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.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
256 Answers Page 7
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Zoebotte
22 July 2017
I'm going on day 3 but I've been out on something else for anxiety and to help sleep, my dr is pathetic she said my withdraw symptoms should only last 48hrs what a load of bs. I feel like I'm about to go crazy headaches I'm so lethargic and my brain and face seem weird. And this tingle in my lip anyone else get that. This drug should be banned I was on it for 8 years after 2 it no longer had affect and I just couldn't get off this crap.
Votes: +0
KA
KathyOD1
26 July 2017
Please b careful coming off of this! It will take time. If u can stay with ur Dr long enough 2 wean off of this that will help only because u can still get ur prescriptions. Or if not find one that knows about the problems with coming off if this Follow guidelines u find & also find a support group if u need. There's one on Facebook called cymbalta hurts or something like that. Very helpful, I've just joined in last few days. Must take it slowly, any changes in dosage must b done in one month or so increments. If it feels like 2 much, go back up on ur dose then wait & try 2 go back down again. Usually 10% or so at a time. Use multivitamins, omega 3, lots of water (w/lemon) 2 cleanse ur system, exercise if possible. Hope this helps.
AM
amyloidosisi
29 May 2017
I talked to my doctor in March saying that I wanted to go off of Cymbalta because I was shocked at the reactions I got if I was late in taking it or missed a tablet and I perspired constantly. She recommended that I start my Cymbalta withdrawal by taking one tablet every second day for a week, then moving to every third day and then stop completely. I still had a few tablets left, and was feeling horrible, so decided to go to every fourth day and then I opened the last four tablets and have been taking about about 1/4 of the pellets (generic Duloxetine) every seventh day until they are all gone. I counted about 180 small pellets per tablet. Brain zaps have continued daily, brain fog is unbelievable, I sometimes feel like I am standing outside my body - hard to explain such a weird feeling, and when lying down, I often feel like crashing waves and think how ridiculous that sounds.
My heart races, palpitates and sometimes it actually feels like it stops, especially when I am about to fall asleep. I can hear my heart beating and am always so aware of it and its erratic beating. BP has been higher than it has even been. Several times I contemplated going to ER, then I would take my BP and it would be not ridiculously high and Systolic going up to 163 but the Diastolic remaining 75 or lower and I do take a BP pill daily. I hate how I feel - no interest in anything, not wanting to go anywhere and not wanting to live under these conditions. My body is constantly shaking, my head is dizzy and I feel so "out of it". I was not depressed before. I have fibromyalgia, herniated disk in my back and was having extreme leg pains. The Cymbalta did take away the leg pains. Before I started withdrawal from Cymbalta, I started back on Amitriptyline at a low 10mg dose. I had used it in the past up to 30mg for the pain and to help me sleep and it didn't give me any withdrawal problems. I had been off of it for over 2 years. My main problem with it is that I think it makes me sleep too much. I dread going through a summer with these symptoms. I am taking Omega 3 Salmon oil tablets and Vitamin B tablets daily, hoping they are helping. I would not wish this feeling of lethargy on anyone and would literally beg friends not to ever, ever go on Cymbalta. Sandra (I realize my name appears as amyloidosis because I guess the first time I used this site, I was checking out symptoms for that disease for someone else, and must have used that name.)
Votes: +0
BR
brokenheart12
29 May 2017
Hi Sandra, I am sorry that you are going through this. As you can see from the posting on this site most people see their withdrawal symptoms diminish over time. Something that might help a little is Magnesium baths (I use 2 cups of Epsom salts and/or Magnesium Chloride flakes) in a few inches of water for about 20 minutes or so). I'm not sure it does much for the withdrawal symptoms but it seems to help me with pain and sleep. Hang in there! (I warn everyone I know about it too!)
KA
KathyOD1
23 July 2017
It may take alot longer than u think 2 come off it. It took me a year & a month. From 90mg to 0 7 wks ago. Still feeling lethargic, actually worse, I have chronic fatigue as well. But I am finally feeling cold again, altho the sweats r on & off. Some days not bad, others almost constant every time I move. Please b very careful coming off this med!!! It's a horrible drug! I was on it about 5 yrs after a bad marriage & then he died, which caused me terrible depression even tho on cymbalta. I finally felt well enuff emotionally 2 stop it & boy what a shock! I refuse 2 go back on it. My pain Dr tried 2 go off of it but she gave up because she couldn't deal with the withdrawals. Keep doing what ur doing but add lots of water, exercise (which 4 me is only walking with some stretching when in bed) & keep on with all the vitamins & anything 2 clean ur system & liver. I pray u can get past this.
Others have said there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But it could take up 2 a year or more 4 all withdrawals 2 stop. It's hard but I'm not giving in.
SE
sergiojleyva
7 May 2017
yeah... but was on it for about 2 years. i got off. just got off had a few headaches. but i thought of it as just that and proceeded on with life dealing as it came.
Votes: +1
KA
Karen0805
15 March 2017
Have been on cymbalta for about 6 yrs, 30, 60 then total 90. Clinical nurse who prescribed the rx said I could just stop I thought days later, I had brain anurisum? (cause of my dad's death). I never experienced head pain like that! Could not think, lost my job because i simly could not comprehend what i was learning. Ps went to doctor due to horrific pain, she googled and said it's withdrawal. So my experience is stay clear of this drug. Off completely now and still not feeling great! I wish all of God's blessings to all. It does get better.
Votes: +3
HO
hottmomba
4 Aug 2017
The doctor is telling you what the drug manufacturer published. They say only 1-2 percent will have withdrawal symptoms. Liars. They were sued.
53
53703
8 March 2017
I was started on Cymbalta in Dec 2016. I took longer to go up from 30 to 60mg because it hit me really hard as meds usually do. After six weeks, because I was already having very noticeable improvement of my pains, I went up to the 60mg at bedtime.
My Dr gave it to me because I have diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, immobilizing back pain as well as depression and bipolar.
I'm 59, and have been in extreme pain for several years, using a wheeled walker that I lean over on my elbows and walk. I already took Gabapentin, hydrocodone, and waddled slowly without my walker, not doing much better with it.
The relief from my pains was AMAZING! I had forgotten what it was like to just walk, to not bite my lip with pain to move about. I had hope of being able to get some of my life back.
But... the leg cramps would keep me from sleeping, I couldn't be active without the SOB triggering constant yawning, and I was getting more and more problems with short-term memory: I couldn't remember my phone number, of why I would go out. I would walk for blocks and suddenly realize I had no idea where I was going.
I'm the sole caregiver for my disabled adult son who lives with me and is in a wheelchair due to a rare seizure disorder (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) and is autistic.
I have to care for two, so I cannot take the Cymbalta. And I'm afraid of the withdrawal issues. I've gotten down to 15mg now, by pouring out half of the capsule to drop from 60 to 45, then 1 capsule for 30, pouring out half now to take 15mg. I'm going to stop that next. I'm still not clear-headed, I'm still yawning with activity, but the leg cramps are gone and I my mood swings (something worsened by Cymbalta when you are bipolar) are a little better. And I waddle slowly and am in great pain again. But I am hopeful that my mind will continue to improve. (It's March 2017 now.)
Votes: +3
SO
SoulDiver
1 March 2017
So glad I found this thread. I'm also searching for others' experiences. I am working to taper down and off as well.
1. I noticed I tolerate an accidental *missed dose* MUCH better on the generic version when Cymbalta allowed generics. Surprising to me. But will be helpful as I decrease and taper down.
2. I loved someone else's description of *brain zaps*! This is so true! As I decrease and historically on the rare occasion I missed a dose, the *zaps* would start around the 20 hour mark. They almost feel like mini faints or mini seizures.
3. I recently got my script filled at Koger (used to get CVS generic) and noticed that when I opened the capsule to remove some of the pellets- they are MUCH bigger than the pellets in the CVS generic. This has helped me to remove a more consistent amount, put the cap back together and take the pill.
4. Very tired as I have decreased by 4 of the large pellets on the last day. Also, diahrrea so I'm drinking a lot of water.
5. I used to suffer frequently from migraines with auras. And was placed on Cymbalta for Major Depressive Disorder about 15 +\- years ago. The Cymbalta actually worked to also take the migraines away! I've had a handful over this period of time. So, I'm monitoring the headaches as well.
For me, the decrease is to rid my body of the medication and not control headaches. However, if the migraines return, I'll go back on the full dose for a week and start by removing 1 large pellet from the capsule and titrate by adding one pellet to the removal every 2 weeks.
I want to say that mental health issues like Major Depressive Disorder *dont go away by themselves* and medication management has changed my life! So, if you're a person, like me, who has Major Depressive Disorder, educate yourself on the neurobiology of this disorder and know that stopping a good anti depressant that manages your symptoms is very, very risky for relapse. And further, after going off a good antidepressant that's working for you, the efficacy that it will work AGAIN is lowered.
Know your risks and know that medications aren't a bad thing if they help.
This med has provided me with stability and a greater quality of life.
Meds are tools that Earth gives us to cope and manage. And there is always the opportunity to heal- even Major Depressive Disorder... But not by conventional Western medical means.
I am walking the Medicine Wheel in the Peruvian Cross Cultural Way, including the Munay Ki ancient soul Rites and ways of the Laika Soul American Natives. My Shamanic Teacher follows the ways of Alberto Villoldo. This spiritual work integrates healing from soul losses and heals the Luminous Energy field, spiritual attachments and repairs our bodies to live and die a different way.
Alas, to all those battling ailments and mental health or physical health pain, I invite you to giggle Munay Ki and Alberto Villoldo's work to begin your own path to healing in abundance of love and Spiritual Luminious Beings who arrive on our behalf for healing.
In Munay, A. R.
Votes: +0
SO
SoulDiver
1 March 2017
The Kroger brand is Lupin Pharmaceutical.
SU
suswannaq75
15 Jan 2017
I haven't read all the responses, but I want to make sure that y'all are aware of Cymbalta groups on FB. The one I belong to is called "Cymbalta Hurts More" & it's full of fellow users (past & present), as well as a ton of information about weaning off this poison. It's extremely helpful! I'm in the process of weaning myself & have discovered that the slower the taper, the better!! I actually open up a capsule & remove 10 beads every 10 days. Yes, it's very slow & can be a very frustrating process, but it's kept the withdrawals at a minimum. It's not a perfect system. I'm just now recovering from a week's worth of nausea, dizziness, sky high anxiety, headaches & what I call "mini" brain zaps, constipation, uncontrollable crying spells, irritability, extreme exhaustion, etc.
However, due to the holidays & still mourning the unexpected death of my father back in August, I didn't keep up w/ my cleansing regimen - lots of water w/ lemon, 1 tsp of Bragg's apple cider vinegar daily, & exercise. Now that I'm back on my regimen, I'm feeling better, except for the fatigue. So, I highly recommend checking out the FB group(s). There's a lot of help out there! Good luck to us all!!
Votes: +1
ML
Mladuke11
23 Dec 2016
I've been taking cymbalta for about a year now. When it comes to my depression I think this is one of the only medications that's worked for me. Back in April my boyfriend and I went to San Diego for the weekend as it was his birthday. On his birthday I was so sick it was the worst day. At the time I didn't know why. It happened again a few months later. I then realized I've missed a few doses of my cymbalta and I was getting so sick. I asked my doctor about it and she says she takes it as well and the withdrawal is terrible. I love that it works for me depression wise and I just don't want to come off it cause I've only accidentally missed a few doses and it's the worst. To the point that co workers ask me if I need help because I look so bad.
Votes: +0
DA
Dan0101
24 Dec 2016
Had similar experiences. If I missed a dose or was late taking bad the head zaps and some other symptoms. If I took it every day at the same time really helped. I like the pill boxes that are labeled by day so I know if I missed the dose or had taken it that day.
Good luck!
JU
jupey 3 huffy
13 Jan 2017
I am on day 11, I think. I was on 90 mg./day, with 1 mg. Clonazepam, 3 x/day, for severe depression and anxiety/PTSD, and physical symptoms which have to do with my Connective Tissue Disease. I don't know if my symptoms seem to be worse because it's been done abruptly, or if it's becasuse I'm stopping two things. I am experiencing rapid speech, verry bad anxiety, I cry all the time, almost, wven when driving... today I began feeling cold in one hand. Now, and it's about 7 pm in PA, USA, my left side is colde, and even my left ear is cold, clear through into the inside of my head. At least that's what it feels like. Anyone have that symptom? My face is tingling and when I blink my eyes it hurts.. oh, my PCP, who is new to me as I've moved, wouldn't renew the script or even one of them. So I'm doing this now... I hope this makes sense. I'm hoping someone sees this and will reply. I am havin the regular withdrawal symptoms too: dizziness, stomachache, anger/anxiety, brain zapping, jerking of the face the last few days...
DA
Dan0101
19 Dec 2016
Quit 4 days ago... Heading into my fifth day no cymbalta. The information that is in the Eli Lily drug information about withdrawals from this drug are a joke. Either the "wonderful" scientists there are morons, got overruled by business people, or they are unethical liars. And to think FDA go's along with that kind of thing. Did they slap them on the hand? Doubt they even did that, so good job big pharma and FDA, you just keep on doing what you do.
Had head zaps on day 1. Day 2 had trouble controlling my mood, felt almost manic, some dizziness and head zaps. Day 3 was worse, get head zaps anytime I moved my eyes and I can hear a ringing sound with every head zap. Day 4, that was today, nausea and dizziness. Constant head zaps like 3 or 4 in a row if I move my eyes. Also, some insomnia last night and tonight.
Have to work this week but after that will have some time off. Hope I can show up to work. It's 2am here and no sleep yet. Need to be at work in 5 hours.
Votes: +0
DA
Dan0101
20 Dec 2016
Day 5 today still head zaps and a bit dizzy. Tired and some body aches. Head zaps are hard to tolerate since they are constant, every time I move my eyes or my head. Still might have been better than yesterday or I'm just getting used to it. I have heard gets better gradually starting after day five, I hope so. Stressful week at work, the withdrawal symptoms (the "discontinuation" symptoms
DA
Dan0101
20 Dec 2016
The so called "discontinuation" symptoms (the nice term companies use to sugar coat the withdrawals) are definitely bad enough to potentially affect work. So far haven't embarrassed myself that I know of anyway. So here we go day 6 wish me luck.
DA
Dan0101
21 Dec 2016
end of 6th day. Different feel to withdrawals now. More dizziness and flu like. Still head zaps but less frequent. Definitely not an improvement since yesterday. Head zaps were easier to tolerate than the dizziness. Mild nausea today. two more days and I'm off work for vacation so that will be good. Insomnia has been a really big deal. Not falling asleep till 2 or 3 am. I'm determined I will get through this. But I really have to wonder how long this will go on... 2 weeks sounds average but probably depends on person and how long they took the drug.
DA
Dan0101
24 Dec 2016
Today is day ten since My last dose. Dizziness, head zaps and nausea persist. Variable in intensity. At times can be severe. The new symptom over the last three days is mood swings. Can be very impatient with my family and stuff that usually annoys me now really makes me upset. In any case no sign of the symptoms getting any better. If anything still getting worse. It is rough, ten days into this and no end in sight. Definitely the drug helped me when I needed it, but in my case I wonder if I could have managed my anxiety in other ways... I think just taking propranolol to manage high anxiety situations with behavioral talk therapy may have been enough. Cymbalta is likely over prescribed, given the severity and duration of the withdrawals. From what I understand anti depressants are not always taken for life, so the benefit and risks for this drug for patients with mild symptoms doesn't seem to balance out on positive side.
I feel very let down between FDA, Eli Lilly, my prescribing physician, I have been damaged by them and they made money out of the deal. Have to wonder if they are capable of feeling shame, but if they are they should be embarrassed. Anyway this won't break me, so if they enjoy the suffering they caused, they won't have the satisfaction of permanently degrading my health. These symptoms won't last forever even if it is months I'm sticking it out.
DA
Dan0101
25 Dec 2016
Day 11, maybe symptoms are starting to ease. Hard to tell since the symptoms vary so much in intensity. Still dizzy, head zaps are still there but I don't hear the ringing sound every time I move my eyes. Dizziness and nausea. I have read 50 percent of patients still exhibit symptoms two weeks after discontinuation. I'm coming up on that point so keeping my fingers crossed.
DA
Dan0101
30 Dec 2016
Days 11 to 16. Vomiting and dizziness on day 11. Diarrhea. Symptoms varying in intensity. Yesterday and today were better. dizziness getting better and head zaps going way. Still get periods of time when I get repeating head zaps every few seconds including ringing sounds. I'm almost through it I hope. Symptoms seem to be tapering off.
DA
Dan0101
12 Jan 2017
it has now been 4 weeks. Head zaps today were intense. Felt dizzy and emotional. No end in site.
DA
Dan0101
16 Jan 2017
Halfway through fifth week. Feel dizzy and irritable. Neck is tense and sore. Symptoms are getting worse. I'm concerned I might miss work. Amazing how severe the withdrawals are after four weeks.
DA
Dan0101
17 Jan 2017
Better today but still head zaps and dizziness. A quiet dark room seems to help, no digital screens. I've avoided computer and phone all day today till now and seems to help. I'm worried if I can work.
There is a book by a Harvard doc, Glenmullin, the antidepressant solution. Reading it now is straight story about antidepressants, glad there is some good information out there. Anybody on this site should read it.
DA
Dan0101
21 Jan 2017
More than 5 weeks now. Moods swings irritability and sadness. Difficulty controlling mood. Still dizzy and head zaps. No end in sight. Experiencing some anxiety again. Don't know if it is relapse or withdrawals.
JB
Jb667
12 July 2019
I'm just wondering how you ended up? My wife is on day 21, and the mood swings are insane. I'm worried for her.
I started taking Cymbalta when it first came out--about 8?yrs ago. I have diagnosed fibromyalgia and arthritis and even had to quit working because of the extreme fatigue and widespread pain. I took 120mg a day. I decided to quit because I have been feeling great for about 5 yrs--I attributed it to walking daily, clean eating, and not working and getting enough rest. I just did not think I needed it anymore. I've been tapering off 30mg/month and am down to 30 now, but I feel AWFUL and have NO ENERGY. I am a caretaker and solely responsible of huge yard and home (selling next summer). I am desperate enough to go back on it!! I do know the crying and emotional crap was withdrawal from the drug, but was the Cymbalta making my fibro symtoms go away? I wrote my shrink and rheumatologist an email but venting on here.
My daughter says to ABSOLUTELY NOT GO BACK ON IT! If I had no responsibilities and could lay around all day, every day, it would be easier to feel so bad, but I have responsibilities. Anybody take Cymbalta for fibro and just want to get off it?? HELP
Votes: +0
AR
artcardriver
19 Nov 2016
Keep decreasing until you're off completely. Don't start it again. You won't ever be the same again, but once you're off of it for a few months the brain zapping, sweating, increase in blood pressure, etc will change. This is a nightmare drug. I pushed thru the negative side effects when I started, but had I known the life long damage it was going to cause, I never would have started it.
MA
mammyjobeas
20 Nov 2016
I have no brain zapping, sweating or high blood pressure--just my old symptoms of fatigue and body aches.
AR
artcardriver
20 Nov 2016
I'm so very happy to read that.
LA
lalag60
20 Nov 2016
Please please DO NOT get back on this drug. I weaned myself off starting last March. Yes, it was a nightmare, but I got through it. I was on it for anxiety, which I do still have but have learned how to calm myself without this horrible drug. This drug completely controls your body. I hope you can hang in there. Keep up your good habits. It is totally worth it!!
SA
sarann
29 Nov 2016
I was on C for 8yrs was off did the 60,40,20. Was off by 2nd wk of Aug. Did well going off but 2wks after I was a mess. Withdrawal has been awful. Even went to the ER. Normal nothing they could do. I'm still having withdrawal. So many times I feel like going back on because I didn't about the group until a month ago. I should also say I've got a pressure sore on the bottom of my foot that won't go away. I've also going to go off Fentyal patches, Hydrocodone, and Larazapam. Will make it?
I was just prescribed Cymbalta yesterday for my chronic hand pain... most likely rheumatoid arthritis. I've only taken 2 30mg pills. And there is no way I'm taking any more! I'm so glad I read this! I'm so very sorry what you all are going through. I've been through pain meds withdrawals, and they are nothing compared to what I'm reading about Cymbalta! Best of luck to you all.
Votes: +1
AR
artcardriver
19 Nov 2016
If you value the quality of the rest of your life, you'll stay off this drug and find another one to help you. Good luck.
JA
Janenegv
4 Nov 2016
I've started taking myself off this drug for the past month. I've experienced dizziness, headaches, extreme hunger and lots of crying. Very intense. I will be stopping by the end of this month. I do not plan to replace it with another drug!
Votes: +1
KO
KoriP
3 Nov 2016
I was prescribed Cymbalta for depression/fibromyalgia. I have been on it for just a month, and due to my own lack of prep I didn't refill it in time. Holy smokes I can't even get up off the couch without feeling like I am going to throw up, and I have to put Vicks under my nose so I can change diapers without vomiting. Dizzy, tired, can't eat... all this after only missing TWO days! And only 30 mg prescription!
My dear husband just went to pick up my prescription, and I do plan on taking it until I go in for my follow-up appointment in a month. However, after my own experience and reading all the responses here, I will be talking with my doctor and coming up with a plan to wean. While it has done an acceptable job managing my problems thus far, I am sure there are equally effective solutions that won't make me feel like I am dying if I miss a dose!
Votes: +1
EW
EWSM
3 Nov 2016
Thank you for posting this!!!
I was on 90mg for my fibro. It stopped working some time ago, so I started cutting back the dosage, but not in the traditional fashion of lowering the milligrams, but of cutting out days of taking it. About a week ago, I just stopped taking it. I had NO idea there would be such severe repercussions from doing so.
My pain has dramatically increased. My joints are swollen, and painful. The vertigo is insane. Food is not staying in my body, and I have lost time at work because the withdrawal is so bad. Sweats. Headache. More fatigue than usual. Blood pressure at a shockingly high number. Shakes. Emotional wreck (I cried in front of many co-workers earlier this week, because of a spider; uncontrollable tears, even now as I type this).
Had I been told at the onset of taking this drug that if I ever needed/wanted to stop taking it this would be what I would need to deal with, I would never have started. Going through this makes you feel like you are absolutely losing your mind. While I am saddened that so many patients are experiencing this, it is reassuring to read that I actually am not, and just need to wait out the storm.
Votes: +2
JO
Joseph1957
30 Oct 2016
Thanks for all the comments... It does make you feel you are not alone... I can't believe how the doctors I have seen over the years don't seem to take any interest in the fogginess symptoms or the mental fatigue issue, which i believe are the worst part of whatever it is I have... i was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 7 years ago and was put on Cymbalta about 5 years ago... I recently saw a Rheumatologist who says that I have Spondylitic arthritis not fibro??? Okay, i will accept that but I want to see if I can get off the Cymbalta now that i have been prescribed Celebrex, an anti-inflammatory, so here goes... i have asked for five weeks off work and I'm going to taper down and see if I can get off altogether in that time period... scary stuff though because I already experience fatigue, headaches, aching on Cymbalta... any suggestions? i will try massage, liquid diet and lots of meditation... i hope to be able to return to work, i work as a psychologist, before Christmas!! May you be well!
