A drug known as duloxetine, Cymbalta and a variety of other brand names, has just been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis and since its initial approval in 2004, some 30 million American’s have taken it.
In 2001 the drug was turned down by the FDA over concerns that it could cause liver failure and they suggested that all people taking higher doses of the drug be regularly blood tested to monitor for signs of liver failure.
Side-Effects
Very common side-effects that occur in more than one in ten people taking the drug, are: nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness and headaches.
Common effects that occur at incidences between one in ten and one in 100, are tremor, fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, ‘pins and needles’ feeling, blurred vision, sweating, muscle spasm, abdominal pain, vomiting, rashes, heart palpitations, tinnitus, insomnia, anxiety and agitation, hot flashes, disturbing dreams and erectile dysfunction of men.
Between one in 100 and one in 1,000 patients taking Cymbalta can experience potentially harmful side-effects like increased blood pressure and heart rate, difficulty passing urine, tight throat, photosensitivity of the skin (aversion to sunlight) and even hepatitis.
Rare effects occurring anywhere between one in 1000 and one in 10,000 involve complicated mental disturbances such as hallucinations, anger and aggression and mania. Some people taking Cymbalta can have convulsions.
Depression and Suicide
Somewhat ironically, since this drug is an anti-depressant, Cymbalta can cause depression and suicide , particularly in young people so the medicine is barred for use in those under 18 years of age. The official Cymbalta website says:
‘ Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Be especially observant within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose. Approved only for adults 18 and over.’
Who Shouldn’t Have Cymbalta?
Anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in Cymbalta. Please check the patient information leaflet.
Anyone under the age of 18
Anyone with decreased liver function
Anyone with high blood pressure
Anyone with fructose intolerance or glucose malabsorption.
Anyone who has taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor anti-depressant within the last 14 days.
Anyone taking fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin or enoxacin.
Anyone who is pregnant. The effects of Cymbalta in unborn and newborn babies has not been studied.
Breast feeding mothers. Cymbalta passes through breast milk.
Caution should also be applied for young adults, elderly people, those with a history of seizures, heart disease, depression and anyone with a blood clotting disorder.
If you have ever attempted suicide or thought about doing so, this medication is not the best one for you.
Sources: Net Doctor, ‘Cymbalta’, accessed 7th November 2010.
The Official Cymbalta Website: www.cymbalta.com
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/. She is author of the book, 'Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation,' and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting, in addition to running a charity for people damaged by vaccines or medical mistakes.