Cymbalta Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Cymbalta is a prescription drug used to combat depression and generalized anxiety disorder - excessive worry and tension that can interfere with everyday activities and lasts for half a year or more. Cymbalta also treats pain and tingling caused by diabetic nerve damage and fibromyalgia. In addition, the drug is used to treat ongoing bone or muscle pain like lower back pain or osteoarthritis. Cymbalta raises levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Studies have shown that in rare cases, youth up to the age of 24 years may develop suicidal tendencies while taking Cymbalta.^[1]

Contents 1 Common Cymbalta Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Cymbalta Allergic Reactions 4 Cymbalta Withdrawal 5 Cymbalta Precautions and Warnings 6 References

Common Cymbalta Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Cymbalta include upset stomach, dry mouth, drowsiness, issues with bowel regularity or diarrhea, acid reflux, more frequent urination, difficulty urinating, increased perspiration, lowered appetite, cramping in the muscles, sexual issues and shakiness.^[2]

About Drug Side Effects

Cymbalta Allergic Reactions

Cymbalta can cause a form of Erythema multiforme called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is characterized by fever, itching of the skin, joint pain, and multiple skin lesions. The lesions may resemble hives, but may also appear as nodules or a sore surrounded by bulls-eye rings. Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be fatal and requires emergency medical treatment.^{[3] [4]}

Cymbalta Withdrawal

Some patients have experienced side effects after discontinuing Cymbalta. These withdrawal symptoms included mood changes, dizziness, nausea, headache, exhaustion, nerve pain, confusion, vomiting, nightmares, insomnia, diarrhea, anxiety, excessive sweating, vertigo, tinnitus, and seizures.^[5] To minimize SSRI withdrawal symptoms, Cymbalta is generally discontinued gradually, with a physician tapering down the dosage over a period of several weeks.^[6] Some physicians will switch the patient from Cymbalta to Prozac before beginning the taper, as Prozac has a longer half-life, making the effect on the brain more gradual.^[7]

Cymbalta Precautions and Warnings

• Taking Cymbalta may cause sleepiness or dizziness. Activities that require concentration, such as operating a motor vehicle, may be dangerous for patients taking Cymbalta.

• Increased risk of bleeding is possible among older patients who take Cymbalta.

• Cymbalta may cause hyponatremia, a salt imbalance, in older patients.

• There is a chance that Cymbalta will affect blood sugar levels in diabetics.

• It is possible for infants born to Cymbalta users to experience withdrawal from the drug. In addition, Cymbalta will appear in breast milk of nursing mothers.

Also See: Cymbalta Coupons, Cymbalta Patient Assistance Programs, Cymbalta Free Samples, Abilify Side Effects, Prozac Side Effects, Zoloft Side Effects, Trazodone Side Effects, Tylenol Recall

References

1. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000274/
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://www.cymbalta.com/index.jsp?WT.seg_1=Branded&DCSext.ag=BrandGeneral&WT.mc_id=CymDPNA14120001&WT.srch=1
3. ↑ http://pi.lilly.com/us/cymbalta-pi.pdf
4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001854/
5. ↑ http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=17588#section-8
6. ↑ http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/13/6/447.full
7. ↑ http://www.benzo.org.uk/healy.htm