I have been taking Duvanta 20 mg twice daily for many years for body pain, along with Etilaam 0.5 mg once daily. I want to stop these medicines, but when I try, I experience body pain and mood swings. How can I safely discontinue them?

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I have been taking Duvanta 20 mg twice daily for many years for body pain, along with Etilaam 0.5 mg once daily. I want to stop these medicines, but when I try, I experience body pain and mood swings. How can I safely discontinue them?

Asked by Female, 52 · 8 days ago

G.santoshini Reddy

M Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics)

8 days ago

If you have been taking Duvanta 20 mg for a long time along with Etilaam 0.5 mg, it is important to understand that these medicines should not be stopped suddenly, as this can lead to symptoms like body pain, mood swings, anxiety, or sleep problems; what you are experiencing is likely due to withdrawal effects. The safest way to stop them is by gradually reducing the dose under a doctor's guidance, a process called tapering, where the dose is slowly lowered over weeks or sometimes months, depending on how long you have been taking them. Your doctor may reduce one medicine at a time, usually starting with the one that has a higher risk of dependence, and may also suggest supportive treatments like counselling, relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and proper sleep to help your body adjust. Managing the original reason for which the medicine was started (such as chronic pain or anxiety) is also important, so alternative treatments may be introduced if needed. With a slow and planned approach, most people can safely come off these medicines without major discomfort.

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🩺 Side Effects of Stopping Duloxetine (Duvanta 20 mg)

Common withdrawal symptoms may include dizziness, irritability, mood swings, nausea, headache, and a temporary increase in body pain or sensitivity.

🩺 Side Effects of Stopping Etizolam (Etilaam 0.5 mg)

Discontinuing Etizolam can lead to anxiety, insomnia, rebound body pain, restlessness, and in some cases, dependence-related withdrawal symptoms.

💊 Safe Discontinuation Strategies

It’s important to taper both medications gradually under your doctor’s supervision rather than stopping abruptly to reduce withdrawal risks. Your doctor can create a tailored schedule to slowly reduce the dose.

🏥 Managing Symptoms During Discontinuation

Supportive care such as counseling, pain management techniques, and close monitoring of mood changes can help manage symptoms during this period.

⚠️ When to Seek Medical Help

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience severe mood changes (such as deep depression or suicidal thoughts), seizures, or intolerable body pain that cannot be controlled with guidance.

Please consult your prescribing doctor or a pain specialist before making any changes to your medication regimen to ensure safe discontinuation and effective symptom management.

Answered 4 days ago