Does Cymbalta help with vertigo? (+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 can be used for the management of vertigo. We will also discuss the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for managing vertigo.
Does Cymbalta help with vertigo?
No, Cymbalta does not help vertigo. Instead, dizziness and vertigo are commonly reported side effects of Cymbalta.
Cymbalta is a brand name for an antidepressant medication known as duloxetine. It belongs to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that work by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Cymbalta is generally a well-tolerated medication but it may cause some side effects in individuals.
Apart from vertigo and dizziness, other side effects associated with the use of Cymbalta may include, headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sleep disturbances.
What does Cymbalta help with?
Cymbalta is mostly prescribed for the management of various medical conditions such as (1),
- major depressive disorders
- anxiety disorders
- fibromyalgia
- joint pain
- nerve pain
- arthritis pain
- chronic back pain
What does research suggest?
There is currently no conclusive research evidence directly linking Cymbalta to the management of vertigo; however, some studies suggest an association between Cymbalta use and the induction of vertigo.
In a research study, a significant number of patients receiving this medication reported experiencing dizziness and vertigo. While the mechanism behind this association is not fully understood, these findings indicate a higher incidence of vertigo symptoms among individuals using Cymbalta (2).
In another study, the occurrence of vertigo emerged as a documented side effect linked to the administration of Cymbalta for the treatment of pain associated with multiple sclerosis, spanning a duration of six weeks (3).
Which medications can be used to manage vertigo?
There are several medications that may be used for the management of vertigo, depending on the underlying cause and the specific symptoms. Some of these medications may include (4):
- Betahistine
- Dimenhydrinate
- Diazepam
- Prochlorperazine
- Gabapentin
- Clonazepam
- Cinnarizine
It’s important to note that the choice of medication depends on the specific diagnosis, underlying cause of vertigo, and individual patient characteristics.
What are the non-pharmacological approaches to managing vertigo?
Non-pharmacological approaches that may be considered for managing vertigo may include:
- Regular exercise emerges as a valuable strategy for addressing vertigo and related symptoms, providing a holistic approach to managing vertigo without relying on pharmaceutical interventions.
- Stress and anxiety can make vertigo worse. Try things like deep breathing or meditation to help you relax and reduce dizziness.
- Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining good health, and it can also have a good impact on alleviating dizziness and vertigo.
- Additionally, a diet low in salt and caffeine may be recommended, as these substances can contribute to fluid retention and affect the inner ear leading to vertigo.
These interventions are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that is customized to meet the individual’s specific requirements.
What are the alternatives to Cymbalta if it causes vertigo?
While Cymbalta does not help vertigo, it can cause it as a side effect. If Cymbalta induces severe and persistent vertigo, significantly impacting your quality of life, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative medications less likely to cause vertigo. These alternatives could encompass:
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- sertraline
- citalopram
- escitalopram
- mirtazapine
The selection of a suitable medication should be based on an individual’s underlying health conditions and overall health status. If the benefits of therapy with Cymbalta outweigh its associated risks, it may be recommended to continue with Cymbalta.
To my knowledge and experience, Cymbalta is not prescribed for the treatment of vertigo in clinical settings. However, individuals may report experiencing vertigo and dizziness, especially during the initial adjustment period or after abruptly discontinuing the medication.
If you are experiencing persistent vertigo symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
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/
2.-
Jacob J, Albert D, Heard K. Single-agent duloxetine ingestions. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2013 Apr;32(4):427-33. doi: 10.1177/0960327112462726. Epub 2012 Oct 30. PMID: 23111877. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23111877/
3.-
Brown TR, Slee A. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of duloxetine for central pain in multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2015 Mar-Apr;17(2):83-9. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073.2014-001. PMID: 25892978; PMCID: PMC4399771.
4.-
Plescia F, Salvago P, Dispenza F, Messina G, Cannizzaro E, Martines F. Efficacy and Pharmacological Appropriateness of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate in the Treatment of Vertigo and Related Symptoms. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 30;18(9):4787. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094787. PMID: 33946152; PMCID: PMC8125582. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33946152/
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