According to the National Institutes of Health, Cymbalta is a prescription drug used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Cymbalta, often referred to by the generic name Duloxetine, is also used to treat chronic pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Sources at the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic note that Cymbalta increases the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in an individual's brain, and these chemicals help regulate mood and pain signals. When an individual reduces his dose or discontinues use of Cymbalta it must be done under a doctor's supervision, as discontinued use can result a variety of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering Medication
Sources at the Mayo Clinic strongly advise that patients who wish to discontinue use of Cymbalta consult with their medical doctor. When a patient stops taking Cymbalta, he may experience a wide variety of withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, sleeplessness, low mood, and headaches. Doctors will typically recommend a gradual tapering of the medication. If severe withdrawal symptoms appear, a patient is usually advised to taper more slowly. Sources at the Mayo Clinic note that Cymbalta may take four to six weeks to gradually clear from the patient's system, but the tapering schedule may vary depending on the patient and his routine dosage. Higher dosages may take longer to taper.
Withdrawal Symptom Management
According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors may advise that patients use medications to manage the symptoms of withdrawal from Cymbalta. A doctor may prescribe a low dose of another antidepressant, or he may advise the use of antianxiety medications or sleep aids. These interventions are typically temporary, and are intended to control uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, agitation, or insomnia. As the levels of Cymbalta in the person's system gradually decrease, the withdrawal symptoms will also decrease in intensity and frequency.
Psychological Counseling
Both the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic recommend that individuals taking an antidepressant medication also consult with a mental health professional for counseling support. Individual therapy can offer coping skills and behavioral management techniques that help ease a clients transition from antidepressant medications. In many cases a therapist will present cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that enhance the clients ability to manage stress, anxiety and low mood.
