Step by step Cymbalta instructions are on this website.
Cymbalta is a brand name for the medication duloxetine, which is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) commonly used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. While Cymbalta is an effective medication for many people, it can also have significant side effects and withdrawal symptoms when the medication is discontinued.
If you are experiencing brain zaps, electrical jolts in the head, click here
If you wish to remain on Cymbalta but eliminate current Cymbalta withdrawal side effects, click here.
If you want to taper off the Cymbalta and you are not sure where to start, you can click here and read the bestselling book, How to Get Off Psychoactive Drugs Safely.
Cymbalta withdrawal can be a challenging experience for people who have been taking the medication for an extended period of time, and it can be a difficult process to navigate.
Symptoms of Cymbalta Withdrawal
Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but some common symptoms include:
Dizziness: Many people experience dizziness or lightheadedness when they stop taking Cymbalta.
Nausea: Nausea is another common symptom of Cymbalta withdrawal. Some people may also experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of withdrawal from many medications, including Cymbalta.
Insomnia: Many people have difficulty sleeping when they stop taking Cymbalta.
Anxiety: Cymbalta is commonly used to treat anxiety, so it is not surprising that anxiety is a common symptom of withdrawal.
Irritability: People who are experiencing Cymbalta withdrawal may feel more irritable or easily frustrated than usual.
Brain zaps: One of the most distinctive symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal is the sensation of “brain zaps,” which are brief electric shock-like sensations that occur in the head.
Flu-like symptoms: Some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and chills.
Suicidal thoughts: While rare, some people may experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors when they stop taking Cymbalta.
These symptoms can be challenging to manage, and it is important for people who are experiencing Cymbalta withdrawal to seek medical attention if they are having difficulty coping with their symptoms.
Causes of Cymbalta Withdrawal
The causes of Cymbalta withdrawal are not entirely clear, but they are believed to be related to changes in the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Cymbalta works by inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, which increases their availability in the brain.
When a person stops taking Cymbalta, the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain decrease rapidly. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including the symptoms listed above.
In addition to changes in neurotransmitter levels, Cymbalta withdrawal may also be related to changes in the levels of other hormones and chemicals in the body. For example, Cymbalta may affect the levels of cortisol, a hormone that is involved in the body’s response to stress. Changes in cortisol levels could contribute to some of the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal, such as anxiety and irritability.
Methods of Treatment for Cymbalta Withdrawal
There are several methods of treatment for Cymbalta withdrawal, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
One of the most common treatments for Cymbalta withdrawal is the use of The Road Back Program. Cymbalta is known to overly activate the JNK gene and in so doing, the body reacts to the Cymbalta ingestion and the JNK activation leads to further body symptoms. The Road Back Program addresses these issues by using nutritional supplements to not only reduce the JNK activation but other common Cymbalta withdrawal side effects.
Cymbalta Withdrawal Solution, Duloxetine Side Effects, Treatment Options
Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms
The majority of people attempting Cymbalta withdrawal experience an antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. This is also known as Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome in the United States. In Europe it is call Cymbalta withdrawal side effects.
The F.D.A. estimates 10% of those experiencing Cymbalta withdrawal will go back up on the Cymbalta because the withdrawal symptoms are too severe. If you want to read the short version of how to handle Cymbalta withdrawal side effects Click here. Page opens new browser window.
The most common and debilitating Cymbalta withdrawal side effect is called “brain zaps.” Brain zaps are described by people experiencing it as a; electrical jolt that tends to run from base of the neck up into their head. Another side effect that tends to run with brain zaps is a shiver, a feeling as your head is floating, dizziness, and/or a whirling sensation in the head. These symptoms can come in waves or even be persistent. The good news; in 2002, our founder, Jim Harper, discovered the correct type of Omega 3 taken in the right quantity will eliminate these devastating head symptoms quickly. Usually within a couple of hours. The body in a normal state uses the oil from our diet, specifically from omega 3 found in fish, to build and replenish the end point of areas in the brain that sends and receives electrical signals. We are using easy to understand terminology here so it is easy to understand. Let’s leave the technical jargon to physicians. These brain zaps have nothing to do with serotonin levels or other made up reasons.
It is simple really; our body works in a very natural way with how it uses amino acids, proteins, fats in food and all other diet items to maintain a balance. When you introduce any toxin that disrupts these processes the body reacts. The most common Cymbalta Duloxetine withdrawal symptoms reported include:
Flu like symptoms
Insomnia
Anxiety
Brain zaps
Tremors
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Increased suicidal ideation
Nausea
Headache
Mania
Hypomania
Ringing in the ears
Aggression
Confusion
Imbalance
Mood swings
Please note: These are the most common Cymbalta withdrawal side effects but far from all potential Cymbalta withdrawal side effects. There is a warning the FDA has put a black box warning on Cymbalta. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients (5.1) Closely monitor for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
You may have been prescribed Cymbalta within a very short doctor visit. There was no investigation into other life factors, lab testing, or any conversation about what side effects might present. The failings of this approach may cause quite a burden on the patient.
Depression, insomnia, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and other symptoms that Cymbalta is often prescribed for might stem from; diminished vitamin D levels, over active JNK gene, specific proteins that need to be silenced, dietary concerns and food allergies, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotoxic accumulation, and many other reasons. A full physical from an understanding physician is ideal, before prescribing Cymbalta.
Do Your Symptoms Require Cymbalta?
The Road Back Program uses nutritional supplements to help with the Cymbalta withdrawal. Most people feel a very fast relief from the Cymbalta withdrawal once they begin taking the supplements and we feel the odds are high; if would have taken nutritional supplements like these before starting the Cymbalta you would not have been prescribed the Cymbalta in the first place.
In 2007, Jim Harper was giving a speech to a group of psychiatrists in Ireland and during his talk he mentioned his mother just passed away 30 days ago. He went on to describe how he made sure to take his JNK Formula each day to help the body cope with the stress being put on it do to his loss. He went on to say, “The JNK Formula will not remove the emotional loss and how I feel but it will keep the body strong during my time to grieve.
“How Do You Survive Cymbalta Withdrawal?
Surviving Cymbalta withdrawal depends on what you do at this very moment. If you keep doing the same thing you have been doing and you are in a heavy Cymbalta withdrawal, nothing will change for the positive, That is a given. If you decide to do the Cymbalta withdrawal as an inpatient in a drug rehab center DO NOT DO THE 9 DAY PLAN BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT INSURANCE ALLOWS. Over the past 22 years I have worked with far too many people who were sold on a rehab facility, stayed the 9 days because insurance would only pay for that amount of time. The unscrupulous facility took them off the Cymbalta in 9 days as they promised and by the time the person got off the airplane after their return home they were in full withdrawal. You can’t do a Cymbalta withdrawal in 9 days.
The Road Back Program can normally help you get back on your feet again but the rehab facility approach of this type is not worth the price you will pay mentally and physically. You will find a few other outpatient Cymbalta withdrawal programs on the internet now and Jim Harper is not aware of one that will cause you harm like the rehab facility’s mentioned. However, every other program on the internet was trained by Jim Harper years ago and they are doing what Jim Harper and The Road Back did during that time frame. Almost 2 decades ago Jim Harper trained several physicians and good intentioned people how to get a patient off Cymbalta. Jim went into detail of the process and what nutritional supplements were used and why they were used. At that time of The Road Back the success rate was not as high as desired and over the following years Jim changed the formulas used with the supplements several times to use new information with DNA testing.
Long story short; you will likely wind up using a Cymbalta withdrawal approach The Road Back used in 2003, that was scrapped for something more successful. If you are currently in Cymbalta withdrawal, send Jim Harper an email and he will personally guide you through the process so you can get back on your feet quickly and have a very successful Cymbalta withdrawal. It does not matter if you have been on Cymbalta for 1 month or 20 years. Recovery can happen and the good part is; it does not take more time because you have been taking Cymbalta for years.
When Do Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms Start When Discontinuing / Quitting Cymbalta?
Cymbalta withdrawal usually begins between day 1 and day 3 of adjusting the Cymbalta. For some people this is not the case but eventually most everyone hits some dosage of the Cymbalta when reducing that jars them. Cymbalta withdrawal begins and they have no idea what they should do. Their physician does not know what to do. They wind up in a spiral downward and wind up on a new medication to try and stop the Cymbalta withdrawal. The best case is the additional drug does that but you are now on 2 drugs instead of only Cymbalta.
Cymbalta Withdrawal, What to Expect
If using The Road Back Program you should expect to feel a lot better within the first couple days of the program. If you do nothing, expect to continue to feel as you do now. Possibly worse as time goes on. The chance of feeling better if you do nothing is nil.
In 1999, The Road Back only had people taper antidepressants gradually and slowly. They still suffered. Around 50% could get off the antidepressant but most went back on the medication because of the withdrawal side effects. We wish there was a better answer for you than the above but with working with over 19 million people over the last 23 years, the truth is the truth. No way to water it down to make it sound better. Some may think it is just their depression returning but who would not feel depressed if they were still going through Cymbalta withdrawal months after stopping the Cymbalta.
We can’t stress enough; what you do or do not do at this moment in time is critical for your future. Take your time if at all possible. If you have brain zaps go buy any omega 3 fish oil, even the wrong omega 3 fish oil will help somewhat. While you read this you may want to pause and go take a walk. Look at the trees, the sky or anything off in the distance. Getting your attention off your mind and body may do wonders.
Keep this close to your heart; There is Hope and There is a Solution. We are speaking directly to YOU.A 30 day supply of the nutritional supplements will cost you around $80. If you feel it is worth $80 to take a chance that all of this can go away in a couple of days, then take that chance. Over the past 22 years many have sent an email to Jim Harper and said they were not sure what to do about the Cymbalta withdrawal. Even after reading this information. The people that tried something else generally came back within a few months and were in worse shape than before. We do not want this to happen to you. Jim will still be here to assist.
Can Cymbalta Make Depression Worse?
Common sense answers this question. If depression is one side effect of taking Cymbalta then Cymbalta can cause depression. You do stand a greater chance of Cymbalta causing depression during withdrawal than while simply taking the Cymbalta as prescribed. The depression during Cymbalta withdrawal can be due to the other Cymbalta withdrawal side effects you are experiencing. Who would not start to get depressed if you have anxiety from morning to night, can’t sleep and your head feels like it is on fire.
Can You Get Addicted to Cymbalta?
Yes and no. This is where Cymbalta dependence is a matter of wording. Medically speaking in the United States Cymbalta is not addicting. In Europe it is viewed as addicting. The bottom line is; Once you take Cymbalta for 7 days the Cymbalta has made its way through your body. If your body no longer has the Cymbalta in its system, your body will react to the Cymbalta being gone. Much like a person that eats a lot a sweets every day. Your body will react when the sweet substance is not present. Call it addicting, as we would, call it a dependence as United States physicians will, it is what it is. If you do not provide the substance the body reacts and you also have mental feelings that are not positive. We can get into the insulin discussion etc, but we are only talking about a substance being present and then not and the body and mind reacting in a negative manner.
How long does Cymbalta stay in your system after the last dosage? Our founder, Jim Harper, made great strides with determining this question. Using his DNA testing company in 2004-2005, Jim conducted hundreds of DNA tests to determine how fast or slow medications took to metabolize. In roughly 34 percent of the population the Cymbalta can take as long as 48 hours to clear the body. In others, as little as 8 hours can occur for the Cymbalta to clear the body. Depending on other habits you may have, Cymbalta could clear faster or even take more time than the 48 hours. If you smoke cigarettes and stop smoking while taking Cymbalta, the Cymbalta dosage you are taking will decrease by 15%. On the other side of this, if you start smoking while taking Cymbalta, the Cymbalta dosage will act as though it is 15% higher than you think it is. This is because cigarettes induce an enzyme used to metabolize Cymbalta and anything using that same pathway will shoot though much faster. Caffeine restricts that same enzyme, so if you start or stop drinking coffee while taking Cymbalta you will either go into withdrawal or feel an overdose, even though you have not changed the Cymbalta dosage. This is why The Road Back Program wants you to not change smoking habits or caffeine habits during the Cymbalta taper.
Can you overdose on Cymbalta?
Yes, it is definitely possible for Cymbalta poisoning to occur. A substantial Cymbalta overdose requires emergency medical intervention to prevent major health problems. This list of Cymbalta overdose symptoms would be the same as those Cymbalta side effects listed above, but more severe. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the use of intravenous benzodiazepines is sometimes required during Cymbalta overdose to prevent seizures. Extra cooling measures must be used to reduce hyperthermia, always under the direction of EMT or other medical staff attending to the patient.
Treatment for Cymbalta Withdrawal
Cymbalta has become one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressants in the US. Of equal importance is that depressive disorders have become one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions. These two facts together underscore two important steps toward improved health:
Providing safe treatment programs for those who have decided on Cymbalta withdrawal, and Offering drug-free options to regain natural mental health without the need for prescription medications.
The Road Back Program was described by Dr. Hyla Cass M.D. in this way:
Here’s an essential handbook on how to safely and more easily wean yourself (under medical supervision) off the heavily over-prescribed psychotropic medications. I have used the program with my patients and it works!” Hyla Cass M.D. Author of Supplement Your Prescription
Send an email to Jim Harper by using the Contact link on the top of this page or read How to Get Off Psychoactive Drugs Safely by Jim Harper and follow the program for Cymbalta withdrawal.
Why Jim put his entire book on our website for free is so you can instantly read the material and start this process if you are ready now. One last thing Jim asked us to provide at the bottom of each page of Cymbalta descriptions:
There is Hope and There is a Solution
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