Living in a state of depression or being overly anxious have turned into widely known conditions, and are also commonly encountered. However, if you are noticing persistent spells of anxieties or depression, it is a mental condition needing proper medications and treatment. Meds belonging to a category of drugs known as serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibiting medications are administered to treat these mental conditions. Among these meds, Cymbalta is a widely prescribed medication. But, can dosages of Cymbalta lead to increase in body weight? It becomes important to know added details.
Sufficient presence of substances like norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, etc. is a key to maintain proper mental wellbeing as well. These transmitting substances – especially, serotonin can make you feel satisfied; this is because of its ability to transmit signals that trigger ecstasy, wellbeing and delight. A similar transmitter is norepinephrine; it causes better attention span, ability to remain alert and focused.
In this light, meds forming part of serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibiting (SNRI) genre are administered. Top brands prescribed in this genre are Irenka (made from a generic drug called duloxetine), Effexor (which is from a generic med known as venlafaxine), Pristiq (generic equivalent is desvenlafaxine), etc. An added benefit of these drugs is: they can enable better sleeping cycles, increase your appetite level (which makes you eat properly) and above all, lead an emotionally balanced life.
What is Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is a branded med based on a generic drug called duloxetine. The active chemicals present in this med help manage mental problems like depression, being excessively anxious as well as painful muscles. It is popularly used for treating mood-related conditions like generalised anxiety disorder – GAD. In some cases, its key substances are known to treat nerve-pains – a neurological condition known as neuropathy; Cymbalta is more effective in treating the peripheral type of nerve-pains, especially in those who live with autoimmune problems such as arthritis or diabetes mellitus.
Does Cymbalta cause an increase in body weight?
This med is likely to trigger loss of bodyweight than an increase in weight. This is possible to occur in the first 2 to 3 months of your treatment plan. However, a moderate gain in body weight is observed after 7 months. Also, both these effects are not very commonly observed among adults; lesser than 1.2% of adults have noticed some changes in their weight. But, in case of children – the possibilities of loss of bodyweight are high. This loss is attributed to drop in appetite level as well as a few abdominal discomforts like vomiting or nausea.
The standard dosages of this med range in between 50 milligrams (mg) – 110 mg per day; the typical dosage plan spans nearly 2 months / 8 weeks. Apart from changes in body weight, users have also reported spells of headaches, dizziness, indigestion / other abdominal conditions as well as hallucinations and/or being in a persistent state of irritation.
Precautions needed while taking this SNRI med
Users who were administered the maximum dosage level of 120 mg per day are likely to notice a few withdrawal symptoms. Owing to such risks, your caregiving team may slowly reduce the doses over 10 days’ time – i.e., at the end of your medication plan. You need to remember that sudden discontinuation of doses may cause severe spells of drowsiness or dizziness; upon sensing such signs, talk to your treating physician without much delay.
In general, drugs like Cymbalta (as well as duloxetine-based brands) should not be taken as OTC meds. You are advised to take them under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If adverse signs such as a marked change in body weight, etc. are noticed – seek needful support from a healthcare setting on an urgent basis.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley; Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Experience: 10 years as a freelance health writer and editor, contributing to blogs and magazines focused on preventive medicine and fitness.
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