Can cymbalta make you more depressed

Cymbalta Side Effects - Cause For Concern?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on April 27, 2022.

Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Pain

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is taken by millions of people worldwide. Used to treat depression and anxiety, Cymbalta is also approved to relieve pain caused by nerve damage, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and lower back injury.

Cymbalta works to rebalance certain chemicals in the brain that are connected with depression, anxiety and pain. Numerous studies have proven its worth, but just how significant are its potential harms?

Cymbalta May Be Difficult to Stop

Most antidepressant drugs are associated with some withdrawal symptoms. However, withdrawal symptoms from Cymbalta are so common that doctors have given the symptoms their own term: Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome.

In fact, hundreds of law suits were filed against Eli Lilly, the makers of Cymbalta, claiming that consumers and healthcare professionals nationwide were not fully and accurately informed of the frequency, severity, and duration of Cymbalta withdrawal when it first entered the market in 2004.

Some research has indicated that serious symptoms of withdrawal may be experienced by up to 51% of people who discontinue Cymbalta, yet when the medication was first marketed, the manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co reported the withdrawal rate as about 1%.

Withdrawal Effects Can Be Severe

Withdrawal effects vary individually. Some experts estimate roughly 50% of people discontinuing Cymbalta will have withdrawal symptoms.

Minor withdrawal symptoms include nausea, headache and dizziness. Severe symptoms include seizures, nightmares and electrical shock sensations (described by some as "zaps" around your body, which may be paresthesias).

These effects can last for weeks, and may force some people to restart therapy before a more gradual discontinuation. The FDA instructed Eli Lilly to be more transparent in their delivery of benefits vs. risks for Cymbalta and to recommend a protocol for stopping Cymbalta.

Increased Risk of Suicidal Thoughts Possible

Studies have shown an association between antidepressant treatment (including Cymbalta-like antidepressants) and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly in people under 25 years or age and more often in the early phases of treatment.

Regardless of age, all patients who are started on Cymbalta should be monitored for a worsening of their depression, or for the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. See a doctor right away if there is any cause for concern.

On the flip side, many people report that Cymbalta was the only thing that lifted them out of the "fog" they were in or prevented them from yet another hospital visit.

Short-Term Memory Loss and Brain Fog

Although studies have not reported any detrimental effects on brain function and memory, some blogs tell a different story.

A lack of short-term memory, difficulty in concentrating, and brain zaps are just some of the complaints experienced by people taking Cymbalta.

Do not drive or operate machinery if Cymbalta makes you drowsy or sedated, or until you are reasonably certain the drug does not affect your ability to do these things.

Anger and Hostility Reported

Although Cymbalta is often used for anxiety, in some people it may have the opposite effect and cause tension and restlessness. Some people may find themselves more frustrated, irritable or lacking in patience when taking the drug. Occasionally this can escalate to open hostility towards others, extreme agitation and even mania. These effects may be more apparent early on in treatment or after discontinuation.

Try relaxation techniques to calm you down. If these do not make any difference or you feel your symptoms are unbearable or getting worse you may need to discuss changing your medicine with a doctor.

Side Effects Include Extreme Sweating

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is another common side effect of Cymbalta, occurring in over 7 percent of patients. Reports of soaking through T-shirts 24 hours a day, or extremely sweaty palms or feet may force treatment discontinuation in some people.

Cymbalta may also cause vision changes, a dry mouth, nausea and interact with a number of other drugs. It is also not suitable for some people with liver disease, bleeding or seizure disorders, or high blood pressure.

Leg Jerks, Muscle Twitches, and Rarely Seizures

Seizures are listed as a rare but serious side effect of Cymbalta, occurring in roughly 3 out of every 10,500 patients. But more subtle effects, such as restless legs, muscle twitches or spasms, or leg jerks may be experienced by a larger number of people.

Some notice these effects after they have been on Cymbalta for a while, whereas others report these effects on discontinuation. People who already have a seizure disorder may be at greater risk of having a seizure while taking Cymbalta.

Loss of Sex Drive Can Occur With Most Antidepressants:

Many antidepressants have detrimental effects on sexual function and Cymbalta is no exception. Males are more likely to be affected and decreases in libido, abnormal orgasms and erectile dysfunction have all been reported.

Most effects disappeared with treatment discontinuation. If sexual dysfunction occurs while you are taking an antidepressant like Cymbalta, be sure to talk to your doctor who may suggest an alternative treatment.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone (Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone) are less likely to cause sexual dysfunction.

Finished: Cymbalta Side Effects - Cause For Concern?

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Bitter I, Filipovits D, Czobor P. Adverse reactions to duloxetine in depression. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2011 Nov;10(6):839-50. doi: 10.1517/14740338.2011.582037. Epub 2011 May 5.
Perahia DG, Kajdasz DK, Desaiah D, Haddad PM. Symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of duloxetine treatment in patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2005 Dec;89(1-3):207-12. Epub 2005 Nov 2.
Perahia DG1, Kajdasz DK, Desaiah D, et al. Symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of duloxetine treatment in patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2005 Dec;89(1-3):207-12. Epub 2005 Nov 2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16266753
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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Can Antidepressants Make You More Depressed?

Here’s what experts say about antidepressants and safely managing depression symptoms.

It may be hard to believe that antidepressants can cause depression, but it could be true. The very reason you take depression medication can sometimes make symptoms worse.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause feelings of sadness and lack of energy, among other symptoms. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 4.7% of the population in the United States reported having regular feelings of depression in 2019.

And because many people experience symptoms of depression and don’t seek help, the number of those affected is likely much higher.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, there are some important things to know about taking antidepressant medications, including their potential side effects.

In October 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a black box warning on antidepressant medications after research studies found an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children and teens. The FDA issued the same warning to young adults 2 years later.

The FDA based this decision on clinical trials that showed study participants with major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions had increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors when taking antidepressants.

However, according to a 2019 review, some experts have suggested that the black box warning could do more harm than good by preventing young people from receiving needed treatment.

A 2019 review of studies on the adverse effects of antidepressants suggests a link between antidepressant use and suicidal thoughts. Still, there isn’t enough consistent evidence to conclude that young people should altogether avoid antidepressants.

When looking at studies and trials in this area, it’s important to note that participants may already have depression and suicidal thoughts.

It can be hard to tell if the antidepressants cause suicidal thoughts, if their depression is not being treated sufficiently, or if they are not responding to the medication and their symptoms are becoming worse.

More research is needed to identify a proven relationship between antidepressants and the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

How antidepressants lead to thoughts of suicide is unclear. One or several of the following biological factors may be at play:

Suicidal thoughts are separate from your symptoms of depression. Findings from a 2018 study suggest that depression and suicidal behaviors and thoughts are independent of one another and can result from two different mental health conditions.
Biological markers may be an indication. One 2020 study identified indicators that may increase the likelihood of suicidal ideation, including being assigned female at birth or developing depression in childhood.
Your glands may overproduce stress hormones. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is your body’s main system for regulating your stress response. In some people, it may release too much cortisol in response to stress, leading to increased thoughts of suicide.

There are different types of antidepressants, and each class of medications works to relieve symptoms in different ways.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants since they lead to fewer side effects. A doctor may also prescribe them if you’re experiencing symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

Some SSRIs include:

fluoxetine (Prozac)
citalopram (Celexa)
sertraline (Zoloft)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

This class of antidepressants works on more than one neuron messaging system in your brain. 2021 research suggests SNRIs may be more effective than other classes of antidepressants for moderate to severe depression.

Some SNRIs include:

duloxetine (Cymbalta)
venlafaxine (Effexor)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)

TCA antidepressants are not usually the first line of treatment because they often produce more intense side effects. But, doctors may use TCAs in people with pain and associated depression, since they can help with both.

TCAs include:

amitriptyline (Elavil)
nortriptyline (Aventyl HCL)

Learn more about the different types of antidepressants, how they work, and their side effects.

Antidepressants can take up to 6 to 8 weeks to start working. As your body adjusts to the medication, you’ll want to speak to your doctor if:

You notice that your sleep and diet improve before your mood improves. This is a good sign that the drug is working, but you may need a higher dose.
Your symptoms return after seeing initial relief. This may mean you need to adjust the dosage or consider another medication to help manage your symptoms.
You’re experiencing side effects that negatively impact your daily life. You can expect side effects from antidepressants, but some are more serious than others, such as suicidal thoughts, high blood pressure, and serotonin syndrome.
The drug isn’t helping. Everyone is different, and some antidepressants work better for some than others. It’s best to discuss your options with your doctor. They may recommend other medications or behavioral therapy to help supplement treatment.

In the United States in 2020, an estimated 21 million adults experienced an episode of major depression. If you are also experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and help is out there.

Some evidence suggests that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. But, it does not mean you should avoid treatment.

Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of concerning side effects and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

If you’re still unsure if antidepressants are a good next step, you may consider nonpharmaceutical treatment methods like therapy to help with your depression symptoms. Consider reading about how to choose the right therapist for you.

You may also find lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly or practicing mindfulness techniques, to be helpful for managing depression symptoms.

symptoms, causes in men and women, remedies

Lack of vitality, unwillingness to get out of bed, bad mood for a long time, and even unwillingness to live are all signs of depression. Depression has a negative effect on the health and general well-being of a person. That is why it is so important to get medical help from a specialist in time.

How to determine the presence of depression?

Pathology can appear after experienced stressful situations. If there is no disorder, after the problem is resolved, a good mood returns to the person. But when the cause is eliminated, and apathy, depression and loss of strength do not leave the person, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist. It may also decrease performance.

You can determine the presence of depression on your own, but you should not self-medicate even at an early stage of development. This should be done by a doctor, since self-medication can only aggravate everything.

Depression in women is often postpartum, as their lives change dramatically, and sleepless nights add fatigue. This is where frustration and apathy come in.

When the pathology is in advanced form, then a person has the following symptoms of depression - not only a bad mood and impotence, but also persistent disorders of the nervous system. There are also symptoms such as: a significant decrease in self-esteem, disadaptation in society, despondency and loss of interest in any events.

In physiological terms, appetite changes, intimate needs and energy decrease, sleep and bowel function are disturbed (constipation, weakness, fatigue during physical and intellectual stress are observed), pain in the body (in the heart, in muscles, in the stomach area).

The patient shows signs of depression such as loss of interest in other people, a tendency to frequent solitude, refusal of entertainment, use of alcohol and psychotropic substances.

Mental signs of depression include difficulty in concentrating, concentrating, making decisions, slowness of thinking, a pessimistic view of the future with a lack of perspective and thoughts about the meaninglessness of one's existence, suicide attempts, due to their uselessness, helplessness, insignificance.

Causes of depression

The appearance of the disorder is not influenced by age category or social class. Most often, depression appears against the background of stressful negative situations, with constant failures - then a person falls into despair from the inability to somehow influence the course of events.

But in addition to the social factor, severe psychological trauma can also lead to the development of depression, for example: family breakup, death of a loved one, a serious illness that affects not only the patient himself, but also his relatives. In this case, depressions are referred to as reactive.

The likelihood of depression increases with changes in hormonal levels: during adolescence, after delivery, with the onset of menopause, and also in old age. It can affect the emotional and physical level.

Another factor is brain damage and somatic pathologies. Often depression affects patients who have had a stroke, suffering from a chronic lack of blood circulation in the brain, after a traumatic brain injury.

The causes of depression can manifest themselves as a result of the side effects of drugs (benzodiazepines, corticosteroids). Often this condition disappears on its own after the drug is discontinued.

Types of depression

Neurotic - people with low self-esteem, insecure, straightforward people often suffer. They constantly feel a sense of injustice, and apathy arises from this.
Clinical - bad mood, loss of energy, problems with appetite and sleep. Often there is a tendency to suicide. This clinical picture can last at least 2 weeks.
Vegetative - manifested by such signs as tachycardia, a drop in blood pressure, tinnitus.
Psychogenic - develops after severe psychological trauma - divorce, loss of a loved one, dismissal from work, betrayal, etc. Accompanied by mood swings, anxiety, excessive sensitivity.
Masked - often the disease manifests itself secretly. Apathy, solitude and a decrease in interest in life can only appear as negativity and fatigue accumulate.
Asthenic - the condition is manifested by fatigue, sleep disturbance, emotional imbalance due to accumulated difficulties, stress, physical and psychological stress.
Postpartum - usually occurs 10-14 days after delivery. A young mother shows an increased sense of excitement for the baby, and constant lack of sleep and fatigue worsen the situation even more. In addition, the hormonal background also affects the state of the mother.
Somatogenic - attacks occur due to disturbances in the endocrine system, the formation and growth of neoplasms, both benign and malignant.
Alcoholic - depression is accompanied by excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. The post-alcohol state is accompanied by an uncontrolled craving for alcohol and the growth of withdrawal syndrome when alcohol is refused.
Bipolar - the patient is changing euphoria depressive, manic disorder. But in the period between these phenomena, caused by various factors: stress, loss of means of popularity, etc., a person lives an ordinary life and does not show symptoms of the disease.

How does depression develop in stages?

First, the patient has a depressed state, which he himself attributes to fatigue, a hard working week, drinking alcohol and other reasons. At the same time, he wants to retire from others and at the same time is afraid to be alone.

Then the stage of acceptance arises: the awareness of the dangerous state comes, the problem worsens, the intensity of negative thoughts grows, the body and the immune system fail.

The third stage - in the absence of adequate therapy, the patient loses control over himself, aggression increases.

Diagnosis and treatment of depression

To identify the disease, experienced specialists use short questionnaires - screening tools to identify symptoms: anxiety, anhedonia (loss of pleasure from life), suicidal tendencies. Thanks to this, it is possible to determine whether the patient has chronic depression, symptoms and treatments for depression, what form and severity it is.

To fully understand the picture of the disease, the doctor needs to familiarize himself with the symptoms that indicate depression, and not another psychological disorder.

For the treatment of depression, you can contact the following specialists:

Psychiatrist - treatment of depression with hypnosis, drugs for acute mental pathologies - schizophrenia, mental retardation, epilepsy, as well as other less severe ailments - neurosis, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.
Psychotherapist – treatment is carried out through special therapy, which provides for explanations, conversations, search for solutions to problems together with the patient.
Psychologist - consults the patient, cannot prescribe drugs and examinations. Clinical psychologists use modern test methods to identify problems that caused a psychological disorder.

The main directions of therapy in treatment are psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, social therapy.

A necessary condition for the effectiveness of treatment is cooperation and trust in the doctor. It is important to strictly follow the prescription of the therapy regimen, visit the doctor regularly, and give a detailed account of your condition.

Preparations for the treatment of depression

For the treatment of the disorder, antidepressants are used for anxious depression or when the pathology is accompanied by lethargy. Antidepressants are prescribed directly by a doctor and are not recommended for self-administration. The action of many antidepressants manifests itself two weeks after administration, their dosage for the patient is determined individually.

In bipolar depression, depression is treated with insomnia. While it has a negative effect on a healthy person, in a patient with a psychological disorder, sleep deprivation, on the contrary, brings the psyche back to normal.

Moderate or mild depression requires the appointment of drugs on a light, natural basis (herbal).

Where to get tested and treated for depression in Krasnoyarsk?

If you or your loved ones show signs of an emotional disorder, you should immediately contact a specialist. Since depression can lead to dangerous consequences:

isolation from society
deterioration in appearance
relationship problems
low performance or its complete absence
sexual problems

Contact the private clinic "Medunion" in Krasnoyarsk, get examined and treated for depression. Our phone number for appointment +7 (391) 202-95-54.

How to overcome depression with a break / feelings

Breaking up a couple is usually not easy. The end of a relationship can turn your world upside down, releasing a wide variety of emotions. Some people accept the end of a relationship quickly and move forward, but others cannot and end up suffering from depressive symptoms. The person may feel that his heart is broken and as if he was out of the world, a refuge.

Although this is a very difficult phase for a person and can be overcome with adequate treatment, it is important not to ignore the symptoms for a long time. In this Psychology-Online article, we will tell you How to overcome depression after a break .

You may also be interested in: How to overcome depression for love Index

The difference between sadness or depression for a sentimental break
How to overcome a breakup of a couple: treatment
Tips for overcoming a love break in women and men
How to get out of depression after parting: the importance of a support network

The difference between sadness or depression for a sentimental break

Like depressive symptoms These can range from moderate to severe, it is difficult to know if sadness or mourning is a normal reaction to a break or a sign that something else is going on, such as depression.

It's okay to experience a duel when you've suffered a loss, but that doesn't mean that every emotion you feel is a normal reaction. There are healthy and unhealthy symptoms after a break. Knowing the differences between these symptoms can help us determine if we are experiencing depression or not.

Some of the symptoms that we might consider normal reactions might be:

Annoyed and frustrated
Sadness and light crying
fear
insomnia
Loss of interest in activities

Symptoms of depression due to a breakup

If you feel sad or in pain after a break, this is normal, you should contact If your symptoms do not start to improve after a few weeks or if they even get worse. To be diagnosed with depression, you must experience at least 5 of the following symptoms for at least 2 weeks:

feel sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day for several days
Loss of interest in previously beneficial activities
Loss of weight and appetite or increased appetite and weight
Sleeping too little or too much
Speech and movement much slower
Feeling powerless most of the time
Low self-esteem
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts related to death even suicidal thoughts

Depression can happen to anyone after a break, but some people are at greater risk, such as people with a family history of depression or other moods. Other factors can contribute to depression after a relapse, such as hormonal changes, loss of a job or a loved one.

How to overcome a breakup: treatment

Know exactly How to overcome depression after a breakup You should see a specialist if symptoms do not start to improve within two or three weeks.

Psychological treatment

Cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy are the two main therapies used in people with depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is about replacing negative thoughts and replacing them with more adaptive ones, as overcoming a relationship implies that you don't have obsessive thoughts about the other person or that you ask yourself over and over again what went wrong. Sometimes it is also desirable to use relaxation techniques or other behavior change tools.

Psychopharmacological treatment

Based on the symptoms, the professional will prescribe antidepressants to help manage the emotions experienced. These include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor)
nortriptyline (pamelor)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: tranylcypromine and phenelzine

Make sure you understand the risks associated with taking antidepressants . Some medications can cause side effects, increased appetite, insomnia, and weight gain. drugs..

Tips for overcoming a love gap in women and men

Some ways to cope with depression that are not part of professional help:

exercise exercise : Physical activity can strengthen the immune system and increase your energy. Exercise also increases the production of endorphins, which improves mood. It would be wise to do 30 minutes of physical activity at least three times a week.
Stay busy : Explore new activities and try to keep your head busy. If you're feeling down, go for a walk, read a book, or start a new project that can help you in life.
Get the hours of sleep you need Good rest can help you improve your mental health and better deal with a breakup

How to get out of depression by breaking up: the importance of a support network

Getting over a love breakup can be easier when we have support from family and friends . You don't need to go through this step on your own. Surround yourself with positive people who will inspire you, will come very well. If you're feeling lonely or scared, call someone you trust and plan with her.

Avoid negative people that judge or criticize you, as they can aggravate your depression and make it even harder to break.
You can also struggle with loneliness and depression after a break make new friends and reconnect with those with whom you have lost contact. Any social activity that is beneficial is appropriate, be it signing up for language classes, music, dancing..., joining a club, volunteering, etc.
Even if your depression is not severe enough for psychotherapy, join the self-help group This can be a great tool for dealing with depression after a breakup. There you will meet people who are in the same situation as you or who have experienced it, you can also learn techniques to deal with these emotions.
Learn more