“Basic and Clinical Pharmacology” classifies Cymbalta, or duloxetine, as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Cymbalta produces a weak inhibition on the dopamine, histamine, muscarinic, opioid and calcium ion channels. The drug reduces symptoms of major depression, chronic or neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, urinary tract incontinence and anxiety disorders. People may react in very distinctive ways to withdrawal to this specific, nervous system drug, but most individuals rate the severity of symptoms between mild to moderate. One way to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to slowly lower the dose of the drug before stopping.
Dizziness
According to the “Journal of Affective Disorders,” individuals suddenly stopping Cymbalta exhibit dizziness more often than any other symptom. Rapid movement when rising from a lying or sitting position makes the feeling of vertigo worse. Since driving with dizziness creates a hazard, individuals are advised to refrain from driving until the dizziness resolves.
Nausea
In “CNS Spectrum,” Dr. S.M. Stahl describes nausea as a common withdrawal symptom from Cymbalta. The nausea reaction gives one a feeling of aversion to food and a sensation of wanting to vomit or bring back up any food in the stomach. Continuing with sips of fluid prevents dehydration.
Headache
The “Journal of Affective Disorders,” reports the appearance of headache when individuals discontinue taking Cymbalta suddenly. The 120mg dose of Cymbalta produces more symptoms of headache than the 60mg dose. Since the action of Cymbalta occurs in the central nervous system, it is not surprising to have withdrawal effects of headache.
Irritability
Irritability appears with rapid withdrawal of Cymbalta. The sensations of restlessness and agitation emerge and create distress in individuals suffering from withdrawal symptoms. According to “Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics,” some providers may prescribe oral clonazepam to treat the irritability symptoms caused by the withdrawal of Cymbalta.
References
- “Basic and Clinical Pharmacology;" S.B. Masters & A.J. Trevor; 2009
- “Journal of Affective Disorders;" Symptoms Following Abrupt Discontinuation of Duloxetine; D.G. Perahia, et al.; 2005
- “CNS Spectrum;" SNRIs; S.M. Stahl, et al.; 2005
- “Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses;" Dulexotine; Judith H. Deglin, et al.; 2011
- “Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics;" Laurence L. Brunton, Ph.D.; 2006
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