Cymbalta
Cymbalta is a commonly prescribed antidepressant used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Although generally considered nonaddictive, Cymbalta presents a high risk for dependence.
Author Jena Hilliard
Reviewer Kristen Fuller, MD
Understanding Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Cymbalta is the brand name for duloxetine, a prescription antidepressant that belongs to a class of medication called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Cymbalta is used to treat a variety of different problems, most notably generalized anxiety disorder and depression. It is also prescribed to help relieve nerve pain associated with diabetes and chronic pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Cymbalta works by helping restore the natural balance of mood and pain-related chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. In 2023, it was the 31st most commonly prescribed medication in the US, with more than 18 million prescriptions.
Cymbalta Side Effects
Taking Cymbalta can improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels in consumers while simultaneously decreasing nervousness. In addition to these benefits, the medication can produce a variety of negative and potentially harmful effects as well. These side effects can range from mild to severe and include any of the following:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Tremor
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Excessive sweating
- Skin rash
- Lightheadedness
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Other, less common side effects include sexual dysfunction, colitis, and liver damage. These are rare and usually only occur in chronic, long-term users. Liver damage is more likely in individuals that mix the medication with alcohol, which is why doctors recommend avoiding alcohol while taking Cymbalta.
The risk of experiencing these negative side effects is also increased when the drug is abused. Drug abuse constitutes any situation in which the medication is used either without a prescription or not as explicitly prescribed. Although Cymbalta doesn’t produce a euphoric high like the majority of other drugs, people still misuse it due to its calming and mood-boosting effects. Many individuals will often crush the drug and mix it with liquid in order to feel the effects immediately, bypassing the extended time release capsule. Diverted use such as this increases the risk of serious complications such as abdominal cramping, convulsions, and severe skin reactions.
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Is Cymbalta Addictive?
Like the majority of antidepressants, Cymbalta is generally considered to be non-addictive; however, the drug can cause physical dependence.
With regular use, the brain adjusts to Cymbalta’s effects on serotonin and norepinephrine. If someone stops taking it suddenly or lowers the dose too quickly, they may develop discontinuation syndrome, which is a withdrawal-like reaction.
Common Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety or agitation
- Sleep problems, including vivid dreams or insomnia
- “Brain zaps” (electric shock-like sensations in the head)
- Nausea or vomiting
Someone who is dependent on Cymbalta should never attempt to quit taking the medication “cold turkey” or on their own due to the severity of withdrawal.
In addition to the physical effects of withdrawal such as nausea and migraines, many people that stop taking the drug experience negative psychological symptoms like rebound anxiety and depression, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts. For this reason, detox from Cymbalta should always be performed under the supervision of medical professionals that can monitor vital signs and prescribe any medications necessary to ease the particularly debilitating symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms typically only last a couple of weeks, although for some people it can take two to three months for symptoms to totally disappear.
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