Can Cymbalta Withdrawal Cause Mood Swings?

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

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?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

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

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj