Does Cymbalta help with BPD? (+7 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 use of Cymbalta in borderline personality disorder. We will also discuss the research studies linking the use of Cymbalta in the management of borderline personality disorder. Additionally, we will explore the alternatives to Cymbalta that can be used for borderline personality disorders.
Does Cymbalta help with BPD?
Yes, Cymbalta does help with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is frequently prescribed in the management of various symptoms of BPD such as aggression, agitation, impulsive behavior, and bad mood.
Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is commonly used in the treatment of various medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders (1).
The mechanism by which Cymbalta works for the management of symptoms of borderline personality disorder is related to its interference with the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, it helps in the elevation of mood and reduction of aggression and impulsive behavior (1).
What is the dosage of Cymbalta for borderline personality disorder?
Cymbalta is generally started at a minimum effective dosage of 30mg daily to improve the symptoms of borderline personality disorder and to reduce the occurrence of unwanted side effects that are most likely to occur at a higher dosage. However, the dosage is gradually increased up to 60 to 120mg, based on the severity of symptoms and the response of an individual to the medication (2).
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder start to improve after 3 to 4 weeks of initiation of treatment with Cymbalta. However, the treatment is continued until the patient is fully recovered from the symptoms of BPD which might take a few weeks to months (2).
What does research suggest?
According to a research study, the use of Cymbalta in the management of borderline personality disorder demonstrated initial symptom improvement in patients after 4 weeks of treatment. The treatment was continued for a duration of 3 months. Results showed that 77% of patients experienced effective management of their symptoms. However, a portion of the participants could not complete the treatment due to non-adherence (2).
Another study has demonstrated the effectiveness of Cymbalta in managing various symptoms associated with BPD. Notably, Cymbalta was well-tolerated by individuals with BPD, especially in cases where no other non-pharmacological treatments, such as psychotherapy, were provided (3).
These findings suggest that Cymbalta may offer a beneficial treatment option for individuals with BPD.
What to do if Cymbalta fails to manage BPD?
If you suspect that Cymbalta is not improving your symptoms, you should take the following steps:
- Consult your healthcare provider and inform them about your symptoms as well as all the medications that you are taking. They may assess your condition and determine the actual cause of treatment failure.
- Medications like Cymbalta usually take a few weeks to months to improve the symptoms of various mental health disorders including borderline personality disorder. If you just have started taking Cymbalta, you should wait for a few weeks to observe improvement in your condition.
- Your healthcare provider may increase the dosage of Cymbalta if a lower dose is not effective or they may recommend you an alternative medication to Cymbalta which is more efficacious in the management of BPD.
- However, the decision to increase the dosage of Cymbalta or discontinue the medication should be made only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Sudden discontinuation of Cymbalta is associated with potentially serious withdrawal effects.
What are alternatives to Cymbalta for BPD?
There are some alternatives to Cymbalta that can be effectively used in the management of BPD and its associated symptoms. These medications may include (4):
- sertraline
- escitalopram
- aripiprazole
- lamotrigine
- clonazepam
- olanzapine
- lorazepam
It is important to note that these medications are for symptomatic relief of BPD and there is no specific medication that can completely eradicate BPD, including Cymbalta.
In my opinion, Cymbalta appears to be effective in managing certain symptoms of BPD, especially in clinical settings where it is prescribed for addressing aggression, agitation, and impulsive behavior associated with this disorder. However, it’s important to recognize that the decision to use Cymbalta should only be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
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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.-
Bellino S, Paradiso E, Bozzatello P, Bogetto F. Efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot study. J Psychopharmacol. 2010 Mar;24(3):333-9. doi: 10.1177/0269881108095715. Epub 2008 Aug 21. PMID: 18719047. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18719047/
3.-
Muscatello MRA, Zoccali RA, Pandolfo G, Mangano P, Lorusso S, Cedro C, Battaglia F, Spina E, Bruno A. Duloxetine in Psychiatric Disorders: Expansions Beyond Major Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2019 Oct 25;10:772. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00772. PMID: 31749717; PMCID: PMC6844294. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6844294/
4.-
Gartlehner G, Crotty K, Kennedy S, Edlund MJ, Ali R, Siddiqui M, Fortman R, Wines R, Persad E, Viswanathan M. Pharmacological Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. CNS Drugs. 2021 Oct;35(10):1053-1067. doi: 10.1007/s40263-021-00855-4. Epub 2021 Sep 8. PMID: 34495494; PMCID: PMC8478737. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34495494/
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