Hi, I'm Sarge

September 17, 2026··

I have been treated by various psychiatrists and psychologists since 1986. I have been told I was bipolar and then told that was a misdiagnosis. I have been prescribed too many different medications to recall. I nearly died in intensive care from lithium poisoning. My doctor failed to have me tested regularly. I now have stage 4 chronic kidney disease. One medication that I can’t recall the name of made me a zombie for about 18 hours a day and contributed heavily to my divorce after 30 years of marriage. I have a history of suicidal ideation, but not since about 15 years ago. I now live in Jaco, Costa Rica (paradise). I am currently fighting a battle with my libido and I’m convinced that Duluxetine is responsible. I want to taper off of it.

60mg — 4 years + — researching taper | without clinician

3 Replies

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BasedStaff1d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Welcome Sarge. Lithium toxicity landing you in intensive care, that is a hell of a thing to survive. You have been through more than most. Duloxetine messing with libido is extremely common and often underreported, so I am glad you are naming it. When you find a chance, please welcome new members when you see them, that is what makes this place work.

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

Sarge1d ago

Cymbalta · researching

Thank you. This is entirely new to me and I want to help and be helpful. Well meaning doctors have nearly killed me, possibly damaged my kidneys and significantly contributed to my divorce. I like the doctors in Costa Rica and the pharmacy, but it is a second world developing country. I don’t think my local doctor wants anything to do with helping me taper off.

60mg — 4 years + — researching taper | without clinician

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Catina1d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Sarge, welcome! I'm terribly sorry to hear about everything you've been through. Yes, lithium can affect the kidneys (and liver). I'm sorry your doctors did not monitor this. You can learn about Hyperbolic tapering in the Resources section on the left sidebar of the site. I know that if you take things slowly that you can successfully get off the Cymbalta. Here are some other helpful links for you: https://taper.community/drugs/cymbalta https://taper.community/resources/blog/cymbalta-tapering-guide https://taper.community/thread/d41182b4-060b-4c2e-a1e8-da9e6777d7e5 Happy to have you here, and we look forward to supporting you in your tapering journey! 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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