Hi there,

I can speak from both a professional and personal perspective here.

First of all, bless your heart. Cymbalta withdrawal is brutal.

Contrary to a previous post, Cymbalta is actually a SNRI - serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. These include drugs such as Effexor, Pristiq, and Fetzima. They work like SSRIs, but they also work on norepinephrine receptors. SNRIs are particularly known for terrible withdrawal symptoms. Many patients describe a "zap like" feeling in the brain. It is thought that the norepinephrine reuptake inhibition is to blame. SSRIs can cause similar symptoms, especially Paxil, but many times people discontinue without a problem.

Here's why you're experiencing issues: your brain has auto receptors that respond to increases and decreases in serotonin and norepinephrine. When you first start taking Cymbalta, your brain detects increases in both chemicals and the auto receptors shut off for about a week, which is why it takes 1-3 weeks to see results. Eventually, they become desensitized and turn back on, thereby allowing CYMB to work. However, this isn't permanent. After discontinuing, the auto receptors are unable to compensate for the changes, and so your brain chemistry is out of wack. It takes up to a month or two for your chemistry to adjust.

The good news is, there is a fairly reliable solution that I've advised prescribers to use. Prozac, a SSRI, has a very long half life. It remains in the blood for about 2-3 weeks. Cymbalta has a short half-life, and remains in the blood for about 2-3 days. You simply take Cymbalta one day, Prozac the next, etc. for a week, then drop Cymbalta and remain on Prozac for 3-4 weeks. Then, you discontinue it. By having a long-half life, it has a built in taper that allows you to avoid the horrible withdrawals. There's an abundance of medical literature that supports this. Prozac does require a prescription, but your doctor is likely aware of SNRI withdrawal syndrome and will be on board.

Another option, in the meantime, would be to purchase chlorpheniramine, an OTC antihistamine, and take it as directed on the label. It has SNRI-like properties (it's a very old, cheap drug), and helps with symptoms.

Best of luck!