Cymbalta Side Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms

The most common side effects of Cymbalta are nausea, headache, dry mouth and sleepiness, but more serious side effects may occur. A 2021 review of Cymbalta clinical trials found that participants who took the drug were more likely to experience common side effects than those who took a placebo. But people who take Cymbalta and don’t participate in drug trials also routinely report these side effects.

Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for major depression. Unfortunately, almost all can cause these side effects, leading many people to want to stop taking them.

Some of these side effects tend to accompany one another. For example, people who experience vomiting and stomach pain may lose weight as a result.

Cymbalta can have serious side effects, often related to drug interactions, alcohol use and coexisting medical conditions. However, most are rare and reversible.

A March 2021 case report of a 43-year-old woman admitted to the hospital for acute liver failure while taking Cymbalta shows that drug-induced liver injury is a potential side effect of duloxetine. The patient was negative for viral and bacterial causes of liver failure and had no prior history of hepatic or liver diseases.

Cymbalta may cause enlarged liver and increased liver enzymes.

Between 2005 and 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued several warnings regarding the serious side effects of Cymbalta, including the dangers of liver injury for heavy drinkers. As a result, the FDA advises against prescribing Cymbalta for heavy drinkers or chronic liver disease patients.

Cymbalta also may cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include rashes, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting and a weak but fast pulse. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis.

You shouldn’t take Cymbalta if you drink alcohol in large quantities, if you have an existing liver condition, if you already have high serotonin levels or if you also take a blood thinner.

Like most antidepressants, Cymbalta may trigger suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and adults under the age of 24. Therefore, patients should be monitored closely for changes in mood and behavior and the emergence of such symptoms.

Some people who take duloxetine also develop suicidal thoughts when they stop taking it. The FDA requires manufacturers to include a black box warning detailing these side effects in the labeling information for all SSRI and SNRI medications. People who have new prescriptions for Cymbalta should be aware of these warnings.

If you experience suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor or a crisis line immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Textline by texting “HELLO” to 741741.

Cymbalta can be harmful during pregnancy. A 2022 study in Current Research in Toxicology found changes to the BeWo cells that stimulate the placenta, including duloxetine-induced toxicity and reduced viability. These changes may hurt the fetus during development.

Clinical data shows that breastfeeding while taking Cymbalta is safe for babies. Although tiny amounts of the drug pass to infants during breastfeeding, researchers observed no adverse side effects in babies breastfed by mothers on Cymbalta.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Cymbalta. The benefits of taking Cymbalta may be worth the risks. Only you and your doctor can decide if this is the case for you.

A few side effects of Cymbalta cause long-term issues, including later in life. This is especially true for people who take the medication as children.

For example, people who gain significant amounts of weight may be at greater risk of developing conditions such as coronary artery disease and cancer.

Side effects usually go away as people adjust to Cymbalta. However, withdrawal symptoms can be long-lasting, especially for those who have taken the medication for a long time.

Cymbalta dependence is a common problem. According to a 2020 research paper, dependence is common with most psychoactive antidepressants.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when patients taper or discontinue the medication. Your doctor can help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

The most common withdrawal symptom reported for Cymbalta is nausea. However, some people experience more severe and longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms.

A qualitative analysis published in 2020 noted: “It is now suspected that antidepressant withdrawal syndrome is more common and severe than earlier presumed, affecting roughly 30%-50% of those who attempt to stop their treatment.” It reported that some people experience debilitating withdrawal symptoms, pointing to the link between withdrawal and suicide.

If you want to stop taking Cymbalta, contact your doctor. Your physician can determine a safe tapering timeline based on your needs and medical history.