Does Cymbalta help OCD? (+3 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 the effectiveness of Cymbalta in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We will also discuss the research studies suggesting the role of Cymbalta in managing the symptoms associated with OCD. Additionally, we will discuss the alternatives to Cymbalta if it fails to manage OCD in some individuals.
Does Cymbalta help OCD?
Yes, Cymbalta does help with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental disorder that is characterized by repetitive unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Cymbalta helps in the management of symptoms of OCD by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The elevated levels of these neurotransmitters help in the regulation of anxiety and obsessive thoughts associated with this condition.
Cymbalta is commonly known as duloxetine, which is an antidepressant medication. It is a drug of choice for managing various health conditions including depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and OCD in some individuals. However, the choice of a specific medication is highly individualized, and the effectiveness of Cymbalta for a particular health condition can vary from person to person (1).
What is the dosage of Cymbalta for managing OCD?
Cymbalta is generally prescribed for managing OCD at a dosage of 120 mg for a duration of 3 to 12 months. The therapeutic benefits of Cymbalta for OCD may become noticeable within the initial 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, as symptoms gradually show improvement (2).
It is crucial for individuals undergoing treatment to adhere to the prescribed dosage and continue taking Cymbalta until complete remission of OCD symptoms is achieved.
What does research suggest?
According to research findings, Cymbalta has demonstrated effectiveness in managing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a specific case involving a patient with drug-resistant OCD, discontinuation of the previous treatment was recommended, and the initiation of Cymbalta was advised.
Initial administration at a 60mg dose did not yield noticeable improvement. However, upon increasing the dosage to 120 mg, significant improvement in OCD symptoms was observed within 4 weeks. Importantly, the patient reported no adverse effects associated with the use of Cymbalta at this dosage (2).
In another study, the utilization of Cymbalta for the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder over a 4-month duration resulted in significant improvement in symptoms (3).
What to do if Cymbalta fails to manage OCD?
Medications like Cymbalta usually take a few weeks to show improvement in your symptoms. However, if your condition does not get better even after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, you should communicate with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation of your treatment plan. They may assess your condition and determine the actual cause of treatment failure.
If the current dosage of Cymbalta is proving ineffective in addressing your symptoms, your healthcare provider may consider adjusting the dosage to better suit your individual needs. This personalized approach involves increasing the amount of Cymbalta prescribed to enhance its therapeutic impact on your specific condition.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Cymbalta if even the higher dosage of Cymbalta fails to manage the symptoms of OCD.
It is important to note that, while some improvements may be observed early in the course of treatment, the full therapeutic effect may take time to manifest, and discontinuing the medication early could compromise the overall success of the treatment.
What are the alternatives to Cymbalta for treating OCD?
If Cymbalta does not show improvement in OCD symptoms, healthcare providers may consider alternative medications. These alternatives may include:
Other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: Other SNRIs used for the management of OCD and its associated symtoms may include, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: These medications are usually considered a first line of treatment for OCD. Examples of this class of drugs may include, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: MAOIs like phenelzine or tranylcypromine may be considered in cases of treatment-resistant OCD, but they require careful monitoring of diet and interactions with other medications.
It’s essential to consult with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment tailored to your individual needs. The choice of medication depends on various factors, including the individual’s specific symptoms, medical history, and response to previous treatments.
In my opinion, Cymbalta is an effective and favorable choice of medication for the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it is commonly prescribed in clinical settings for individuals dealing with this condition.
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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.-
Luís Blay S, Black DW. A case of obsessive-compulsive disorder responding to duloxetine. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2007;9(3):234-5. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v09n0311c. PMID: 17632660; PMCID: PMC1911164. ahttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1911164/
3.-
Dougherty DD, Corse AK, Chou T, Duffy A, Arulpragasam AR, Deckersbach T, Jenike MA, Keuthen NJ. Open-label study of duloxetine for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2015 Jan 30;18(2):pyu062. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu062. PMID: 25637377; PMCID: PMC4368895. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637377/
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