How long will I be going through Cymbalta withdrawals?
Question posted by JenJen101 on 9 July 2013
Last updated on 26 April 2024
I've been taking Cymbalta for 8 years for depression and chronic pain. I started having terrible sweating, short term memory loss, severe depression, worsening pain, and many other side effects.
My Dr started slowly trying to get my dosage down from 90mgs, & after getting down from 60mgs to 30mgs, my side effects became unbearable. I forged on and now I'm on my 2nd day of taking just 5mgs of Lexapro, after going 3 days w/out taking Cymbalta.
I'm curious if anyone has successfully conquered this transition, and how long it took to feel somewhat normal? I'm aware it doesn't happen overnight, and I'm not asking for rainbows & butterflies-but the way I feel now is NOT good!! Along with the other stated side effects, I'm so lethargic and my brain is acting as if I turned the switch to off.
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256 Answers Page 14
RJ
RJGarrick
23 March 2015
I promise to post back here when I can tell you how long it will take to get over Cymbalta withdrawal. I am almost 3 months into being Cymbalta free after 1 month of tapering my 60mg 2X dosage down to nothing. I'm not in a constant state of anxiety anymore, but I'm not all that far away from it either. The multiple phobias that came out of nowhere during the tapering period have weakened if not disappeared. I can take a shower and drive a car now without breaking down in fear and anxiety, but not without it threatening. My hot flashes are down to 2 or 3 a day from the constant disorienting yo yo that they were still in January. The dizziness, memory tricks, headaches, tinniness, nausia etc, etc are tapering off if not disappearing. I feel like I'm getting better, recovering something of myself from the wreckage of my post-Cymbalta personality. But I'm not over it; not even close. Yet.
Nobody warned me about this. I started Cymbalta for nerve pain associated with my neuropathy and it helped, but no better than morphone does with far fewer side effects and not nearly the sme violence of withdrawals. I would never advise anyone to start this drug and caution them about the effects of quitting once they start it. Get your doctor to research it and help you set up a tapering program. You need them and your family/friends to be aware what you are facing. You might need take an anti anxiety replacement to help you through the rough patches too and your doc has to be onboard for that.
Like so many on here, it took me many tries before I finally quit and it's been a nightmare getting through cymbaltas aftermath. I wouldn't have the courage to go through this all again so I am determined to tough it out no matter how long it takes.
Votes: +2
JB
Jb667
14 July 2019
How did you end up?
AU
AustinCarol
9 March 2015
Been on it about 6 months. I am going through exact same withdrawal. I have complex medical issues due to epilepsy, depression and pain so it is more challenging. I had shoulder surgery a month ago, so feel better. I am not that depressed because I am working part time. I decided to decrease Cymbalta on my own over 3 week period 90-60-30. The problem was after the 30. I am having sweats, nausea headache, confusion, can't sleep. My doctor was mad at me for doing so and I am seeing her tomorrow. She is a wonderful family doctor but I am requesting to go to a psychiatrist for medicine management. I am on Lexiprol for epilepsy, but forgt 2 doses and that made it worse. Also to let you know, I am dealing with a counselor to help with problems. DON'T DETOX ON YOUR OWN.
Votes: +1
MO
Momskas
10 March 2015
Cymbalta should be handled thru a psychiatrist, but mine came from one and after only being on 3 weeks, side effects (moldy smells, worse migraine, sleep disturbances) were horrible. I was only up to 30 and told psych I must back off now. Worst drug ever, and I am bipolar so have taken many. Praying the side effects go away, but ringing in ears makes it hard to sleep... I hear your pain, truly!
LU
lucysells2
21 Feb 2015
I was on cymbalta for 7-8 years originally for depression, and I had experienced dizziness and brain zaps randomly but did not realize that it was associated with the drug, or missing a dose of it. I have MS and any weird symptoms I got I attributed to the MS. I was experiencing blurry vision that was getting worse for about the last year and I thought I was going blind. After the eye exam, where the ophthalmologist told me there was nothing wrong with my eyes, I told my neurologist and she said the blurriness could be due to cymbalta. I said I wanted to stop taking it and she told me that she did not want me to stop. That was Dec. 2013. I went to a GP doc and told her I wanted to quit cymbalta so she put me on a gradual reduction of the drug. I had immediate withdrawal symptoms, constant dizziness, brain zaps every few seconds, nightmares, sweating, chills, aches, and of course depression. Today is my 4th day without any drug and things are getting worse.
I am very fearful of the near future and afraid to go to sleep. This is a very bad drug. I have joined the lawsuit against EliLily, and I will never trust a doctor or a drug again.
Votes: +1
VE
veritysaffron
21 Feb 2015
How gradually did you taper? I am removing 10 of the little grains a day so it will take 8 weeks to get off 60 mg. Drink lots of water. It must be really tough to deal with this and MS. Some people have gone back on taking a very small amount to lessen symptoms.
CH
christoph44
21 Feb 2015
You are right, it is a very bad drug. There's no question getting off of Cymbalta is very difficult. I really understand your comments about not trusting a doctor or drug. It effects each person differently so the journey off is also different for each individual. The one thing I'm certain of is that it does get better. It took me several months to taper off. It was an extremely unpleasant experience. I would not wish it on anyone. I experienced the same vision problem you mentioned. My vision problem is now gone. If you can hang in there with this, it will eventually get better. For myself, the key was taking it very slowly and giving myself lots of time to adjust to each gradual reduction in dosage. Some reductions in dosage were easier than others even though the amount of the reduction may have been exactly the same as the previous one. I want to emphasize that it will get better for you but it may take quite a while. It could also happen quickly.
Withdrawal from Cymbalta is very unpredictable. You have my sympathy. I hope things get better for you soon. Once you make it through the fog, you will likely be glad you found your way off of Cymbalta.
You mentioned a lawsuit against EliLily. I have not heard of this but would really like to be a part of it if possible. Would you mind telling a little about it or direct me to where I can find information about it? This drug shouldn't be legal.
LU
lucysells2
21 Feb 2015
to verifysaffron: I was on 60mg for 7-8 years. The GP prescribed 40mg and I took that for 2 weeks, then 30mg for 2 weeks, then 20mg. for 2 weeks and then I was to take a 20 every other day for 2 weeks, but I quit altogether after 8 days of 20mg every other day. Skipping a day just puts you in and out of withdrawal. I had more symptoms with each reduction, but I won't eat it again. I am detoxing with lemon water, Chinese tea, and I have ordered some supplements from a website called The Road Back, specific to cymbalta discontinuation symdrome, I haven/t got them yet but they are supposed to be especially helpful for dizziness and the brain zapping. I also started accupuncture for my MS problems that have kicked up into high gear since learning about the cymbalta crap. The accupunture is helping my MS, but not so much for the cymbalta stuff yet. When I collect on the lawsuit I will travel to Italy. That is a hopeful dream to hang on to.
I want to add my opinion to the rest, that it's wrong the doctors don't provide us informed consent about withdrawals when choosing this drug. I've been on 3-4 yrs and have tried several times to go off, with no luck. The brain zaps are the worst for me. BUT I'm just about completely weaned this week. My secret this time? Supplements. Specifically I find that 5htp has helped my mood during the weaning process, and I have no I'll effects from it. I think the 5htp has made the brain zaps less severe this attempt. Not to mention how much it helps my depression and anxiety. Don't haul off and buy it over the counter and stop your cymbalta yourself. Talk with your doctor about a schedule and learn to identify your red flags. I'm not giving advice, just sharing like I wish someone had done with me years ago.
Votes: +3
SH
SharonHL
9 March 2015
I agree. There is something about supplements that does seem to help. I found that taking Estroven (with black cohosh) is helping tremendously.
DO
dorisknapp1
20 Jan 2015
Withdrawal from cymbalta the way you described you will feel crappy when its completely out of your system.i went on gabapentin & that was no good! Whatever you do stay away from xxanex..Horrid withdrawals!i thought i was gonna die! I hope you find something that makes your life more comfortable! Im still searching for my right combo!
Votes: +1
PE
perfumed poodle
20 Jan 2015
Thank you Dorisknapp1, I have an appt with my neuro on the 9 feb and whilst in hospital there was talk of me trying pregabalin once I'm over the duloxetine but I really don't want to chance going through anything like this again. I have now been signed off work for a further 2 weeks. At times I am so light headed and feel so weird, I have to really think about what I'm doing; I have only just started driving again - only short distances so I think it will be a while before I'm back at work.
PE
perfumed poodle
24 Jan 2015
By way of an update: Today is day 39 since my initial collapse in A/E and I am now feeling more energic and generally doing more. I still feel the need to lie down for a little while especially if I haven't paced myself and when my heart is racing despite propranolol. My muscle, joint pain and stiffness have returned especially in the shoulders, arms and hands for which I take the occasional tramadol and paracetamol. I can't believe it is taking so long to recover from this.
PE
perfumed poodle
21 Feb 2015
I returned to work, after 9 weeks with comments such as "You don't look great!" It is now the weekend and I'm feeling much better. I've started taking Siberian ginseng and Ashwaghanda, vitamins B5 and D and Astragalus - all in small amounts as they are pretty revolting, even when mixed with a smoothie. My arms are painful again so I'm back on the tramadol. All in all it has been a very rough ride and it had made me more wary of taking any other drugs.
I had been taking cymbalta for almost 8 weeks when i collapsed with a heart rate of 175, high bp, body shaking and spasms and was diagnosed with a severe adverse reaction. I was hospitalised for 6 days and Cymbalta was stopped on admission. That was 3 weeks ago and my journey to recovery is still not over. Together with the 'usual ' withdrawal symptoms I have collapsed and become unconscious several times with paralysis.I am gradually beginning to feel 'me' but I still need to rest due to intense tiredness or because I feel breathless due to my heart racing despite now being prescribed a beta blocker. My neurologist said it would take 3 weeks for cymbalta to come out of my system. I am over the worst now and it has been the most traumatic experience of my life. I have a sick note for another 2 weeks, making it 5 weeks off work. I thought I was going to die and it has caused great distress to my family.
Votes: +0
BR
brokenheart12
11 Jan 2015
Sounds really scary. I hope you're feeling better! Let us know how you are doing.
PE
perfumed poodle
11 Jan 2015
I will, thank you. Either you are in the States or your sleeping pattern is as well mixed up as mine:) C.
ME
Melyndainva
15 Jan 2015
Perfumed,
You are lucky you were only on the cymbalta for 8 weeks, but I must ask this question, as it is very important to me:
Were you on the name brand medication or the generic???
Hello everyone, got separated form my meds for a few days because of moving and had a seizure about 3 weeks ago and almost died . Will try the taper down process and see how it goes. And by the way had most of the other symptoms listed your thoughts.
Votes: +0
JU
julie rigdon
18 Dec 2014
There is a site cymbalta hurts worse. You can request to be made a friend vua facebook. Lots of people going through same thing and loads of advice.
Votes: +2
ME
Melyndainva
20 Jan 2015
Go to that fb page Cymbalta hurts. It is a wonderful resource!!!
HA
HappierThanEver
16 Dec 2014
Tapering, or taking every other day should not be tried. The half-life of Cymbalta is very short, so taking it less frequently (by stretching out the hours in between) only makes the withdrawal symptoms worse. It's like starting and stopping it constantly. Cymbalta should only be discontinued with the help of a neurologist, psychiatrist, or other doc who is very familiar with it. My primary doc was a disaster and less than helpful. The withdrawal symptoms can be enormously lessened if another drug is used at the same time. Even if it isn't needed for psychological reasons, a drug like Prozac can have an enormously positive impact on keeping the brain zaps down, reducing dizziness, nausea, nervousness, etc. I tried stopping Cymbalta without a cover drug and finally with, and the difference was beyond comparison. Prozac has an extremely long half-life and also comes in liquid form so it is very easy to reduce to a very tiny amount to taper off. Presto, drug free! It takes time, but it is worth every moment.
Votes: +2
BR
brokenheart12
17 Dec 2014
Excellent advice. I wish I had known to ask for medical help with it. Eli Lilly should have to pay for medical care to help people get off of it without thinking they're going crazy.
ME
Melyndainva
15 Jan 2015
When you state it takes time... how much time, in total did it take to get off the cymbalta with the help of the Prozac?
BL
bluespringsmom
14 Dec 2014
I have been off Cymbalta for at least six months now. My symptoms started subsiding after three months. I am taking curcumin and SAMe for my pain of fibromyalgia now. It is so much better now. I also take glucosamine for joint discomfort. A couple of weeks ago, I had run out of SAMe and curcumin, both, and I started aching again. I am now back on these two supplements and feel normal, now. These supplements can alleviate withdrawal from antidepressants. SAMe is not to be used while taking any antidepressants. You can google these supplements and find out all information about them and if they are something you can use. I like that they are natural substances already found in the body. I will never take an antidepressant again. I am so happy to be free from all the side effects of Cymbalta and the terrible withdrawals.
Votes: +3
JJ
jjrowe
14 Dec 2014
It's been one month without Cymbalta. Been on it for quite a few years. Can't even afford the generic so I stopped taking it. My major issue right now is that I vomit at least once a week for no reason. In fact, I just had another visit to the bathroom about an hour ago. Nausea started and I knew I was headed to the toilet. I understand that this is a part of the withdrawal symptoms but how long is this supposed to continue?
Votes: +0
KE
kermmit
18 Dec 2014
This is a tough question, it all depends on how long you have been on the med. Every one is different best of luck.
KI
kinghelen
10 Dec 2014
I have found a website that is helping me with this cymbalta discontinuation crap! The Road Back (.org) explains what nutrients will help recover & WHY; plus how to put a plan together for any antidepressant you want to get off. They are listed & not all created equal as can use different enzyme pathways. JNK gene issues are seemingly at the root of the problem--if I have understood correctly. I have now been off cymbalta for apx 3 wks experiencing a host of symptoms that many of you have listed here, from those horrible brain zaps to flu-like fevers, deep muscle pains (o the neck ones are bad) stomach aches, bad headaches, sudden weakness, whole body shakes, etc.
Since 3 days ago starting Omega 3 Fish Oil (from anchovies & NOT synthetic as most), JNK Capsules, & a few others, I am able to sleep solid for 4 hrs at a time (prob 18 yrs since I could do that even with my sleep meds that still dont work, lol), whole body shakes gone but sometimes a light tremor, brain zaps greatly reduced, body pains greatly reduced but still there, little more energy; I am feeling very hopeful & wanted to share that hopefulness with others.
Votes: +0
SA
Samia2355
10 Dec 2014
Try Accupuncture.
Votes: +0
PH
Philtrum
19 Nov 2014
Look into the Bach Flowers. They have about 38 different remedies. I use one to calm the extreme anger I get since I quit cymbalta 2 1/2 months ago. It really has helped me and I strongly recommend you look them up. It works. Whenever I feel I am about to loose it I take a couple of drops under the tongue and it works like magic.
Votes: +2
MI
Micganser
21 Feb 2015
I too am using the bach flowers various remedies - it does take the edge off of the extreme anxiety - I know you can use a few at a time. I have been off Cymblata since November 2014 the brain zapps finally stopped and I did loose weight and my intellectual brain is coming back. However, it is the extreme anxiousness that I am still having issues with do the point that it is creating problems with my home life. The Bach flowers and rescue pearls take the edge off - I am hoping that the anxiety diminishes with the help of these homeopathic remedies - any other insights would be appreciated.
AR
armybrat
17 March 2015
Thanks for this suggestion. I've been off Cymbalta for 6 months and I'm through the worst of withdrawals, but the anger and the brain fog have come back in the last week. This is the worst medicine I've ever been on (I have had fibromyalgia for 23 years and have tried both natural and standard medical methods to control it--arthritis program warm-water pool exercise is the absolute best, by the way, along with regular deep tissue massage). My grown son was on Cymbalta when it first came out, by the way, and he says that it takes years to get your brain function back after discontinuing it. Thank God he's over it and can now control his anxiety by himself--that gives me hope that someday I'll be better, too. Again, thanks for the suggestion.
ZA
Zamorame
5 Sep 2015
My pharmacy screwed up and I didn't get my monthly perscription and my doctor tried to prescribe me another dose but my medi-cal won't let me get more till the 18th and the way I'm feeling now I don't think I want to go on it again. Does anybody know some tipe of relief from the nausea it's been like 3 weeks and it doesn't stop At first I didn't know what was wrong and ended up going to the er they said I had a stomach virus of course you can't great a virus so I waited until I talked to my doctor and she said what the problem was. Frankly I'm more upset with the dreams and mood changes than the nausea but nausea I can treat I think ... lots and lots of peptobismol lol
MZ
MZVS
7 Sep 2015
I am currently 1 week into coming off Cymbalta and I'm already at my wits end with the withdrawal symptoms, not sure if I am going to be OK at this point. Can you Please tell me which Bach Flowers you used for the anger?
HO
Honestanna
18 Nov 2015
Read my comments... It works.. As for Bach remedies I have better results... you will b fine just get what I say in my long post
For those of who are currently going through withdrawal, here's what worked for me:
Background- I was on 120mg Cymbalta for about 2 months (built up to the 120mg over the course of 3 additional months).
I came off the 120mg over 3 weeks.
Withdrawal-
After 1 week of being off Cymbalta, I felt like I had the flu, and was incredibly nauseous.
I took the highest dosage of advil daily (I think it's 1x every 4-6 hours), which helped to temporarily alleviate the flu like symptoms.
I drank a bottle of gatorade and a bottle of seltzer water per day which temporarily alleviated the nausea.
3 weeks later I finally started feeling about 40% better. It's a long haul, and everyone is different, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, promise :)
