On the dangerous end, stopping Cymbalta suddenly can trigger seizures, suicidal thoughts and could even put the patient into a coma. If someone is in a position where they feel they have no choice but to go cold turkey, they should contact their doctor to see if there is the help they can offer them to stop using it safely. Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a brand-name antidepressant that can cause withdrawal. Learn about the withdrawal timeline, symptoms, and how to manage them. This article explains what happens when you stop taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine), what withdrawal is, and how to safely stop taking your medication. The best way to help with Cymbalta (duloxetine) withdrawal is to stop the medicine slowly, over 2 to 4 weeks or longer, with your prescriber’s help. A slow, step-down plan (called a taper) gives your brain time to adjust and lowers the chance of symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headache. In this article, we’ll discuss more about Cymbalta withdrawal, including some of the common side effects and tips on how to manage during the withdrawal process. When you take Cymbalta, your brain gets used to the higher levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. If you suddenly stop taking it, your brain will need time to adjust to the lower levels of these chemicals. This adjustment period is what can cause discontinuation syndrome, or withdrawal symptoms. Stopping Cymbalta suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and irritability. Tapering off Cymbalta gradually is the safest way to stop the medication and may reduce withdrawal symptoms. A practical Cymbalta tapering guide covering duloxetine withdrawal symptoms, bead counting methods, and hyperbolic dose reduction strategies backed by current research. How to Taper and Stop Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Cymbalta should be tapered gradually over several weeks to months with dose reductions of approximately 10% of the most recent dose at intervals of at least several days to minimize withdrawal symptoms. 1 When Cymbalta is reduced too quickly or stopped suddenly, the brain does not immediately return to its pre-medication state. Instead, it enters a temporary imbalance, leading to withdrawal symptoms.