Does Cymbalta help with sweating? (+5 management tips)

In this article, we will discuss whether Cymbalta helps with sweating. We will also explore research studies linking Cymbalta to sweating, as well as management tips for excessive sweating.

Does Cymbalta help with sweating?

No, Cymbalta does not help with sweating; instead, research studies have reported the occurrence of sweating as a side effect of this medication. Cymbalta is used in the management of mental disorders and other conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

It can cause various side effects in individuals, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, weight changes, headache, dizziness, and sweating. However, there is no research evidence showing the use of Cymbalta in managing excessive sweating.

Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication primarily used in the management of depression and anxiety. It helps alleviate symptoms of these mental disorders by elevating the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain (1).

What does research suggest?

Research studies do not provide any evidence of the use of Cymbalta in managing sweating. However, these studies have reported the incidence of excessive sweating in individuals who use this medication.

According to a research study, the use of Cymbalta in patients with underlying depression was continued for 2 to 3 months. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of Cymbalta in managing depression and its associated symptoms. However, sweating was among the frequently reported side effects (2).

In another study involving patients with chronic back pain, a daily dose of 120 mg of Cymbalta was used for the symptomatic management of their symptoms. The results showed the benefits of Cymbalta in treating pain; however, the higher dosage of Cymbalta was linked to the occurrences of various side effects, including excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue (3).

What to do if Cymbalta causes excessive sweating?

The side effects of Cymbalta, including sweating, typically occur during the initial phase of treatment, and these side effects often subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

However, if you experience excessive sweating even after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, you should report it to your healthcare provider. They may examine your overall symptoms and determine the appropriate intervention.

If the higher dosage of Cymbalta is associated with excessive sweating, they might suggest a reduction in dosage, which may prove beneficial in most cases.

If you continue to experience excessive sweating even with a lower dosage of Cymbalta, and it is impacting your quality of life, your healthcare provider may suggest gradually stopping the medication and starting an alternative medication that has a lower risk of causing sweating. Such medications may include bupropion, nortriptyline, or desipramine.

What are the management tips for excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating can be caused by various factors, including certain medications and medical conditions. However, there are several management tips that can help you control excessive sweating and improve your quality of life.

Use of antiperspirants 

One of the most effective ways to manage excessive sweating is to apply antiperspirants to areas prone to sweating. You can various antiperspirants that can help reduce sweat production.

Lifestyle modifications

Another useful tip is to wear breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton. These materials allow better air circulation and minimize sweating. Avoid tight clothes made of synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture and can worsen sweating.

Proper hydration is also essential for managing excessive sweating. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water and electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water.

Consult your healthcare provider

If these management tips do not provide sufficient relief, consult with a healthcare professional about prescription medications like anticholinergics that can help control excessive sweating.

However, if sweating is persistent and accompanied by other side effects of a medication, your healthcare provider may suggest dosage adjustment or discontinuation of the medication to prevent symptom worsening. 

Remember, excessive and persistent sweating can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the help of a healthcare professional, you can take control and improve your quality of life.

 In my opinion, Cymbalta should not be used for the management of sweating, as it is an antidepressant medication primarily prescribed for mental disorders. Using Cymbalta for sweating may potentially worsen symptoms, as sweating is a known side effect associated with this medication.

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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.-

Schagen van Leeuwen JH, Lange RR, Jonasson AF, Chen WJ, Viktrup L. Efficacy and safety of duloxetine in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Maturitas. 2008 Jun 20;60(2):138-47. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2008.04.012. Epub 2008 Jun 10. PMID: 18547757. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18547757/

3.-

Chappell AS, Desaiah D, Liu-Seifert H, Zhang S, Skljarevski V, Belenkov Y, Brown JP. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of duloxetine for the treatment of chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee. Pain Pract. 2011 Jan-Feb;11(1):33-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2010.00401.x. PMID: 20602715. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20602715/

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