I’m recovering from an abrupt stop of Sertraline and Trazadone. It happened after a hospitalization for a fall in which I was uninjured. The withdrawal has been terrible, but I’m coping. Now, I want to taper off Cymbalta. I’m unwilling to do this without help because of my current withdrawal symptoms. My fervent wish is to have my body back.
In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember. Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician
Thank you for sharing your experience. The abrupt stop must have been hard to deal with. I hope your body will find it's balance and you will find the strength to start your taper. Hope you get useful information & support here :)
Zoloft — current 2.8 mg — 6 years — actively tapering - tapered from 50 mg
Hi Peggy,
Welcome to the community!
We’re happy to support you by sharing our experiences.
It’s generally better to taper one medication at a time. As long as you’re still experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the previous medication, I wouldn’t start tapering Cymbalta yet.
How long has it been since you stopped the previous medication?
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.
In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember. Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician
Hi Peggy,
I understand your desire to get your body back to its previous state and live without medication.
But from my experience, it’s far too early to think about tapering Cymbalta when it has only been 3.5 months since you abruptly stopped sertraline and trazodone.
Give yourself time and focus on becoming stable first. What symptoms are you still experiencing?
Why were these medications originally prescribed to you?
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.
Thanks. Yes, they were prescribed and taken for 2years. In the ER, Dr decided that I was “polypharmacy” and stopped the drugs. Now, I believe that I am getting better, though still having bad sweats, some brain fog, and parathesia in hands. Sleep, with help (not drugs) is gradually better.
In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember. Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician
That’s already a good sign that your symptoms are improving. It’s best to document your symptoms and check in here every day. Individual days aren’t meaningful; the trend over several days and weeks is what determines where things are heading. Stay as you are for now and become really stable. That can take a few months, but it will get better. Getting Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms on top of that is really not recommended.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime.
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.
OMG! Thank you so much! This is the first educated reply J’ve gotten in 3months about my symptoms. Lots of compassion and commitment, but little understanding. I’ve been s outing the internet for help! Found outro. That helped immensely. But, so good to hear from a PERSON!
In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember. Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician
Hi @Peggy Wallace, nice to have you here! I'm glad our community has been helpful so far. Yes, I agree with @Duloxi that it's best to get stable first before trying to taper the Cymbalta.
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.
I agree with you and have decided to stay on Cymbalta until I feel better.
In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember. Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician
Great, Peggy, that will probably save you a lot of trouble. Now give yourself time until you’re feeling well again and see how you’re doing in a few months.
Keep us updated, and reach out if there’s anything we can do to support you.
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.
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