Does Cymbalta cause facial flushing? (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 facial flushing. We will also take a look at research studies regarding Cymbalta and facial flushing and explore measures to manage facial flushing caused by Cymbalta.
Does Cymbalta cause facial flushing?
Yes, Cymbalta can cause facial flushing in some people. However, its occurrence is minimal as it is not a common side effect of Cymbalta.
If this side effect appears over time and is minimal, it will most likely resolve as your body adjusts to the drug. It is essential to remember that everyone is unique and will react differently to medications.
Facial flushing is characterized by redness and warmth on the face and neck. It is a common physical response to anxiety, stress, anger, or embarrassment; however, certain medical conditions or drugs can also lead to facial flushing (1).
You should consult a doctor right away if you experience face flushing after taking Cymbalta for the first time, as this could indicate an allergic reaction to the medication.
What does research suggest?
Clinical studies involving Cymbalta-treated patients were conducted. Cymbalta was administered to 34,756 patients throughout the clinical trial. Of them, 12% took Cymbalta for a full year, and 27% used it for at least six months.
An uncommon adverse reaction in individuals was facial flushing, with a reported incidence rate of 3% (2). The precise mechanism through which Cymbalta induces flushing is not entirely understood.
Facial flushing is thought to be induced by blood vessel dilatation brought on by Cymbalta’s elevated serotonin levels. Research on animals indicated that serotonin plays a significant role in controlling body temperature.
Increases in body temperature and facial flushing may result from an excess of serotonin in the hypothalamus (3).
What is the incidence of facial flushing due to Cymbalta?
A 43-year-old nonmenopausal woman was prescribed duloxetine (Cymbalta) 20 mg daily for migraine prevention. The woman experienced facial flushing after taking Cymbalta, however, this side effect was possibly caused by improper administration of the drug (4).
Facial flushing is an uncommon side effect of Cymbalta that affects less than 10% of consumers, though its incidence can vary due to individual variability and can differ from person to person.
When using Cymbalta, a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur rarely. If left untreated, this reaction can be fatal. Breathing difficulties, rash, face swelling, and facial flushing are signs of anaphylaxis caused by Cymbalta (5).
Which factors can contribute to facial flushing when taking Cymbalta?
Several factors can contribute to facial flushing while taking Cymbalta. Some of these factors are (6):
- Dose of medication: High doses of Cymbalta can increase the incidence of adverse effects like facial flushing.
- Alcohol: Alcohol may cause facial flushing by increasing blood pressure and widening blood vessels. However, flushed skin after consuming alcohol is not normally cause for concern.
- Drug interactions: Drug interactions of Cymbalta with other medications or supplements can increase the likelihood of certain side effects such as facial flushing.
- Endocrine disorders: An endocrine disorder called Cushing’s syndrome can result in flushing due to the body producing excessive amounts of cortisol.
- Underlying medical conditions: Facial flushing may be more common while taking Cymbalta if you have any pre-existing medical disorders like rosacea, menopause, cluster headaches, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, brain tumours, or skin hypersensitivity.
- Emotional response: Facial flushing can result from strong emotional reactions. Intense emotions like anger, stress, embarrassment, and anxiety can all contribute to flushing of the face while taking Cymbalta.
- Other medications: Facial flushing can also occur when using certain other medications, such as sertraline or Wellbutrin.
What to do if Cymbalta causes facial flushing?
If you experience facial flushing while taking Cymbalta, always consult with your healthcare professional. They can guide you on how to manage this side effect effectively and may reduce the dose of medication to resolve it.
This can prove beneficial or it may not, since some people have non-dose-dependent side effects that usually go away when the body adjusts to the medication.
Your doctor may stop giving you Cymbalta or recommend an alternative drug, like sertraline if facial flushing is bothering you. Once the medicine is stopped, this side effect will gradually begin to go away on its own.
Several strategies can also help you manage symptoms of flushed skin like avoiding spicy meals, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, and using cold compress and aloe vera gel on flushed skin.
Conclusion:
We have discussed that Cymbalta does cause facial flushing, however, it is not a common side effect of the drug and may affect certain individuals.
In my opinion, if you experience facial flushing while taking Cymbalta, consult a medical professional. They can advise you on how to safely and effectively manage this side effect and modify your treatment plan as needed.
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References
1.-
Hobbs H. Skin Blushing and Flushing: Pictures, Causes, Issues, and Prevention [Internet]. Healthline. 2015 [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-blushing-flushing
2.-
Cunha JP. Cymbalta [Internet]. RxList. RxList; 2018 [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.rxlist.com/cymbalta-drug.htm#description
3.-
Stearns V, Ullmer L, Lopez JF, Smith Y, Isaacs C, Hayes DF. Hot flushes. The Lancet. 2002 Dec 7;360(9348):1851-61. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673602117740/fulltext
4.-
Ezzo DC, Patel PN. Facial flushing associated with duloxetine use. American journal of health-system pharmacy. 2007 Mar 1;64(5):495-6. https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/64/5/495/5135215
5.-
Duloxetine Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2023 [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/duloxetine-side-effects.html
6.-
Villines Z. Flushed skin: Causes and when to see a doctor [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2023 [cited 2023 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323219#heat
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