Nearly three dozen Cymbalta withdrawal lawsuits and at least one Cymbalta class action lawsuit have been filed against pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly for allegedly failing to disclose serious adverse side effects associated with using the antidepressant medication.

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta, generically known as duloxetine, is a popular antidepressant prescribed by medical professionals in the United States. Doctors often prescribe the medication to treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and chronic pain. Cymbalta is also prescribed to children over the age of 7 to treat general anxiety disorder.

Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). SSNRI medications affect the chemicals in the brain that can become unbalanced and bring on depression and other similar disorders. Unfortunately, studies have shown that between 50 and 78 percent of users experience severe Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms once they discontinue taking the medication. These numbers are allegedly immensely different from the statistics stated on the drug labeling information. Cymbalta drug labeling suggests that withdrawal symptoms occur in only 1 to 2 percent of patients.

Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms

Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo, hot and cold flashes, nightmares, insomnia, and brain zaps (or electric-like sensations in the body and brain).

These withdrawal symptoms occur in approximately one in five people who take anti-depressants for a period of six or more weeks. Withdrawal symptoms are commonly referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

The FDA released a report in 2009 detailing the withdrawal symptoms associated with Cymbalta. According to the report, Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can extend for weeks or even months. The FDA report also noted Eli Lilly downplayed the severity of Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome, and failed to adequately inform medical professionals about the likelihood of Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome occurring in patients.

Cymbalta Lawsuits

Several Cymbalta lawsuits have been filed in both state and federal courts. The Cymbalta withdrawal lawsuits generally allege that Eli Lilly violated consumer protection laws. Claims in these Cymbalta lawsuits against the pharmaceutical company likely include negligence, breach of contract, strict products liability, and fraud and misrepresentation.

The Cymbalta lawsuits also suggest that Eli Lilly hid the severity of Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome because they felt the statistics would negatively affect sales.

Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring Cymbalta lawsuits against Eli Lilly.

Awards and settlements from these lawsuits will help victims pay both past and future medical bills as well as begin to compensate victims for the pain and suffering they were forced to endure. These Cymbalta withdrawal lawsuits will also help hold Eli Lilly accountable for their actions.