Cymbalta side effects: A detailed guide

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Overview

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cymbalta to treat:

• major depressive disorder in adults
• generalized anxiety disorder in adults and some children
• nerve pain related to diabetes in adults
• fibromyalgia in adults and some children
• long-term musculoskeletal pain in adults

Cymbalta is a brand-name medication that comes as a delayed-release* capsule that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called duloxetine. This article describes possible side effects of Cymbalta. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Cymbalta.

You can explore this overview article to learn more about Cymbalta, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

* “Delayed release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over time after you take a dose.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Cymbalta has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.

More common side effects of Cymbalta

Cymbalta may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of Cymbalta include:

• nausea
• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• constipation
• appetite loss

Mild side effects of Cymbalta

Cymbalta may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Cymbalta that occurred in studies include:

• nausea
• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• constipation
• appetite loss
• headache
• fatigue (low energy)
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• excessive sweating
• pain or discomfort in the belly
• mild allergic reaction†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Cymbalta. It’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies. But these reactions have been reported since the drug was approved for use.

Cymbalta may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of Cymbalta

Cymbalta may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Cymbalta, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Cymbalta.

Serious side effects of Cymbalta that occurred in studies include:

• liver problems, including liver failure
• a sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing up, which may lead to falls
• serotonin syndrome (a condition in which too much of the chemical serotonin is in the body)
• increased bleeding
• low blood sodium levels
• urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder)
• sexual side effects*
• discontinuation syndrome and withdrawal symptoms*
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors†
• severe allergic reaction, including severe and, possibly, life threatening skin reactions‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.
† Cymbalta has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with Cymbalta. It’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies. But these reactions have been reported since the drug was approved for use.

Side effects of Cymbalta in children

For children, doctors prescribe Cymbalta to treat the following conditions:

• generalized anxiety disorder in children ages 7 years and older
• fibromyalgia in children ages 13 years and older

When Cymbalta is used for these purposes, side effects in children are expected to be almost the same as those reported in adults. But there’s one exception. Antidepressants, including Cymbalta, cause a small but significant increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents. This is according to short-term studies.

Cymbalta has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about this risk, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below. You can also talk with your child’s doctor to learn more about side effects of Cymbalta in children.

Common questions about side effects of Cymbalta

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Cymbalta. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Cymbalta cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects have been reported with Cymbalta. They may start during treatment and continue for a long time, possibly after stopping treatment. Or they may start after you’ve taken the drug for a long time or have ended treatment.

Long-term side effects possible with Cymbalta include:

• liver problems, including liver failure
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors*

Certain other side effects may occur at any time while taking Cymbalta, which could be over a long period of time. However, these side effects are expected to go away after stopping treatment. Examples of these side effects include:

• a sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing up, which may lead to falls
• serotonin syndrome (a condition in which too much of the chemical serotonin is in the body)
• increased bleeding
• low blood sodium levels
• urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder)
• sexual side effects†

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Cymbalta may last.

* Cymbalta has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.

How do side effects of Cymbalta in females compare with those in males?

In studies, males were more likely to have sexual problems as a side effect of Cymbalta compared to females.* For more information on sexual problems Cymbalta may cause and how to manage them, see “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” below.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Can Cymbalta cause weight gain?

Yes, it can. Both weight gain and weight loss were reported in Cymbalta’s studies.

It’s possible that treating your condition can also lead to weight gain or loss. For example, treating depression may lead to an increase in appetite, which can contribute to weight gain. It could also lead to increased physical activity, which may contribute to weight loss. (Keep in mind that Cymbalta may be prescribed to treat depression in adults.)

If you have concerns about a weight change, talk with your doctor. They can discuss ways to help you maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you.

Are dependence and withdrawal possible side effects of Cymbalta?

Yes, withdrawal side effects can happen if Cymbalta is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual.

To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section below.

Coupon for Cymbalta

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Cymbalta when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of Cymbalta in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Cymbalta.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Antidepressants, including Cymbalta, can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. Specifically, this includes people ages 24 years and younger, according to studies. But suicide was not reported in children and adolescents taking Cymbalta in the drug’s studies.

Cymbalta is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and fibromyalgia in some children. It is not approved for treating depression in children.

In studies, an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors occurred in children taking antidepressants to treat depression. Due to this risk, it’s important to monitor for this side effect when Cymbalta is prescribed for approved use in children.

This risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is thought to be highest:

• during the first few months of taking Cymbalta
• any time the drug’s dose is changed

In studies, antidepressants decreased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults ages 25 years and older.

It’s important to note that suicidal thoughts and behaviors may be due to depression or other mental health conditions. In fact, this side effect is more likely to be caused by a mental health condition than by taking an antidepressant.

Also, this increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was seen in short-term studies. The risk may decrease as treatment with Cymbalta is continued over time and the drug works to treat your condition.

Ways to manage

During treatment with Cymbalta, watch for any changes to your behaviors, moods, or thoughts. If you’re comfortable, it’s also helpful to tell a loved one you’re taking Cymbalta. They can help monitor for these changes as well.

Immediately call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you experience symptoms, such as:

• new or worsening depression or anxiety
• thoughts about dying or suicide
• agitation, irritability, or restlessness
• aggressive or violent behaviors
• panic attacks
• other unusual changes to your behavior or mood

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Sexual side effects

Cymbalta can cause sexual side effects, although these weren’t common in the drug’s studies. In studies, males were more likely to have sexual problems as a side effect of Cymbalta compared to females.*

Sexual side effects reported with Cymbalta include:

• erectile dysfunction (ED)
• delayed ejaculation
• abnormal orgasm or inability to orgasm

There are two important facts to keep in mind about sexual side effects and Cymbalta:

• Sexual side effects are a known side effect of many antidepressant drugs. These side effects are not unique to the antidepressant Cymbalta.
• Some conditions Cymbalta is prescribed to treat are also known to cause sexual side effects. These conditions include major depressive disorder and GAD. Sexual side effects of these conditions include low sex drive and ED.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Ways to manage

If you develop sexual side effects while taking Cymbalta, talk with your doctor.

These side effects sometimes go away on their own. Your doctor can also discuss ways to manage sexual side effects, including possible treatments. Possible treatments your doctor may recommend include:

• changing your Cymbalta dose
• taking an additional medication
• stopping Cymbalta and trying a different treatment for your condition

Do not stop taking Cymbalta without talking with your doctor first. Suddenly stopping the drug can cause discontinuation syndrome and withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can plan a drug taper schedule for you. With a drug taper, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over time until you can safely stop taking the drug.

To learn more about discontinuation syndrome and Cymbalta, see the next section.

Discontinuation syndrome and withdrawal symptoms

Suddenly stopping treatment with Cymbalta may result in discontinuation syndrome and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual.

Withdrawal symptoms reported with Cymbalta include:

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• burning or prickling sensations in the arms or legs
• irritability or anxiousness
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• excessive sweating

Ways to manage

Due to these risks, it’s important that you do not stop taking Cymbalta without first talking with your doctor. Your doctor can plan a drug taper for you. With a drug taper, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over time until it’s safe for you to stop taking Cymbalta.

Discontinuation syndrome and withdrawal side effects usually go away on their own. But some can be severe. If you have withdrawal side effects after stopping Cymbalta, call your doctor. They may recommend ways to manage your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest restarting Cymbalta at a lower dose and trying again to stop treatment at a later time.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Cymbalta can cause an allergic reaction. It’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies. But these reactions have been reported since the drug was approved for use.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

In addition, severe and sometimes life threatening allergic skin reactions have been reported with Cymbalta. These reactions include:

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a condition that causes painful sores and rash on the mouth, throat, eyes, or genitals
• toxic epidermal necrolysis, which is a serious skin rash that covers more than 30% of the body

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know if you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Cymbalta, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication.

If you develop blisters, a peeling skin rash, mouth sores, or hives while taking Cymbalta, take immediate action. Stop taking Cymbalta and call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Warnings for Cymbalta

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Cymbalta.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Cymbalta has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of Cymbalta in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Cymbalta if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Cymbalta is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• narrow eye angle, which can lead to angle-closure glaucoma
• bipolar depression
• bleeding problems
• diabetes
• heart problems, including high blood pressure
• liver problems, such as alcohol-related liver disease
• low blood sodium levels
• past allergic reaction to Cymbalta or any of its ingredients

Cymbalta and pregnancy

It isn’t known whether it’s safe to take Cymbalta while pregnant.

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can explain the risks and benefits of treatments for your condition during pregnancy. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Cymbalta.

If you and your doctor decide you’ll take Cymbalta while pregnant, or you become pregnant while taking Cymbalta, consider joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This registry monitors the outcomes of people who take antidepressants during pregnancy. This information helps doctors and patients make safe decisions about their treatment choices during pregnancy. You can join this registry by visiting this website or calling 866-961-2388.

Cymbalta and breastfeeding

Cymbalta may cause mild side effects in a breastfed child, including drowsiness and feeding difficulties.

Talk with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so while taking Cymbalta. They can discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Cymbalta and alcohol

Cymbalta is known to interact with alcohol, especially when alcohol is consumed in large amounts.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol while taking Cymbalta increases your risk of liver-related side effects, including liver damage.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Cymbalta.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of Cymbalta. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my health history increase my risk of side effects from Cymbalta?
• Is there a safe amount of alcohol I can drink while taking Cymbalta? Is it OK if I have one drink on special occasions, such as a wedding?
• If I have side effects from Cymbalta, should my dose be lowered?
• Do any of my medications interact with Cymbalta and increase my risk of side effects?
• Are there habits or lifestyle changes I should try to lower my risk of side effects from Cymbalta?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.