Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Withdrawal: Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Medically reviewed by Alex Yampolsky, PharmDMedically reviewed by Alex Yampolsky, PharmDCymbalta (duloxetine) can cause a range of side effects when you stop taking it, especially if you discontinue it abruptly. This is known as a withdrawal or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Common withdrawal symptoms for duloxetine include dizziness, nausea, and trouble sleeping, among others.Cymbalta belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs are prescribed to help treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety but may also be taken for other disorders such as neuropathic pain (nerve pain), fibromyalgia, and chronic muscle or joint pain.Stopping antidepressants like Cymbalta abruptly can be dangerous, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider or psychiatrist if you want to come off the medication.This article provides an overview of Cymbalta withdrawal, its symptoms, and how to stop taking it safely.
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What Is Cymbalta Withdrawal?Cymbalta withdrawal occurs when a person suddenly stops taking their medication or when they significantly reduce their dose. The following factors may influence whether you are more likely to experience withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome:Long-term use of medicationMedication half-lifeReducing higher doses of medicationAbrupt discontinuationIndividual physiologyPast experience with withdrawal symptomsWithdrawal symptoms typically emerge within a couple of days after stopping the medication.How Long Does Cymbalta Withdrawal Last?The duration of Cymbalta withdrawal can vary, but in most cases, symptoms will improve within a few weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for several weeks, especially if they have been taking higher doses or using the medication for a long time.Side Effects of WithdrawalThe most common side effects of withdrawal include:AnxietyDizzinessHeadachesInsomnia (trouble sleeping) or nightmaresIrritabilityNausea or vomitingParesthesia ("pins and needles" sensation in arms, hands, legs, or feet)
What Antidepressants Are the Hardest to Stop Taking?Antidepressants with short half-lives are associated with a higher risk of withdrawal and should be tapered off gradually over a long period. These antidepressants and their half-lives are:Cymbalta (duloxetine): 12 hoursCelexa (citalopram): 36 hoursWellbutrin (bupropion): 21 hoursLexapro (escitalopram): 27 to 32 hoursZoloft (sertraline): 26 hoursPaxil (paroxetine): 24 hoursPristiq (desvenlafaxine): 12 hoursEffexor XR (venlafaxine): 5 hours
How to Safely Stop Taking CymbaltaIt is important to work with your healthcare provider when discontinuing Cymbalta to reduce the severity of withdrawal. The recommended approach is to gradually taper the medication off over a long period. Clinicians generally recommend gradually reducing the dose no less than two weeks before stopping treatment.However, tapering recommendations will be left to the clinical judgment of your provider, who will decide based on factors like the current dose of your medication and how long you have been taking it.Managing Withdrawal SymptomsSome strategies for coping with withdrawal symptoms include:Follow the prescribed tapering schedule: Adhere to the instructions outlined by your healthcare provider to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.Manage side effects: Symptoms like headaches and nausea are typically manageable with the help of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Ask your provider about options for symptom relief.Practice self-care: Engaging in self-care activities, like regular exercise and other stress-reduction techniques, can help you cope with your condition during this time.Maintain a strong support system: Talk to friends, family, support groups, or a counselor about how you're feeling during this time. Talk therapy can be beneficial in managing anxiety or stress related to stopping treatment.SummaryStopping a medication such as Cymbalta suddenly can be dangerous, so it's important to work with your healthcare provider when weaning off treatment. They'll have you follow a gradual tapering schedule and offer guidance on coping strategies.Still, even when slowly reducing your dose, you may experience side effects associated with withdrawal. These are temporary, however, and you can sometimes manage them with the help of OTC medication.The author would like to recognize and thank Chinonso Lloyd Paul for contributing to this article. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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