Cymbalta (duloxetine) can cause a range of side effects, from mild to potentially serious. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Sexual side effects (such as decreased libido)
Nausea is among the most frequently reported, affecting up to 30% of users, and often appears early in treatment. Other gastrointestinal effects, such as vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth, are also relatively common[1][5][7].
Rare but serious side effects can include:
- Severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; hives)
- Serotonin syndrome (symptoms can include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, and fever)
- Liver damage
- Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure upon standing)
- Trouble urinating
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Seizures
- Increased blood pressure
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in young adults during the first few months of therapy or when the dose is changed
- Severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome
In rare cases, Cymbalta can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions. Patients and caregivers should monitor for changes in mood or behavior, especially when beginning the medication or adjusting the dose[3][5][7].
Withdrawal symptoms are also possible if Cymbalta is stopped abruptly. These may include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Brain zaps (shock-like sensations in the head)
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia, vivid dreams)
- Irritability or agitation
- Anxiety
- Tremors or muscle cramps
- Sweating
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Confusion
Withdrawal symptoms can start within a few days of discontinuation and usually last for 1 to 3 weeks, though some symptoms—especially mood-related changes—can persist longer in rare cases[2][4][6]. Gradual dose reduction under medical guidance is recommended to minimize withdrawal effects.
References
- [1] Duloxetine Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term – Drugs.com
- [2] Cymbalta Withdrawal: Side Effects & Timeline
- [3] Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle): Uses, Side Effects
- [4] Cymbalta Withdrawal: Why It Happens and How to Cope
- [5] Cymbalta: Side effects, dosage, generic, uses, and more
- [6] What helps with Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms?
- [7] The 13 Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Side Effects You Should Consider
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