Duloxetine has an elimination half-life of about 12 hours (range 8 to 17 hours) and its pharmacokinetics are dose proportional over the therapeutic range. Steady-state plasma concentrations are typically achieved after 3 days of dosing. Elimination of duloxetine is mainly through hepatic metabolism involving two P450 isozymes, CYP1A2 and CYP2D6. Although the exact mechanisms of the antidepressant, central pain inhibitory and anxiolytic actions of duloxetine in humans are unknown, these actions are believed to be related to its potentiation of serotonergic and noradrenergic activity in the CNS. Each capsule contains enteric-coated pellets of 20, 30, or 60 mg of duloxetine (equivalent to 22.4, 33.7, or 67.3 mg of duloxetine hydrochloride, respectively).
More about duloxetine
- In the CYMBALTA clinical trials database, three CYMBALTA-treated patients had liver injury as manifested by ALT and total bilirubin elevations, with evidence of obstruction.
- Healthcare providers strongly recommend avoiding alcohol completely while on this medication.
- Cymbalta side effects vary from person to person, and it’s important to consult a doctor when starting or stopping this medication.
- Use of SNRIs, including CYMBALTA, may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction see Adverse Reactions (6.1).
- Some people taking Cymbalta have reported that they get drunk instantly and feel terrible after drinking.
Cymbalta, classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Consequently, Cymbalta is commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain conditions. In postmarketing experience, fatal outcomes have been reported for acute CYMBALTA overdoses, primarily with mixed overdoses, but also with CYMBALTA only, including 1000 mg of CYMBALTA (approximately 8.3 times the maximum recommended dosage). Signs and symptoms of overdose (CYMBALTA alone or with mixed drugs) included somnolence, coma, serotonin syndrome, seizures, syncope, tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension, and vomiting.
Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants. This finding is from a prospective, longitudinal study that followed 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum.
Cymbalta is sometimes prescribed for adults and children 13 years of age and older with this condition to relieve pain. Activation times vary from person to person, but can typically take up to 6 to 8 weeks for the full effects of Cymbalta to become effective for symptoms such as depressed mood and lack of interest in activities. Side effect risks are higher when you first start Ozempic and when you raise your dose.
Combining the two could potentially lead to liver toxicity or other complications, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. Cymbalta is a brand name for duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)prescribed to treat various conditions including anxiety and depression. The efficacy of CYMBALTA in chronic low back pain (CLBP) in adults was assessed in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials of 13-weeks duration (Studies CLBP-1 and CLBP-2), and one of 12-weeks duration (CLBP-3). Studies CLBP-1 and CLBP-3 demonstrated efficacy of CYMBALTA in the treatment of CLBP. Patients in all trials had no signs of radiculopathy or spinal stenosis. Additionally, the benefit of up-titration in non-responders to CYMBALTA at 60 mg/day was evaluated in a separate trial (Study FM-3).
Consuming alcohol while on Cymbalta can interrupt the progress of the treatment and can cause mood-related symptoms. It is best that alcohol is not used while trying to achieve mental health and balance. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that, when mixed with alcohol or other substances, Cymbalta can have dangerous physiological effects that can even lead to death. When taken on their own, both Cymbalta and alcohol can lead to liver damage and depression. The main purpose of taking medications or using alcohol is to experience some sort of relief. By defining the reasons why you’re seeking relief with Cymbalta and alcohol, you’ll build a foundation that will help your doctor create a mental health program tailored for you.
Cymbalta’s Additional Effects on the Body
Children and adolescents should have height and weight monitored during treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment with CYMBALTA. Read this Medication Guide before you start taking Cymbalta® and each time you get a refill.
What is duloxetine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Cymbalta and some medicines may interact with each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious side effects. A Difference (drug minus placebo) in least squares mean change from baseline. A Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from is mixing cymbalta and alcohol safe baseline. Biotransformation and disposition of duloxetine in humans have been determined following oral administration of 14C-labeled duloxetine. Duloxetine comprises about 3% of the total radiolabeled material in the plasma, indicating that it undergoes extensive metabolism to numerous metabolites.
Interference With Treatment Protocols
Studies FM-1 and FM-2 compared CYMBALTA 60 mg once daily or 120 mg daily (given in divided doses in Study FM-1 and as a single daily dose in Study FM-2) with placebo. Study FM-2 additionally compared CYMBALTA 20 mg with placebo during the initial three months of a six-month trial. Both trials compared CYMBALTA 60 mg once daily or 60 mg twice daily with placebo. A total of 457 patients (342 CYMBALTA, 115 placebo) were enrolled in Study DPNP-1 and a total of 334 patients (226 CYMBALTA, 108 placebo) were enrolled in Study DPNP-2.
- Cymbalta can also address ongoing bone or muscle pain, such as lower back pain or osteoarthritis.
- While dosage varies depending on several factors, there’s a standard guideline for duloxetine doses.
- It’s important to remain vigilant about the symptoms of depression, especially when alcohol is involved.
- Understanding these effects is crucial when considering the additional impact of mixing alcohol with Cymbalta.
Duloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSNRI). Duloxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression. In Study MDD-5, patients on CYMBALTA experienced a statistically significantly longer time to relapse of depression than did patients on placebo (see Figure 1).
Cymbalta belongs to a class of medicines known as SNRIs (or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness).
Living with addiction, mental health issues, or overwhelming fears can feel isolating — even when no one else notices. Our expert team offers confidential, compassionate support that meets you where you are. Ask your doctor about whether it’s okay for you to drink alcohol and take Cymbalta. It can have serious effects on your body, especially when mixed with other substances such as alcohol. Be sure that you do not stop taking your antidepressant or change your dosage without first talking to your doctor.
Do not suddenly Stop taking duloxetine without checking first with your doctor. If you have been instructed to stop taking duloxetine, ask your doctor how to slowly decrease the dose. This will decrease your chance of having withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, increased sweating, irritability, nightmares, trouble with sleeping, or prickling or tingling feelings. Duloxetine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome if taken together with some medicines.
