Does Cymbalta help with nausea? (+7 medications)
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 whether Cymbalta helps with nausea. We will also discuss the research studies linking Cymbalta and nausea as well as the medications that can be used to manage nausea effectively.
Does Cymbalta help with nausea?
No, Cymbalta does not help with nausea. Instead, nausea and vomiting are the commonly reported adverse effects of Cymbalta.
Cymbalta is an antidepressant drug that is most commonly known as Duloxetine. Its primary mechanism of action may involve its interference with the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Like any other antidepressant medication, Cymbalta is associated with some side effects including, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting (2).
What are the common indications for Cymbalta?
The most common indications for Cymbalta may include (3):
- major depressive disorder
- fibromyalgia
- anxiety disorders
- neuropathy
- nerve pain
- muscle pain
- osteoarthritis of knee
- chronic pain
As Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, it increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain which in turn are responsible for the therapeutic effects of this medication. However, the elevated levels of these neurotransmitters do not help with nausea or vomiting so Cymbalta is not used in the management of these symptoms. Instead, it may cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect.
What does research suggest?
There is currently no research study directly linking Cymbalta to the management of nausea; however, some studies suggest an association between Cymbalta use and the induction of nausea and vomiting.
According to research, Cymbalta is generally considered a well-tolerated medication with only mild to moderate side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of Cymbalta may include nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, and drowsiness (2).
A research study reported that the use of Cymbalta for depression caused nausea in up to 50% of the patients who took it for a week. The nausea persisted even after discontinuing the medication, affecting around 15% of the patients (1).
One study found that patients taking Cymbalta for depression experienced nausea more frequently at higher doses. Specifically, 10% of patients taking a 30mg dose experienced nausea, while 15% of patients taking a 60mg dose experienced the same symptom (4).
What medications can be used to manage nausea?
While Cymbalta is not a preferred medication for managing nausea, it is important to note that there are specific medications available to alleviate and treat nausea and vomiting. These medications are commonly referred to as antiemetics and may include (5):
- Metoclopramide
- Dimenhydrinate
- Ondansetron
- Promethazine
- Lorazepam
- Granisetron
- Dronabinol
If you are experiencing nausea, it is essential to speak to your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication and treatment plan. The choice of antiemetic depends on the cause of nausea and vomiting, the individual’s health status, and other factors.
How to prevent drug-induced nausea?
Preventing drug-induced nausea requires multiple strategies. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to address your specific situation.
- Consult your doctor before taking any medication with a meal to reduce nausea.
- It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to nausea.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider the optimal timing for taking medications to minimize the impact on your stomach.
- Avoid triggers that may worsen nausea, such as strong smells, certain foods, or activities.
- Your healthcare provider may recommend gradually increasing the medication dosage to allow your body to adjust more slowly and reduce the occurrence of side effects, including nausea.
To my knowledge, it is common for medications, including Cymbalta, to cause nausea and vomiting. However, these side effects may gradually subside as your body adjusts to the medication. It is important to remember that Cymbalta is not meant to be used for managing nausea, as it may make it worse.
If you are experiencing any side effects, including nausea, it is important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Greist J, McNamara RK, Mallinckrodt CH, Rayamajhi JN, Raskin J. Incidence and duration of antidepressant-induced nausea: duloxetine compared with paroxetine and fluoxetine. Clin Ther. 2004 Sep;26(9):1446-55. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2004.09.010. PMID: 15531007.
2.-
Bitter I, Filipovits D, Czobor P. Adverse reactions to duloxetine in depression. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2011 Nov;10(6):839-50. doi: 10.1517/14740338.2011.582037. Epub 2011 May 5. PMID: 21545241. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21545241/
3.-
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/
4.-
Whitmyer VG, Dunner DL, Kornstein SG, Meyers AL, Mallinckrodt CH, Wohlreich MM, Gonzales JS, Greist JH. A comparison of initial duloxetine dosing strategies in patients with major depressive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Dec;68(12):1921-30. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v68n1213. PMID: 18162024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18162024/
5.-
MacGregor EA. Anti-emetics. Curr Med Res Opin. 2001;17 Suppl 1:s22-5. doi: 10.1185/0300799039117008. PMID: 12463273. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12463273
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