Due to conditions like Fibromyalgia and arthritis, duloxetine can be prescribed for pain management.There is a common name for the condition that can be caused by stopping the medication, carpalta discontinuation syndrome.Under the close direction of your prescriber, you should slowly reduce the amount of medication you take.Making lifestyle adjustments and building a strong support network are important.
Step 1: Discuss potential withdrawal symptoms with your doctor.
It is important that the two of you work together throughout the process, whether it is your decision to go off Cymbalta or your doctor's recommendation.It is important to know which potential withdrawal symptoms to watch out for.The most common symptoms are anxiety, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and brain zaps.
Step 2: There is a difference between returning symptoms and withdrawal.
If you don't take it, the symptoms of the condition will reappear.It's easy to confuse these symptoms with withdrawal since they return after you stop the medication.They will not go away without a different treatment.They'll likely return eventually, so you can't avoid them.If you're taking Cymbalta for chronic depression, feelings of sadness may return.
Step 3: If you want to stop using Cymbalta, use lower standard doses.
Your doctor may suggest that you work your way down through the standard dose over a period of about a month.If you are taking two caplets twice per day, you might try to go to 20 twice daily for about a week, then 30 once a day.Typically, caplets come in 60, 40, 30 and 20 doses.There is a maximum recommended daily dose.The FDA and the drug manufacturer give vague guidance on how long the taper should last.It is a trial-and-error process for you and your doctor to decide when to stop taking Cymbalta.
Step 4: If standard tapering isn't working, ask about "microtapering".
Microtapering is a process that involves removing increasing amounts of the medication within the caplets you take over a period of 6 months or more.The amount of time you need to stop taking the medication depends on how long you've been taking it.If you've been taking Cymbalta for a long time, you will need to take your time as you wean yourself off of it.It will be easier if you switch to a similar medication, which will ease your withdrawal symptoms.It's possible to open the caplet, remove a certain amount of granules, and put it back together, if you fill it with coated granules.Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of micro-tapering off Cymbalta, and check out some websites dedicated to it.Fine motor skills are not always possessed by patients.A compounding pharmacy may be able to do the micro-tapering for you.
Step 5: Discuss taking Prozac while you are taking Cymbalta.
Prozac tends to cause less severe withdrawal symptoms than Cymbalta.If your doctor is willing to prescribe Prozac once you are well into the process of taking Cymbalta, then have you take it for 1-2 weeks after you finish it.Prozac helps mask the effects of CDS.Some patients may end up having more serious side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms because this method won't work for everyone.When trying this method, you need to work closely with your doctor.
Step 6: Social connections are maintained while you are off Cymbalta.
In addition to causing physical pain,CDS can leave you feeling isolated.Keeping in touch with reliable, compassionate friends and loved ones can help you manage the emotional anguish during this challenging time.Fight the urge to leave your social circle because you don't feel well.When someone in your circle asks how they can help, be specific.Ask them to go to the store for you, tidy up a bit, or just be a sympathetic ear while you talk.
Step 7: Join online support groups.
A long list of websites dedicated to the cause can be found if you type "Cymbalta withdrawal support group" into your preferred search engine.If you want to join one or more of the options, browse through them.It is possible to make a difference by connecting with other people who know what you are going through.You might get a boost in your work.In-person support groups can be found in your area as well.
Step 8: Work closely with a mental health professional.
It is possible that you already attend therapy sessions with a mental health professional if you have been taking Cymbalta for depression.You should keep going to sessions as you stop taking the medication.Ask your doctor and insurer for recommendations on qualified therapists in your area.Talking about your struggle is a sign of strength.
Step 9: Depression withdrawal is the focus of the recovery program.
Many parallels with addiction recovery can be found in the severity of Cymbalta that some people experience.Some addiction recovery treatment programs have components dedicated to antidepressant withdrawal.In- and out-patient recovery programs are available in your area.Ask your doctor or mental health professional if you should look into online support groups.
Step 10: Keep a healthy diet.
It is possible that a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and non-processed foods can reduce the likelihood of depression.Some of the emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms may be alleviated by maintaining this type of diet.Dehydration can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can suppress your appetite.In order to find a diet that is both healthy and acceptable for you, you need to work with your doctor and a nutritionist.
Step 11: If you can, get regular, light exercise with friends.
As with a healthy diet, there is growing evidence that regular exercise can help reduce depression and provide other mental health benefits.Several of the physical symptoms of CDS, like dizziness, excess sweating, and brain zaps, may interfere with a moderate or intense exercise regimen.It is best to stick to light exercise.Try to walk instead of run.It will make you less susceptible to falls or accidents due to dizziness if you ride a stationary bike indoors.If you do experience major symptoms after exercising with one or more friends, you will have someone close by.They will provide you with good company.Discuss your exercise regimen with your doctor.
Step 12: Ask your doctor if you should be taking supplements.
There are a lot of supplements that are claimed to help ease the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal.It is very rare for these claims to be supported by reliable evidence, so you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements.The most frequently mentioned supplements are activated charcoal, fish oil, melatonin, L-tryptophan, and Himalayan salt or sea salt.If you try one supplement at a time, you can check for side effects and benefits.You should always consult with your doctor before taking supplements.