Cymbalta Ruined My Life
Cymbalta is a commonly prescribed medication for treating conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic neuropathy, chronic musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia. In 2004, the FDA approved the drug to treat such conditions and other types of nerve pain. It falls under the drug classification of a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Antidepressant drugs such as Cymbalta are commonly prescribed in the US. Despite its effectiveness when used per the recommendation of a health care provider, misuse and abuse of the drug can occur, leading to the development of an addiction. In fact, some users believe the medication had a negative impact on their condition and claimed “Cymbalta ruined my life.”
Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions. Everyone experiences both anxiety and depression. However, when the feelings of both conditions begin to impede on daily functioning, it can progress into a mental health disease and can be treated with specific types of medication.
Common symptoms of depression include feeling sad and empty, losing interest in activities once loved, eating too much or too little, sleeping too much or too little, low energy, difficulty concentrating and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Common symptoms of anxiety include fatigue, restlessness, irritability, difficulty with concentration, sleep issues and muscle tension. These symptoms can be remedied with an antidepressant like Cymbalta. When used as directed, it is safe and effective. Although not common, misuse of the drug can occur and trigger uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
What is Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is a SNRI drug that can alter the chemistry in the brain, impacting the entire body. The generic version of the drug is called duloxetine, which has a dual action treatment mechanism. It blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain as well as works to increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The drug targets nerve cells that facilitate reabsorption of neurotransmitters. Ultimately, Cymbalta works by interrupting the natural regulation of chemical neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine by making more of it available for the body to use.
Serotonin is essential and impacts various aspects of the body such as the immune system, mood regulation, sleep regulation, body temperature, motor control and other vital functions. Norepinephrine plays a role in the body’s response to stress and danger. Dopamine is associated with reward and motivation, physical movement, attention and focus and learning and memory. Cymbalta works by artificially building up these chemicals in the brain. When more of these chemicals are available, it can help reverse depressive and anxious symptoms.
Some side effects of the medication will last as long as the drug is being taken. In some clinical studies, the risks of suicidal behaviors were highest in the first few months of treatment or after there was a change in dosage.
Side Effects from Cymbalta
- Nausea and dry mouth
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sweating
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Emotional blunting
- Loss of motor control
- Decreased bone density
- Liver damage
- Orthostatic hypotension and high blood pressure
- Seizures
- Serotonin syndrome
- Issues with eyes
- Difficulty urinating
- Unusual bleeding
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Mania and anxiety
- Withdrawal symptoms
How long does it take to work?
Symptoms such as sleep, energy and appetite can show improvements within the first 1-2 weeks after taking the medication. Improvements in physical symptoms are important and are usually an indication that the medication is working. Other symptoms such as depressed mood and lack of interest in activities once loved will need longer and can improve in up to 6-8 weeks.
Cymbalta ruined my Life
In general, antidepressants such as Cymbalta are not known to cause addiction. Addiction to antidepressant drugs is not common. But according to new research, it is slowly on the rise. In most cases, users can develop a physical dependence leading to symptoms of withdrawal. With long-term use, high dosage use or changes in dosage of the medication, users are at risk for experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the challenges with Cymbalta are that users have found the side effects and risks of the drug outweigh the benefits of the drug. Research found that between 40-60% of patients decide to stop taking antidepressants such as Cymbalta because of its adverse side effects and poor results.
Many often refer to this as a drawback or set back to using Cymbalta claiming “Cymbalta ruined my life.” Withdrawal can occur over the course of weeks or even months after drug use has stopped. Withdrawal or risk of discontinuation symptoms are what users most commonly complain about when on Cymbalta.
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Symptoms of Withdrawal
- Brain Zaps. Brain zaps are sensations described as electric shocks to the brain. It can be quite unsettling and uncomfortable. It can affect concentration and daily cognitive functioning, making it the side effect many users wish to avoid.
- Dizziness. Dizziness and vertigo can occur, making daily activities challenging.
- Flu-like symptoms. Fever, muscle aches and chills can occur.
- Emotionally unstable. Users can experience mood swings, irritability and worsening of anxiety and depression can occur.
- Insomnia. Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep and nightmares can occur.
- Extreme fatigue and lethargy. User can experience a lack of energy and extreme tiredness.
- Digestive issues. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and appetite changes are common during withdrawal.
- Seizures and headaches.
- Increased thoughts of suicide and suicidal behaviors.
- Panic attack.
- Brain fog.
- Muscle aches.
What can you do to avoid or manage Withdrawal?
One of the biggest impacts from the use of antidepressants like Cymbalta is the development of withdrawal symptoms. It is highly recommended that users do not stop taking the drug even when they begin to feel better. Stopping the drug cold turkey, changing dosages, missing your dose or drastically reducing your medication dosage can lead to experiencing uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Speak with your health care provider to create a plan to gradually taper off the medication. With both short and long term use of Cymbalta, the best way to come off the drug is through a medically guided taper. Tapering helps to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms or to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Cymbalta is an SNRI antidepressant medication used to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as a wide variety of neuropathic and chronic pain. Unlike some other medications, the long-term effects of Cymbalta have yet to be fully studied. It is not classified as an addictive medication, but there is a risk of dependency and substance withdrawal. Substance withdrawal is one of the biggest factors in which some users have claimed the drug ruined their life. Behavioral treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for addiction to SNRIs and other antidepressant drugs.
Our treatment programs are available at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-proven methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients understand their substance issues and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://peachtreewellnessmh.com/cymbalta-ruined-my-life
https://www.alternativetomeds.com/blog/cymbalta-ruined-my-life
https://www.alternativetomeds.com/blog/long-term-effects-cymbalta
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cymbalta
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/types-of-medication/duloxetine-cymbalta/