Does Duloxetine dehydrate you? (3+ tips)
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 Duloxetine dehydrate you?”. We will discuss some tips and strategies to help you stay hydrated during Duloxetine treatment and what to do if Duloxetine-induced dehydration persists.
Does Duloxetine dehydrate you?
Yes, Duloxetine may cause dehydration in some individuals receiving treatment. Dehydration is not a frequently occurring side effect experienced while on this medication. However, the effects may vary from person to person based on the individual’s response to Duloxetine.
Duloxetine (also known as Cymbalta), is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and depressive illnesses (1).
Duloxetine-induced dehydration is not very common in patients taking this medication. However, each person has unique physiological properties and may respond to Duloxetine differently. It is important to consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any side effects while on this medication.
How does Duloxetine cause dehydration?
The process behind Duloxetine-induced dehydration has not yet been understood. The only possible mechanism is the cause of hyponatremia by antidepressants like SNRIs that can contribute to dehydration. If sodium levels in the body are disturbed dehydration can occur.
Another mechanism can be that the potential dehydration effect of Duloxetine does not come directly from the medication, but in fact from the other side effects that may lead the individual towards dehydration. Duloxetine is known to cause the following side effects which may directly or indirectly contribute towards Duloxetine-induced dehydration (2):
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Sweating
If you do not keep track of your fluid intake these side effects may cause you to become dehydrated. You should take an adequate intake of water and fluids while on Duloxetine therapy to lower your risk of dehydration.
If you feel that on Duloxetine your body has become dehydrated and despite all efforts, this side effect has not subsided, you should consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
How to stay hydrated during Duloxetine treatment?
If you experience Duloxetine-induced dehydration the following tips can help you manage this side effect as well as improve your overall health:
Stay hydrated – You should try to keep yourself hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water and fluids.
Recognising dehydration symptoms and taking action – It is important to recognise different symptoms of dehydration and take action as soon as you experience them. You should keep track of your symptoms. Having a darker urine colour is one of the very first signs of dehydration.
Hydration habits – Start developing hydration habits. Try keeping a water bottle in hand everywhere you go. Make a habit of sipping water out of that bottle every few minutes. Having water available near you can save you the effort to get up and take it when you are thirsty.
Avoid alcohol and coffee – Try to avoid alcohol and coffee as much as possible. Alcohol and coffee both increase urine output, leading to dehydration.
Avoid sweating – Excessive sweating can also cause you to lose much-needed fluids. Make sure you keep yourself properly hydrated during hot weather and also while working out.
Dietary changes – Try making changes to your diet by adding healthy options of fluids like coconut water, smoothies, soups and milk. Taking fruits like watermelon can also help replenish any lost fluids.
What to do if Duloxetine-induced dehydration persists?
If your dehydration is persistent and you think Duloxetine is the culprit of your condition you should consult your healthcare provider regarding your concern. Your doctor will assess your situation and find out the underlying cause of dehydration.
If Duloxetine is responsible for your symptoms your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or switch you to another medication to help manage your symptoms.
In the meantime, you can keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Keep in mind that you should not make any amends to your medication, or stop taking it on your own.
In my opinion, Duloxetine can cause dehydration in certain individuals taking therapy. Although it is not a commonly reported side effect, individuals do report symptoms like vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhoea and sweating with Duloxetine use. These side effects can cause dehydration. It is important to maintain proper hydration while using Duloxetine. If you experience severe side effects you should consult your healthcare provider for a personalised treatment plan according to your specific needs.
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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/
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