Duloxetine/Cymbalta - What Are The Side Effects?
Cymbalta is normally prescribed to individuals with major depression that involves persistent, serious, and degrading feelings of depression.
Basically, unlike most SSRIs that only works on serotonin alone, Cymbalta on the other hand, works for not only one but two brain chemicals – the serotonin and norepinephrine. It is more or less already a well-known fact that serotonin is a chemical found on the brain that control moods and eventually plays a part in the occurrence of depression and some other similar disorders.
While norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone, actually a stress hormone, that is released in times of stress or when the fight-or-flight response kicks in, just like serotonin – also affects moods.
Uses of Cymbalta
Basically, Cymbalta is for the treatment of major depression. However, it can also be used for a diabetes-related, disabling nerve disorder called diabetic peripheral neuropathy that badly affects the hands, legs and feet.
Possible Side Effects
In a way, Cymbalta has lesser side effects when compared to some other antidepressants, particularly to those that belong to the family of SSRIs. Normally, its side effects may include:
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Appetite changes
- Urinary difficulties
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Sexual difficulties
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
- Tremor
Special Considerations and Warnings
Cymbalta, like most antidepressants, can’t be used with some other drugs, specifically those that are from the class of MAO inhibitors or drugs that work on the central nervous system like tranquilizers, antipsychotics, narcotic painkillers, or sleep inducers.
As much as possible, be aware of this as if ignored, effects of either of the two drugs combined can actually increase, decrease, or even alter.
In terms of alcohol, it would be best and safe if you stop drinking alcoholic beverages and the like when you are actually taking Cymbalta.
Cymbalta on Pregnancy Issues
Based on some experimentations and studies, Cymbalta, when applied to female animals has some negative effects during their pregnancy. In human beings, particularly in pregnant women, there are still no exact findings if the use of Cymbalta is actually safe at all means. Same case with the nursing mothers.
Cymbalta appears in the breast milk of animals but not yet known whether it also appears in human breast milk. Thus, if in case you are pregnant or a nursing mother that is advised to take Cymbalta, never just sit down and remain silent of your present condition and always weigh the pros and cons.