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I am starting this new topic of an old topic because I could not find current posts.  I was on Cymbalta for 3 years for Major Depression Disorder (caused mainly by work but also my personal life).  At that time I was about 57.  I then "tapered" off per docs instructions and went through 3 weeks of hell as described by other posts from 2006-2008.  Swore I'd never get on it again.  Well, I did feel I needed it again and got my Internist to prescribe for me.  This time I've been on it around 5 years again and I am now 65.  I have wanted to get off it, but other health issues (newly diagnosed diabetic) and our frequent rv travel have always stopped me from having the nerve to go through withdrawels again.

I feel lucky to have wandered into the posts of U-Need-Acetylcholine (Michael) and am excited to try his method of slowly tapering off.  I tried to search for that user name, but it was so long ago that I couldn't find him or maybe it is user error!

My aim is to catalog my reactions as I "ease" off the Cymbalta by removing 7 balls per day from the capsules.  Today is Day 1.  I am taking 60 mg per day, so my removing 7 balls a day from the capsule, it will take 52 days to be completely off Cymbalta.  I had just started trying to do the take two skip one thing the docs recommended years ago, and was already feeling sick.  So here I go!  If Michael is still coming to this Board, I would love to have current posts from you!  And anyone else, please join me on this topic.

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I wish you well as you wean off Cymbalta. I'm allergic to it and am not able to take it but I think I may have a suggestion to help you. 
1) be sure to drink lots of water. 2) If you currently consume alcoholic beverages you might want to abstain while you are trying to get the   Cymbalta out of your system. 3) Easy on the caffeine. 4) And don't push yourself too much if you are feeling badly, another day or so on the medication may be better than the symptoms of withdrawal. Lastly and possibly most importantly, be sure to let your doctor in on what you are doing as it's always better to be safe than sorry. 

All the best!
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Thank you so much! Since I first posted, I have changed it up a little. I am removing the "balls" in increments of 5, easier math! LOL. And I remove the same for two days before moving on. i.e., 20, 20, 25, 25 I am taking supplements including B12. I am on Day 8 and up to removing 25 balls. ABSOLUTELY NO side effects!

Regarding doctor, thing is, I've not had a doctor follow me on Cymbalta since my first time, 7-8 years ago. I was going through a bad time at work and home and my NP diagnosed me with Major Depression Disorder, and I stated Cymbalta. She also have me the "gradual steps down of whole pills, reducing by so much per week. That was 3 weeks of horrible side effects.

When I decided I needed it again (we had moved), in spite of swearing I'd never go on them again, I just talked my internist into giving me prescription. Since I had history of taking them, he did. Most internists don't have a clue about cymbalta. In fact I was hospitalized when diagnosed with diabetes/low potassium. I had to raise a big scene to get them to give me cymbalta so I wouldn't start withdrawels in the hospital (of course, they would not let my husband bring them to me from home). Thank you so much again, for your concern and suggestions). I will step up the water and give up my glass of wine! :)
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Well let me know how things go for you and I hope that you won't experience anything like you did during the previous times you came off this medication. All the best and I hope you'll update me. :)
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I am now two days off Cymbalta entirely! Absolutely no side effects tapering by removing the time release beads until last dose of 6 beads. I was very cautious at beginning, taking same dose two days in a row, then decreasing by 5 beads. After a week of no side effects, I started removing 7 beads from capsule per day until I was done, about 2 months to complete. So worth it!

My itching on scalp is completely gone (now I know it was the Cymbalta); I actually get a little "teary" at sentimental things like I used to. I was so tired of feeling NOTHING. And biggest, the excessive sweating upon exertion has lessened a great deal.

If I ever feel I cannot cope with the stressors in my life, I will definitely see a psychologist and if I take anything again, I will make sure it does not have withdrawal symptoms like that horrid Cymbalta. I am hopefull that doing natural things, like meditation, exercise, and proper diet will help me manage my stress in the future. I definitely feel my depression/anxiety was "event related", so maybe I will be lucky in that regard and can stay off any kind of antidepressant.
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SOOO Happy FOR YOU... to get OFF Cymbalta. YOU have given me the incentive to do the steps you used. Thanks so MUCH!!
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OK I am starting this weaning process. This sounds stupid, but do you mean that you take the # of balls you wish to decrease out of the capsule then reclose the capsule and take it. Or do you take the "bare balls' as it were? Please help!
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WOW...You've got a lot of "balls" to come off Cymbalta. I ended up on Cymbalta trying to get off of PAXIL. Now that's not one you even want to consider. I ended up in the hospital thinking I was having a stroke. Never thought it might be that I hadn't taken a Paxil in three days. I now haven't had a Cymbalta in a month. Been wondering why I am such a b***h! Wow, never thought to ask if going cold turkey might not be so good. Well....since I'm that far down the road now...I'm just gonna tough it out. Maybe a b***h is just my real personality. I've had it with anti depressants. Good luck to all.... Now I'm gonna try get off GLUTEN!
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