Does Cymbalta help PTSD? (+5 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 role of Cymbalta in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will also discuss the research studies suggesting the effectiveness of Cymbalta in the management of PTSD. Additionally, we will discuss the alternative treatment options for PTSD if Cymbalta fails to manage it.
Does Cymbalta help PTSD?
Yes, Cymbalta can help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, Cymbalta is not the first line of treatment for managing this disorder, and it should only be considered when the benefits of the therapy outweigh its risks.
Cymbalta is frequently indicated in various health conditions such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and pain. Research studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of this medication in managing the symptoms associated with PTSD. However, it is not frequently prescribed in clinical settings for this disorder (1).
While Cymbalta is generally considered a safe medication, it can cause some side effects in individuals such as nausea, vomiting, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and agitation.
What is the dosage of Cymbalta for PTSD?
According to research, the recommended dosage of Cymbalta for managing the symptoms of PTSD ranges from 30 mg to 120mg daily. The treatment is usually started at a lower dosage to avoid unwanted and serious side effects. However, the dosage can be increased gradually once the patient adjusts to the medication (4).
The recommended duration of treatment with Cymbalta in patients with PTSD may range from 4 weeks to 12 months depending upon the time it takes for improvement of symptoms (3).
What does research suggest?
According to research, Cymbalta can be used in the management of PTSD and its associated symptoms. In a research study, Cymbalta was administered at a dosage of 40 mg twice daily for 3 months to patients with underlying PTSD.
The results indicated that approximately 50% of the patients showed the effectiveness of Cymbalta in the successful management of their PTSD symptoms. However, it’s also noted that some patients did not complete their therapy due to the occurrence of side effects (3).
Another study reported the use of Cymbalta in managing PTSD, particularly in patients with pre-existing depression. In this study, Cymbalta was administered at a dosage of 60 mg daily for a period of 2 months to individuals who presented with both PTSD and underlying depression. The results showed that this treatment regimen was effective in managing symptoms associated with both disorders (4).
What to do if Cymbalta fails to manage PTSD?
If you are taking Cymbalta and you feel that your symptoms are not getting better after a few weeks, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Generally, it takes around 3 to 4 weeks for Cymbalta to show improvement in symptoms, so you should remain patient during this time.
However, if you have been taking Cymbalta for 4 weeks or more and you still experience symptoms or if your symptoms become worse, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may suggest adjusting the dose or stopping the medication altogether, depending on your individual needs.
If your healthcare provider decides to discontinue Cymbalta or switch you to another medication, it should be done under their supervision. Abrupt cessation of this medication can cause withdrawal effects that may worsen your condition.
Your healthcare provider may recommend non-pharmacological treatments to manage the symptoms of PTSD, such as behavioral therapy, exercise, changes in diet, and acupuncture.
What are the alternatives to Cymbalta for managing PTSD?
There are some alternatives to Cymbalta that are more effective in the management of PTSD and its associated symptoms as compared to Cymbalta. These medications may include (2):
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Effexor, Zoloft)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (Pamelor Elavil)
- Benzodiazepines (Valium, Klonopin)
- Antipsychotics (Risperdal, Seroquel)
- Prazosin (Minipress)
The choice of medication and dosage for the management of PTSD may depend on individual factors, including the specific symptoms, medical history, and potential side effects of each medication. This decision should be made in consultation with a qualified mental health professional.
In my opinion, the consideration of Cymbalta in the treatment of PTSD should be approached thoughtfully. Cymbalta can manage the symptoms of PTSD, but the decision to use Cymbalta for PTSD should be made after assessing the risks and benefits associated with its use.
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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.-
Schrader C, Ross A. A Review of PTSD and Current Treatment Strategies. Mo Med. 2021 Nov-Dec;118(6):546-551. PMID: 34924624; PMCID: PMC8672952. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8672952/
3.-
Villarreal G, Cañive JM, Calais LA, Toney G, Smith AK. Duloxetine in military posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2010;43(3):26-34. PMID: 21150844. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21150844/
4.-
Walderhaug E, Kasserman S, Aikins D, Vojvoda D, Nishimura C, Neumeister A. Effects of duloxetine in treatment-refractory men with posttraumatic stress disorder. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2010 Mar;43(2):45-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1237694. Epub 2009 Dec 15. PMID: 20108200. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20108200/
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