Does Benadryl help with Cymbalta withdrawal? (9+ tips)

This article will discuss the effectiveness of Benadryl in addressing specific Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms. The article will also explore how Benadryl works to potentially improve these symptoms and highlight the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

Finally, it will provide recommendations for managing Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms.

Does Benadryl help with Cymbalta withdrawal?

Benadryl may help with certain symptoms that overlap with Cymbalta withdrawal. For instance, Benadryl can be used for insomnia, which is a common withdrawal symptom of duloxetine. Additionally, Benadryl may help alleviate itchiness and redness, which are also mentioned among the withdrawal symptoms [1,2].

However, Benadryl’s effectiveness in addressing Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms has not been proven in research studies. Thus, It is always advisable to consult with a doctor for recommendations regarding the management of Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms.

How can Benadryl help with Cymbalta withdrawal?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that mainly inhibits H1 receptors, including those located on vascular endothelial cells, the gastrointestinal tract, and most importantly, the central nervous system neurons [2].

In the case of Cymbalta withdrawal, diphenhydramine may help with symptoms like redness, itchiness, and headache by decreasing the vasodilation caused by H1 receptor activation.

Additionally, as a first-generation antihistamine, diphenhydramine can cross the blood-brain barrier and inhibit histamine actions within the central nervous system. This can result in increased calmness, potentially helping with Cymbalta withdrawal-induced anxiety and irritability [2].

Furthermore, diphenhydramine acts as a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors because their structure is similar to that of H1 receptors. By doing so, it can effectively reduce tremors, one of the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal [2].

In the brain, diphenhydramine’s antimuscarinic actions in the chemoreceptor trigger zone can lead to a decrease in nausea, vomiting, and vertigo, all of which are symptoms commonly associated with Cymbalta withdrawal [2].

Additionally, diphenhydramine can also manage vertigo by acting on the vestibular apparatus in the brain, which plays a crucial role in maintaining body balance and adjusting body position and movement [2].

Which Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms does Benadryl improve?

Some common Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms that Benadryl can improve include:

• Vertigo
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Electric shock-like sensations
• Dystonia
• Flu-like symptoms
• Itchiness
• Flushing and redness

To illustrate, when Cymbalta is taken regularly for a long time, the body gets used to its effects and to the specific balance of neurotransmitters that it induces. If it is discontinued, the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain may suddenly change, leading to various withdrawal symptoms. 

Not everyone will experience the same withdrawal symptoms, and the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Moreover, Benadryl may not help with all the withdrawal symptoms mentioned previously.

Thus, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before discontinuing Cymbalta or taking Benadryl to manage its withdrawal symptoms. They can help you by suggesting the safest way to discontinue Cymbalta or by advising you about the most suitable approach to manage withdrawal symptoms.

What to do if Benadryl doesn’t improve Cymbalta withdrawal?

If Benadryl does not effectively improve Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms, several management strategies can be considered to minimize the effects and manage any withdrawal symptoms that have already occurred. They include:

Gradual dose reduction

First of all, to avoid experiencing any more withdrawal symptoms, you should develop a tapering plan with your doctor. That involves gradually reducing your Cymbalta dosage over time to allow your body to adjust slowly to this discontinuation.

Bridging

During the process of gradually reducing the dose before discontinuation, your doctor may suggest that you take a different drug as a bridge to manage the withdrawal symptoms and provide relief while discontinuing Cymbalta.

Pregabalin, for example, can be used to effectively manage neuropathic pain while Cymbalta’s dose is being reduced. This can prevent the patient from suffering from severe pain upon withdrawal of Cymbalta. Prozac bridging can also be helpful in minimizing Cymbalta’s withdrawal symptoms. 

Management of symptoms

It is also important to manage each withdrawal symptom that occurs while discontinuing this drug. Some of these symptoms and strategies to manage them are mentioned below:

• Nausea and vomiting: over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or prescription anti-nausea drugs like Ondansetron may help [3].

• Anxiety: benzodiazepines have shown effectiveness in managing anxiety caused by medication withdrawal [3,4].

• Dyskinesia can also be managed by benzodiazepine [4].

• Akathisia: Propranolol is known to be effective in managing medication-related akathisia [4].

• Dizziness and vertigo: research suggests that motion sickness medications like meclizine and dimenhydrinate can improve antidepressants’ withdrawal-induced dizziness [4]. You should additionally minimize sudden movements and avoid standing up abruptly.

• Headaches: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help with headaches [3].

• Insomnia and sleep disturbances: improve your sleep hygiene and avoid caffeine and stimulating activities (like watching TV and playing video games) close to bedtime.

• Electric shock sensations: make sure you’re well rested, avoid caffeine or other stimulants, and practice relaxation techniques to manage such sensations.

Based on my research, I have concluded that Benadryl may help with certain symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal, such as insomnia, itchiness, nausea, vertigo, anxiety, and redness. However, the effectiveness of Benadryl in addressing Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms has not been proven in research studies.

In my perspective, it is always best to seek medical advice before making any decisions regarding medication. I believe that a healthcare professional can provide the safest and most suitable approach to managing Cymbalta withdrawal.

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