Does Cymbalta Cause Hiccups? (+3 Tips)

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

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In this article, we will discuss whether Cymbalta is associated with causing hiccups. We will look at the connection between the mechanism of Cymbalta and hiccups. We will also look at some common management strategies for hiccups.

Does Cymbalta cause hiccups?

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) may cause hiccups. Although hiccups are not very established side effects of Cymbalta but can rarely occur in some patients.

A hiccup is characterized by the sudden onset of irregular contractions in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, swiftly followed by the closure of the larynx. This abrupt rush of air into the lungs produces a distinct hic sound (1).

Typically, hiccups resolve on their own, but when they persist for over 48 hours, they are termed persistent hiccups, and episodes lasting longer than two months are referred to as intractable hiccups (1).

Although Cymbalta rarely cause hiccups, individual responses to medications vary. If you face hiccups as a frequent side effect of Cymbalta, report it to your doctor for a dose adjustment or medication switch.

What does research suggest?

According to research, healthcare providers often associate hiccups with stress, anxiety, fatigue and sleep problems. These factors can contribute to the occurrence of hiccups in some individuals and hiccups directly caused by Cymbalta are rare (2).

The scientific literature and clinical trials do not strongly support hiccups as a well-established side effect of Cymbalta. The majority of recognised side effects of Cymbalta are related to mood and mental health.

Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication. It is prescribed for treating various mental disorders such as anxiety and depression (3). There was no evidence indicating a significant incidence of hiccups associated with Cymbalta.

Individuals may occasionally report hiccups due to underlying anxiety and stress for the treatment for which Cymbalta is prescribed.

What factors can contribute to hiccups while taking Cymbalta?

While Cymbalta itself does not commonly cause hiccups, several factors could contribute to it:

Underlying medical condition

Preexisting medical complications such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) can trigger hiccups (4).

GERD is a condition where stomach acid and contents flow backwards into the oesophagus, causing a range of symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, and in some cases, hiccups. It can also be triggered by the irritation and stimulation of the diaphragm and nearby nerves.

Unhealthy eating habits

Consuming carbonated beverages such as soda drinks while taking Cymbalta can potentially trigger hiccups. Additionally, spicy food may irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups (5).

Emotional factors

Emotional factors such as anxiety and stress can lead to irregular breathing patterns, including rapid and shallow breathing. This altered breathing pattern can irritate the diaphragm and potentially lead to hiccups (6).

If you experience persistent hiccups while taking Cymbalta, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and guidance.

How to manage Cymbalta-induced hiccups?

Here are some tips to manage Cymbalta-induced hiccups:

Try to identify potential triggers. If there are spicy foods, drinks or habits that seem to bring on the hiccups, avoiding or minimizing exposure to these triggers can be helpful.
Make lifestyle changes to reduce the chances of hiccups. This includes eating slowly, avoiding carbonated beverages, and not overeating.
Dehydration can sometimes lead to hiccups. Ensure you are properly hydrated by drinking enough water.
If anxiety and stress are contributing to your hiccups, consider stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
If your hiccups are bothersome, reach out to your healthcare provider. They may consider adjusting the dosage of your medication or exploring alternative medications.
Remember, persistent hiccups can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue, so do not hesitate to consult a medical professional.

What are the medications to treat hiccups?

The medications that are used to treat hiccups include (7):

Chlorpromazine ( the only FDA-approved medication for hiccups)
Proton pump inhibitors
Gabapentin
Metoclopramide
Baclofen
Methylphenidate

The medications mentioned above have shown effective results in the treatment of hiccups to some extent. However, always consult your doctor before starting any of these mentioned drugs for treating hiccups.

In my view and the knowledge available, while there is no direct evidence to suggest that Cymbalta cause hiccups, it is important to consider the individual variability in medication reactions. Hiccups may occur in some individuals due to factors such as anxiety or other rare side effects of the medication.

It is my perspective that a holistic approach to understanding and managing hiccups is crucial, taking into account both the medication and individual circumstances, and cinsulting healthcare providers for personalized guidance when needed.