Does Cymbalta help fibromyalgia? (7 precautions)
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 explore whether Cymbalta helps in fibromyalgia. Furthermore, we will discuss related research findings, the time taken by Cymbalta to treat fibromyalgia, users’ experiences, what to do if it does not help, and precautions while using Cymbalta.
Does Cymbalta help fibromyalgia?
Yes, Cymbalta helps fibromyalgia. Cymbalta, also known as duloxetine, is FDA-approved to treat fibromyalgia and other disorders, such as depression, anxiety, neuropathic and chronic muscular pains.
Cymbalta affects the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the synaptic regions of the brain. These neurotransmitter remains in the brain cells for longer periods and regulates mood, emotions, and pain (1).
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by long-lasting muscular pains often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. These pains in fibromyalgia are felt all over the body and must present for at least 3 months to be diagnosed as fibromyalgia (2,3).
What does research suggest?
According to a research study, Cymbalta, when used for fibromyalgia, helps to reduce the overall pains due to its analgesic properties. Cymbalta also helps to reduce other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and improves physical and mental performance.
The adverse effects associated with Cymbalta are often mild and occur in the early phase of treatment. These side effects usually disappear once the body adjusts to Cymbalta (4).
Several research studies have been conducted on Cymbalta’s effects on fibromyalgia and they suggest that Cymbalta is effective in reducing chronic pains. The withdrawal effects are also fewer with a dose of 60mg Cymbalta compared to a higher dose of 120mg (5).
How long does Cymbalta take to treat fibromyalgia?
The time taken by Cymbalta to treat fibromyalgia is usually one week or two. In a clinical trial, Cymbalta significantly reduced pain within the first week of treatment and continued to reduce over 12 weeks of treatment.
The dose of Cymbalta used to treat fibromyalgia ranged between 60mg and 120mg. Cymbalta also improves the overall quality of life by improving mood and reducing pain. However, the time taken by Cymbalta to treat fibromyalgia may vary among individuals (6).
What are the users’ experiences with Cymbalta for fibromyalgia?
Some of the users shared their experiences while using Cymbalta to treat fibromyalgia as follows:
“I was prescribed Cymbalta because I was suffering from fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. I took 30mg of Cymbalta for 3 weeks and initially had only mild side effects.
Now my dose has been increased to 60mg and I have noticed improvements in my sleep, pain, and overall performance. You should start slowly and give Cymbalta time to adjust in your body.”
Another user quoted his experience as:
“I was using Prozac for my depression and anxiety, but I was also suffering from fibromyalgia and it was affecting all the aspects of my life. When I started using Cymbalta, I felt like myself again, as along with depression and anxiety, my pain and fatigue are also gone.”
What to do if Cymbalta does not help your fibromyalgia?
If Cymbalta does not help your fibromyalgia, you should wait for at least two weeks. If you do not observe any improvement in your fibromyalgia symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider. You can try over-the-counter painkillers for temporary pain relief during this process.
Your healthcare provider may evaluate your current symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and response to the treatment. They may increase the dose to get the desired therapeutic benefit of Cymbalta.
Some patients may respond better to the adjusted dose of Cymbalta. However, if your condition remains the same after dose adjustment, your doctor may gradually discontinue Cymbalta and switch you to another medication such as Effexor, or Lexapro for better results (6).
What precautions should be taken while using Cymbalta for fibromyalgia?
The following precautions should be taken while using Cymbalta for fibromyalgia:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Cymbalta or other SNRIs before taking it.
- Inform your doctor about your family history, underlying health conditions, and if you are taking any other medicines.
- Take Cymbalta exactly as prescribed by your doctor and at the same time every day.
- Avoid driving while taking Cymbalta as it may make you drowsy.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Cymbalta should not be used in combination with medications that affect serotonin, as the risk of serotonin syndrome is increased.
- Do not stop taking Cymbalta abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms (7).
In my opinion, Cymbalta helps treat fibromyalgia as it is FDA-approved for this indication. You may start noticing improvements in your fibromyalgia symptoms within the first week of treatment.
Although Cymbalta is effective for fibromyalgia in the majority of patients, some people may not find it suitable for them and can be switched to other treatments.
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. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747213/
2.-
Siracusa R, Paola RD, Cuzzocrea S, Impellizzeri D. Fibromyalgia: Pathogenesis, Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options Update. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 9;22(8):3891. doi: 10.3390/ijms22083891. PMID: 33918736; PMCID: PMC8068842. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33918736/
3.-
Bhargava J, Hurley JA. Fibromyalgia. 2023 Jun 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31082018. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082018/
4.-
Acuna C. Duloxetine for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Drugs Today (Barc). 2008 Oct;44(10):725-34. doi: 10.1358/dot.2008.44.10.1269675. PMID: 19137126. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19137126/
5.-
Lian YN, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yang CX. Duloxetine for pain in fibromyalgia in adults: a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Int J Neurosci. 2020 Jan;130(1):71-82. doi: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1664510. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31487217. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31487217/
6.-
Arnold LM, Clauw DJ, Wohlreich MM, Wang F, Ahl J, Gaynor PJ, Chappell AS. Efficacy of duloxetine in patients with fibromyalgia: pooled analysis of 4 placebo-controlled clinical trials. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2009;11(5):237-44. doi: 10.4088/PCC.08m00680. PMID: 19956462; PMCID: PMC2781036. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781036/
7.-
Duloxetine-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 03/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604030.html
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