Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat the following conditions in adults:
The FDA has approved it to treat the following conditions in certain children:
Here are some fast facts about Cymbalta:
As with other drugs, Cymbalta can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Cymbalta, including details about its uses, see this article.
Cymbalta can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Cymbalta in clinical trials:
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Cymbalta use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Cymbalta’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Cymbalta include:
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Cymbalta and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Cymbalta may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Cymbalta’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Cymbalta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
- Angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms can include:
- Hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). Symptoms can include:
- High blood pressure, which does not typically have symptoms.
- Liver damage. Symptoms can include:
- Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up). Symptoms can include:
- dizziness, which can lead to fainting or falls
- Seizure. Symptoms can include:
- tingling in the hands or feet
- loss of taste, smell, or hearing
- Serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin in the body), which can be life threatening. Symptoms can include:
- Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty urinating. Symptoms can include:
- Withdrawal symptoms, especially when stopping the drug suddenly. Symptoms can include:
- atypical sensations, such as burning or prickling
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.*
- Severe allergic reaction.†
* Cymbalta has a
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Cymbalta. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
Cymbalta is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder in children ages 7 years and older. It’s also approved to treat fibromyalgia in children ages 13 years and older. The list below may not include all possible side effects of Cymbalta in children. For more information, see Cymbalta’s prescribing information.
In clinical trials of Cymbalta, the following side effects were commonly reported in children:
In addition, Cymbalta has a
If you have questions about Cymbalta and its possible side effects in children, speak with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Cymbalta may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
Is weight gain a side effect of Cymbalta?
No, weight gain wasn’t reported in Cymbalta’s clinical trials. However, weight gain can result from depression or inactivity due to other chronic medical conditions.
Cymbalta treats depression and other conditions that can result in inactivity due to pain or fatigue, such as fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain). So, it’s important to discuss weight changes with your doctor.
If you have concerns about weight gain with Cymbalta, talk with your doctor. They can help determine potential causes and ways to manage it.
If I stop taking Cymbalta, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?
Stopping Cymbalta treatment may cause a group of withdrawal symptoms called discontinuation syndrome.
Discontinuation syndrome can happen any time you stop taking an antidepressant. However, it’s more likely when you stop it suddenly. Due to this risk, doctors typically do not recommend stopping cold turkey. Instead, doctors usually recommend gradually reducing the dose of the drug.
Talk with your doctor if you are interested in stopping treatment with Cymbalta. Do not stop taking the drug before talking with your doctor about how to do it safely. When stopping treatment, report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, such as burning or tingling, dizziness, or brain zaps.
Can Cymbalta cause long-term side effects?
Some serious side effects of Cymbalta, such as liver damage and angle-closure glaucoma, may be long term. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects.
Most mild side effects of Cymbalta are temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if side effects last longer, bother you, or become severe.
Does Cymbalta cause different side effects in women vs. men?
In clinical trials of Cymbalta, males* and females* reported some differences in side effects.
Certain sexual side effects were reported in both males and females, including a decreased libido (sexual desire) and a delay or lack of orgasm. However, males also reported erectile dysfunction (ED) and delayed ejaculation. Additionally, sexual side effects were more common in males than in females.
For more information about sexual side effects with Cymbalta, view the “Side effects specifics” section below.
If you have questions or concerns about Cymbalta’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Cymbalta may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see Cymbalta’s prescribing information.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Cymbalta has a
Antidepressants, such as Cymbalta, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people with depression and other mental health conditions. Cymbalta may increase this risk in children, adolescents, and young adults up to 24 years old.
In clinical trials, this increased risk was not reported in adults older than 24 years. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors may actually be lower in adults 65 years and older.
What you can do
Due to the boxed warning, doctors typically monitor closely for signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Signs to watch for include changes in thoughts, feelings, mood, or behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Sexual side effects
Cymbalta may cause sexual side effects in some people. These can include erectile dysfunction (ED), delayed ejaculation, a delay or lack of orgasm, and decreased libido (sexual desire).
However, it’s important to know that some of the conditions Cymbalta treats can also cause sexual dysfunction. This can make it hard to tell whether it’s the condition or the drug causing the side effect.
In clinical trials of Cymbalta, males* taking Cymbalta reported more sexual side effects than those taking a placebo. (In these studies, a placebo was a pill without an active ingredient.) In females,* the same sexual side effects occurred with both Cymbalta and the placebo.
What you can do
If you have questions or concerns about sexual side effects, talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor about any changes in sexual function during treatment with Cymbalta. They can suggest ways to manage or treat these concerns.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Nausea
Nausea was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials of Cymbalta. It was also the most common reason people stopped taking the drug.
It’s important to let your doctor know about any nausea you experience. This can be a symptom of other serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin in the body) and withdrawal symptoms.
What you can do
Contact your doctor if you have nausea that persists or becomes severe. They can help you find ways to manage this side effect.
Tips to help relieve nausea include:
- avoiding fatty, fried, greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods
- consuming several small snacks during the day instead of three large meals
- avoiding from strong aromas and smells
- taking sips of liquid or sucking on ice chips often during the day
Headache
Headache was another common side effect reported in clinical trials of Cymbalta. However, this side effect occurred only slightly more in people taking Cymbalta. So, it’s difficult to tell whether or not Cymbalta caused these headaches.
That said, headache can be a symptom of other serious side effects, such as angle-closure glaucoma and discontinuation syndrome.
What you can do
Contact your doctor if you have headaches that persist or become severe. They can suggest ways to manage this problem, such as taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. These pain relievers can include Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen). For a severe headache with other symptoms that concern you, seek medical care right away.
Constipation
Constipation was also a common side effect reported in Cymbalta’s clinical trials. However, it wasn’t one of the reported reasons that people stopped taking the drug.
What you can do
Contact your doctor if constipation becomes long lasting or severe. They can recommend ways to manage this side effect, including certain OTC remedies. They may suggest a stool softener, such as Colace (docusate), or a laxative, such as Dulcolax (bisacodyl).
Tips to help relieve and prevent constipation include:
- drinking more water
- increasing the amount of fiber in your diet
- staying physically active
- taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Cymbalta can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Cymbalta. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Cymbalta comes with several warnings, including a
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
This drug has a
Other precautions
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Cymbalta. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Activation of mania. Cymbalta may trigger a manic or hypomanic episode in people with depression. Symptoms of these episodes may include euphoria, irritability, or racing thoughts. The risk may be higher if you have bipolar disorder or risk factors for the condition. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bipolar disorder before starting Cymbalta. They can advise whether this medication is safe for your condition.
Bleeding problems. Cymbalta can increase the risk of bleeding. This risk may be higher if you take other drugs that affect bleeding, such as aspirin, warfarin, or other anticoagulants. Certain clotting disorders can also increase your risk of this side effect. These disorders can include hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, or a low platelet count. If you take any of these drugs or have a history of clotting disorders, talk with your doctor before starting Cymbalta. They can advise whether this medication is safe for your condition.
Diabetes. In people with diabetes, Cymbalta can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor before starting Cymbalta. They can suggest any necessary changes in how you monitor your blood sugar or manage your diabetes.
High blood pressure. Cymbalta may cause increases in blood pressure. Your doctor will check your blood pressure before prescribing the drug and during treatment. If you already have high blood pressure, taking Cymbalta may worsen this condition. In this case, your doctor will likely want to treat your high blood pressure before prescribing Cymbalta.
Your doctor may also recommend that you check your blood pressure at home between appointments. If you develop high blood pressure while taking Cymbalta, let your doctor know. They can advise whether this treatment is still safe for your condition.
Liver or kidney problems. Cymbalta isn’t recommended for people with severe liver or kidney problems, such as liver disease or kidney disease. Taking this drug may worsen these conditions. If you have liver or kidney problems, talk with your doctor before starting Cymbalta. They may recommend other treatment options for your condition.
Seizure. Cymbalta may cause seizure, but it hasn’t been studied in people with seizure disorders. Because of this, it’s not known if the drug is safe for people with these conditions to take. If you have a seizure disorder or history of seizures, tell your doctor before starting Cymbalta. They may recommend other treatment options for your condition.
Slow stomach emptying. Cymbalta has a coating that protects it from stomach acid. When the stomach empties slowly, the stomach acid can break down this coating. This may cause Cymbalta to be less effective. If you have diabetes or another condition that could affect stomach emptying, tell your doctor before starting Cymbalta.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Cymbalta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Cymbalta. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Alcohol with Cymbalta
Cymbalta and heavy alcohol consumption may interact and cause severe liver damage. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding heavy alcohol consumption while taking Cymbalta.
Ask your doctor how much alcohol, if any, is safe to consume while taking Cymbalta.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Cymbalta
Cymbalta may cause harm to a developing fetus. However, more research is necessary to determine if there is a clear risk of congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects). Clinical trials of Cymbalta reported an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (severe bleeding after childbirth).
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or become pregnant while taking Cymbalta. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of taking the drug during pregnancy. They can also help you explore other treatment options.
Cymbalta passes into human breast milk and can affect a child who is breastfeeding. However, it isn’t known to cause serious side effects. Side effects reported in infants who were breastfeeding included drowsiness, limited feeding, and trouble gaining weight.
Talk with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking Cymbalta. They can also help you explore other treatment options.
Cymbalta has some common side effects that are usually mild and temporary. However, serious side effects are possible. If you’d like to learn more about Cymbalta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
- More information about Cymbalta. For details about other aspects of Cymbalta, refer to this article.
- Drug comparison. Learn how Cymbalta compares with Lexapro and Effexor XR.
- Dosage. For information about the dosage of Cymbalta, view this article.
- Interactions. To find out about Cymbalta’s interactions, see this article.
- A look at Cymbalta’s uses. To learn more about your condition, see our:
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.