Cymbalta
The Cymbalta Addiction: Abuse, Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Table of Contents
What is Cymbalta (Duloxetine)?
Cymbalta is a prescription drug that has been approved to treat anxiety, depression, neuropathic pain related to diabetes, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. As a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), Cymbalta works by restoring balance in the brain and improving sleep, energy, appetite, and energy levels.
Cymbalta is the brand name for the drug duloxetine and it is only legally available with a prescription. A dose comes in the form of a time-released capsule and while the typical dose is usually 40-60 mg daily, some people take up to 120 mg per day.
Since this drug is intended to be taken as a time-released capsule, crushing the pill or mixing it with a liquid will release all of the medication at once at cause harmful side effects or increase a user’s risk for dependence and misuse.
Additionally, taking Cymbalta with other drugs or alcohol can cause serious or life-threatening side effects and long-term use of duloxetine with alcohol or Tylenol can cause severe liver damage.
Is Cymbalta Addictive?
Although Cymbalta is not classified as an addictive drug, discontinuation syndrome is common among people who suddenly stop using SSRI antidepressants like Cymbalta. Discontinuation syndrome can be very uncomfortable and may cause symptoms like dizziness, numbness or tingling sensations, lethargy, problems sleeping, irritability, anxiety, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.
According to Psych Central, up to 80 percent of people who quit using Cymbalta experienced discontinuation syndrome.
How Common Is Cymbalta Addiction?
Three decades ago, less than one in 50 Americans used antidepressants. Today, one in nine Americans takes an antidepressant like Cymbalta, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although Cymbalta is not addictive, people taking the drug can quickly succumb to the classic addictive behaviors and cycle of dependence because they need more of the drug to prevent the uncomfortable side effects of withdrawal.
Cymbalta abuse is rare since the drug does not cause a high when it is taken in large doses. However, if a person suddenly stops taking it, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and may also have suicidal thoughts.
What Are the Side Effects of Cymbalta Addiction?
Although abuse of Cymbalta rarely happens, taking extremely large doses of the drug can cause overdose which is characterized by several severe side effects, including:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Vomiting
- High or low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Seizures
People who take Cymbalta as prescribed on a long-term basis also report experiencing weight gain.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cymbalta Addiction?
People who have a history of severe depression or who take one or more antidepressant drugs may be more at risk of misusing or abusing Cymbalta. Some signs and symptoms of addiction and prescription drug abuse are:
- Slurred speech
- Bloodshot eyes
- Faking symptoms to get
- Cymbalta prescriptions
- Sudden changes in physical appearance and hygiene
- Financial problems
- Reduced appetite
- Sleeping too much or too little
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Cymbalta Addiction Detox and Withdrawal
If a person suddenly stops taking Cymbalta, they may experience unpleasant physical and psychological side effects known as withdrawal. Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paresthesia (burning or prickling sensation in arms, legs, hands, or feet)
- Irritability
- Nightmares and insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Vertigo
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
Although the side effects of Cymbalta withdrawal are not deadly on their own, suicidal thoughts may occur, so medical and clinical monitoring is often necessary. Additionally, since Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can also be severe, users should rely on an experienced medical professional to gradually taper their use of the drug instead of suddenly discontinuing all use. These types of services are provided by Cymbalta detox programs.
A medical detox program can safely wean a person off the drug while providing safe, medical monitoring for an extended period of time. A Cymbalta detox program can also provide medical and clinical treatment for withdrawal symptoms and depressive episodes.
Cymbalta Addiction Withdrawal Timeline
Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide an exact timeline for Cymbalta withdrawal because the severity and duration of the symptoms will vary greatly from person to person. While some people may experience moderate to severe symptoms for a few days, others will continue to experience symptoms for months after discontinuing Cymbalta use.
Although it’s impossible to determine exactly how long Cymbalta withdrawal will take, the safest way to stop using the drug is with a medical detox program. An experienced doctor will be able to provide adequate Cymbalta treatment and gradual tapering with a detox program that meets your specific needs.
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Treatment for Cymbalta Addiction
Although a Cymbalta detox program can effectively and safely wean a person off the drug, he or she may choose to continue treatment with a rehab program. Despite the fact that Cymbalta is not classified as an addictive drug, many people who misuse it or become dependent on it may also abuse other substances like prescription drugs or alcohol.
Using Cymbalta, alcohol, or other addictive substances to cope with life stressors is a behavioral problem that should be addressed with therapy and clinical treatment. An inpatient or outpatient drug rehab program can provide effective addiction treatment and therapy to address the underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse habits. Enrolling in a rehab program also provides clients with an extended amount of time in a safe and sober environment. This encourages physical and mental healing and opportunities to begin implementing healthy behaviors and habits.
Throughout the duration of a drug rehab program, clients gain the knowledge and skills they need to stay sober. A rehab program for recovering addicts often includes:
- Chemical dependency education
- 12-Step Program work
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Individual and group therapy
- Life skills development
In completing a rehab program, a person who struggles with drug addiction or prescription drug abuse can overcome those behavioral problems
Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Cymbalta Addiction
A person recovering from Cymbalta abuse or polysubstance abuse may choose to enroll in a residential rehab program or an outpatient rehab program. Most people who need medical treatment for Cymbalta withdrawal will not need the intensive treatment a residential rehab program provides. However, an outpatient rehab program can be extremely helpful, especially for someone who abuses multiple drugs including Cymbalta or who has a history of substance abuse problems.
When choosing between a residential drug rehab program and an outpatient drug rehab program, it’s helpful to know the difference between the two.
- A residential Cymbalta rehab program is an inpatient program that provides gender-specific addiction treatment, sober living spaces, and a structured daily regimen for people who are recovering from addiction. During Cymbalta rehab, clients live onsite throughout the duration of their treatment, although recovery programs often allow for day passes off campus to visit family and loved ones. Residential rehab is great for anyone who has previous substance abuse problems or who thrives with a high level of structure during Cymbalta treatment.
- An outpatient Cymbalta rehab program is another type of addiction treatment program that provides recovery support and behavioral therapy in a less structured environment. Clients attend a series of group meetings and are free to live at home, work, and attend school while they are completing their treatment. Outpatient rehab is an excellent resource for people who recently completed a Cymbalta detox program and need to address compulsive, addictive behaviors for a full recovery.
The cost for Cymbalta Addiction Treatment
The cost of a Cymbalta rehab program will also vary depending on several factors like:
- The type of Cymbalta rehab program and services offered
- The facility’s amenities
- The location of the Cymbalta rehab center
- The duration of the program
Payment options for inpatient or outpatient drug rehab may include health insurance benefits, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits, private financed loans, and out-of-pocket payments.
Continued Care Options for Cymbalta Addiction
After completing a rehab program, there are additional options for continued Cymbalta treatment. Sober living programs and aftercare programs are both excellent resources for people in recovery, especially those who are new to sobriety or who have struggled with chronic relapse in the past.
Sober Living Programs
These homes provide gender-specific sober living environments for people in recovery. They serve as a transitional living situation and offer additional support services to help residents make the transition from structured Cymbalta treatment into a life of independent sobriety.
While enrolled in a sober living program, clients must adhere to the community rules and standards of the house. They must also maintain a clean living environment, work to achieve the objectives of their recovery program, and abstain from any drug or alcohol use.
Many sober living homes also offer additional recovery support services to ease the transition into sobriety, such as:
- Employment assistance
- Volunteer assistance
- Regular drug testing
- Tiered recovery programs
- Sober coaches
- Community events for sober residents
- Personal monitoring programs
- Family support
The cost of a sober living home will vary depending on several factors including the location, the recovery support services offered, the type of amenities, and available opportunities for scholarships.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs are tailored to the needs of people who have already completed a drug and alcohol rehab program. They provide personal accountability with weekly group meetings facilitated by an addiction treatment professional.
Aftercare meetings are designed to be safe and supportive environments where people in recovery can share and listen respectfully. They can also be used as weekly check-ins for people in recovery who want ongoing accountability with their sober peers.
Someone who has Cymbalta Addiction will benefit from a medical detox program and may also find value in continuing treatment with a rehab, sober living, or aftercare program. Nova Recovery Center provides personalized addiction treatment programs with a full continuum of care designed to carry clients through each stage of the recovery process. Call today to speak with an admissions representative.
Cymbalta Addiction & Withdrawal FAQs
Cymbalta (duloxetine) does not typically cause euphoria, but prolonged use can lead to physical dependence. Many users continue taking it to avoid unpleasant withdrawal—even in the absence of misuse
Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, electric‑shock “brain zaps,” and flu‑like aches. In rare cases, mood disturbances or seizures may occur
Withdrawal usually begins within 1–4 days and peaks within the first 1–2 weeks. Most symptoms resolve in a few weeks, but mood/cognitive issues can linger for several months
Abrupt discontinuation isn’t life-threatening like with some drugs, but it can cause severe mood swings, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and significant functional impairment. A gradual taper is highly recommended
Healthcare providers typically reduce dosage slowly over weeks or months. A common strategy is decreasing by 10–25% every 1–2 weeks, with adjustments based on symptom tolerance .
While Cymbalta doesn’t produce a high, people may increase or continue taking it to ward off withdrawal, creating a cycle of dependence, tolerance, and psychological reliance
This syndrome includes flu-like symptoms, insomnia, sensory issues, mood changes, dizziness, and brain zaps. It can occur after stopping SSRIs/SNRIs and affects 15–50% of users
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/cymbalta
- https://www.verywellmind.com/duloxetine-cymbalta-1066950
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248214.phphttps://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-discontinuation-syndrome/
- https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2017.pp9b2
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021427s018lbl.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2010/022516Orig1s000_Lbl.pdf
Is Duloxetine an Opioid?
No—duloxetine (Cymbalta®) is not an opioid or narcotic. It belongs to the SNRI (serotonin‑norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) class and works by balancing neurotransmitters, not by activating opioid receptors .
Why Confusion May Arise
Duloxetine is used to treat some types of chronic pain, like neuropathy and fibromyalgia—conditions also treated with opioids.
However, unlike opioids such as oxycodone or tapentadol, duloxetine does not carry risks like respiratory depression, sedation overdose, or addiction
How Duloxetine Differs from Opioids
| Property | Duloxetine (SNRI) | Opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Tapentadol) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Inhibits serotonin & norepinephrine reuptake (en.wikipedia.org) | Agonist at μ‑opioid receptors causing euphoria, pain relief, respiratory depression |
| Dependence risk | Physical dependence possible, but no euphoria or typical opioid addiction | High; significant potential for misuse, craving, and addiction |
| Legal status | Prescription only, non-controlled | Controlled substances (Schedule II–IV) |
| Withdrawal | SNRI discontinuation syndrome—anxiety, dizziness, flu-like symptoms | Often severe—pain, shaking, GI distress, life-threatening symptoms |
Frequently Asked Questions – Mirtazapine Addiction
Can mirtazapine be addictive?
Yes – although not formally classified as addictive, mirtazapine (Remeron®) can lead to physical dependence and drug-seeking behavior when misused or used long-term.
What are the signs of mirtazapine misuse?
Signs include increasing doses to achieve sedation; preoccupation with taking it; daytime impairment; and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or insomnia upon stopping.
What withdrawal symptoms does mirtazapine cause?
Withdrawal typically begins within 2–4 days after discontinuation and may include anxiety, irritability, nausea, dizziness, flu-like aches, headaches, and insomnia—often peaking in the first week.
How long does mirtazapine withdrawal last?
Most symptoms improve within 1–4 weeks. However, emotional or sleep-related disturbances can linger longer in some individuals.
How does mirtazapine work, and why can it cause dependence?
As a tetracyclic antidepressant, mirtazapine enhances serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine activity. These effects yield calming and sedative benefits, but over time can foster tolerance and withdrawal symptom.
Is mirtazapine used in addiction treatment?
Yes — off-label use is being explored to reduce cravings and improve sleep during alcohol, opioid, and stimulant withdrawal. While promising, it requires careful clinical monitoring due to potential for dependence.
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If Cymbalta addiction—or more accurately, dependence—has taken hold of your life through escalating use, withdrawal symptoms, or difficulty stopping the medication, you deserve compassionate, professional guidance. Though duloxetine (Cymbalta) isn’t classified as habit-forming, abrupt discontinuation can trigger severe symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and those unsettling “brain zaps.” In fact, withdrawal affects 15–50% of users and may last weeks to months.
At Nova Recovery Center, we specialize in Cymbalta addiction treatment, offering:
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Medically supervised tapering plans to minimize withdrawal discomfort
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Expert symptom management including medications, counseling, and behavioral strategies
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A full continuum of care—detox, residential therapy, outpatient programs, and aftercare—built with compassion and clinical precision
Our Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services in Texas
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Nova’s Comprehensive Continuum of Care Plan
90-Day Residential Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Our 90-day residential drug and alcohol rehab in Austin center provides a safe, comfortable, and supportive space for you to heal, learn, and recover. Unlike other 30 or 60-day programs, our long-term rehab program gives you more time to adjust to a new way of living, more time to practice the mental and spiritual tools you will use outside of rehab, and more time to acclimate into a recovery community. This 90-day time span promotes genuine and lasting change for sobriety that lasts long after inpatient rehab ends.
Drug and Alcohol Detox
Our medical detox programs treat all kinds of addictions and are tailored to meet your individual needs. We use a comprehensive assessment to design a personalized detox program that will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the withdrawal process. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin individual and group therapy to address any emotional issues and prepare for the transition into a rehab program. We believe this process provides the best foundation for continued sobriety.
Aftercare Program and IOP
Our Intensive Outpatient and Aftercare programs are designed to assist those who have graduated from our inpatient residential facility. Group sessions are available in Austin and Houston and provide structured addiction treatment sessions and recovery counseling in a safe, clinical setting. The first year of recovery can be difficult, but these support groups provide consistency, accountability, and peer support at a time when it’s needed most.
Sober Living Apartments
The transition from a residential rehab center into independent sober life is littered with obstacles. For this reason, we provide sober living homes and support programming for clients who need continued support as they make the transition. With regular drug and alcohol screenings, one-on-one sobriety coaching, and a safe, comfortable place to practice relapse prevention strategies, our sober living program is key to achieving an independent, substance-free life.
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