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PasadenaTrudy

(3,998 posts)
Fri Nov 8, 2013, 10:56 AM Nov 2013

Cymbalta

I have been taking 60 mg for about 5 yrs now for depression and fibromyalgia. I've gained a lot of weight and I'm wondering if it is the culprit. I'm going to slowly cut down and try to get off of it. I hear the withdrawals can be terrible.

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Cymbalta (Original Post) PasadenaTrudy Nov 2013 OP
I quit taking anti-depressants mimi85 Nov 2013 #1
Thanks! PasadenaTrudy Nov 2013 #2

mimi85

(1,805 posts)
1. I quit taking anti-depressants
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:21 PM
Nov 2013

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!

PasadenaTrudy

(3,998 posts)
2. Thanks!
Sun Nov 10, 2013, 10:34 AM
Nov 2013

I think I've been on them all too, starting way back in 1980 with the tricyclics, they were awful. I was 16 and now they know they are not good for teen brains. I think the one that helped me the most and gave me a bit more energy was Wellbutrin.

I'm currently dividing up the capsule contents and now on 30 mg, roughly. I think I feel a bit more clear headed. I am having some strange dreams though, not a bad thing I haven't been to a shrink in years, actually. My GP put me on Cymbalta for both depression and to help ease fibromyalgia pain. Before that, I had been on Prozac for a number of years.

I will keep you posted. Fingers crossed!

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