Aspect Results & Timeline — Talkspace

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is an efficient antidepressant for melancholy, main depressive dysfunction, nervousness dysfunction, and persistent ache. Nonetheless, when it comes time to cease taking Cymbalta therapy — or any drug – antidepressant withdrawal signs might happen. Some analysis means that an estimated 44% of people that discontinue antidepressants like Cymbalta would possibly expertise some type of withdrawal or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. 

Figuring out the potential indicators of Cymbalta withdrawal and Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome and the right way to deal with them is essential in safely stopping this remedy. Preserve studying to study extra.

Can You Go Off Cymbalta Chilly Turkey?

Stopping any remedy chilly turkey — together with Cymbalta therapy — may be harmful. It’s because your physique is used to having a certain quantity of the drug in its system. Abruptly eradicating it may trigger extreme withdrawal signs, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, or different well being points. 

Earlier than abruptly discontinuing Cymbalta, seek the advice of your physician to make sure the method may be accomplished safely.

Withdrawal Signs of Cymbalta

A standard withdrawal symptom of Cymbalta is the so-called “mind zap”, nausea or vomiting. The sudden lack of duloxetine in your system can result in a digestive system response. Different signs that will happen embrace: 

• Vertigo
• Mind zaps
• Dry mouth
• Migraine
• Lethargy
• Sleeplessness 
• Decreased urge for food
• Restlessness
• Low blood strain
• Emotional volatility or annoyance
• Looseness of the bowels 
• Constipation
• Chilly- or flu-like signs, like shivering or perspiring 

“Cymbalta is a twin receptor remedy that works on serotonin and norepinephrine programs. Abruptly stopping the remedy could cause quite a lot of undesirable signs.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

In some circumstances, you may expertise extra critical Cymbalta uncomfortable side effects, together with hallucinations and suicidal ideas — though that is uncommon.

How Lengthy Does Cymbalta Withdrawal Final?

Cymbalta withdrawal signs can vary from a couple of days to a number of weeks. The period of withdrawal signs can fluctuate relying on issues just like the size of time you have been on Cymbalta and particular person physiology. 

If you happen to’ve been on Cymbalta for longer than 6 months, the withdrawal results and every abrupt discontinuation symptom may very well be extra intense and take longer to decrease.

Cymbalta withdrawal timeline

There’s no set Cymbalta withdrawal timeline, however when discontinuing any antidepressant remedy, there may be 2 phases: acute withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Most frequently, withdrawal signs will resolve in about 1 – 3 weeks.

• Acute withdrawal has bodily signs like mind zap, nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. Whereas period and severity may be completely different for everybody, signs usually start 1 – 3 days after you cease taking Cymbalta. 
• Publish-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a extra extended part that may last as long as 6 months or extra, relying on components like physique chemistry, authentic dosage, and size of time you have been on Cymbalta. 

PAWS signs can embrace emotions of unease and disappointment, agitation, psychological confusion, issue with cognitive duties, and sleep disruption.

When does Cymbalta withdrawal peak? 

Cymbalta withdrawal can peak at numerous instances, however most individuals expertise the worst signs inside 1 – 2 weeks after cessation. After that, signs will most frequently finally cut back or resolve, however they will final for a number of weeks and even months in some circumstances. Notably, everybody’s withdrawal expertise will likely be distinctive, and there’s no outlined timetable for therapeutic.

The way to Deal with a Cymbalta Withdrawal

Sadly, discontinuing Cymbalta may be difficult, particularly if you happen to cease taking it abruptly. If you wish to give up taking Cymbalta, you may cut back the possibility of great uncomfortable side effects or withdrawal signs by getting the appropriate plan in place. 

Speak to your physician to find out one of the simplest ways to discontinue Cymbalta. They are going to doubtless suggest petering out slowly over a number of weeks or months. Generally they’ll suggest utilizing over-the-counter drugs, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate withdrawal discomfort.

“It might probably fluctuate from feeling nauseous to irritable and having dangerous complications. Generally you’ll have tingling and pins and needles sensations, which may generally trigger tremors and impression sleep cycles. Some individuals report having nightmares. There are additionally reviews of elevated sweating. Some sufferers describe having mind zaps or electrical sensation of their head.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

How Do I Safely Come Off Cymbalta?

By no means cease taking your remedy with out consulting your physician first. Collectively, you may provide you with a protected, efficient plan to attenuate the chance of withdrawal signs and are available off Cymbalta with as little disruption to your life as attainable. 

• Use a taper schedule: Slowly decreasing using Cymbalta is recommended. The timeline for this course of relies on how lengthy you have been on Cymbalta and your dose, however present finest apply when weaning off an antidepressant suggests progressively decreasing use for no less than 4 weeks. This course of, often known as “tapering down,” is designed to assist cut back the depth of withdrawal signs because the physique slowly adjusts to its pure steadiness. 
• Apply self care: One solution to handle Cymbalta withdrawal signs is by caring for your self. Training self care, like consuming effectively, getting sufficient sleep, and doing yoga or meditation, can assist you transition as you come off Cymbalta. 
• Seek the advice of together with your physician alongside the way in which: Consulting a psychological well being skilled skilled in managing the results of medicines like Cymbalta will likely be helpful. They’ll present invaluable perception into how finest to handle potential challenges related to discontinuing the drug and give you methods for coping with any tough feelings that may come up throughout this course of.

“Be sure that to speak to your psychiatrist earlier than coming off of Cymbalta.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

Speak with a Licensed Psychiatrist

Going off Cymbalta may be onerous, however the steps mentioned right here can assist. Begin by talking together with your physician about petering out the remedy progressively. Be sure that to prioritize self-care throughout this time by getting sleep, being bodily lively, consuming nutritious meals, and making an attempt calming methods like managed respiratory. Connecting with somebody sympathetic who understands what you’re going via may be very helpful. Lastly, search skilled assist if mandatory.

Speaking to a licensed psychiatrist is among the finest methods to handle Cymbalta withdrawal. A professional psychological well being skilled can assist you perceive and deal with any signs that come up throughout the course of and supply assist all through the whole expertise. 

When searching for a psychiatrist, it’s important to search for somebody with expertise treating individuals with antidepressant withdrawal. Ask for referrals from individuals you belief, like family and friends, to seek out somebody. You too can seek the advice of your main care doctor for a suggestion. 

At Talkspace, you may join with an on-line psychiatrist to both get Cymbalta on-line with a prescription or speak to them about getting off of Cymbalta safely.