Does duloxetine cause headaches? (+5 factors)
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
This article will discuss the headaches caused by duloxetine as a potential side effect. It will also discuss the research studies suggesting the prevalence and frequency of headaches caused by this medication as well as the factors that may increase the risk of duloxetine-induced headaches. Additionally, this article will discuss the alternative medications to duloxetine if it causes severe headaches.
Does duloxetine cause headaches?
Yes, duloxetine does cause headaches. It is one of the most commonly reported side effects associated with the use of duloxetine. However, duloxetine is generally considered a safe medication with moderate side effects including nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and headaches.
Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication that is indicated in the management of various health conditions such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and choric pain. Like any other medication, it is also associated with adverse effects that may occur in some individuals after taking duloxetine, based on their individual sensitivity to medication and overall health status (1).
What does research suggest?
According to research headaches are the frequently reported side effect of duloxetine. In a research study, the use of duloxetine for the management of symptoms of depression at a dosage of 120 mg daily was found to alleviate symptoms effectively. However, it is worth noting that some individuals reported potential side effects of duloxetine, with headaches reported by 6% of patients in the study (2).
Another research study suggested that the use of duloxetine for the management of fibromyalgia demonstrated effectiveness in managing symptoms within a timeframe of 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. However, approximately 10% of individuals in the study reported experiencing certain side effects, with headaches being among the reported adverse reactions (3).
What factors may increase the risk of duloxetine-induced headaches?
Several factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing headaches after using duloxetine. These factors may include:
Individual sensitivity: The response of every individual to medications such as duloxetine may vary depending on their individual sensitivity to the drugs. Some patients are genetically and physiologically more susceptible to the side effects of duloxetine.
Concurrent medications: The concurrent use of medications such as nitrates, nitrofurantoin, and lithium that can also cause a headache as a potential side effect, doubles the risk of experiencing this side effect when combined with duloxetine.
Underlying health conditions: Individuals with underlying health conditions such as migraines and hypertension are more likely to experience headaches while using duloxetine. However, some research studies have also suggested the role of duloxetine in the management of headaches associated with migraines.
Higher dosage: A higher dosage of duloxetine is more likely to cause certain side effects including headaches, in some individuals undergoing treatment with this medication.
Start of treatment: During the initial phase of treatment with duloxetine, the patients are more susceptible to experiencing the side effects of this medication, including headaches. However, once the body adjusts to the mediation the frequency and severity of these side effects decrease on its own, without additional interventions.
What to do if duloxetine causes headaches?
Duloxetine may cause headaches as a side effect, but it’s usually not a serious concern and can disappear on its own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience severe or persistent headaches that impact your quality of life, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider can evaluate your condition and determine the actual cause of your headache. If it’s related to duloxetine, they may adjust your dosage to minimize the frequency and severity of headaches and other associated side effects.
They may also prescribe over-the-counter analgesics to manage the headaches, but you should not take any medication with duloxetine without your doctor’s approval to avoid drug interactions and adverse effects.
If there are any risk factors that are worsening the headache caused by duloxetine, your healthcare provider will address or mitigate them to promote a comprehensive and tailored approach to your treatment plan.
What are the alternatives to duloxetine if it causes headaches?
Headaches caused by duloxetine are generally not severe, however, if you experience persistent and unbearable headaches after taking duloxetine, your healthcare provider may recommend you some alternative to duloxetine, that are less likely to cause headaches. These medications may include (4,5,6):
- amitriptyline
- nortrytine
- desipramine
- phenelzine
- mirtazapine
It is important to note that the choice of medication should be based on individual factors and underlying medical conditions, keeping in mind the risks and benefits associated with the treatment.
In my opinion, headaches caused by duloxetine are not severe enough to compromise the quality of life. This is a mild to moderate side effect associated with this medication, that normally subsides after the body adjusts to the medication. The decision to switch from duloxetine to another antidepressant should only be made if the risks of therapy outweigh its benefits.
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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.-
Perahia DG, Kajdasz DK, Desaiah D, Haddad PM. Symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of duloxetine treatment in patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2005 Dec;89(1-3):207-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2005.09.003. Epub 2005 Nov 2. PMID: 16266753. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16266753/
3.-
Smith HS, Bracken D, Smith JM. Duloxetine: a review of its safety and efficacy in the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis. 2010 Dec 22;2:57-72. doi: 10.4137/JCNSD.S4127. PMID: 23861632; PMCID: PMC3661232. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3661232/
4.-
Turkewitz LJ, Casaly JS, Dawson GA, Wirth O. Phenelzine therapy for headache patients with concomitant depression and anxiety. Headache. 1992 Apr;32(4):203-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1992.hed3204203.x. PMID: 1582841. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1582841/
5.-
Jackson JL, Shimeall W, Sessums L, Dezee KJ, Becher D, Diemer M, Berbano E, O’Malley PG. Tricyclic antidepressants and headaches: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2010 Oct 20;341:c5222. doi: 10.1136/bmj.c5222. PMID: 20961988; PMCID: PMC2958257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20961988/
6.-
Colombo B, Annovazzi PO, Comi G. Therapy of primary headaches: the role of antidepressants. Neurol Sci. 2004 Oct;25 Suppl 3:S171-5. doi: 10.1007/s10072-004-0280-x. PMID: 15549531. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15549531/
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