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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Withdrawal Symptoms Of Cymbalta Be Managed?

I am 74 years old diabetic. I suffer with pain in my legs,arms and my entire body most of the time. was given Lycra for fibromyalgia. This was about 9 or 10 years ago. It was not helping,so I started taking Cymbalta and stopped Lycra because it became too expensive Recently I became so depressed. I have signs of demenia. My test results did not prove that. I am back on Lycra . I asked to be taken off Cymbalta and I was. My PCP advised me I could continue both. I decided to stop taking the Cymbalta. now I feel so different. I am having those electric shocks in my head. I read that is a side effect of the medicine when its leaving the system. I do not like this feeling. I feel a bit weak, cold most of the time. I think I want to just take both medicines and see if I can feel better. I have not discussed this with my doctor, what do you suggest other than talking to him.
posted on Wed, 7 Feb 2018
Twitter Mon, 4 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 6 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
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Dietitian & Nutritionist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I hear you asking whether you should take both Lyrica and Cymbalta again at the same time as you are having unexplained symptoms that you are attributing to possible withdrawal from the Cymbalta. Also, what you could do in the meantime besides talking to him is a question.

Cymbalta is an antidepressant that acts on neurotransmitters in the body. Sudden withdrawal of this medication can cause unpleasant side-effects such as what you are experiencing. The proper manner in which to come off Cymbalta is to gradually taper off of it and if it is not too late, you might want to try going back on a lower dose than you were on before and then gradually tapering off of it in incremental doses under your doctors supervision in the titration. You should discuss this with your PCP as soon as possible in light of the uncomfortable symptoms you describe.

Stopping Lyrica suddenly can trigger symptoms such as insomnia, headache, anxiety, nausea, excessive sweating and diarrhea. The official prescribing information specifies gradual tapering over at least a week. Some people may require a much slower withdrawal process. You might discuss this with your PCP as well.

As far as overall aches and pains, I advise that you try to switch over to a more plant based diet with emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lactose free dairy with lean protein. An omega 3 supplement might be needed if you do not eat much seafood, salmon products and your vitamin D should be checked and repleted if low.

I hope this answer helps you understand your symptoms a bit better.
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How Can Withdrawal Symptoms Of Cymbalta Be Managed?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I hear you asking whether you should take both Lyrica and Cymbalta again at the same time as you are having unexplained symptoms that you are attributing to possible withdrawal from the Cymbalta. Also, what you could do in the meantime besides talking to him is a question. Cymbalta is an antidepressant that acts on neurotransmitters in the body. Sudden withdrawal of this medication can cause unpleasant side-effects such as what you are experiencing. The proper manner in which to come off Cymbalta is to gradually taper off of it and if it is not too late, you might want to try going back on a lower dose than you were on before and then gradually tapering off of it in incremental doses under your doctors supervision in the titration. You should discuss this with your PCP as soon as possible in light of the uncomfortable symptoms you describe. Stopping Lyrica suddenly can trigger symptoms such as insomnia, headache, anxiety, nausea, excessive sweating and diarrhea. The official prescribing information specifies gradual tapering over at least a week. Some people may require a much slower withdrawal process. You might discuss this with your PCP as well. As far as overall aches and pains, I advise that you try to switch over to a more plant based diet with emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lactose free dairy with lean protein. An omega 3 supplement might be needed if you do not eat much seafood, salmon products and your vitamin D should be checked and repleted if low. I hope this answer helps you understand your symptoms a bit better.