Aspect Results & Timeline — Talkspace

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

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

Can You Go Off Cymbalta Chilly Turkey?

Stopping any remedy chilly turkey — together with Cymbalta therapy — might be harmful. It is because your physique is used to having a certain quantity of the drug in its system. Instantly eradicating it might 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 might be completed safely.

Withdrawal Signs of Cymbalta

A typical 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 
• Diminished urge for food
• Restlessness
• Low blood stress
• 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 methods. Abruptly stopping the remedy could cause lots of undesirable signs.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

In some instances, you’ll be able to expertise extra severe Cymbalta negative effects, together with hallucinations and suicidal ideas — though that is uncommon.

How Lengthy Does Cymbalta Withdrawal Final?

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

In the event you’ve been on Cymbalta for longer than 6 months, the withdrawal results and every abrupt discontinuation symptom could possibly 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 might 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 length and severity might be totally different for everybody, signs sometimes start 1 – 3 days after you cease taking Cymbalta. 
• Publish-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a extra extended section that may last as long as 6 months or extra, relying on elements 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 ultimately cut back or resolve, however they’ll final for a number of weeks and even months in some instances. Notably, everybody’s withdrawal expertise shall be distinctive, and there’s no outlined timetable for therapeutic.

The way to Address a Cymbalta Withdrawal

Sadly, discontinuing Cymbalta might be difficult, particularly should you cease taking it abruptly. If you wish to give up taking Cymbalta, you’ll be able to cut back the possibility of serious negative effects or withdrawal signs by getting the fitting plan in place. 

Speak to your physician to find out the easiest way to discontinue Cymbalta. They are going to doubtless suggest really fizzling out slowly over a number of weeks or months. Typically they’ll suggest utilizing over-the-counter medicines, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate withdrawal discomfort.

“It will probably range from feeling nauseous to irritable and having dangerous complications. Typically you’ll have tingling and pins and needles sensations, which might generally trigger tremors and impression sleep cycles. Some folks report having nightmares. There are additionally experiences 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’ll be able to provide you with a secure, efficient plan to reduce the danger of withdrawal signs and are available off Cymbalta with as little disruption to your life as potential. 

• Use a taper schedule: Slowly decreasing the usage of Cymbalta is recommended. The timeline for this course of is determined by how lengthy you have been on Cymbalta and your dose, however present finest follow when weaning off an antidepressant suggests progressively decreasing use for no less than 4 weeks. This course of, referred to as “tapering down,” is designed to assist cut back the depth of withdrawal signs because the physique slowly adjusts to its pure stability. 
• Apply self care: One option to handle Cymbalta withdrawal signs is by caring for your self. Training self care, like consuming nicely, getting sufficient sleep, and doing yoga or meditation, may also help you transition as you come off Cymbalta. 
• Seek the advice of together with your physician alongside the best way: Consulting a psychological well being skilled skilled in managing the results of medicines like Cymbalta shall be useful. 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 troublesome feelings which may come up throughout this course of.

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

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

Speak with a Licensed Psychiatrist

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

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

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

At Talkspace, you’ll be able to 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.