Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Cymbalta Withdrawal Cause Mood Swings?
Question: I've had ecgs and a echocardiogram and a ct angiogram scan (report included) and all have stated my heart is healthy
I am however trying to come off cymbalta 120mg so I reduced to 60mg after taking 120mg every other day for so long then went to 60mg every other day after that and now I have stopped taking it however I am having severe heart zaps
I call them that because the feel like my heart is being jolted or zapped and it causes my heart to beat in a rhythm of one two pause for a second or two then three in a hard thud that also feels like a zap. I checked my pulse and sure enough when the zaps occurred my pulse followed the pattern.
When the zaps occur they cause my vision to flicker and I can trigger the zaps by moving my eyes around to quickly or even just moving my whole body from place to place
I recall this happened to me when coming off tramadol also but when I spoke to my Dr he said it's not possible Cymbalta causes no withdrawal side effects and it's all in my head espicially due to normal cardiac work up but I wasn't suffering from these strange palpitation like zaps when the tests were done.
I'm a nurse and I know Cymbalta is a terrible drug for withdrawal symptoms
Is it possible what I am feeling is harmless withdrawal?
I am however trying to come off cymbalta 120mg so I reduced to 60mg after taking 120mg every other day for so long then went to 60mg every other day after that and now I have stopped taking it however I am having severe heart zaps
I call them that because the feel like my heart is being jolted or zapped and it causes my heart to beat in a rhythm of one two pause for a second or two then three in a hard thud that also feels like a zap. I checked my pulse and sure enough when the zaps occurred my pulse followed the pattern.
When the zaps occur they cause my vision to flicker and I can trigger the zaps by moving my eyes around to quickly or even just moving my whole body from place to place
I recall this happened to me when coming off tramadol also but when I spoke to my Dr he said it's not possible Cymbalta causes no withdrawal side effects and it's all in my head espicially due to normal cardiac work up but I wasn't suffering from these strange palpitation like zaps when the tests were done.
I'm a nurse and I know Cymbalta is a terrible drug for withdrawal symptoms
Is it possible what I am feeling is harmless withdrawal?
Brief Answer:
Harmless withdrawal symptoms...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is true that Cymbalta withdrawal is commonly associated with mood swings and neurological problems (including zaps). Usually, they are harmless.
However, I advise to get close monitoring with your doctor as the symptoms will persist a few weeks after stopping the drug. Sometimes, hospitalization is needed.
Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Benard
Harmless withdrawal symptoms...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is true that Cymbalta withdrawal is commonly associated with mood swings and neurological problems (including zaps). Usually, they are harmless.
However, I advise to get close monitoring with your doctor as the symptoms will persist a few weeks after stopping the drug. Sometimes, hospitalization is needed.
Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
