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 6
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Tink62R
27 May 2018
I am on week 4 without Cymbalta. At the end of week 3 went to the emergency department via ambulance after fainting. This happened with absolutely no warning. The ED doctor said I was to far out for it to still be withdrawal. The MRI I had done was with zero changes from previous was a good thing. It the not knowing conclusively that is the scary part. I know in my heart it was a side effect from the withdrawal. Now I'm obligated to follow up with neurologist. The nausea never hit me till the fainting. Now comes on quickly. Zofran is helping with that. OTC meclizine helps with the dizziness. Prior to that I had the Zaps memory loss. Lack of concentration. Was not able to recall what I was doing if I had to walk away from what I was involved in at the time. Will, and I say will, as in STILL, have to ask someone, " Where was I going with that?" My train of thought is gone. It has been a long month and I know I have several to go.
I will not give in and take another type of depression, lethargy, dementia causing antidepressant. I am by no means a tough guy, but, I am determined. Good luck in your future.
Votes: +0
BR
brokenheart12
27 May 2018
Other ER doctors would have been better versed in Cymbalta withdrawal. Apparently it lasts a much longer time then doctors other than ER doctors believe it should, however I have spoken to an ER doctor who have seen the effects of withdrawal from Cymbalta and Wellbutrin and similar and do identify that in patients. Hang in there! I've been following this thread for five years now and it does get better with time. There are lots of suggestions as to how people have coped. Hope you feel better soon.
IN
Inactive
3 Dec 2020
So they give us a medication that causes awful side effects that can last for months, even years. Then they give us medications to treat the side effects caused by the medication that they prescribed initially. Then they say we are not getting better because we are non-compliant with the multiple medications they want us to take to overcome the side effects of the first medication they put us on, that is, Cymbalta. Then they tell us we don't know what we are talking about when we tell them about the horrible side effects/withdrawal effects that we are having from the initial prescribed medication? Give me a break...
IN
Inactive
3 Dec 2020
Hi Tink: I totally agree with you. I will NEVER take Cymbalta again. They try to tell us it is not the medication causing us all these problems. YES< it is! Look at all the money the insurance companies and hospitals and the medical profession are making off of you, the "guinea pig", (me too), to put us through all these expensive tests to rule out our side effects when we are aware that they are caused by a medication which they will never admit to that they gave us something that caused us all the suffering we are going through. They must be receiving a substantial kick back from these medication companies that they don't care about us, the public, who get prescribed this garbage while they are all getting rich and we are suffering horrible because of taking medications without questioning our health care professionals who we have put all our trust in while we are suffering and looking for relief!!!
I am also going through all the withdrawal symptoms from going off Cymbalta. I have been on it for 2 years for fibromyalgia. I was having side effects , night sweats, weight gain, heart burn constantly. High blood pressure, fast heart rate, brain fog. I decided to go off of it and tried to whine my self off of it in two weeks. With doctors knowledge. I think I rushed it too fast. But I am certain I am now having withdrawals and doctors wants to do a MRI and spinal tap because of my migraine, nausea I have had for another two weeks straight. Pain pills are not helping and I had an anxiety attack when I tried to do the MRI. I’m not sure if I can do the spinal tap next or not. My anxiety has increased dramatically. So I guess I am in the same boat as you are. I don’t know what to do. Feels like I am going crazy. Thank god I have a wonderful husband and children to help me. But I don’t know if I should go back on Cymbalta and try to go off it slower or wait this out. I think we all need some advice. I pray you get yours !!
Votes: +0
KK
Kkay66
15 Jan 2019
Go off it! The longer you take it I have found reading all this you’ll need more of it to help. Go very slowly. I went too fast and am suffering horribly. This is all after a very long illness of 2 diseases. Crazy. I have written to FDA and Eli lily to make lesser doses. AND make people very aware before going on it that this can happen. I’ve also done some digging and found that the number they quote for the amount of people having withdrawals is way off. Some may not report it. Whatever. Go slowly. Good luck. Call on God.
KK
Kkay66
15 Jan 2019
Go off it! The longer you take it I have found reading all this you’ll need more of it to help. Go very slowly. I went too fast and am suffering horribly. This is all after a very long illness of 2 diseases. Crazy. I have written to FDA and Eli lily to make lesser doses. AND make people very aware before going on it that this can happen. I’ve also done some digging and found that the number they quote for the amount of people having withdrawals is way off. Some may not report it. Whatever. Go slowly. Good luck. Call on God.
IN
Inactive
3 Dec 2020
I went through the same thing. My NP does not believe that my extremely high BP and heart rate are being caused by Cymbalta. I know better,. I have gone from 60 to 30 to 20 to... let's see what happens next. I am so done with this medication. It is causing all the problems that my NP wants to treat with other medications.
I came off Cymbalta 4 years ago, along with 4 other Rx anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs. It takes about a month to get over the worst withdrawal symptoms. The brain zaps lasted about 6 months, but I researched all my options, and started taking L-theanine in a timed release tablet. That helped with the residual anxiety and restlessness. But I was suicidal on every antidepressant I was prescribed, and I even attempted to take my own life more than once. I also was flat-lining on all emotions, and felt like my feelings had died. I didn't care if I ate or even moved. That is not living. I was on Cymbalta ever since it first came out for dealing with fibro, but my pain is manageable now and it wasn't manageable on the antidepressants. It wasn't the first anti-depressant I was prescribed and looking back, I am sure I was in serotonin syndrome.
Everyone is different, I started feeling better immediately after stopping them in some areas, but I suffered what is known as brain zaps for almost 6 months. I still have my days, but I have no regrets to stopping all those Rx drugs. The only Rx drug I take now is generic Lunesta to help with sleep. I also started taking supplements like: Vitamins C, D, and B. Fish oil caps, and forcing myself to be outside and around people. I forced myself to take walks, no matter how much it hurt. I also started looking at foods that were anti-inflammatory like onions, turmeric, black pepper and ginger. Last year after enrolling in herbal medicine courses, I got my gut healthy and that has done a 360 on how I feel overall. Hang in there, it does get better. I really hope you start to feel better soon.
Votes: +0
DR
dram54
20 March 2018
I’ve been going through severe withdrawal symptoms for 4 months now. My doctor put me back on when I was having grand mal seizures right after coming off. Being back on has not helped however. I am now weaning off again and only changing the dose 20 mg a day at one month intervals and not having any increase in symptoms.
I have talked to the FDA and to Eli Lily and apparently I’m one of the worst cases of withdrawal that either has talked to.
Votes: +0
TJ
tjkrol
2 Feb 2018
Jen It took me a year to come off Cymbalta and many of the side affects never went away. The worst impact in my life is brain damage. I dont remember things anymore. It is ALL from this drug! The weight gain and digestive affects are long last as well. I have to take other medications now for the digestive issues because Cymbalta turned off my Vargus Nerve so now it needs to be stimulated before pushing food into my small intestines. My advise is to work with a doctor through it all. Get extra rest, exercise and eat well. That is all you can do except pray for a good outcome.
Votes: +0
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dram54
24 Jan 2018
I stopped taking Cymbalta 2 1/2 months ago after taking it for a year for arthritis. I had two hip replacements and was no longer in pain. No one ever counseled me that it needed to be tapered so I just stopped it. 10 weeks later I am still suffering horrific withdrawal symptoms with no end in sight. I had three days of non-stop seizures. While I was seizing, I went to the Emergency Room 3 times feeling like I couldn’t breathe and they told me I was fine and sent me home. I went for ten days without being able to eat. My doctor even put me back me on the Cymbalta 8 weeks ago to no avail and now I’ll have to wean off of that at 20 mg/ month x 6 months. I hate this drug!
Votes: +0
SJ
sjshoemith
20 Jan 2018
Hi Jen Jen, I'm going through withdrawals from cymbalta now and it's horrific. Why pharmaceutical company Lillie make this terrible drug is beyond me and why Dr's prescribe it is even more mysterfying. I've several chronic and autoimmune diseases and I've never had any issue coming off a drug before. I think cymbalta should be taken off the market. Did you discover any methods that help you deal with these horrific symptoms?
Votes: +0
AO
Aomori
28 May 2018
I, too, am coming off Cymbalta and having a terrible time! From diarrhea to brain zaps and a host of other symptoms. I was only on 60 mg for about 4 months, but it has changed my life, and not in a good way! I weaned down to 30 mg and have been completely off it now for a week. So far, I am refusing to take any other pharmaceutical to cope with the symptoms, however I have found that a 10 mg cannabis gummy helps A LOT with the brain zaps and gastrointestinal distress. It alleviates the zaps without making me feel ‘high’. I cannot believe that my doctor didn’t inform me about this drug!! I will never blindly trust a GP to prescribe without questioning again, and going forward will always do my own research before taking anything. This has been a huge disruption, not only to my life, but to that of my family’s! I don’t want to drive because of the intense brain zaps and won’t drive, even on medical marijuana.
My husband, who travels for work, has had to stay home to help me. I just want to cry all the time! When I read the posts, the thing that scares me the most is the duration of the symptoms!! Good luck and, if you are able where you live (and willing), try medical marijuana edibles, they are helping me!
JI
Jimmy57
5 Jan 2018
Maybe I’m just weird. I’ve been off completely now on day five my signs and symptoms are mild. Been on 60 mg for about 10 years for ptsd and neuropathy pain. Pain is gone so I stopped. I hate pills. I have been on 1000mg of hemp seed oil for about six months prior to stopping. I have found the zap zap thinking to be a problem. But no memory loss or other severe type of problems. Day three I had an episodic heart ailment with lightheadedness causing a man to ask me if I was ok. When I could breath enough I told him yes. I was coughing so I checked my Blood pressure. It was fine so I shock it to withdrawal like symptoms. Signs are minimal for me. All I can think of is my miracle of no more foot pain neuropathy. Which coincide with HEMPSEED oil one gram at night. I now passed my first foot exam. Which my doctor saw no reason for doing since I have failed since 2005. Well not only have I passed it but I can feel my feet again. No I am not supporting hempseed oil.
I cannot denigrate a fact though. Even my withdrawal is not bad. I learned of this ingredient from the University of Israel in Tel Aviv. They have been studying marijuana for medical facts for devades. With unbelievable type results. I now can say I swear by it. They sell it on eBay what the hell try it.
Votes: +0
LJ
ljabbyjab
11 Dec 2017
Thank you so much for this post! I know its now 4 years later, but it has helped me so much to understand what is going on in my body! I sincerely hope that you are feeling better!
I am on day 5 of stopping Cymbalta (60mg once a day) cold turkey. I was advised to do so by a staff psychologist at the hospital where I work (a major health institution in Philadelphia, PA) - so apparently the withdrawal issues associated with this medicine are still not known! My first day was fine, but since then, I have felt dizzy, nauseous, and exhausted. I have the "brain zaps" any time I move my eyes from side to side or turn my head. Its so uncomfortable! My GP is going to prescribe me some Zofran to help with the nausea, as she actually knew about these withdrawal symptoms! Hopefully it will get better soon.
I'm so glad that I found this post (and several others) to know that I am not crazy! Thank you for posting, and I really hope that you all have found relief!
Since 4 years have now passed, can some of you please let me know how your recovery went? How long did you continue to experience symptoms? Thank you!
Votes: +1
MO
Moe33
28 Aug 2017
Hi, I started cymbalta nine years ago for depression and pain. Stopped being effective for me a few years ago but wasn't able to get off this crap. Several failed attempts. My doctor was awful and told me that it's one of the easiest antidepressants to get off of.
Votes: +0
KA
KathyOD1
28 Aug 2017
It's very hard, but u need a new doctor! He hasn't any idea how bad it is & doesn't sound like he listens 2 what u r telling him. Please keep trying, don't give up. Just follow what ur reading on this page & also on Facebook there is another site that has helped me alot, called Cymbalta Hurts. It shows u how 2 wean off cymbalta slowly. It takes time & patience, but please try it. If u can't find another doctor, stay with the one u have so that u can keep getting ur prescription until u have weaned urself off of it. There is hope. Pray alot! This helps me also. I'll b praying 4 u & others going thru this terrible thing.
MO
Moe33
28 Aug 2017
Thank you:) I'm new and I just noticed that most of my comment was cut off. I got a new doc, she's awesome. We went from 60, 40, 20, to none in two week increments. This last week without any has been the hardest. The dizziness, crying, irritability and nausea has been going on from the first decrease but this past week with none brought me the "brain zaps." I'm on Day 7 of nine and I'm still dizzy, however, the intensity has decreased. I still cannot drive but I'm used to it as I've spent the entire summer Cymbalta withdrawing. I'm so thankful for others like yourself that have share because my old doctor had me thinking I was off my rocker, but thank God I'm now "off" the poison,. Water, vitamins, rest and I added exercise two days ago. Everyone hang in there!
MO
Moe33
28 Aug 2017
*day seven of "none" not nine:)
MO
Moe33
28 Aug 2017
Forgot to add, forgive me, I'm still in the middle if cymbalta withdrawal madness. I really like that Facebook group. When I divide red other had the same stuff happen to them my old doctor said they are "scientologists" and cymbalta is "one of the easiest antidepressants to stop." That's how he got the boot! Lol
I withdrew from 10 yrs of Cymbalta 60 Mg. With very little side effect. I take Wellbutrin XL 300 mg and 5mg of zyprexa together with ambien for sleep. After you adjust to being without cymbalta (say 2 months). It is easy to withdraw from the others. But I would do it 1 at a time and give your body time to adjust.
Votes: +1
ME
Medregret
9 Aug 2017
I've been reading through these responses wishing for a magic number so I know how long I'll be having these withdrawal symptoms, but I know it doesn't work that way and that everyone is different. But any words of encouragement or details about specific timelines for these symptoms would be appreciated. I've been on cymbalta for about 9 years and have tried stopping twice before. The first time I went down from 60mg to 30mg and had to go back up again. I was crying uncontrollably and couldn't function at all. So the next time I tried really hard to wean off slowly. I went to a compounding pharmacy and had them make up 30 days of the meds in 50mg, then 40mg so I weaned down by 10mg per month until I was at 30mg. It was expensive but I thought it would work. I still felt like my legs were a bit wobbly and I had tooth pain (which I normally get if I'm late with a dose) but it wasn't too bad.
Unfortunately as soon as I hit 30mg the emotional stuff kicked in again and I found I was constantly tearful for no reason. So back up to 60mg. Then 90mg some months later when a family member passed away and things got rough. I'm hoping that the third time's a charm. I resigned myself to the fact that I would get withdrawal symptoms and weaned down from 90mg to 60 then 30 over 2 weeks. Probably too fast but I'm so tired of having to take this drug. It's now only my second day cymbalta free. And yikes! Weak, wobbly muscles, tooth ache, diarrhoea like I never thought possible, tremors and shakes, sweats and chills. And I've had my first ever brain zaps. Very VERY unpleasant. I want to be off this drug for a few reasons, but one of them is because I've been diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia since being on it. It could be completely unrelated to the medication but I'm curious if anyone else has had this. I almost lost my job because I was falling asleep 5-6 per day at my desk even though I sleep like a log at night. And I have even fallen asleep while driving which is terrifying. I had to have sleep studies done and now need modafinil to function too. I'm hoping I'll be back to normal in a few weeks and maybe, just maybe, my sleep problem will resolve too. If anyone has had similar experiences please let me know. I'd love to know how much longer I've got to stick this out.
Votes: +0
AN
Andy321
22 July 2017
I been off for over a year... new life!!
Votes: +2
JA
janjanbee
26 July 2017
Hi Kathy. Yes I am having sweats constantly an never felt so tired also the runs to the loo after been very constipated whilst on the 60 mg. We are all different but so many of us seem to be going through the same withdrawal s. Great to read all the comments. Good luck everyone x
KA
KathyOD1
22 July 2017
Take it very slowly!!! I went off cymbalta by 1st cutting down 2 30mg from 90mg over about 6mos. That's when it got bad with sweats & chronic fatigue became worse along with either stomach aches it diarrhea if & on if not constipated. Then started reading it on it after I had gone from every other day 2 every 2 days. Found I had 2 open capsules & count beads. From there I am now off of it as of 7wks. Took 1 yr & 1 mo 2 get 2 this point. Still feel pretty bad but actually have times when I feel cold again!! Sometimes with the help of modafinil I can b awake all day, but can't take a whole one or get jittery. But it does clear my head so I can think. I used 2 b cold all the time. I don't want 2 take anything else just want off all antidepressants. I have read many comments by those coming off of cymbalta & they say it takes up 2 a year or more depending on how long u took it.
I took it about 5 yrs & thought I was ready 2 b off if it. Now I will never take another antidepressant. Exercise (which is very hard 4 me as I'm disabled but do walk) is good, omega 3 fish oil, LOTS if water, eating fruits & veggies, etc. Hope this helps. I pray 4 all those coming off this med as it is horrible!!! I never had the brain zaps but heard they're awful. How long have u been coming off of it? Let me know how ur doing. Ur not alone in this, ok?
Votes: +0
IN
Inactive
3 Dec 2020
I have a friend who is a respectable pharmacist. He says opening the capsule and removing the beads is very dangerous, because many of the beads are only time-release beads to help the medication beads to release at certain times during the delayed release process. There is no way to tell which bead is a time release bead and which bead contains the medication. CAUTION
JA
janjanbee
22 July 2017
Hi I have taken it for 10 years an other antidepressants for 10 years before that. I have managed to get from 60mg to 30 mg by taking tablets apart an taking out balls. My body is going through withdrawal like more arthritic pain , sweats, bowel changes but mind wise I feel clearer than I have for years my memory has been effected by long term use , I feel like I'm waking up from a long sleep I'm going to stay on 30mg for 2 months before reducing further. Whether or not I come off completely I don't know I will aim for 20mg by end of year an then c how I go xx
Votes: +2
KA
KathyOD1
26 July 2017
Keep going at ur own pace. I wish I had known more about this when I started coming off it. After 2 mos without I'm not feeling the sweats as bad 4 maybe week now, but the fatigue is terrible. I'm past the point of going back on, I will not give up! I know it will be a slow process. Pray u can get 2 a point where u feel better or maybe even come off of it all the way.
