Does Duloxetine make you feel cold? (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 make you feel cold?”. We will discuss some common side effects of Duloxetine, factors that can trigger cold sensations while taking Duloxetine and how to cope with such sensations. We will also discuss what to do if this problem does not subside.
Does Duloxetine make you feel cold?
Yes, Duloxetine may cause a cold sensation in some individuals. However, as each individual responds differently to different medications, everyone may not experience this side effect.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an antidepressant of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and is used in the treatment of depressive illnesses like major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain and chronic musculoskeletal pain (1,2).
Duloxetine may cause side effects in individuals taking therapy. More common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, headaches and decreased appetite. One side effect that may be experienced by individuals is chills and cold sensations. The exact mechanism by which Duloxetine causes cold sweats and chills is not known but there is a possibility that they may occur due to the changes in blood pressure caused by Duloxetine.
Such side effects normally occur at the initiation of therapy and subside once your body gets used to the medication. If you still experience these side effects and they cause discomfort you should contact your healthcare provider.
What are user experiences of cold sensations while on Duloxetine?
Various users of Duloxetine report experiencing cold sensations while taking the medication. One user was prescribed this medication for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Duloxetine did help with the pain but has caused cold feet ever since the first dose.
Another user sharing his experience of Duloxetine explained that he experienced a cold sensation and cold sweats while taking the medication.
A user taking Duloxetine for chronic pain also reported having an array of side effects including cold sweats. He claims to have experienced these until Duloxetine was discontinued.
One person taking this medication for anxiety developed the side effect of cold sweats after the first dose. He also described the symptoms and alternate hot and cold flashes which left him with no energy.
One user taking Duloxetine for MDD also experienced cold sweats and shivering when he started taking the medication. The symptoms became so uncomfortable that the drug had to be discontinued.
A user taking Duloxetine 40mg/day for depression also experienced cold sweats and general feelings of cold. He decided to consult his healthcare provider and ask for an alternate medication.
What factors influence cold sensations while taking Duloxetine?
Some factors that can influence cold sensations while taking Duloxetine are as follows:
Improper diet
A diet lacking proper nutrition may cause cold sensations in the individual taking Duloxetine. Low nutrition and decreased blood glucose levels can trigger such a side effect.
Panic attacks
Sometimes extremes of depression can cause a panic attack. Shivering and chills can also be caused as a result of a panic attack.
Exposure to cold
Exposure to cold weather or any cold environment, in general, can also be a reason for any individual to feel chills or cold sensations.
Hypoglycemia
A decreased blood sugar level can compromise the amount of body heat generated and produce side effects like shivering, cold and chills.
How to cope with the chills while on Duloxetine?
Some tips and strategies to help you cope with the chills are as follows:
Proper diet
A proper and healthy diet can help you improve your overall health. It also can eliminate malnutrition which can become a reason for your chills.
Layer up
Sometimes the chills or cold sensations are only due to chilly weather. Layering up and keeping yourself warm is the best treatment in such situations.
Balance your sugar levels
If you feel that your sugar levels may be low, try eating candy or drinking juice to improve your sugar levels immediately. This can help you with the shivering and chills.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you should take extra care in this regard. If you do not have diabetes but still experience hypoglycemia, you should consult your doctor for a full workup to rule out diabetes.
Light exercise
Having a routine of light walking and exercise in your day can help you with the cold sensations. Muscle movement produces energy and heat which can improve these symptoms.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature
Make sure your room and house are at a comfortable temperature. If it is cold outside you can always turn the thermostat up to keep the indoors at a cosy temperature.
Adjustment in dosage
Sometimes a decrease in the dosage of Duloxetine can help manage such side effects. However, if you are on the lowest dose and the symptoms become unbearable then you should request an alternative medication from your healthcare provider.
Seeking medical advice
If you get persistent cold sensations and have tried all possible ways to make yourself comfortable, you should consult your doctor regarding your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will assess the situation and try to find out the underlying cause of your symptoms.
To the best of my knowledge, Duloxetine can cause chills or cold sensations in some individuals undergoing treatment. Not everyone taking Duloxetine experiences this side effect, and in some individuals, it subsides on its own. Medical intervention is hardly needed for this side effect.
Some tips and techniques are available to help you cope with your symptoms. However, if you consistently feel cold, and have shivers and cold sensations you should consult your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms and request a full workup to determine the underlying cause.
Was this helpful?
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.-
Wernicke JF, Gahimer J, Yalcin I, Wulster-Radcliffe M, Viktrup L. Safety and adverse event profile of duloxetine. Expert opinion on drug safety. 2005 Nov 1;4(6):987-93. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14740338.4.6.987
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