Does Cymbalta work immediately for pain? (3+ 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 answer the question, “Does Cymbalta work immediately for pain?”. We will also discuss factors influencing Cymbalta’s effects on pain and some alternatives to Cymbalta that can be used for pain relief.
Does Cymbalta work immediately for pain?
No, Cymbalta does not work immediately for pain. The effect of Cymbalta on pain relief can be seen after a few weeks of uninterrupted therapy. Cymbalta (also known as duloxetine) can be used to treat neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved by the FDA for the treatment of depressive disorders, and neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain (1).
Cymbalta inhibits the reuptake of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in pain modulation. Both neurotransmitters have a role in pain regulation, and by inhibiting them Cymbalta increases their activity in the brain, helping in the management of bone, muscular or nerve pain (2).
What is the expected timeline for pain relief with Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is not used as a first-line agent for the management of pain. It is a second-line medication which is normally used if an individual does not respond to first-line management therapies of pain.
Also, Cymbalta does not show positive effects for any type of pain immediately. Normally, you would have to take the medication for almost 2-4 weeks before you feel any positive response in your pain management.
So, if you have just started Cymbalta to help with nerve or bone pain, and do not feel any positive changes you should be patient and persistent with the medication and wait for a few weeks to see the changes.
What factors influence Cymbalta’s effects on pain?
Various factors can influence the effects of Cymbalta on pain. Some of them are as follows:
Individual factors
Whether Cymbalta will work to manage the pain of any individual taking this medication depends on the individual’s characteristics. As the response to Cymbalta may vary from person to person, so will the efficacy.
Comorbid conditions
Sometimes individuals receiving Cymbalta therapy for pain management may have other underlying health issues or comorbidities that may affect the efficacy of Cymbalta for pain.
Lifestyle and dietary factors
Unhealthy habits and diet can diminish the effectiveness of any medication due to the improper physiological balance required by the medication to work to its full potential.
What alternative medications are available to manage pain?
If Cymbalta is not working for you, there are alternative medications that can help with various types of pain. Some of them are as follows (3,4):
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are normally the first-line treatment option for pain. Medications like ibuprofen and ketorolac can be used to help manage bone pain.
Opioids
Opioid medications like codeine or tramadol are used in conditions where moderate to severe pain management is needed. Oral morphine is used to treat bone pain in metastatic conditions when all other painkillers do not provide adequate pain management.
Corticosteroids
Steroidal medications like corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and can decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
Anticonvulsants
Neuropathic pain can also be managed with anticonvulsants like Pregabalin or Gabapentin.
Antidepressants
Other antidepressants like Venlafaxine, Amitriptyline, or SSRIs can also be used for the management of pain if Cymbalta does not help manage your symptoms.
Benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants
Benzodiazepines like diazepam and muscle relaxants like baclofen or tizanidine can be used as an alternative for pain management.
What are some non-drug alternatives for pain relief?
A few strategies and techniques which can help manage pain while on Cymbalta therapy are as follows:
Lifestyle and dietary improvements
Exercise and a nutritious diet can help manage painful symptoms of joint or bone diseases. Exercise produces endorphins which can help relieve pain. Taking a healthy diet can also help improve health and diminish joint problems related to obesity and unhealthy weight.
Hot and cold packs
Bone and joint pain can be managed by applying hot and cold packs to the affected area. Hot and cold therapy can provide immediate relief from pain.
Acupuncture and massage
Non-traditional methods of pain reduction include acupuncture techniques and massages. These methods can help with chronic pain of joints and bones when used as an adjunct to pharmacological therapy.
These strategies can be used with Cymbalta to help with pain management in a better and more effective way than with Cymbalta monotherapy.
To the best of my knowledge and according to research, Cymbalta can help in the management of pain whether it is related to bones, muscles or joints. However, Cymbalta does not provide immediate relief in any condition. It may take some weeks to help manage the pain.
If Cymbalta is not helping you, many pharmacological alternatives and management strategies are available which can be used according to your condition. However, make sure to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and a proper pain management strategy.
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References
1.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. CYMBALTA® (duloxetine hydrochloride) Delayed released capsules for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022516lbl.pdf
2.-
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/
3.-
Oostinga D, Steverink JG, van Wijck AJ, Verlaan JJ. An understanding of bone pain: A narrative review. Bone. 2020 May 1;134:115272. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S8756328220300521
4.-
Marras F, Leali PT. The role of drugs in bone pain. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism. 2016 May;13(2):93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5119721/
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