Updated 03/21/24Cymbalta(duloxetine) is an effective antidepressant for depression, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and chronic pain. However, when it comes time to stop takingCymbaltatreatment — or any drug – antidepressant withdrawal symptoms may occur. Someresearchsuggests that an estimated 44% of people who discontinue antidepressant medication likeCymbaltamight experience some form of withdrawal side effects or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.Knowing the potential signs of Cymbalta withdrawal, and Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome and how to handle them is critical in safely stopping this medication. Keep reading to learn more.
Updated 03/21/24
Cymbalta(duloxetine) is an effective antidepressant for depression, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and chronic pain. However, when it comes time to stop takingCymbaltatreatment — or any drug – antidepressant withdrawal symptoms may occur. Someresearchsuggests that an estimated 44% of people who discontinue antidepressant medication likeCymbaltamight experience some form of withdrawal side effects or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
Knowing the potential signs of Cymbalta withdrawal, and Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome and how to handle them is critical in safely stopping this medication. Keep reading to learn more.
Can You Go Off Cymbalta Cold Turkey?You shouldn’t quit Cymbalta cold turkey. Stopping any medication suddenly and completely — including Cymbalta treatment — can be dangerous. This is because your body is used to having a certain amount of the drug in its system. Suddenly removing it could cause severe withdrawal symptoms, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, or other health issues.Cymbalta prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Cymbalta from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get startedBefore abruptly discontinuing Cymbalta, consult your doctor or a medical professional to ensure the process can be done safely.
Can You Go Off Cymbalta Cold Turkey?
You shouldn’t quit Cymbalta cold turkey. Stopping any medication suddenly and completely — including Cymbalta treatment — can be dangerous. This is because your body is used to having a certain amount of the drug in its system. Suddenly removing it could cause severe withdrawal symptoms, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, or other health issues.
Cymbalta prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Cymbalta from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Cymbalta prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Cymbalta from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Cymbalta prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Cymbalta from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Before abruptly discontinuing Cymbalta, consult your doctor or a medical professional to ensure the process can be done safely.
Withdrawal Symptoms of CymbaltaA common withdrawal symptom of Cymbalta is the so-called “brain zap”, nausea, or vomiting. The sudden lack of duloxetine in your system can lead to a digestive system reaction. Other symptoms that may occur include:VertigoBrain zapsDry mouthMigraineLethargySleeplessnessReduced appetiteRestlessnessLow blood pressureEmotional volatility or annoyanceLooseness of the bowelsConstipationCold- or flu-like symptoms, like shivering or perspiring“Cymbalta is a dual receptor medication that works on serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause a lot of unwanted symptoms.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad MunirIn some cases, you can experience more seriousCymbalta side effects, including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts — although this is rare.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Cymbalta
A common withdrawal symptom of Cymbalta is the so-called “brain zap”, nausea, or vomiting. The sudden lack of duloxetine in your system can lead to a digestive system reaction. Other symptoms that may occur include:
“Cymbalta is a dual receptor medication that works on serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause a lot of unwanted symptoms.”
In some cases, you can experience more seriousCymbalta side effects, including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts — although this is rare.
How Long Does Cymbalta Withdrawal Last?
Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can range from a few days to multiple weeks. The duration of severe withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on things like the length of time you were on Cymbalta and individual physiology.
If you’ve been on Cymbalta for longer than 6 months, the withdrawal effects and each abrupt discontinuation symptom could be more intense and take longer to diminish.
Cymbalta withdrawal timeline
There’s no set Cymbalta withdrawal timeline, but when discontinuing any antidepressant medication, there can be 2 phases: acute withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Most often, withdrawal symptoms will resolve in about 1 – 3 weeks.
PAWS symptoms can include feelings of unease and sadness, agitation, mental confusion, difficulty with cognitive tasks, and sleep disruption.
When does Cymbalta withdrawal peak?
Cymbalta withdrawal can peak at various times, but most people experience the worst symptoms within 1 – 2 weeks after cessation. After that, symptoms will most often eventually reduce or resolve, but they can last for multiple weeks or even months in some cases. Notably, everyone’s withdrawal experience will be unique, and there’s no defined timetable for healing.
How to Cope with a Cymbalta Withdrawal
Seek support from friends and family
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.
Engage in physical activity
Moderate exercise can help alleviate some withdrawal symptoms. Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can boost your mood and help you manage any emotional symptoms. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen.
Consider professional counseling
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.
Talk to your doctor to determine the best way to discontinue Cymbalta. They will likely recommend tapering off slowly over several weeks or months. Sometimes they’ll recommend using over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate withdrawal discomfort.
“It can vary from feeling nauseous to irritable and having bad headaches. Sometimes you’ll have tingling and pins and needles sensations, which can sometimes cause tremors and impact sleep cycles. Some people report having nightmares. There are also reports of increased sweating. Some patients describe having brain zaps or electric sensation in their head.”
How Do I Safely Come Off Cymbalta?
Never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first. Together, you can come up with a safe, effective plan to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and come off Cymbalta with as little disruption to your life as possible.
“Make sure to talk to your psychiatrist before coming off of Cymbalta.”
Talk with a Licensed Psychiatrist
Talking to a licensed psychiatrist is one of the best ways to manage Cymbalta withdrawal. A qualified mental health professional can help you understand and cope with any symptoms that arise during the process and provide support throughout the entire experience.
When seeking a psychiatrist, it’s essential to look for someone with experience treating people with antidepressant withdrawal. Ask for referrals from people you trust, like friends and family, to find someone. You can also consult your primary care physician for a recommendation.
At Talkspace, you can connect with anonline psychiatristto either getCymbalta onlinewith a prescription or talk to them about getting off of Cymbalta safely.
Cymbalta Withdrawal FAQs
How long do brain zaps last after stopping Cymbalta?
Brain zaps, which are often described as sudden, brief electrical shock sensations in the brain, typically last from a few days to a few weeks after stopping Cymbalta. However, the duration can vary significantly among individuals. Gradually tapering off the medication under medical supervision can help minimize this uncomfortable symptom.
Can you lose weight after stopping Cymbalta?
Weight changes after stopping Cymbalta may occur. While some individuals may lose the weight they gained while on the medication, others might experience weight fluctuations due to withdrawal. It’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Why is Cymbalta withdrawal so bad?
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