Does Cymbalta contain gabapentin? (+3 differences)
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 the formulation of Cymbalta. Additionally, we will explore the composition of Cymbalta and delve into the key differences between gabapentin and Cymbalta. This discussion will encompass their mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and potential adverse effects.
Does Cymbalta contain gabapentin?
No, Cymbalta does not contain gabapentin. Both Cymbalta and gabapentin are different medications with their own unique characteristics. Cymbalta, a brand name for the medication duloxetine, is an antidepressant drug (1). On the other hand, gabapentin belongs to the class of antiepileptic medications (2).
What is the composition of Cymbalta formulation?
The typical formulation of Cymbalta contains an active ingredient and a range of inactive ingredients also known as excipients.
| Active ingredients | duloxetine hydrochloride |
| Inactive ingredients | binders, fillers, disintegrants, diluents, bulking agents, lubricants, bulk foaming agents, and anti-adherents. |
These inactive ingredients are essential in forming the final dosage form of duloxetine hydrochloride, allowing it to be easily administered by the patient in an optimum amount to provide therapeutic benefits for their underlying medical conditions.
What are the differences between Cymbalta and gabapentin?
The major differences between Cymbalta and gabapentin include their mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects.
Mechanism of action
Cymbalta exerts its therapeutic effects by interfering with norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. Elevated levels of these neurotransmitters help in alleviating the symptoms of mental disorders including depression and anxiety. Cymbalta also helps reduce the associated feelings of sadness and irritability (1).
On the other hand, gabapentin works by influencing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It enhances the activity of GABA, which is the inhibitory system responsible for controlling electrical activity in the brain (2).
Therapeutic uses
The common indications for Cymbalta may include the following (1):
- anxiety
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- fibromyalgia
- depression
- migraines
- chronic back pain
- neuropathic pain
- panic disorders
- borderline personality disorder
On the other hand, gabapentin can be used in the management of the following medical conditions (3):
- partial onset seizures
- convulsions
- epilepsy
- neuralgia
- fibromyalgia
- chronic pain
- restless legs syndrome
- anxiety disorders
- neuropathic pain
It’s important to note that the use of this medication should be strictly guided by a healthcare professional, and individuals should always follow their prescribed dosage and instructions to avoid unwanted adverse effects.
Side effects
The side effects associated with the use of Cymbalta may include (1):
- headaches
- tiredness
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- nausea
- sleep disturbances
- weight changes
- appetite disturbances
- sweating
- irregular heartbeats
- palpitations
- hallucinations
- serotonin syndrome
- confusion
- irritability
- agitation
- lightheadedness
On the other hand, the side effects that may occur in individuals who take gabapentin may include the following (3):
- dry mouth
- weight gain
- visual disturbances
- mood changes
- dizziness
- fatigue
- nausea
- constipation
- behavioral changes
- agitation
- dry mouth
- angioedema
- shortness of breath
Inform your healthcare provider about any unusual or severe symptoms that you may experience, to prevent the worsening of your condition.
Can you combine Cymbalta with gabapentin?
Yes, you can combine Cymbalta with gabapentin. However, this combination should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid unwanted adverse effects. A research study showed the effectiveness and safety of the Cymbalta and gabapentin combination for the management of neuropathic pain.
The research findings demonstrated that this combination is effective for use in patients with diabetes for the management of their neuropathic pain. However, in the same study, this combination resulted in adverse effects in 14% of patients who discontinued the medication (4).
In my opinion, while this combination can be used for the management of certain medical conditions, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor before combining these medications and inform them of all the medications that you are taking. This ensures personalized advice based on your health profile and helps prevent potential adverse 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.-
Taylor CP. Mechanisms of action of gabapentin. Rev Neurol (Paris). 1997;153 Suppl 1:S39-45. PMID: 9686247. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9686247/
3.-
Yasaei R, Katta S, Saadabadi A. Gabapentin. [Updated 2022 Dec 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228
4.-
Irving G, Tanenberg RJ, Raskin J, Risser RC, Malcolm S. Comparative safety and tolerability of duloxetine vs. pregabalin vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Int J Clin Pract. 2014 Sep;68(9):1130-40. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12452. Epub 2014 May 18. PMID: 24837444. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24837444/
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