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The Common & Rare Side Effects of Cymbalta

A brand name prescription medication, Cymbalta contains duloxetine hydrochloride, a drug known as a serotonin nor-epinephrine re-uptake inhibitor. Cymbalta works by preventing your body from breaking down the brain chemicals serotonin and nor-epinephrine, resulting in higher concentrations of the chemicals in your body. Doctors commonly prescribe the drug for the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety, diabetic neuropathy and fibromylagia. Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of these conditions, Cymbalta poses a risk for side effects.

  1. Gastrointestinal

    • Gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common side effects of Cymbalta. Digestive side effects from the drug affect as many as 25 percent of patients and include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and loose stools.

    Neurological

    • Neurological side effects from Cymbalta also occur frequently, such as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness and drowsiness, which affect 11 to 16 percent of users, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Less common neurological side effects include shaking, weakness, tingling in your extremities, lack of concentration and teeth grinding.

    Reproductive

    • Both men and women may develop sexual dysfunction related to Cymbalta, such as decreased libido, less frequent arousal, difficulty reaching an orgasm and reduced satisfaction from sexual climax, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Men may also experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, while women report vaginal dryness and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. These symptoms affect as many as 4 percent of users.

    Suicide

    • Cymbalta poses a risk for the onset of suicidal thoughts or self-harmful behaviors in patients, particularly those under the age of 18. Approximately .14 percent of patients in this age group who take Cymbalta commit suicide while taking the drug. Symptoms that may accompany this dangerous side effect of the drug include anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, hostility, aggression impulsiveness, restlessness and mood swings.

    Hepatic

    • Approximately 1 percent of patients who take Cymbalta experience changes in the amount of liver enzymes in their body, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In some cases, this results in liver dysfunction, which causes symptoms like yellowing of your skin or eyes or clay-colored stools. Rarely, this liver dysfunction results is fatal. People with liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis or a history of alcohol abuse are most likely to develop liver faulure from the drug.

    Orthostatic Hypotension

    • Infrequently, patients who take Cymbalta develop severe drops in blood pressure called orthostatic hypotension, which can cause fainting, loss of consciousness and even death. Low blood pressure is most common in patients taking hypertension medications along with Cymbalta or those taking more than 60mg of duloxetine per day.

    Serotonin Syndrome

    • A rare, life-threatening condition, serotonin syndrome occurs when levels of the brain chemical serotonin reach dangerous levels and may develop from the use of Cymbalta, cautions the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Symptoms of the syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, rapid blood pressure, hyperthermia, loss of coordination, severe vomiting and muscle rigidity.

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