There are various antidepressant drugs on the market today, and they all possess unique effects that make them desirable. Mental health disorders are challenging to treat, and they often require sophisticated treatment options to address them adequately. One such medication that’s used to treat depression and neurological pain is duloxetine. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and depression.

Duloxetine, which is a drug sold as Cymbalta, works by affecting your brain and interacting with chemical messengers. By doing this, it achieves its desired effect. Unfortunately, it may also cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and thoughts of suicide. Those who use the drug may wonder if dependence or addiction is something you should be concerned about when using duloxetine? Learn more about duloxetine and its potential for abuse.


What Are the Signs of Duloxetine Abuse?

While duloxetine abuse is not common, it’s even less likely to occur with prescribed use of the medication. It is possible, however, to develop a tolerance that may lead to withdrawal if you attempt to stop using the drug.

Psychological addiction can also occur if you use the medication for prolonged periods and feel as though you need it to live a healthy lifestyle. When you work with a doctor to monitor your side effects, tolerance, and other changes you experience when using the medication, you can avoid substance use issues.

Duloxetine isn’t usually abused because it does not provide euphoria or pleasurable effects when used recreationally. However, a person might misuse the drug that was prescribed to them or someone they know to achieve better results. Signs of duloxetine abuse include:

  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Trying to quit and failing
  • Drowsiness
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Increasing your dose without a doctor’s permission
  • Loss of consciousness

If you experience any of the above-listed symptoms, you must speak with your doctor about reducing your dosage or trying a new medicine. The medication may also cause suicidal thoughts or actions, and if you experience worsening depression or thoughts of suicide, call a medical professional immediately.


How Dangerous Is Duloxetine?

When used as directed, duloxetine is a very safe drug. Studies show that it is well-tolerated when used as prescribed. However, side effects that may occur should be monitored and reported to your prescribing physician. As you may expect with other antidepressants, it’s associated with a risk of suicidal thoughts. As we mentioned above, and can’t stress enough, if you experience feelings of suicide or worsening depression, call your doctor immediately. 

What Is Involved In Duloxetine Addiction Treatment?

Since the drug is not usually abused or found to be addictive, it’s unlikely that you’ll require long-term care. If you’ve developed a tolerance due to long-term use of the drug, you may need to consider medical detox. Detox will help you overcome your dependence on duloxetine and treat your pressing issues. You may experience challenging withdrawal symptoms if you use higher doses of the medication, and experienced staff can provide medication and assistance to help overcome withdrawals.

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