Duloxetine Withdrawal (Help! =[)

[John_jb1]

Hello,

A few months ago I was put onto Duloxetine 60mg for hypersomnia and major depressive disorder... The Duloxetine did actually help, but only for a few weeks, it just sort of "died down" so my psychiatrist put me onto Bupropriun 150mg - twice a day. The Bupropriun is brilliant, it really DOES help. However, he decided that as the Duloxetine was basically a sugar pill for me, to take me off of it.

The incompetant fool, instead of weaning me off gradually over a few weeks, decided to take me off at the click of his fingers. The NEXT DAY I had HUGE issues which only got worse, it got so bad that the "brain zap" sensations would cause me to physically loose balance and I would fall onto the floor (often hitting and bruising myself in the process).
Of course, I went to my doctor who put me on a low dose of 30mg a day, however, when I try to reduce my dose the traditional way, i.e. intermittant dosage - after just one day of not taking it, my body reacts so extremely I get quite severe withdrawals (after just one day). This to me doesn't make much sense, as levels would still be quite apparent in the blood stream.

Any ideas? My doctor really doesn't know what he's doing, I'm going back to the Psychiatrist on 12th of October, I will give him a good peice of my mind! My siblings also want to as well (though of course, I don't think I'll allow them to).

My main question is; how do I cope with these withdrawals? I'm taking half a capsule every day by  physically opening and pooring out half of the powder in there. But that doesn't stop withdrawals, just eases them a tiny bit.

What do you guys think?

Cheers,

- John -

[g2pankhursts]

If you are still experiencing withdrawals from the drug after 28 days then I’m afraid you may have to go onto a small dose of duloxetine again

[g2pankhursts]

First thing to note, Unfortunately smoking does affects the amount of duloxetine in your system and blood stream meaning that you will loose between 40 - 50% of the duloxetine dose you take. It is not uncommon for people to have their duloxetine prescription increased if they smoke. Unfortunately it is not uncommon if you miss a dose to be experiencing these problems if your on a high dose, my patients even at a dose of 30mg do experience brain zaps, nausea and vomiting even with just one day missed. This is why duloxetine should be withdrawn extremely slowly and only under professional help. I always recommend being on duloxetine for a solid 12 months at the right dose for you before you even consider reducing or think about coming off the drug, kind regards