Cytomel Adverse Reactions: Identifying Them and Handling the Consequences
Cymbalta, a brand-name drug with the active ingredient duloxetine, is a popular treatment option for various conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, diabetic neuropathy, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (depression), and even GAD and fibromyalgia in children. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Cymbalta is a delayed-release oral capsule that belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug class.
While Cymbalta offers relief for many, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. Some of the serious side effects include angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia, high blood pressure, liver damage, orthostatic hypotension, seizure, serotonin syndrome, severe skin reactions, difficulty urinating, withdrawal symptoms, and more. A boxed warning is in place due to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults up to 24 years old.
Less common side effects include rare but serious conditions such as liver failure, seizures, and increased risk of mydriasis (pupil dilation) for patients with controlled narrow-angle glaucoma. Other less common or mild side effects reported include brain zaps (sensations described as electric shock-like feelings), dizziness beyond typical mild cases, discontinuation symptoms such as mood swings, sexual dysfunction that could persist longer term for some individuals, and more.
In clinical trials, duloxetine was linked to slight increases in blood pressure (about 2 mm Hg systolic) and seizures were very rare but noted, highlighting caution in patients with a history of seizures. It's worth noting that Cymbalta does not typically cause weight gain, but weight gain can result from depression or inactivity due to other chronic medical conditions.
Constipation was a common side effect reported in clinical trials, but it wasn't one of the reported reasons that people stopped taking the drug. Other common side effects include loss of appetite, drowsiness or fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, excessive sweating, insomnia, heart palpitations, headache, and sexual side effects.
In people with diabetes, Cymbalta can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels. In clinical trials of Cymbalta, the following side effects were commonly reported in children: loss of appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, nausea. Nausea was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials and can be a symptom of other serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome and withdrawal symptoms.
Cymbalta may trigger a manic or hypomanic episode in people with depression, especially those with a history of bipolar disorder. If you develop serious side effects while taking Cymbalta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
It's also important to note that Cymbalta can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other drugs that affect bleeding or in those with clotting disorders. While an allergic reaction was not clearly documented in the drug's clinical trials, symptoms of allergic reactions can be mild or severe.
Long-term side effects of Cymbalta can include angle-closure glaucoma and liver damage. Cymbalta is considered safe for older adults, but people over age 65 years may be more sensitive to some of the drug's side effects, such as low sodium levels and orthostatic hypotension.
In conclusion, while Cymbalta offers significant benefits for managing various conditions, it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects. If any serious or persistent side effects occur, consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial. Always discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting any new medication.
References:
[1] FDA Label for Cymbalta [3] Recent health summaries of clinical trial data and post-marketing experience [5] Additional information on less common side effects of Cymbalta
- Cymbalta, a drug used for conditions like fibromyalgia and depression, is predictive of angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia, high blood pressure, liver damage, orthostatic hypotension, seizure, serotonin syndrome, severe skin reactions, difficulty urinating, withdrawal symptoms, and more.
- Irrespective of its effectiveness in managing conditions such as Crohn's disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cymbalta can pose risks, including mental-health issues like suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in the youth.
- The health-and-wellness industry often emphasizes the importance of nutrition, yet Cymbalta does not typically cause weight gain, but weight gain can result from depression or inactivity due to other chronic medical conditions.
- While Cymbalta does not explicitly aim to treat anxiety-related disorders like GAD, it is approved for this purpose and can help alleviate symptoms such as brain zaps (electric shock-like feelings) and discontinuation symptoms like mood swings.
- In addition to the serious side effects, Cymbalta may also contribute to anthrax, a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, due to its interaction with certain antibiotics.
- Although rare, Cymbalta can cause side effects like liver failure and increased risk of mydriasis (pupil dilation) for patients with controlled narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Furthermore, long-term use of Cymbalta can result in long-term side effects such as liver damage, leading to the need for periodic monitoring and necessary adjustments in treatment.
