Does Cymbalta contain duloxetine? (+5 strengths)
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 the composition of Cymbalta’s formulation and explore its various strengths. Additionally, we’ll examine the therapeutic benefits it offers for managing specific health conditions, as well as discuss side effects associated with its use.
Does Cymbalta contain duloxetine?
Yes, Cymbalta does contain duloxetine. Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication marketed under various brand names, with Cymbalta being one of them. It is commonly used to manage various mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The therapeutic effects of this medication arise from its impact on neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine. By increasing their levels, Cymbalta helps elevate mood and reduce the sadness associated with depression and related disorders (1).
Generally, Cymbalta is considered a safe and effective medication. It can be used safely in the elderly without causing serious side effects. However, certain risk factors, such as underlying liver disease, higher dosage, and drug interactions, may lead to side effects in some individuals.
It’s important to use the medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the unwanted effects and ensure its effectiveness.
What is the composition of Cymbalta formulation?
The formulation of Cymbalta contains duloxetine hydrochloride as an active ingredient, which is responsible for its therapeutic benefits. Along with the active ingredient, the formulation also contains inactive ingredients or excipients that are responsible for maintaining the stability of a dosage form and enhancing patient acceptability.
These inactive materials may include fillers, disintegrants, diluents, lubricants, and binders. Each excipient serves a different function, and overall, they help in the formulation of the final dosage form of an active ingredient that can be easily administered by a patient.
The exact composition of Cymbalta may vary from one manufacturer to another; however, the active ingredient remains the same in all formulations.
What are the available strengths of Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is available in a delayed-release capsules formulation, in various strengths including:
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
- 90 mg
What does Cymbalta treat?
Cymbalta is an anti-depression medication that helps in the treatment of the following medical conditions and their associated symptoms (2):
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- anxiety
- fibromyalgia
- chronic back pain
- panic attacks
- social anxiety disorders
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- arthritis pain
- neuropathic pain
- migraines
The dosage and duration of Cymbalta treatment may vary among individuals based on the specific condition for which an individual is being treated. The typical dosage may range from 60 to 120 mg daily.
However, the dosage is initiated at a minimum dose to achieve therapeutic benefits with the least probability of side effects. Symptoms may start improving after 3 weeks of treatment, but the medication is continued until the complete alleviation of symptoms
What are the side effects of Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is generally considered a well-tolerated medication with a low incidence of serious side effects. However, it may cause some mild to moderate side effects, especially during the start of treatment when the body is adjusting to the medication. These side effects may include (1):
- sleep disturbances
- weight changes
- gastrointestinal discomfort
- stomach upset
- drowsiness
- vomiting
- appetite changes
- dizziness
- tiredness
- headaches
- sedation
- confusion
- agitation
- aggression
- irritability
- lightheadedness
It’s important to note that the side effects of Cymbalta usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication and may not require additional pharmacological treatment in most cases. However, if you experience severe and persistent side effects of Cymbalta, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Individual factors such as sensitivity to duloxetine, the presence of liver disease, and the use of medications that may negatively interact with Cymbalta can increase the risk of serious effects in individuals taking this medication.
It is important to be vigilant about your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure the safety of the treatment.
To my knowledge, Cymbalta, a brand name for duloxetine, is a commonly available medication in the market and is frequently prescribed in clinical settings for the management of various health conditions. It is a safe medication with a lower incidence of serious side effects.
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References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
2.-
Knadler MP, Lobo E, Chappell J, Bergstrom R. Duloxetine: clinical pharmacokinetics and drug interactions. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2011 May;50(5):281-94. doi: 10.2165/11539240-000000000-00000. PMID: 21366359. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21366359/
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