Does Cymbalta cause hyperhidrosis? (+5 alternatives)
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 Cymbalta-induced hyperhidrosis. We will also discuss the research studies linking hyperhidrosis with Cymbalta use and the management tips for Cymbalta-induced hyperhidrosis.
Does Cymbalta cause hyperhidrosis?
Yes, Cymbalta can cause hyperhidrosis. It is a common side effect of Cymbalta which may occur in most of the individuals who take this medication but it is important to note that individual responses to medications may vary and some individuals may not experience excessive sweating after using Cymbalta.
Cymbalta is a brand name for an antidepressant medication known as Duloxetine. It is a commonly used medication in clinical settings for the management of various health conditions such as deression, anxiety, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia. Like other antidepressant medications, Cymbalta is also associated with some side effects including, dry mouth, dizziness, weight changes, sleep disturbances, and excessive sweating (1).
How does Cymbalta cause hyperhidrosis?
The mechanism of Cymbalta-induced hyperhidrosis involves its interference with the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in thermoregulation (2).
Cymbalta, by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin increases its extracellular concentration in the brain which contributes to hyperhidrosis as a side effect. Elevated serotonin levels activate various serotonin receptors, particularly those associated with thermoregulation, causing a disruption in the autonomic nervous system. This disruption can manifest as heightened sweating, as the body seeks to normalize its temperature (2).
What does research suggest?
According to research findings, the use of Cymbalta in a study involving over 100 elderly patients for the management of depression over a three-month period demonstrated the effectiveness of Cymbalta in those patients.
However, individuals in the study reported mild to moderate side effects. Commonly reported side effects included hyperhidrosis, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue (3).
In another study focused on chronic pain management, the use of a higher dosage of Cymbalta (120 mg) was proven effective in alleviating pain for these patients. However, it was noted that this higher dosage was associated with an increased frequency of certain side effects, including excessive sweating (4).
How to manage Cymbalta-induced hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating is a common side effect of antidepressants that increase the concentration of serotonin in the brain including Cymbalta. Addressing excessive sweating caused by Cymbalta requires a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some management tips that may be considered:
- Consult with a healthcare professional if you experience excessive sweating after using Cymbalta. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage of Cymbalta to avoid these adverse effects.
- Antiperspirants can be applied to areas prone to sweating, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using them, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Limit the consumption of caffeine and spicy foods and drink an adequate amount of water. This is essential to regulate body temperature and it may help reduce excessive sweating.
- If the sweating persists, your healthcare provider may consider alternative medications that can address your symptoms without causing severe side effects. However, it’s important to discontinue Cymbalta gradually under your healthcare provider’s guidance to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms.
What are the alternatives to Cymbalta if it causes hyperhidrosis?
If you experience hyperhidrosis with Cymbalta, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative antidepressant medications that are less likely to cause excessive sweating.
Some antidepressant medications that are associated with a lower risk of inducing hyperhidrosis compared to Cymbalta include:
- bupropion
- nortriptyline
- desipramine
- amitriptyline
- mirtazapine
It’s important to keep in mind that individual responses to medications may vary, and some individuals may still experience sweating with these medications based on their sensitivity to the medication. In clinical settings, patients frequently report excessive mild to moderate sweating while using antidepressants including Cymbalta.
In my opinion, Cymbalta-induced sweating does not typically prompt doctors to discontinue the medication. Discontinuation is generally considered only when the risks associated with treatment outweigh the benefits for the individual.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747213/
2.-
Maswood N, Cosmi S, Alfinito PD, Leventhal L, Deecher DC. The role of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine in temperature regulation in ovariectomized rat models. Neuroendocrinology. 2006;84(5):330-8. doi: 10.1159/000098322. Epub 2006 Dec 28. PMID: 17192701. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17192701/
3.-
Schagen van Leeuwen JH, Lange RR, Jonasson AF, Chen WJ, Viktrup L. Efficacy and safety of duloxetine in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Maturitas. 2008 Jun 20;60(2):138-47. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2008.04.012. Epub 2008 Jun 10. PMID: 18547757. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18547757/
4.-
Chappell AS, Desaiah D, Liu-Seifert H, Zhang S, Skljarevski V, Belenkov Y, Brown JP. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of duloxetine for the treatment of chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee. Pain Pract. 2011 Jan-Feb;11(1):33-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2010.00401.x. PMID: 20602715. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20602715/
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