Can Cymbalta be stopped abruptly? (+15 symptoms)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the importance of gradual withdrawal of Cymbalta and the common side effects of abrupt discontinuation of Cymbalta. We will further discuss the management of the withdrawal effects of Cymbalta.
Can Cymbalta be stopped abruptly?
No, Cymbalta should not be stopped abruptly. The sudden discontinuation of Cymbalta is associated with some potentially serious side effects. Like any other antidepressant medication, Cymbalta should be discontinued gradually to avoid unwanted adverse effects.
Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is commonly known as Duloxetine which is frequently prescribed in the management of various medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain (1).
Cymbalta is generally considered a well-tolerated medication but it may cause mild to moderate side effects in some individuals. However, a sudden discontinuation of Cymbalta is associated with some potentially serious adverse effects.
What does research suggest?
According to a research study, the discontinuation of Cymbalta developed withdrawal effects in over 40% of patients who were using it for depression. The most frequently reported withdrawal effects included lightheadedness in 14% of patients and nausea in 6% of patients (2).
In a research study, an elderly woman experienced seizures after stopping Cymbalta treatment, which is a rare withdrawal effect associated with Cymbalta. Other reported side effects included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion (3).
It’s essential for individuals to be aware of potential withdrawal effects and to discuss discontinuation plans with their healthcare provider to manage the process effectively.
What are the potential withdrawal effects of Cymbalta?
The potential withdrawal effects associated with abrupt discontinuation of Cymbalta may include (2):
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- insomnia
- paresthesia
- confusion
- agitation
- aggression
- suicidal tendencies
- seizures
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- headaches
- fatigue
- irritability
It is important to note that the frequency and severity of these adverse effects after sudden withdrawal of Cymbalta may vary from one individual to another.
How to manage Cymbalta withdrawal effects?
It is important to seek medical advice if you experience any withdrawal effects of Cymbalta after stopping the medication. The withdrawal effects of Cymbalta can be managed with a symptomatic treatment plan.
Commonly reported withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can be treated using antiemetic medications like dimenhydrinate. Over-the-counter analgesics can be used to manage headaches and fatigue. In cases of more severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, anticonvulsant medications are prescribed.
It is important to note that you should never take any medication without consulting your healthcare provider for the management of Cymbalta withdrawal effects.
How to safely discontinue Cymbalta?
Discontinuing Cymbalta safely requires a careful process that involves taking the following steps:
- Begin by consulting your healthcare provider and discussing your decision to stop taking the medication.
- Your healthcare provider will assess your situation and recommend a gradual tapering schedule that involves reducing the dosage of Cymbalta over time to minimize withdrawal effects.
- During this process, your healthcare provider will monitor your symptoms, as well as make adjustments to the tapering schedule if necessary.
- It is crucial to address any specific symptoms that arise during the tapering process.
- Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider will help determine your response to the changes in medication and ensure a smooth transition.
- It is important to maintain follow-up appointments to address any concerns or challenges that you may experience during this process.
In my opinion, it is important to avoid stopping Cymbalta abruptly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may worsen the quality of life and underlying medical conditions of patients.
In clinical settings, when patients stop taking Cymbalta, they experience various withdrawal symptoms that can vary based on their response to treatment, dosage, duration of therapy, and their underlying health conditions. It is important to taper off Cymbalta gradually to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
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References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747213/
2.-
Perahia DG, Kajdasz DK, Desaiah D, Haddad PM. Symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of duloxetine treatment in patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2005 Dec;89(1-3):207-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2005.09.003. Epub 2005 Nov 2. PMID: 16266753. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16266753/
3.-
Qadir A, Haider N. Duloxetine withdrawal seizure. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Sep;3(9):10. PMID: 20975823; PMCID: PMC2963463. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963463/
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