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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Trying to Wean Off Cymbalta
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Trying to Wean Off Cymbalta
by MandieKay, Sep 21, 2007 09:44AM
I have been taking Cymbalta (60 mg) for about 6 months now, but I have been on some form of depression medication since June of 2005. I would like to wean myself off of the Cymbalta, but the physical withdrawal symptoms are absolutely awful! I tried not taking my medication for a few days recently and I was very sick to my stomach, had headaches, and felt light-headed. Mentally I feel fine without the medication, this is due to a strong support system from my family, and therapy. I just can't get over the physical side affects of withdrawal. I want to be done with this medication, but don't know what to do. My husband and I would like to start a family and we are afraid that the Cymbalta could hurt the child if I continue to take it. Any advice?
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Sep 21, 2007 06:49PM
, Sep 21, 2007 06:49PMTo: MandieKay
Of course you should be doing this with your doctor's supervison, but generally the right way to wean is gradually over a three week period. You should reduce your daily dose to the minimum over the first week, take that dose every other day for the second week, then every third day for the third week, the stop, and that should do it...
