Guide To Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Potential Side Effects

The most common side effects of this medication are mild. It may cause fatigue, sleepiness, and dizziness. Thus, patients should avoid driving until they know how the medicine affects them. Some patients will also experience insomnia. This effect increases daytime sleepiness. Individuals can also deal with mild flu-like symptoms such as constipation, nausea, and diarrhea on this medication. An increased appetite is relatively common, as is difficulty urinating and low sodium. This can cause issues with staying hydrated.

Excessive sweating has been reported on this medication as well. It might also cause irregular control of blood sugar in diabetes patients. There may also be severe skin reactions that prevent individuals from continuing to take this medication. With time, it may lead to organ damage in specific systems. Serotonin syndrome can occur due to this medication also. This is a medical emergency, which means that it can be fatal if it is not treated promptly. Serotonin syndrome has many symptoms, some of the most common being hallucinations, agitation, and coma.

Get the full details on precautions linked to this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should not take duloxetine due to the effects on the baby. According to the FDA, this medication may also cause patients to have suicidal thoughts upon first taking it. This is particularly likely in adolescents and children. Thus, it is important for doctors to carefully monitor a patient's mood and other reactions during the first four months that they are taking this medication.

In addition, patients cannot drink alcohol or smoke on this medication. Smoking can make it up to a third less effective. Doctors should screen for bipolar disorder before prescribing this medication. The reason is that it may trigger manic or rapid-cycling episodes.

Uncover the potential medication interactions next.