Does Cymbalta Cause Breast Tenderness? (+3 Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether Cymbalta can cause breast tenderness. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Cymbalta cause breast tenderness?

Yes, Cymbalta can cause breast tenderness. It is one of the listed side effects but the incidence is low.

Breast tenderness is a pain or discomfort in the breast whose severity can differ from person to person. Usually, women experience breast tenderness during menstruation, menopause or pregnancy. Sometimes medications or hormonal imbalances can also cause breast tenderness.

Cymbalta is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (1). It rarely causes breast tenderness. However, individual responses to the medication can vary.

If you experience breast tenderness or other related issues it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider for proper guidance and treatment plans.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research indicating the relationship between Cymbalta and breast tenderness. One study indicated that a woman with major depression took Duloxetine and started having breast issues like pain and milky discharge from her breast and her prolactin levels were high (2).

The dosage of Duloxetine was reduced and she started taking Ariprazole. After this, the breast issues were resolved. She continued her new treatment for a while with no more issues (2).

Another study reported that a 21-year-old girl took Duloxetine for a while and started having no periods, breast pain and high prolactin levels. She stopped Duloxetine and was treated with Cabergoline. After a month, her issues were resolved (3).

However, the researchers acknowledged that more research is needed to determine whether Cymbalta was the sole contributor to this side effect.

What are the factors contributing to the Cymbalta-induced breast tenderness?

Several factors can contribute to Cymbalta-induced breast tenderness.

Individual factors

Individual factors such as genetics, underlying health conditions and individual variations in metabolism may play a role in determining whether someone experiences breast tenderness while taking Cymbalta.

It is important to emphasize that people respond differently to medications, especially those which affect brain chemistry such as Cymbalta, and what may affect one individual may not affect another.

Hormonal balance

Balanced hormones are necessary for regulating the growth and development of the body. Disturbances in these hormones can result in a wide range of health issues, including breast tenderness.

Concomitant use of other medications

Interactions with other medications taken alongside Cymbalta can also play a role in breast tenderness e.g. when Cymbalta is combined with SSRIs such as Sertraline, it has been associated with breast soreness, pain and other changes in breast size.

It is important to discuss any medication or substances with your doctor or pharmacist to identify potential side effects or interactions contributing to breast tenderness.

Dosage and duration

The dosage of a medication directly influences its effects. Higher doses may increase the likelihood and intensity of side effects produced by Cymbalta such as breast tenderness. People responding well to the lower doses may experience side effects after dose escalation. With Cymbalta, adhering to the prescribed dose is crucial to minimize adverse reactions.

Side effects may evolve as the body adjusts to the medication. Initially, some side effects might be more pronounced and diminish as the body becomes used to the drug. Alternatively, some side effects might appear after prolonged use.

Age

Age can also affect how a medication behaves in a body. Older adults or younger individuals may metabolize medications differently potentially impacting the occurrence and severity of side effects. Elderly individuals may be more prone to experience Cymbalta-induced side effects such as breast pain than younger ones.

What to do if you experience Cymbalta-induced breast tenderness?

If you are taking Cymbalta and are concerned about the possibility of breast tenderness, it is crucial that you openly talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized information based on your medical history or current symptoms and may suggest adjustments to your treatment plan.

If adjusting the dose does not resolve the issue, your doctor may gradually discontinue your medication and switch to another antidepressant to reduce the side effects.

Moreover, if you are pregnant, lactating or planning to do so, discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor is there to provide guidance and address your concerns (4).

However, while Cymbalta is not widely associated with breast tenderness, it is essential to recognize that personal reactions may vary. Every patient’s response to medication can be unique. While the majority may not experience any breast issues, others do.

Always remember, never discontinue or adjust your medication without consulting your healthcare professional as abrupt stopping can cause horrible withdrawal symptoms that can have adverse effects on your mental health (5).

How to manage breast tenderness while taking Cymbalta?

Here are some ways to reduce breast tenderness while taking Cymbalta:

Always adhere to your dosage as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Inform your doctor about other medications or supplements you are taking, as they can cause breast tenderness.
Wear a supportive bra to reduce discomfort.
Use heat or cold compress on your breast to get some relief from pain and tenderness.
Use over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers to reduce pain e.g. NSAIDs (6)
Limit alcohol or caffeine intake, as they can worsen the side effects of Cymbalta (6)

According to the research and my knowledge of the topic, the evidence of Cymbalta-induced breast tenderness is inconclusive. Individual responses vary, and factors beyond the medication may contribute to this effect. It is crucial to consult with your doctor to make informed decisions about your mental health treatment.