With just a few hours of deliberation, a Virginia federal jury ruled in favor of Cymbalta manufacturer Eli Lilly & Co., clearing them of allegations that the company failed to adequately warn the plaintiffs of the risk of Cymbalta Withdrawal Syndrome.

Plaintiffs Gilda H. and Janine A. filed the Cymbalta lawsuits last November, claiming that when they tried to taper off the antidepressant medication, they experienced painful Cymbalta withdrawal side effects including migraines, electric shock sensations, fatigue and depression.

Eli Lilly argued that the plaintiffs did not ask their physicians for help with the tapering off process and rather took their own action including advice from a “friend” and decided to break open the capsules in order to wean themselves off the medication.

The Cymbalta manufacturer claimed that they should not be held liable, as the company has provided medical professionals with information on how to slowly taper patients off Cymbalta in order to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms.

The defendant’s counsel further stated that its not failure to warn when a patient chooses to discontinue a medication based on advice from a friend, who may or may not have read the drug’s warning label.

Eli Lilly argued that possible Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms are emphasized on the medication’s label, providing evidence that possible withdrawal side effects the plaintiffs allegedly suffered from were adequately disclosed.

The plaintiffs’ representative claimed that Eli Lilly created a misleading drug label alleging that if the drug maker disclosed a more accurate portrayal of the Cymbalta withdrawal risks, the company would suffer financially.

Cymbalta Withdrawal Side Effects

Cymbalta is widely prescribed to treat patients for anxiety, depression and even pain associated with fibromyalgia. Eli Lilly claims the drug effectively treats these conditions by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine which help regulate mood.

The manufacturer also states that Cymbalta can be prescribed for musculoskeletal and nerve pain as the drug can stop pain signals from traveling through the brain.

However, up to 78 percent of Cymbalta users allege they experience dangerous withdrawal side effects when they discontinue using the medication. Consumers claim Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can last for several months.

The most commonly reported Cymbalta withdrawal side effects include:

• Brain zaps (electric-like shock sensations in the brain)
• Hot and cold flashes
• Mood swings
• Nightmares
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Paresthesia (sensation of tingling, tickling, prickling, pricking, or burning of a person’s skin)
• Severe nausea
• Vomiting

Cymbalta Withdrawal Lawsuits

The number of Cymbalta lawsuits continues to grow across the country all with similar allegations that Eli Lilly knew of the high risk of Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms but did not fully warn consumers in an effort to boost sales.

In general, plaintiffs claim that both prescribing physicians and consumers should be warned of all the potential Cymbalta side effects so they can make an informed decision before taking the medication.

Some Cymbalta lawsuits allege that the drug’s half-life is less than a day, so it’s possible to experience withdrawal symptoms even while taking the medication.

If you’ve experienced Cymbalta withdrawal side effects, contact an attorney to find out if you have legal claim.

The Cymbalta Withdrawal Lawsuits are Case Nos. 1:14-cv-01614 and 1:14-cv-01615, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.