years ago. The side effects just weren't worth it. I gained weight, which is depressing in itself. Screwed up my sex life - another major bummer. And none of them did shit for my depression. The only one I had withdrawals from is Paxil. I still could work, but it was a crappy week. Of course, I didn't take any of them for 5 years (though it was almost that long with Prozac). I didn't have any withdrawals getting off that.
I just don't enough about Cymbalta, although I've tried it as well. My sister was on it for many years and she said it wasn't that big of a deal getting off. Of course, it's impossible to say as how you will react since we're all so different.
I think I've tried every anti-depressant ever made - a bit of an exaggeration but not by much. The absolute worst withdrawals is any benzodiazepine like Xanax, Valium, etc. Way worse than anything I've ever experienced, ever. I'm taking Klonopin now (generic) and I think I'll have to stay on it forever, it does help with general anxiety. I'm not going through those withdrawals ever again. Getting off pain meds is a walk in the park compared to benzos.
I wish you the very, very best, yes tapering off slowly is best....I think you'll be fine. Take good care, Miss Pasadena (we're almost neighbors)! I just know you'll be fine. Hopefully you have a good doc that will help you taper off the Cymbalta. I'll be sending good thoughts your way!
Sorry for the long post!