Talk to your prescriber before changing your dose
Do not stop Cymbalta abruptly
Follow a gradual taper plan from your clinician
Reduce the dose slowly in small steps
Use the lowest available capsule strengths as needed
Ask about bead-counting only if your prescriber approves it
Monitor for withdrawal symptoms
Report dizziness, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, headache, or “brain zaps”
If symptoms are severe, contact your prescriber promptly
Pause or slow the taper if withdrawal symptoms become difficult
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs during tapering
Keep a daily log of dose changes and symptoms
Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts, severe mood changes, or inability to function
Do not make dose changes on your own
Ask about switching to a different medication if needed
Keep all follow-up appointments during the taper