Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire

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Duloxetine—commercially known as Cymbalta—is a prescription medication used in treating people with general anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Being an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) drug, it helps the brain restore its normal chemical neurotransmitter levels.

While instances of Duloxetine addiction are rare because it doesn’t cause dependence, patients can still develop withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one are looking for Cymbalta (Duloxetine) addiction treatment in New Hampshire, this guide is for you.

Below, we dive into what causes Cymbalta addiction, its effects on your health, and the treatment options available.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction: An Overview

Cymbalta isn’t considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) but still requires a doctor’s prescription.

It isn’t highly addictive like alcohol or other drugs (for example, cocaine) since it doesn’t produce a euphoric high. Plus, this medication causes milder withdrawal symptoms in comparison.

Still, misuse is a possibility, especially for individuals who mix Cymbalta with alcohol.

This practice can worsen the side effects of both substances. Some evidence suggests that combining Duloxetine with alcohol increases the risk of liver damage.

Causes of Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction

People who take Cymbalta are prone to developing discontinuation syndrome, which is associated with using antidepressants. It isn’t addiction per se, but it’s still a form of dependence.

This dependence is born from a need for mental relief for people who have severe depression, anxiety, or OCD. The same goes for patients with fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, although the drug’s withdrawal effects are more pronounced in mental illness cases.

What happens is that the brain gets used to high serotonin levels while taking the medication. So, the patient’s mood is elevated, causing a general feeling of contentment.

When they cut down on Duloxetine suddenly, and since it’s a quick-release antidepressant, the serotonin levels drop. This makes discontinuation syndrome worse and may lead to fits of crying, panic attacks, increased anxiety, and more troublesome symptoms for months.

Knowing these effects, many patients choose to keep on taking Cymbalta in high dosages, turning a mild dependence into a full-blown addiction. Some practices that speed up Duloxetine addiction include:

• Crushing the drug and snorting it
• Mixing it with liquid and drinking it to experience the mood-lifting effects immediately (makes it easier to overdose on since people rid it of its slow-release qualities)
• Bypassing the recommended dose to a great degree in a short time

That’s why it’s advisable that patients don’t quit Cymbalta without help from a professional. This way, they can lower the complications that come with withdrawal until they can stop being dependent on the drug.

Long-term Side Effects of Using Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Unfortunately, taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine) even in normal amounts without having addiction issues may cause long-term effects, such as:

• Weight gain: Research suggests a possible relationship between body weight and taking Cymbalta.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: People taking Duloxetine can experience cardiovascular adverse events.
• Dizziness and falling in older people: A study found that elderly people who consume Duloxetine are more at risk of fall-related injuries.

Some of the more serious side effects that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about over the years involve:

• Glaucoma
• Serotonin syndrome
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (abdominal bleeding)
• Allergic reactions (symptoms include breathing difficulties, hives, and fever)
• Hyponatremia
• Skin rashes and hair loss (but they’re easy to treat since they’re not permanent)

Signs and Symptoms of a Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction

The following symptoms indicate you or someone you care about may have a problem with Cymbalta (Duloxetine) abuse:

• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Weight loss due to a loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Excessive sweating

Signs of a Cymbalta addiction have more to do with habitual changes that a person dependent on the drug may be suffering from, such as:

• An increase in anxiety levels when they stop taking the medication
• Repeatedly consuming more Duloxetine than the amount required by the prescription or taking it more frequently
• Stealing another person’s Cymbalta
• Always making sure that the drug is within reach
• Pairing Cymbalta with other substances that cause addiction, like alcohol
• Having trouble with daily responsibilities, such as being late for work, missing meetings, etc.
• Struggling to maintain relationships and having frequent arguments with family, spouse, friends, or co-workers
• Facing financial problems due to purchasing Duloxetine excessively

Once you notice these behaviors, it’ll be time to seek Cymbalta addiction treatment. It’s also your responsibility to encourage a friend or family member to get professional help if they begin showing these signs.

But before we get to treatment options, let’s address Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms that make it extra hard to get off the drug.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

People who have been addicted to Cymbalta for a while, overdosing, or abusing it tend to suffer from the following issues when they try to stop:

• Agitation
• Nausea and dizziness
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Heavy perspiration
• Extreme headaches
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep problems
• Brain zaps
• Visual issues
• Cognitive impairment
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts

Suicidal ideation is the most dangerous symptom, born from the sudden reduction in serotonin in the blood and the heightening of depressive thoughts.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction Treatment Programs in New Hampshire

Like all types of addiction, Cymbalta addiction requires a treatment approach tailored to each case’s specific needs. New Hampshire addiction treatment facilities have many programs to help patients find their way back to healthier, drug-free lives.

The treatment process usually involves:

1. Detox

Your treatment starts with a solid detox plan in a safe, controlled environment where your Cymbalta consumption is tapered off over weeks. You’ll have a team of experts and counselors monitoring your progress until the drug fully exits your bloodstream.

The duration of the detox period varies from one patient to another, based on numerous factors, such as:

• How long you’ve been misusing Cymbalta
• The amount of your most recent dose
• How severe the addiction is
• Your medical history
• If you’re taking other medications or drugs

Healthcare professionals in detox also help you navigate the withdrawal stage by offering you medications that can take the edge off the associated symptoms.

2. Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient care is where Cymbalta addiction patients live in a facility so that the healthcare staff can monitor their treatment 24/7.

This option is the best choice for people with a severe addiction problem and those who have difficulties managing their addiction at home.

Inpatient care or hospitalization programs are also recommended for individuals with co-occurring disorders and mental health struggles.

3. Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient care is a Cymbalta addiction treatment model that requires patients to visit a recovery center for a certain number of hours each week.

These people mainly taper off the drug at home but they attend treatment sessions to benefit from the facility’s clinical and medical services.

Outpatient treatment is a good approach if your addiction is mild and you have responsibilities that you can’t leave behind to seek therapy.

People who need to go to work, attend classes, or take care of their family and kids are suitable candidates for this type of treatment.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Addiction Therapeutic Modalities

If you’re ready to start Duloxetine addiction treatment in New Hampshire, most centers offer you programs that include these therapy strategies:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that enables people with Cymbalta addiction to identify and change behavioral patterns and ways of thinking that may cause a relapse
• Individual therapy: Involves one-on-one sessions with a healthcare professional to determine each patient’s psychological and mental needs during recovery
• Group therapy: Provides a sense of support and community through shared stories of struggle and healing to boost self-confidence during and after treatment
• Family support: Helps the patient’s family understand the battle with addiction, how to support their loved ones through rough times, and the best practices to adhere to during recovery

These therapeutic modalities are especially helpful after you’re done with detox and have successfully managed the withdrawal symptoms.

They’ll make it harder to relapse and ensure you have the psychological support to continue your healing journey.

How to Choose a Suitable Cymbalta Addiction Treatment Center

Think about the following factors to decide which Duloxetine addiction treatment facility in New Hampshire is best for your needs:

• Location (whether or not you want it to be near home)
• The treatment options available
• Overall environment and staff (know more about these by reading reviews)
• The facility’s reputation (years of experience in the industry, certifications, licenses, and recommendations by doctors or patients)
• Your healthcare insurance policy
• Your budget

Wrapping Up

Treading the waters of Cymbalta addiction treatment sounds tricky for most patients, but you don’t have to be alone during this sensitive time.

Many Duloxetine addiction treatment services in New Hampshire, like Live Free Recovery, offer you a safe environment for that purpose. Whether you’re fit for inpatient or outpatient care, the team of professionals at the center is ready to tailor a treatment plan specific to your case.

Healing from Cymbalta addiction requires persistence, a will from steel, and sticking to healthy habits—all of which you’ll learn with the right treatment program.