Does Cymbalta cause agitation? (3+ factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Cymbalta causes agitation. We will also discuss the mechanism behind Cymbalta-induced agitation and look at several factors that may influence the likelihood of experiencing agitation with Cymbalta.
Does Cymbalta cause agitation?
Yes, Cymbalta does cause agitation. It is a side effect of the medication that can be mild or severe. However, not everyone will experience this side effect as every individual responds to medications differently.
Mild agitation after taking Cymbalta may go away after a few hours or days, as your body adjusts to the drug. On the other hand, if the symptoms of agitation do not resolve on their own and become severe, get medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you abruptly stop taking Cymbalta after taking it for a month, you may experience agitation.
Though usually not too severe, these symptoms can nonetheless be uncomfortable. Never discontinue your medication without consulting your physician (1).
How does Cymbalta cause agitation?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Being a strong inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, it has been associated with elevated serotonin levels in the body, which may cause agitation (2).
Numerous research studies have hypothesized that Cymbalta may have anxiogenic effects owing to certain observations that correlate agitation with increased norepinephrine transmission.
Multiple studies conducted on animals have demonstrated that agitation and anxiety are linked to elevated norepinephrine release, particularly in the amygdala and hypothalamus (3).
Which factors may contribute to experiencing agitation while taking Cymbalta?
In certain situations, agitation may be brought on by factors other than Cymbalta because it is a common emotion that most individuals experience. Some of the factors that may cause agitation while taking Cymbalta are (4):
- Stress
- Peer pressure
- Lack of sleep
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Substance misuse
- Alcohol dependency
Sometimes the concomitant use of antidepressants like SSRIs including Celexa can cause symptoms of agitation. Certain medical and psychological conditions can also cause agitation in certain individuals. Some of them are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism
- Autism
Which drug-related factors can influence agitation in Cymbalta users?
Many drug-related factors can contribute to agitation in Cymbalta users, including (5):
Dosage: Higher Cymbalta dosages are associated with a higher risk of agitation as a side effect. As a result, some people may respond better to a lower dosage.
Start of treatment: During the first few weeks of treatment, agitation might be more apparent, although it may become better with time.
Duration of use: Some people experience agitation after taking Cymbalta for an extended period. This may be linked to continuous alterations in neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Drug Interactions: Cymbalta can interact with other drugs, which raises the likelihood of agitation. To minimize potential interactions, you should tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take.
Adherence to treatment plan: If someone is not taking Cymbalta as directed, their body may experience fluctuations in the levels of medication, which could lead to agitation.
What are the symptoms of agitation caused by Cymbalta?
Symptoms of agitation can differ from person to person. Some of them are (6):
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Angry outbursts
- Impulsiveness
- Anxiety
- Hostile behaviour
What to do if Cymbalta causes agitation?
Consult with your healthcare provider if Cymbalta causes agitation. Your physician will thoroughly assess your condition and decide on the best course of action to treat your symptoms.
Cymbalta-induced agitation is often mild and goes away on its own as you become used to the drug. However, if this side effect worsens, talk to your doctor immediately. Initially, they might consider reducing the dose.
If you find relief at a lower dose, your doctor may advise you to continue taking it for a while. If reducing the dosage is ineffective, your physician may advise tapering off the drug gradually.
Is agitation a symptom of Cymbalta withdrawal?
Cymbalta use over an extended period can result in dependency. If you suddenly stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor, you could have withdrawal symptoms. This is known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Agitation is one of the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal.
Some of the other withdrawal symptoms are nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tiredness, headache, sweating etc. Seek professional help from your doctor if you believe you are experiencing Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms.
They can offer advice on how to stop taking the drug safely and efficiently. Your doctor will probably switch you to an alternative medicine if Cymbalta keeps affecting your life (7).
Conclusion:
In this article, we have discussed that Cymbalta does cause agitation. It is a side effect of the drug and may not affect everyone. Certain variables can influence the symptoms of agitation in Cymbalta users.
In my opinion, if you experience agitation due to Cymbalta, consult your doctor on how to manage these symptoms. Adhere to your treatment plan and do not discontinue the medication without discussing it with your doctor.
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References
1.-
Cleveland Clinic, editor. SNRIs [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24797-snri
2.-
Fill KS. Cymbalta Uses – Antidepressant, Pain Relief, & How It Works [Internet]. Drugwatch.com. 2023 [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.drugwatch.com/cymbalta/uses/#:~:text=Cymbalta%20increases%20the%20levels%20of
3.-
Montoya A, Bruins R, Katzman MA, Blier P. The noradrenergic paradox: implications in the management of depression and anxiety. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. 2016 Mar 1:541-57. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/NDT.S91311
4.-
Fookes C. Agitation: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment [Internet]. Medicine.com. 2019 [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.medicine.com/condition/agitation
5.-
Watson AR. Cymbalta: Common, Mild, and Serious Side Effects [Internet]. Psych Central. 2021 [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://psychcentral.com/drugs/cymbalta-side-effects
6.-
Wiginton K. Agitation: What Causes It? [Internet]. WebMD. [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/agitation-causes
7.-
Lockett E. Cymbalta Withdrawal: Why It Happens and How to Cope [Internet]. Healthline. 2021 [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cymbalta-withdrawal
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