The popular drug Cymbalta, used to treat depression, diabetic neuropathy, and chronic pain, allegedly causes severe withdrawal symptoms. Many patients have experienced severe symptoms when attempting to stop taking the drug, and have subsequently begun filing lawsuits against Cymbalta’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly.

When patients begin using Cymbalta, they are often not informed of the difficulty involved in stopping treatment. Cymbalta has been associated with severe withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, tunnel vision, and “brain zaps.” Brain zaps are shock sensations in the brain, and are often accompanied by severe nausea and headaches.

Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms affect patients’ ability to function in even daily tasks, clouding mental clarity and making normal life difficult. Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms typically last longer than other medications’ withdrawal symptoms, sometimes going on strongly for many months.

Some Cymbalta users end up becoming dependent on the drug, choosing to keep taking the drug after their medical need has passed so they can avoid the resultant Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms, which can last several months. Some patients attempt to stop taking Cymbalta, but cannot handle the effects, and are forced to keep taking it.

These kinds of withdrawal symptoms can affect both work life and family life, and often lead to hefty medical bills. Symptoms like tunnel vision and dizziness can place patients in danger simply from walking around, and so should be treated seriously. Consumers say that the Cymbalta packaging provides very little information regarding safety issues and the difficulty patients may have discontinuing the drug.

Cymbalta Lawsuits

Injured parties have filed lawsuits against Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Cymbalta, for failing to be transparent about the strength and duration of Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms. Plaintiffs claim that Eli Lilly’s Cymbalta advertisements were deceptive, with claims that only 1 percent of users experience withdrawal symptoms. Plainitffs allege the real number is closer to 45 percent.

Other plaintiffs claim that Eli Lilly benefitted from those patients who experienced such harsh withdrawal symptoms that they became dependent on the drug, thus paying more money to the manufacturer. These plaintiffs allege that Eli Lilly had clear evidence of the potential danger of their product, but failed to provide the information to consumers. Others go further, arguing that the drug is simply defective and therefore dangerous.

Withdrawal symptoms that have lead patients to file Cymbalta lawsuits include brain zaps, suicidal thoughts, dizziness, nausea, nightmares, and weight changes. All of these symptoms are potentially dangerous for patients.

If you or a loved one has suffered from severe Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms, you may be eligible to file a Cymbalta lawsuit.