Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring Cymbalta lawsuits against the major pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co. Current lawsuits against the company allege that the drug manufacturer misled consumers about the risks of experiencing severe Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing the medication.

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is a popular antidepressant on the market,which has also been approved to treat patients suffering from fibromyalgia. When Cymbalta received approval from the US Federal Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia, it became the second drug on the market for such purposes.

At that time, the fibromyalgia community was extremely excited to have a second treatment option available that might help many men and women suffering from debilitating symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is often characterized by musculoskeletal pain, tenderness in localized areas, and fatigue. According to WebMD fibromyalgia is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis.

Cymbalta Withdrawal

Unfortunately many of the patients who began taking Cymbalta were unaware of the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing the medication. Although it is well known that abruptly discontinuing antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms, patients who choose to use Cymbalta for treatment purposes were unaware of the severity of symptoms associated with discontinuing Cymbalta.

Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms have often been described by patients as horrific, a nightmare, and like going through hell. Withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to, brain zaps (electric shock sensations), dizziness, vomiting, nightmares, paranoia, extreme mood swings, seizures, tinnitus, diarrhea, involuntary crying or laughing, excessive sweating, and hypomania.

When discontinuing Cymbalta, Eli Lilly’s prescribing information suggests a gradual reduction in dose. The drug information packet also suggests that if extreme withdrawal symptoms occur while attempting to discontinue the medication, patients should talk to their doctor about following a more gradual reduction.

Unfortunately, Eli Lilly has made this cessation advice extremely difficult to follow. The medication is only available in three dosages: 20mg., 30 mg., and 60mg. The tablets also come only in capsule form and cannot be cut in half, chewed, or crushed.

The Cymbalta drug information also suggests the capsules not be opened and sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids. These factors make Eli Lilly’s recommendations for discontinuing the medication nearly impossible to follow.

Cymbalta studies have shown that between 50% and 78% of users experience antidepressant withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing their medication. This findings directly contradict Cymbalta’s drug labeling which suggests only 1% to 2% of discontinuing patients experience symptoms.

Cymbalta Withdrawal Lawsuits

Several Cymbalta lawsuits have been filed against Eli Lilly. These lawsuits allege that Cymbalta violated consumer protection laws and failed to warn the medical community and the general public about the serious risks associated with taking and discontinuing their medication.

Awards and settlements from these lawsuits will help victims pay both past and future medical bills, as well as serve as an initial step in compensating patients for the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure due to the medication.