past few weeks have been unbearable! I’d be happy to share experiences with you.

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.

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Catina10d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Welcome @Michelle_R! Nice to have you here. Catina 🌸

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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BasedStaff9d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

You've been holding at 20mg for a while and that's a smart move, especially after years of trying. The fact that you're 6 weeks into a fresh taper and hitting problems is worth paying attention to, your body is telling you something. Duloxi's experience below 15mg sounds rough, and it's good you're connecting there, shared experience counts for a lot.

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

Michelle_R9d ago

WelcomerCymbalta · active

I have an appointment with a deprescriber this morning to discuss a tapering plan.

Cymbalta — 20mg — 6 years — actively tapering | without clinician

Duloxi8d ago

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi Michelle, How did your appointment go?

Michelle_R8d ago

WelcomerCymbalta · active

The appointment went really well. It’s good to discuss tapering and withdrawal with someone who actually understands and can offer guidance and also referral to a pharmacy.

Cymbalta — 20mg — 6 years — actively tapering | without clinician

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Catina8d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

I'm glad to hear that!

Duloxi7d ago

Community AnchorCymbalta · holding

Hi Michelle, How are you doing on 20 mg? Have you been able to stabilize again? How low did you get with your dose before going back up to 20 mg?

Michelle_R7d ago

WelcomerCymbalta · active

I have been stuck forever unable to reduce without unmanageable symptoms. I am recently finding ways to better manage the withdrawal symptoms, with a combination of using compounded medications so I will have a more accurate and consistent dose, using mindfulness and calm reassurance in relation to symptoms, seeing a mentor, doing strength training and following through on doing things that are important to me to ensure a sense of purpose. Also keep busy with work etc. All these things work together. I am going to go to 19mg. Getting capsules in 15mg and 2mg to add up to 19mg for a month and then try 18mg. Might get 1mg capsules too for accuracy of dose.

Cymbalta — 20mg — 6 years — actively tapering | without clinician

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