Do not stop Cymbalta suddenly unless your prescriber tells you to
Ask your prescriber for a taper plan before making any changes
A common first step is to reduce from 30 mg daily to 20 mg daily if available
If 20 mg is not available, your prescriber may recommend alternate-day dosing only in specific cases
Another option is opening the capsule and removing some beads only if your prescriber or pharmacist specifically instructs you to do so
Stay on each lower dose for 1 to 2 weeks or longer if withdrawal symptoms occur
If symptoms are mild, continue the taper more slowly
If symptoms are severe, return to the previous dose and contact your prescriber
Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and “brain zaps”
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs during the taper
Keep a daily log of mood, sleep, and physical symptoms
Contact a doctor urgently if you have suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, or worsening depression
Follow your prescriber’s instructions exactly if you are also taking other antidepressants or medicines that affect serotonin