Depending on how people use them, drugs can help people or hurt them. The antidepressant Cymbalta is one such drug. It is a SNRI drug. SNRI stands for serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. This means that SNRI drugs stop the brain from reabsorbing serotonin and norephinephrine, two substances that are vital for communication and transmission in the brain. Without such substances, the chemistry of the brain may change.

It makes sense, then, that doctors prescribe Cymbalta to treat mental health conditions such as acute depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, Cymbalta has analgesic properties. This means that it may relieve pain. Doctors prescribe it to control symptoms associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and bone pain.

Known by its generic name of duloxetine, Cymbalta is not known to be an addictive substance. But people who use it may experience withdrawal symptoms known as discontinuation syndrome when they stop using it. The severity of these symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms may last from a few weeks to a few months. Since many people experience withdrawal symptoms, it is not a good idea to quit using Cymbalta without seeking medical care or supervision.

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Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms

Even though withdrawal symptoms related to Cymbalta/duloxetine occur regularly and may be severe, there has been controversy regarding Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome. One study claimed that about 44 percent of people who quit using duloxetine suffered from the adverse effects of discontinuation syndrome.

At one point, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the withdrawal symptoms of duloxetine were much worse than Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the drug, stated on its drug labels and in its marketing campaigns. People have claimed that their withdrawal symptoms were much harsher than they expected and believe the company misrepresented the side effects and symptoms of the drug.

According to the label for Cymbalta, people who are discontinuing the drug may experience the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Paresthesia (abnormal skin sensations)
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Fatigue

In addition to such side effects, people have claimed that they experienced other symptoms when using and discontinuing Cymbalta. Some indicated that they experienced nightmares and vertigo. Some people reported experiencing painful brain zaps that felt like electrical shocks traveling between their spines and their skulls. This also made them feel dizzy and nauseated.

Antidepressants such as Cymbalta have warning labels that inform people who are taking the drug that there is a potential for suicidal thoughts. Some people who discontinued using Cymbalta have reported that they had thoughts of suicide. Studies have shown that children, teens, and young adults may have suicidal thoughts while taking or discontinuing antidepressants.

If you, a loved one, or your friends have been taking Cymbalta and would like to quit using it, consider seeking medical help from a luxury drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. People should not stop using Cymbalta or any other drug without medical supervision.

Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptom Timeline

It is difficult to construct an exact Cymbalta withdrawal symptom timeline because withdrawal varies so much from person to person. Some people who quit using the drug may experience withdrawal symptoms that last a few weeks. Others may experience symptoms that last for several months.

In addition, some people only experience moderate symptoms, while some people experience more severe symptoms. Studies have shown that about half of the people who quit taking Cymbalta still experience symptoms two weeks after they quit using it.

Remember, the best way to stop using Cymbalta is to consult doctors or other medical or mental health professionals. They will help slowly wean you from the drug and help ease your withdrawal symptoms. Plus, if you experience harsh withdrawal symptoms, your medical care specialist can help you cope with them.

There are no specific guidelines or rules regarding how long it takes people to wean from this type of drug. This means it will be up to your doctors and treatment team to decide how long it will take to discontinue using it. In many cases, thie weaning process takes at least a month or two, sometimes longer, for people to quit using Cymbalta completely. There is good news, though. At some point, your withdrawal symptoms will end and you will feel better.

Managing Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms

To manage your Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms, you need to reduce your doses slowly. The safest way to do this is to find help from medical and mental health professionals. Even with this help, you may still experience symptoms, but they should be less severe and easier to handle. Remember to speak with your treatment team about how you feel after you reduce your dosage and to meet with this team on a regular basis.

Medications and Cymbalta Detox

Some doctors have prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) for a few weeks to help people reduce their Cymbalta dosage amounts. Using antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine may allow doctors to gradually decrease Cymbalta dosages. It will still take some time to wean completely from Cymbalta. Communicate with your doctor and therapist to see if it would be in your best interest to use another type of antidepressant while you are tapering from Cymbalta. Under no circumstances should you take another drug or medication without first consulting your doctor and your treatment team.

Choosing the Right Cymbalta Treatment Center

Quitting Cymbalta can be very difficult and at times painful. This is why you must seek help from professionals. Regardless of its withdrawal symptoms, Cymbalta is not known as an addictive drug. With that being said, if you do decide to stop using the drug, you should still find an addiction recovery center that offers programs designed for antidepressant abuse disorders.

If you, a family member, or a close friend feel alone on your quest to stop taking Cymbalta, don’t worry. You’re not alone. You can find online forums and support groups to communicate with people who have overcome Cymbalta use.

Try using these resources to meet others and gain knowledge about dealing with your withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor and treatment team about advice from forums or support groups. Using and stopping Cymbalta can affect everyone differently, which means it is essential to consult with medical and mental health professionals during the treatment and recovery process.

It might be difficult, but you can quit using Cymbalta with the help from doctors, therapists, and addiction rehab facilities. Many addiction recovery centers have medical staff designated to help people with antidepressant abuse disorders. The right assistance can help you address your particular situation and create a life without Cymbalta.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.