Stopping Cymbalta could be quite challenging, especially if the patients do not know how to do it correctly. For weaning off Cymbalta successfully, it is vital to stick to the tapering schedule and never try to stop duloxetine abruptly because Duloxetine withdrawal can be tough.
Although this antidepressant is not physically addictive, the withdrawal effects can be severe and even life-threatening. Knowing how to reduce and manage symptoms of withdrawal from Cymbalta can help a person complete the treatment successfully and avoid relapsing.
Cymbalta, also known by its generic name duloxetine, is a prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety, diabetes nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain While Cymbalta can be very effective for treating these conditions, many people wonder if they can stop taking it abruptly or if they need to wean off it slowly The answer is, you should never stop Cymbalta cold turkey.
Why You Shouldn’t Quit Cymbalta Cold Turkey
Stopping any medication suddenly and completely, including Cymbalta, can be dangerous and lead to withdrawal side effects. This is because your body gets used to having a certain amount of the drug in your system. When you stop taking Cymbalta abruptly, your brain is left with lower levels of serotonin and norepinephrine before it can adjust. This chemical imbalance is what causes the withdrawal symptoms.
Some potential side effects of quitting Cymbalta cold turkey include:
- Dizziness, vertigo
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Headache
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Irritability, anxiety
- Fatigue, insomnia
- Muscle cramps, tremors
- Brain zaps (shock-like sensations in the brain)
These symptoms may be mild for some people but can be severe for others making it difficult to function normally. In rare cases, stopping Cymbalta suddenly may also cause more serious side effects like seizures.
Additionally, if you developed depression anxiety or chronic pain again after quitting Cymbalta abruptly your symptoms could come back even worse than before. This is because your brain chemistry hasn’t had time to stabilize.
How to Safely Stop Taking Cymbalta
The safest way to stop taking Cymbalta is to slowly taper off it under your doctor’s supervision. This means gradually reducing your dosage over a period of weeks or months, giving your brain more time to adjust to the changes in medication levels.
According to experts, Cymbalta and other antidepressants should be tapered off over a minimum of 4 weeks. However, your doctor will create a schedule specific to your situation based on factors like:
- How long you’ve been taking Cymbalta
- Your current dosage
- Your medical history
For example, if you’ve been on 60mg of Cymbalta for 6 months, your tapering schedule may look something like this:
- Week 1: Take 60mg daily
- Week 2: Take 40mg daily
- Week 3: Take 20mg daily
- Week 4: Take 20mg every other day
- Week 5: Stop taking Cymbalta
This gradual reduction of dosage can help minimize withdrawal side effects. However, you may still experience some mild symptoms. Stay in close contact with your doctor during the tapering process so they can adjust your schedule if needed.
Tips for Coping with Cymbalta Withdrawal
Even with a slow taper, you may feel some unpleasant withdrawal effects. Here are some tips to help you cope:
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Ask your doctor about switching medications first – They may have you transition to another antidepressant or SNRI before tapering Cymbalta. This can make withdrawal easier.
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Take OTC medications as needed – For headaches, nausea, dizziness and body aches, take ibuprofen, anti-nausea medication, etc. Check with your doctor about interactions first.
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Try natural remedies – Things like chamomile tea, valerian root, and lemon balm may help calm anxiety and promote sleep. Always check with your doctor before starting herbal supplements.
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Practice self-care – Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and do relaxing activities to take care of your mental and physical health.
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Seek support – Talk to loved ones about what you’re experiencing and ask your doctor about counseling/therapy if you need help coping with anxiety or depression during withdrawal.
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Avoid alcohol – Alcohol can worsen withdrawal side effects and interact negatively with Cymbalta.
The Bottom Line
Quitting Cymbalta cold turkey is not recommended under any circumstances due to potentially dangerous withdrawal side effects. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to safely stop taking this medication. With a gradual tapering schedule, withdrawal symptoms are usually minimal and manageable. Seek medical advice if your symptoms become severe. Take care of yourself during the transition off Cymbalta.
How Long Does Cymbalta Stay in Your System?
Cymbalta half-life averages 12 hours. However, it can happen sooner or take longer to occur, depending on the patient. It means that Duloxetine withdrawal can start approximately 12 hours after taking the last dose of the drug. Knowing the duloxetine half-life is important, but it doesn’t show the big picture.
The Exact Length of Time of How Long Cymbalta Stays Detectable In the System Is Discussed Below:
- Blood. When it comes to detection in the blood, duloxetine can be seen on tests for up to five days after the last dose.
- Urine. In the urine, it also shows up for about five days.
- Saliva. Saliva has the shortest detection period of just two days after the last dose.
- Hair. On the other hand, hair has the longest detection time, which is possible up to nine months after last use.
Because duloxetine can remain in the system for so long, it can take a while for the body to return to normal. For example, duloxetine sexual side effects may not go away for several weeks. And since one cannot take Cymbalta while pregnant, this can also determine when it is safe to conceive.
Stopping Duloxetine Requires Medical Supervision
Many patients believe that they can get off the antidepressant on their own. However, stopping any antidepressant has the risk of health complications arising. Additionally, if a user switches medications without medical assistance, there are risks of complications. It also refers to a situation when a patient stops using duloxetine in combination with other drugs such as Cymbalta with Wellbutrin.
Doctors have proper knowledge on weaning off Cymbalta successfully. With the right help, users can get off the drug without problems.
What happens if you stop Cymbalta suddenly?
FAQ
What happens if you stop taking Cymbalta suddenly?
Does Cymbalta need to be tapered off?
How long does it take for duloxetine to wear off?
Does Benadryl help with Cymbalta withdrawal?
Can you stop Cymbalta cold turkey?
Going cold turkey will trigger withdrawal, which is something the user will want to avoid as it has the potential to be deadly. Knowing that stopping Cymbalta cold turkey is dangerous, it might seem odd that people would consider this method. However, it is not always by choice.
Can I stop taking Cymbalta suddenly?
You should not stop taking Cymbalta or any other antidepressant suddenly. Doing so can cause uncomfortable withdrawal side effects. Working with your provider when switching or stopping medication is the best way to avoid symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal and ensure that you’re stopping the medication as safely as possible.
Are Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms dangerous?
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.
How do I manage Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms?
Practice self-care: One way to manage Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms is by caring for yourself. Practicing self-care, like eating well, getting enough sleep, and doing yoga or meditation, can help you transition as you come off Cymbalta.