MyFibroTeam

How do you know if your fibromyalgia medication is working, especially after experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from stopping Cymbalta?

What you experienced when stopping Cymbalta (duloxetine) was likely withdrawal, not a sign the medication wasn't working. Cymbalta is an SNRI antidepressant that shouldn't be stopped Show Full Answer

How do you know if your fibromyalgia medication is working, especially after experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from stopping Cymbalta?

What you experienced when stopping Cymbalta (duloxetine) was likely withdrawal, not a sign the medication wasn't working. Cymbalta is an SNRI antidepressant that shouldn't be stopped suddenly - it needs to be tapered gradually under medical supervision to avoid exactly what you described: increased pain, dizziness, nausea, ear buzzing, and blood pressure changes.

The fact that stopping it was "horrible" actually suggests the medication *was* providing some benefit. When you suddenly remove it, your body reacts strongly because it had adjusted to having it.

Here's how to tell if your medication is actually working:

- Compare your symptoms now (while taking it regularly) to before you started it
- Track your pain levels, fatigue, and daily functioning over weeks, not days
- Notice if you can do more activities or sleep better than before treatment
- Keep a symptom journal to identify patterns

A MyFibroTeam member shared a similar experience: they stopped Cymbalta and switched to Prozac, which caused their pain to return and made them feel worse. When they went back on Cymbalta at a higher dose, things improved. About your concerns regarding other conditions:

It's understandable to question your diagnosis when you're still experiencing pain, but fibromyalgia medications rarely eliminate all symptoms completely. They typically reduce severity and improve quality of life rather than providing complete relief.

If you have new or different symptoms that don't fit your fibromyalgia pattern, discussing them with a neurologist is reasonable. However, it's important to work with your current doctor first about:

- Whether your Cymbalta dose is optimal (it can be adjusted)
- Adding other fibromyalgia treatments alongside it
- Trying different medication combinations
- Incorporating non-drug approaches like physical therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy

Important: Never stop Cymbalta or similar medications abruptly again. If you and your doctor decide to try something different, you'll need a gradual tapering schedule to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Many people with fibromyalgia need multiple approaches - medication plus lifestyle changes - to manage symptoms effectively. The goal is improvement, not perfection.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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