Withdrawing from cymbalta side effects
Why It Happens and How to Cope
As of 2019, over 50 million American adults live with a mental illness, and over 20 percent of American adults experience chronic pain.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a drug commonly prescribed for these conditions, which include depression, anxiety, and certain chronic pain issues.
As with all similar drugs, stopping Cymbalta can cause withdrawal side effects, some of which can be difficult to live with. Whether you’re planning to stop Cymbalta or are already weaning yourself off of it, there are steps you can take to minimize these symptoms.
In this article, we’ll discuss more about Cymbalta withdrawal, including some of the common side effects and tips on how to manage during the withdrawal process.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a type of antidepressant drug called an serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Most other common antidepressants, like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine), are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
While SSRIs act only on serotonin, SNRIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters.
By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, SNRIs can help decrease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Cymbalta is commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- fibromyalgia
- diabetic nerve pain
With Cymbalta, you may start seeing improvement in your symptoms in as little as 1 to 2 weeks, with full effectiveness at around 6 to 8 weeks.
Once Cymbalta begins to work, clinical guidelines for depression suggest using pharmacological treatment options for at least 4 to 12 months. Many people who choose to take Cymbalta for mental health conditions and chronic pain continue treatment long term.
In some cases, your doctor may stop prescribing Cymbalta. You may also choose to stop taking it if you’ve found that it’s no longer effective or it’s causing side effects.
However, when you stop taking Cymbalta, it can trigger withdrawal side effects. Generally, the severity of these side effects depends on the length of your treatment and how slowly you taper off, among other factors.
Withdrawal side effects from Cymbalta may vary from person to person. However, studies on the withdrawal symptoms of SNRIs have found that common side effects may include:
- headache
- lightheadedness
- dizziness or vertigo
- shock-like sensations in the head or other areas of the body
- tinnitus
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- sweating
- fatigue
- fidgeting
- muscle cramps
- tremors
- fast heart rate or heart palpitations
- insomnia
- vivid or bizarre dreams
- increased anxiety
- irritability
According to the research, side effects of Cymbalta withdrawal can appear hours or days after tapering off or stopping the drug.
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, although the research on these cases is limited.
Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. The good news is that they’re rarely dangerous to your long-term health.
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.
It can be dangerous to stop taking antidepressants abruptly, so contact your doctor or psychiatrist first if you want to wean yourself off of Cymbalta.
With medical supervision, you can begin a medication taper. This means you’ll gradually take lower doses of Cymbalta, which can help decrease the likelihood or severity of withdrawal side effects.
According to current guidelines, antidepressant medications should be gradually tapered for a period of at least 4 weeks. This process should be based on:
- how long you’ve been taking it
- your current dose
- your personal medical history
This is why it’s important to always taper off this medication under a doctor’s supervision.
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. This can help reduce your side effects and make them more manageable.
If you have already started to taper off of Cymbalta or are planning to do so in the future, here are some suggestions for how to wean off Cymbalta successfully:
- Stick to your prescribed tapering plan. Following the plan outlined by your doctor can help reduce the likelihood of severe withdrawal symptoms. If your symptoms are too uncomfortable to handle, your taper can always be adjusted.
- Treat the side effects. Headache, nausea, body aches, and other symptoms can usually be eased with over-the-counter medications. Make sure to ask your doctor before taking new medications, just to make sure there are no interactions.
- Lean on your support system.
Friends, family, and professionals are important for providing support during the tapering process. Make sure that you’re being open about your feelings, especially if you’re struggling with anxious or depressed thoughts. - Consider trying integrative remedies. Herbal remedies, especially those that have been heavily researched, may help ease the severity of side effects during withdrawal. Always check with your doctor first when trying integrative or herbal medicines.
- Practice lots of self-care. Self-care is a huge part of the recovery and management of both mental health and chronic pain conditions. No matter what your reason for stopping Cymbalta, make sure to give yourself some extra care during the process.
When you stop taking Cymbalta or any other antidepressant, you may experience withdrawal side effects. For this reason, Cymbalta should never be stopped or tapered off without supervision by a medical professional.
If you do experience side effects during this process, just remember that these symptoms are a temporary response to a change in your brain chemistry.
Seeking medical and social support, having over-the-counter medications on hand to ease symptoms, and being open about what you’re feeling can help make the process easier.
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Side Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms
The most serious side effects caused by the antidepressant medication Cymbalta (duloxetine) include abdominal bleeding and liver injury. But stopping the drug suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation and suicidal thoughts.
Common Side Effects of Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
The most common side effects of Cymbalta are nausea, headache, dry mouth and sleepiness, but more serious side effects may occur. A 2021 review of Cymbalta clinical trials found that participants who took the drug were more likely to experience common side effects than those who took a placebo.
But people who take Cymbalta and don’t participate in drug trials also routinely report these side effects.
Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for major depression. Unfortunately, almost all can cause these side effects, leading many people to want to stop taking them.
The most common side effects associated with Cymbalta (duloxetine) are:
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Increased urination
- Insomnia
- Intestinal gasMuscle pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Weight changes
Some of these side effects tend to accompany one another.
For example, people who experience vomiting and stomach pain may lose weight as a result.
Serious Cymbalta Side Effects and Warnings
Cymbalta can have serious side effects, often related to drug interactions, alcohol use and coexisting medical conditions. However, most are rare and reversible.
A March 2021 case report of a 43-year-old woman admitted to the hospital for acute liver failure while taking Cymbalta shows that drug-induced liver injury is a potential side effect of duloxetine. The patient was negative for viral and bacterial causes of liver failure and had no prior history of hepatic or liver diseases.
Cymbalta may cause enlarged liver and increased liver enzymes.
Between 2005 and 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued several warnings regarding the serious side effects of Cymbalta, including the dangers of liver injury for heavy drinkers. As a result, the FDA advises against prescribing Cymbalta for heavy drinkers or chronic liver disease patients.
Serious Cymbalta side effects include:
- Allergic Reactions: Some people are allergic to one or more ingredients in Cymbalta. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include fever, hives and difficulty breathing.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Also referred to as “abdominal bleeding,” this side effect is prevalent enough to be listed as a warning on Cymbalta’s label. People experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding may feel weak and tired or notice bright red or dark tarry blood in their stool.
- Glaucoma: There have been a handful of cases of duloxetine-induced bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma. One person observed in a 2017 report developed glaucoma within 15 days of beginning Cymbalta.
-
Hyponatremia: Low blood sodium is a severe condition in which salt in your blood becomes severely diluted.
Symptoms include confusion, headache, seizures and coma. - Liver Injury: Drug-induced liver injury, liver damage, liver failure and hepatotoxicity (toxic liver disease) are rare but serious.
- Serotonin Syndrome: Studies link duloxetine to increased levels of serotonin in the body that can result in agitation, heart palpitations and changes in blood pressure.
- Skin Reactions: Skin reactions include rashes and hair loss. These problems are usually reversible.
Cymbalta also may cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include rashes, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting and a weak but fast pulse. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis.
You shouldn’t take Cymbalta if you drink alcohol in large quantities, if you have an existing liver condition, if you already have high serotonin levels or if you also take a blood thinner.
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Cymbalta Black Box Warning for Suicide Risk
Like most antidepressants, Cymbalta may trigger suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and adults under the age of 24. Therefore, patients should be monitored closely for changes in mood and behavior and the emergence of such symptoms.
Some people who take duloxetine also develop suicidal thoughts when they stop taking it. The FDA requires manufacturers to include a black box warning detailing these side effects in the labeling information for all SSRI and SNRI medications. People who have new prescriptions for Cymbalta should be aware of these warnings.
If you experience suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor or a crisis line immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Textline by texting “HELLO” to 741741.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Risks Linked to Cymbalta Use
Cymbalta can be harmful during pregnancy. A 2022 study in Current Research in Toxicology found changes to the BeWo cells that stimulate the placenta, including duloxetine-induced toxicity and reduced viability. These changes may hurt the fetus during development.
Clinical data shows that breastfeeding while taking Cymbalta is safe for babies. Although tiny amounts of the drug pass to infants during breastfeeding, researchers observed no adverse side effects in babies breastfed by mothers on Cymbalta.
Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Cymbalta. The benefits of taking Cymbalta may be worth the risks. Only you and your doctor can decide if this is the case for you.
Alexander Bingham, MA, PhD | 1:29 Can you explain the withdrawal symptoms associated with antidepressants?
Somatic Clinical Psychologist Andrew Bingham explains the withdrawal symptoms associated with antidepressants.
Long-Term Effects of Cymbalta
Cymbalta may cause enlarged liver and increased liver enzymes.
A few side effects of Cymbalta cause long-term issues, including later in life. This is especially true for people who take the medication as children.
For example, people who gain significant amounts of weight may be at greater risk of developing conditions such as coronary artery disease and cancer.
Long-term effects of Cymbalta include:
- Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: People taking Cymbalta are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Physicians would like more research to determine if this is a direct side effect of the drug.
-
Increased Risk of Falls in Elderly People: Older adults who experienced dizziness because of duloxetine were more likely to suffer a fall than those not on the drug, according to a May 2019 study.
- Stunted Growth in Children: Duloxetine may cause weight loss and poor growth in children. Monitor your child’s weight while they are taking the drug.
- Weight Gain: Cymbalta causes some people to gain weight, especially if they take it with other medications. Research published in May 2021 found that veterans taking duloxetine with pregabalin to treat neuropathy had increased rates of weight gain.
Side effects usually go away as people adjust to Cymbalta. However, withdrawal symptoms can be long-lasting, especially for those who have taken the medication for a long time.
Cymbalta Withdrawal
Cymbalta dependence is a common problem. According to a 2020 research paper, dependence is common with most psychoactive antidepressants.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when patients taper or discontinue the medication. Your doctor can help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
The most common withdrawal symptom reported for Cymbalta is nausea.
However, some people experience more severe and longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
Reported Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Brain zaps (electrical shock sensations in the brain)
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Increased occurrence of suicide
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Sleep problems
- Tremor
- Visual changes
A qualitative analysis published in 2020 noted: “It is now suspected that antidepressant withdrawal syndrome is more common and severe than earlier presumed, affecting roughly 30%-50% of those who attempt to stop their treatment.
” It reported that some people experience debilitating withdrawal symptoms, pointing to the link between withdrawal and suicide.
If you want to stop taking Cymbalta, contact your doctor. Your physician can determine a safe tapering timeline based on your needs and medical history.
Cymbalta Side Effects
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.
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what it is and how to deal with it - Drink-Drink
Over 50 million as of 2019 American adults are living with a mental illness, and more than 20 percent of American adults experience chronic pain.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a drug commonly prescribed for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and some chronic pain.
As with all similar drugs, stopping Cymbalta can cause withdrawal side effects, some of which can be difficult to live with. Whether you are planning to stop Cymbalta or are already weaning yourself from it, there are steps you can take to minimize these symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss Cymbalta withdrawal in more detail, including some common side effects and tips on how to deal with the withdrawal process.
What is Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a type of antidepressant called a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Most other common antidepressants, such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine), are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
While SSRIs act only on serotonin, SNRIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters.
By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, SNRIs can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Cymbalta is commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:
- Depression
- anxiety
- fibromyalgia
- diabetic nerve pain
With Cymbalta, you can start seeing improvement in your symptoms in as little as 1-2 weeks, with full effectiveness in about 6-8 weeks.
Once Cymbalta begins to work, clinical guidelines for depression suggest using pharmacological treatment options for at least 4-12 months. Many people who decide to take Cymbalta for mental illness and chronic pain continue treatment for a long time.
In some cases, your doctor may stop prescribing Cymbalta.
You can also stop taking it if you find that it is no longer effective or causing side effects.
However, when you stop taking Cymbalta, it may cause withdrawal side effects. Generally, the severity of these side effects depends on the length of your treatment and how slowly you taper, among other factors.
What are the common side effects of withdrawal from Cymbalta?
Cymbalta withdrawal side effects may vary from person to person. However, studies on SNRI withdrawal symptoms have shown that common side effects may include:
According to studies, side effects of withdrawal from Cymbalta may appear hours or days after dose reduction or discontinuation of the drug.
Most short-term side effects of withdrawal can last up to 6 weeks, but this may be affected by the half-life of the drug. In some cases, persistent withdrawal disorders can cause symptoms that last for months, although research on such cases is limited.
Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. The good news is that they are rarely dangerous to your health in the long run.
However, if you experience symptoms that interfere with functioning, or if you have new or worsening suicidal thoughts, call your doctor right away.
What is the best way to reduce the dose of Cymbalta?
Stopping antidepressants abruptly can be dangerous, so if you want to stop taking Cymbalta, talk to your doctor or psychiatrist first.
Under your doctor's supervision, you can begin to gradually reduce your medication. This means that you will gradually take lower doses of Cymbalta, which may help reduce the chance or severity of withdrawal side effects.
According to current guidelines, antidepressants should be tapered off gradually over a period of at least 4 weeks. This process should be based on:
- how long you have been taking it
- your current dose
- your personal medical history
This is why it is important to always reduce the dose of this medicine under medical supervision.
Sometimes lowering your dose of Cymbalta - or any other antidepressant - can feel like more than you can handle. When this happens, your doctor may ask you to return to the medication and lower your dose more slowly. This can help reduce your side effects and make them more manageable.
Coping with Cymbalta Withdrawal
If you have already started off Cymbalta or plan to do so in the future, here are some tips on how to successfully wean Cymbalta:
- Stick to your prescribed dose reduction plan. Following the plan outlined by your doctor may help reduce the chance of severe withdrawal symptoms. If your symptoms are too bothersome to manage, the taper can always be adjusted.
- Treat side effects. Headache, nausea, body aches, and other symptoms can usually be relieved with over-the-counter medications. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking new medications, just to make sure there are no interactions.
- Rely on your support system. Friends, family and professionals are important to provide support during the taping process. Make sure you are open about your feelings, especially if you are struggling with anxious or depressing thoughts.
- Consider trying integrative tools. Herbal remedies, especially those that have been extensively researched, may help alleviate the severity of side effects during withdrawal. Always check with your doctor when trying integrative or herbal medicines.
- Practice a lot of self-care. Self-care is a huge part of recovery and treatment for both mental health and chronic pain conditions. Regardless of your reason for stopping Cymbalta, be sure to pay extra attention to yourself during the process.
Conclusion
When you stop taking Cymbalta or any other antidepressant, you may experience withdrawal side effects. For this reason, Cymbalta should never be discontinued or the dose reduced without supervision by a healthcare professional.
If you experience side effects during this process, just remember that these symptoms are a temporary response to changes in your brain chemistry.
Seeking medical and social support, having over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, and being open about how you feel can help make this process easier.
Cymbalta Pellets in English - Product
Cymbalta Pellets in English - Product - TabletWise.comCymbalta Pellets contains the following active ingredients: Duloxetine Hydrochloride. Available in pellet form.
Detailed information regarding the use, composition, dosage, side effects of Cymbalta Pellets, as well as user reviews are provided below:
Benefits and symptoms:
- Office of pain caused by fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Depression
- generalized anxiety disorder
Learn more: benefits
Side effects of possible side effects are presented below, which can be caused by elements that can be caused Pellets Cymbalta / Cymbalta Pellets.
This list is not final. These side effects have been recorded previously, but are not always recorded when using the drug. Some of these side effects may be extremely rare, but have incredibly severe consequences. If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Especially in the case of observing side effects for a long time. Precautions
Before starting this drug, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, dietary supplements (such as vitamins, natural supplements, etc.), allergies, existing medical conditions, and current health conditions (such as pregnancy, upcoming surgery, and etc.). The side effects of the drug may be more pronounced depending on the state of your body. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions for use that come with your medicine. The dosage of the drug depends on your condition. Tell your doctor if there is no change or if your condition worsens. Important points to discuss with your healthcare provider are listed below.
- Arrhythmia
- High blood pressure
- breastfeeding
- History of bipolar disorder
- History History
- Blood or bleeding of the problem
- mental or mood
If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of Cymbalta Pellets may change. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you use. Your doctor will be able to make the right plan for taking the drug, which will avoid negative interactions. Cymbalta Pellets may interact with the following drugs and products:
Packing options and strength of the drug
Cymbalta Pellets / Cymbalta Pellets is available in the following packages with the following intensity options
Available packages of Cymbalta Pellets / Cymbalta Pellets: EQ 30MG BASE, EQ 60MG BASE, EQ 20MG BASE
2 Frequently asked questions
2
-
Can Cymbalta Pellets be used to manage pain caused by fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression?
Yes, management of pain caused by fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression are among the most common reported uses for Cymbalta Pellets.
Please do not use Cymbalta Pellets for the management of pain caused by fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression without consulting first with your doctor. Click here and view the survey results to find out how other users use Cymbalta Pellets. -
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while using this product?
If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension or a headache as side-effects when using Cymbalta Pellets medicine then it may not be safe to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. You should stop driving if taking this medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy, or hypotensive. Doctors recommend that you stop drinking alcohol with such drugs, because. alcohol greatly increases the side effects and drowsiness. Please check for these effects on your body when using Cymbalta Pellets. Be sure to consult your doctor for advice based on the characteristics of your body and general health.
-
Is this medicine (product) addictive or addictive?
Most drugs are not habit-forming or addictive.
In most cases, the state classifies drugs that can be addictive as controlled dispensing drugs. For example, schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the USA. Please check the information on the drug packaging to make sure that this drug is not in the controlled category. Also, do not self-medicate or accustom your body to medications without consulting your doctor. -
Can I stop using this product immediately or do I need to slowly stop using it?
Some medications need to be stopped gradually due to a rebound effect. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider for advice based on your body, general health, and other medications you may be taking.
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