Is this duloxetine withdrawal?
Posted , 47 users are following.
I could really use some advice.
I had been on 60mg of duloxetine for about 4 years. Back in April I decided I would like to slowly reduce. I spoke to my GP who supported my decision to slowly reduce and we agreed that I would manage it myself. A friend had struggled with duloxetine withdrawal but I assumed it was because his depression had returned - I didn't reckon on the hell that is duloxetine withdrawal.
I gradually reduced to 30mg daily. In July I was struggling with brain zaps, extreme fatigue, brain fog and difficulty processing thoughts and information. Oh, and RAGE!! This was gradually getting worse and I decided to ring the GP who advised increasing my dose back to 60mg. I asked if she'd heard of patients having problems withdrawing from duloxetine - she hadn't.
That was over a month ago - after an initial improvement it is now as bad as ever. I have an appointment with GP in a few days but not sure they will even acknowledge that my symptoms are due to duloxetine withdrawal.
Any advice/similar experiences would be appreciated.
5 likes, 80 replies
Slumber68
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JanC1958 Slumber68
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I experienced exactly the same withdrawal symptoms tapering too fast off Duloxetine..... I suggest you join the group Cymbalta hurts worse, you will get support and more importantly information on how to taper safely by removing beads from the capsule...... I'm tapering by 2% monthly, it will take years to get off this drug, however better safely than have the dreadful side effects x
tom61892 Sally271
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flokitty Sally271
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i have been on Duloxatine for 9 months 60mg at the beginning of October my physiatrist suggested I reduce down to 30mg with the eventual aim to come off completely . He did advise me that I may become tearful but this could happen up to 6weeks after the drop in dose. I dule reduced the dose at first no change, then I started to get flu like syptoms and not being able to sleep. It felt odd that I seamed worse at night so I googled the symptons and found that on US sites they were recorded as withdrawal effects from Duloxatine . I feel totally wiped out and unable to function at all. I'm confused now as if I get these symptoms from just halving the dose will the carry on all the time I'm only on the low does or would it be better to stop now and get the whole withdrawal thing over in one hit.
this doesn't really help you but at least you know your not alone in your suffering.ireally feel we should have been made aware of all the things this drug can do to us.
magnolias flokitty
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flokitty magnolias
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thank you, at present I'm still wating for my Dr to call me back so I can discuss the effects of withdrawal . Th tears started today and still suffering from the flu like syptoms in fact I don't feel like a functioning human being at all. I will check the other web site out you recommended .
magnolias flokitty
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nana401 magnolias
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JanC1958 nana401
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Hiya, can I suggest to join up to Cymbalta Hurts Worse, they will advise you how to safely taper off ..... please don't go cold turkey or alternative days as the side effects are horrible..,, good luck x
JanC1958
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magnolias Sally271
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Tumtum1963 magnolias
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This was last Thursday and again I feel choked - chest crushing fatigue, can't eat - pain everywhere. The worst thing for me is that I don't know whether this is my autoimmune disease flaring or whether it's because of having come off this drug. I'm more or less bed-ridden now - keep wanting to be sick but have nothing inside me apart from ginger tea! If I eat the tummy pain worsens again. I'm fairly certain that this is because of coming off Duloxetine - but how can this be after only a few months on the drug and at a low dose?
The lovely GP just phoned and admitted she really doesn't know if the Duloxetine could be responsible or whether I have a particularly unpleasant virus that's doing the rounds. She has arranged for the nurse to check my inflammation levels tomorrow to see if this throws some light on things. In my case it progresses over the day with headache and strangled feeling kicking in around midday. If anyone else has this kind of reaction to coming off this drug - even carefully at a low dose I'd be very grateful to learn more.
caroline271 Tumtum1963
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Duloxetine like any other drug suits some people but the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are something i wouldn't want to go through again.
Tumtum1963 caroline271
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louby13579 caroline271
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Wow, we didnt realise serious adverse effects can be so bad! My husband has been suffering from numbness, blindness, incontinence, stroke symptoms since he has been on it. He's had mri scans, hospital stays until a emergency dr said a year later, it is the medication. Now he has to face coming off it which is necessary considering the side effects but bring more concerns
louby13579
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hillbunn Tumtum1963
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Hey. I'm weaning off cymbalta and the jaw pain for me is insane. I have tmj but it has been under control until this. I just read your post and see you had similar symptoms. How long did it last?
rebecca92282 hillbunn
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