Cymbalta Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

It is unclear whether or not a slow Cymbalta taper will always prevent withdrawal symptoms, but it is generally considered the safest way to stop an antidepressant. There is one report of a withdrawal seizure and one report of withdrawal symptoms coming and going over a period of ten months. Based on the duloxetine (Cymbalta) studies, 65% of those who experienced withdrawal symptoms, said their symptoms went away in about one week. Reaching out to loved ones can provide emotional support and understanding during your withdrawal process. Sharing your experiences with friends and family can make you feel less isolated and provide a sense of comfort and security. If they start at a higher dose or have been abusing the drug, a different plan is needed.

How long do brain zaps last after stopping Cymbalta?

The study included 870 patients with a diagnosis of depression, and Cymbalta compared to a placebo (an inactive capsule). In studies, most withdrawal side effects (65%) resolved within 7 days of stopping treatment. Nearly all patients rated these side effects as mild-to-moderate in severity.

Cymbalta Withdrawal: How to Cope with Discontinuation Symptoms

Experts can help users safely stop the drug and find coping mechanisms for staying clean and healthy. The treatment programs are often individual to ensure a long-lasting recovery. Knowing that stopping Cymbalta cold turkey is dangerous, it might seem odd that people would consider this method. When people lose their insurance or cannot afford the next month of pills, there is a possibility they will not have another option. This is why it’s important to always taper off this medication under unique sobriety gifts a doctor’s supervision. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms that make it difficult to function or are experiencing new or worsening suicidal thoughts, reach out to your doctor immediately.

The most commonly cited symptom was dizziness, followed by nausea and headache. Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide strategies to cope with emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other counseling methods can be particularly effective during this transition. Knowing the potential signs of Cymbalta withdrawal, and Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome and how to handle them is critical in safely stopping this medication. The duration of Cymbalta withdrawal can vary, but in most cases, symptoms will improve within a few weeks.

1. Cymbalta works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to regulate mood and reduce pain signals.
2. If you are experiencing severe or persistent withdrawal symptoms from Cymbalta, it is essential to seek medical attention.
3. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and provide you with the support you need to get through this difficult time.
4. There are other medications, doses, and combinations of medications that you can try.
5. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.

Brain zaps caused by quitting the medication are often accompanied by disorientation and lightheadedness. While significantly disturbing to many, brain zaps are not known intermediate familial subtype to present any health danger to the person. Frequently, patients will choose to stop duloxetine for a combination of reasons. For example, Cymbalta can make patients gain weight in some cases, which can happen in addition to the medication no longer being effective.

This means you’ll gradually take lower doses of Cymbalta, which can help decrease the likelihood or severity of withdrawal side effects. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention right away is vital. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and provide you with the support you need to get through this difficult time. When taking Cymbalta for an extended period, there may be some long-term effects that can occur. These effects can vary from person to person, but it’s essential to be aware of them. We know that abruptly stopping Cymbalta can lead to a return of symptoms, so it is essential to talk to your doctor before changing your dose or stopping your medication.

There Is No Universal Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms typically start within a few days after stopping Cymbalta and can last for several weeks. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can persist for months, especially if the person takes a high medication dosage for an extended period. Cymbalta is a medication commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and diabetic neuropathy.

Sometimes, tapering off of Cymbalta — or any antidepressant — may feel like more than you can handle. When this happens, your doctor may ask you to go back on the medication and taper more slowly. Most short-term withdrawal side effects can last for up to 6 weeks, but this can be influenced by the half-life of the drug. In some cases, persistent withdrawal disorders can cause symptoms that last for months, art therapy ideas for addiction although the research on these cases is limited. In terms of tapering methods, there generally is not one single recommended way that applies to all medications and all patients. Methods employed tend to be very individualized based on medical history, age, length of prescription use etc…

Common withdrawal symptoms for duloxetine include dizziness, nausea, and trouble sleeping, among others. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. Withdrawal symptoms of Duloxetine can include severe deterioration of a person’s mental state, relapse of depression or anxiety, panic attacks, and an increased risk of suicide.