Getting off the Cymbalta ride?

Question

Has anyone ever gotten off Cymbalta - without wishing they would just die and get it over with!

Question Details: I was put on this drug about 5 years ago for nerve pain. Last fall I went to a chiropractor and the pain stopped almost completely. Now I want OFF this drug!! I am going cold turkey. It has been 12 days without it. I still have brain zaps and stomach upsets as well as sudden mood swings toward the dark side. How much longer? Why don't drug companies do research on how to get off these d**n things!

Answer 1

Powerful neuro-active medications such as these do require weaning, especially if you are on a high dose.  Unless a patient is having severe side-effects, such as allergic reactions, I generally try to cut the dose in half for a week or so, then continue this until the lowest daily dose for a week, then every other day for a week, then stop.  It takes a while, but if the reason you are stopping is that your problems are resolved, the goal should be to stop without causing more problems through withdrawal.