Does Cymbalta contain serotonin? (3+ facts)
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
This article will provide an overview of Cymbalta, a medication used to treat various mental health conditions. We will also talk about the composition of this drug, the medical issues it can address, and the potential side effects that users may experience.
Does Cymbalta contain serotonin?
No, Cymbalta does not contain serotonin, but it increases the level of serotonin in the brain. The active ingredient present in Cymbalta is duloxetine hydrochloride. Cymbalta is an antidepressant which belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), which is used to treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and stress urinary inconsistency. (1,2)
Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in regulating mood, behaviour, memory, gastrointestinal homeostasis, etc. In most mental illnesses, serotonin is the primary target, and all antidepressants used in treatment increase the levels of serotonin. (3)
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is synthesised in the body; you can increase the level of serotonin by other means such as drugs, food, supplements, joyful activities, exercise, etc.
What does research suggest?
The main ingredient in Cymbalta is duloxetine, which affects the central nervous system. Research studies have shown that duloxetine (Cymbalta) acts by increasing serotonin levels along with other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. (1, 2, 4)
A study done by Chalon et al. about the effect of duloxetine on the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in 12 healthy male subjects showed that duloxetine influences the level of whole-blood serotonin levels. The study concluded that duloxetine inhibited serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Hence, increasing thier levels in the body. (4)
What are the contents of Cymbalta?
Cymbalta contains duloxetine hydrochloride as its main active ingredient. Duloxetine hydrochloride functions by binding to the reuptake transporters of serotonin, resulting in an increased serotonin level. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. By increasing serotonin levels, Cymbalta can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. (1,5)
The inactive ingredients in the formulation of Cymbalta are FD&C Blue No. 2, gelatin, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sucrose, sugar spheres, talc, iron oxide yellow, titanium dioxide and triethyl citrate. (2)
None of the tablets contain serotonin, but drugs such as antidepressants, stimulants, etc., increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps you with mood, memory, pain, attention, etc.
What are the Cymbalta-induced serotonin effects in the body?
Cymbalta belongs to a class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which work by inhibiting the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Cymbalta-induced serotonin effects can be positive or negative.
Positive effects include Improved mood, sleep, memory, enhanced appetite, increased sexual function, pain relief, increased concentration and attention.
Negative effects include digestive issues (nausea, vomiting), headaches, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, anxiety, agitation and serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is caused when the level of serotonin is too high. Serotonin syndrome can also be caused by the concomitant use of Cymbalta with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, stimulant or drugs which increase serotonin levels. The symptoms of serotonin can range from mild (headache, nausea, vomiting) to severe (seizure, fever, muscle rigidity, increased heart rate).
If you are experiencing any side effects after consuming Cymbalta, make sure you consult your physician for proper management and avoid abrupt discontinuation of the drug, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.
What are the other medications that influence serotonin levels?
There are many drugs which can influence the levels of serotonin in the body, such as:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): venlafaxine, milnacipran, desvenlafaxine, levomilnacipran.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, amoxapine, nortriptyline, imipramine.
- Atypical antidepressants: bupropion, mitrazapine, trazodone.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): isocarboxazid, selegiline.
Concomitant use of antidepressants with stimulants also influences the levels of serotonin and sometimes can cause high levels of serotonin, which can lead to serotonin syndrome.
In my opinion, Cymbalta does not contain serotonin, but it increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which helps treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
I would advise you to know your medication before you consume it, and if you are taking Cymbalta to treat your illness, know that abrupt discontinuation of the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition. Always consult your physician before making any changes to your treatment and if you experience any 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/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
2.-
Cymbalta [package insert]. Indianapolis, Eli Lilly and Company. 2004. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022516lbl.pdf
3.-
Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin.[Updated 2023 Jul 30]. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545168/
4.-
Chalon SA, Granier LA, Vandenhende FR, Bieck PR, Bymaster FP, Joliat MJ, Hirth C, Potter WZ. Duloxetine increases serotonin and norepinephrine availability in healthy subjects: a double-blind, controlled study. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Sep;28(9):1685-93. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12784100/
5.-
Gwaltney-Brant S. Serotonin: a review. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics. 2008;31:187-99. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2885.2008.00944.x
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