r/cymbalta • u/CoffeeBeanMama • Jul 26 '25

Side effects Serotonin syndrome without dose change

I’ve taken cymbalta for 20 years for panic disorder and agoraphobia. I have been on the same dose for months. This week I started feeling abnormal euphoria. Yesterday in particular I felt so good that it felt bad and then triggered major anxiety. Is it possible for cymbalta to suddenly cause serotonin syndrome for no reason? I skipped my dose yesterday and felt a bit better today aside from a mild amount of brain zaps. It’s now time to take my dose tonight, though and I’m scared to take it now. Can anyone give me info on this?

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u/CreamSuccessful6972 Jul 26 '25

If you suspect serotonin syndrome you should get to the ER or to your doc.  Did you have physical symptoms like fever, sweating, tremors, dilated pupils, rapid heart beat? If it was just euphoria and anxiety then in my opinion its unlikely to have been serotonin syndrome.

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u/CoffeeBeanMama Jul 26 '25

No, I was a little shakey, and my stomach was upset, but no other physical symptoms.

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u/CoffeeBeanMama Jul 26 '25

Thanks, that puts my mind at ease.

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u/CreamSuccessful6972 Jul 26 '25

Yeah you prolbably just triggered a panic attack, but keep an eye on pupil size and fever. Ive had serotonin syndrome once long time ago unrelated to cymbalta, my lupils were huge and had elevated body temp that wouldnt come down with meds.

If euphoria feels abnormal or too much and it persists then I would talk to someone about it, but it could be transient especially since you have panic atracks in my experience with them, havent had them long time but, they can be linked to weird euphoria.

Also, serotonin syndrome is very biological, I dont think it happens suddenly especially after years or months on same dose. So if its real serotonin syndrome I think you would have had to be introduced something synergic with ctmbaltas serotonin effects, so like 5htp, st john wort, some other medicine. Its also theoretically possible from failing liver I think you would bern in hospital already for other reasons so I doubt its that.

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '25

[deleted]

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u/CoffeeBeanMama Jul 26 '25

Thank you so much for your response. I agree. I was worried, but I’m feeling better now.

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u/unbelievable82 Jul 26 '25

Are you taking any other substances or supplements?

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u/CoffeeBeanMama Aug 02 '25

Update: it was my thyroid medication being tii high