Duloxetine, or the brand name Cymbalta, is a type of antidepressant called a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI, according to the "PDR Guide for Mental Health Professionals." Cymbalta is usually prescribed to treat depression, but it is also used for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chronic fatigue syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia. The drug works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Cymbalta may cause withdrawal side effects if it is suddenly discontinued.
Anxiety
A sudden termination of taking Cymbalta may cause anxiety among people who have taken the drug for longer than several months, according to a study in the December 2005 issue of the "Journal of Affective Disorders." Some people may become restless or agitated, as they experience nervousness, an inability to relax and a quick temper. Individuals may feel jittery, jumpy, shaky or uneasy after withdrawing from Cymbalta.
Dizziness
Dizziness may arise when Cymbalta is abruptly discontinued. In the "Journal of Affective Disorders" study, dizziness was the most common Cymbalta withdrawal symptom. The study found that most people had mild dizziness after Cymbalta was suddenly discontinued. However, about a third of people experiencing dizziness had a moderate-to-severe degree of feeling lightheaded and unsteady.
Irritability
Irritability may also occur among people who have stopped taking Cymbalta, reports the "Journal of Affective Disorders." Individuals no longer taking the drug may become easily annoyed or disturbed. A depressed mood may accompany the irritability in some people.
Sleeping Difficulties
Withdrawing from Cymbalta may cause vivid nightmares, notes the "Journal of Affective Disorders." Insomnia may also occur. People may experience difficulty falling asleep or falling back to sleep, or they may wake up during the night or earlier than usual, such as awakening at 4 a.m. when usually waking up at 6 a.m. Withdrawing from Cymbalta may also cause restless sleep or tossing and turning during the night.
Nausea
Nausea is another common symptom of Cymbalta withdrawal, as reported by the "Journal of Affective Disorders." People may become queasy or have an unsettled stomach after sudden withdrawal from Cymbalta. Vomiting sometimes accompanies the nausea.
Paresthesia
People withdrawing from Cymbalta may experience paresthesia, or an unusual sensation on the skin, according to the "Journal of Affective Disorders." The sensation may be experienced as a shocking, pricking, tingling or numbing feeling. Sometimes people with paresthesia describe the sensation as "pins and needles" pricking the skin or the affected body area as "falling asleep."
References
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Symptoms Following Abrupt Discontinuation of Duloxetine Treatment in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder; David Perahia, M.D., et al.; December 2005
- "PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals, 3rd Edition"; 2007
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