Cymbalta Antidepressant Side Effects

Millions of people fit the diagnostic criteria for depression and are prescribed drugs such as Cymbalta. While Cymbalta may help some, it also has serious side effects. This article provides an overview of these effects and what to do if you experience them.

Uses

• Cymbalta is an antidepressant prescribed for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. It is a well-known drug and one of the newer ones on the market, and it is commonly prescribed.

Most Common Side Effects

• The most common side effect of Cymbalta is drowsiness followed by weakness, perspiring, feeling tired or dizzy, headaches, insomnia, vomiting and coughing. These side effects may lessen with time and most patients found them tolerable during the testing phase of the drug. If these symptoms bother you too much, you may want to discuss other medication possibilities with your doctor.

Common Side Effects

• Other common side effects associated with Cymbalta include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, headaches, diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, sore throat or runny nose, weakness, sweating, vomiting, decreased sex drive and coughing. If these side effects interfere with your daily routine or make you uncomfortable, contact your doctor immediately.

Less Common Side Effects

• Less common side effects of Cymbalta are frequent urination, muscle pain, ejaculation problems, erectile dysfunction or delayed orgasm, blurred vision, anxiety, weight loss, hot flashes, yawning, stomach pain, vertigo, gas and chills.

Serious Side Effects

• If you experience serious side effects you should consult your doctor to develop a plan for discontinuing Cymbalta. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects. Though they are rare, they do happen. The serious side effects are dark-colored urine, dark stools, nausea, abdomen cramps, fever, burning urination, appetite loss, jaundice, bruising or bleeding easily and profusely, bleeding from the nose, rigidity or spasms in muscles, vomiting and inability to keep food down, tremors or jerking movements, cognitive problems, hallucinations, loss of coordination, seizures, shallow breathing or cessation of breathing. If you suffer any of these symptoms, continuing to take this medicine without consulting your doctor may cause serious health consequences or even death.