Does Cymbalta-induced diarrhoea go away?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Cymbalta-induced diarrhoea go away?
Yes, Cymbalta-induced diarrhoea goes away within a few days. Diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal side effects are most commonly reported with Cymbalta and other antidepressants.
This side effect is more common in people who are new to Cymbalta or antidepressants in general, and it begins to subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider if Cymbalta persistently upsets your stomach and keeps increasing your intestinal motility.
The incidence of diarrhoea with Cymbalta
Diarrhoea is a relatively common side effect of Cymbalta (duloxetine). Research suggests that the incidence of diarrhoea with Cymbalta can range from around 10% to 20% of individuals taking the medication (1,2).
The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the way Cymbalta affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine.
Cymbalta is thought to increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the body, which can have an impact on the digestive system. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating bowel function, and when their levels are altered by Cymbalta, it can result in changes in bowel movements, including diarrhoea.
What to do if Cymbalta causes diarrhoea?
If Cymbalta causes diarrhoea, you can take OTC antidiarrheals to control the frequency of your watery stools. This early side effect is usually not a concerning one and it begins to go away soon after your body adjusts to the antidepressant.
Medications like Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, etc are frequently used to control antidepressant-induced diarrhoea. You can also take Probiotics to promote your gut microflora.
This can enhance your digestion and reduce the frequency of diarrhoeal stools. You should also drink plenty of water and fluids in general, as diarrhoea can make you dehydrated.
You should also take electrolyte replenishers if you have severe diarrhoea and you’re going to the bathroom 6-8 times a day. Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider if your diarrhoea does not go away or if it makes you feel extremely sick overall. Persistent diarrhoea can lead to weight loss.
Cymbalta, although it is a well-tolerated medication, may not be the best choice of antidepressant for every other individual. If it’s not one for you, your doctor will most likely switch you to another antidepressant.
Home remedies for diarrhoea
When dealing with diarrhoea, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Remember to consult your healthcare provider for proper guidance, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some simple home remedies you can try:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, herbal tea, or electrolyte solutions, to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
- BRAT diet: Eat bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods can help firm up the stool and provide gentle nutrition.
- Probiotics: Consider consuming probiotic-rich foods or taking probiotic supplements to restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria. Yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are examples of probiotic-rich foods.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from spicy, greasy, and fatty foods, as they can worsen diarrhoea. Also, limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Ginger: Drink ginger tea or chew on a small piece of fresh ginger to help ease nausea and soothe the digestive system.
- Peppermint: Sip on peppermint tea or try peppermint oil capsules (if tolerated) to potentially alleviate symptoms of diarrhoea and stomach discomfort.
- Rest: Give your body adequate rest to recover and allow the digestive system to heal.
Remember, these remedies are not meant to replace medical advice. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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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://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806
2.-
Wernicke JF, Gahimer J, Yalcin I, Wulster-Radcliffe M, Viktrup L. Safety and adverse event profile of duloxetine. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2005 Nov;4(6):987-93. doi: 10.1517/14740338.4.6.987. PMID: 16255658. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16255658/
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