Does Cymbalta Cause Weight Gain? How It Affects The Weight!
Many medicines can have unpleasant side effects. However, some of them have no alternatives so we have no choice but to consume them. Anti-depressants usually come with a bunch of adverse effects that range from vomiting to insomnia.
This blog will be looking into Cymbalta, an antidepressant that is used for many major mental ailments. Now most antidepressants cause a fluctuation in one’s weight. You could either lose it or gain some. So let’s see if Cymbalta causes weight gain or not.
What Is Cymbalta And What Is It Used For?
Cymbalta belongs to the category of Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors or better known as SNRIs. Similar to its counterparts, Cymbalta or Duloxetine affects the release of brain chemicals including Serotonin and Norepinephrine by striking a balance between its release and halt.
Therefore it can help treat severe depression and anxiety disorders. Interestingly, it is also known to provide relief to Fibromyalgia and Diabetic Neuropathy as it also helps manage pain.
Does Cymbalta Cause Weight Gain?
As stated earlier, antidepressants have a tendency to fluctuate our body weight in general. It is mainly because of the way it affects our neurotransmitters which also control our feelings of hunger, satiety, and metabolic rate in some cases.
When it comes to Cymbalta, it is known to cause weight loss more than weight gain. According to a study conducted by pharmacists, Cymbalta affected a large number of people in the other way. This means that the patients who consumed the medications from 6-8 weeks reported major weight loss after a few weeks.
But clinical studies also show that long-time use of Cymbalta has been linked to a modest increase in weight. That too also after certain months. But it can vary from person to person. It is important to note that not everyone will experience weight fluctuations.
Why Do People Lose Weight On Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is known to come with a variety of side effects that usually attack our stomach and its allies. So most people on the medication suffer from diarrhea, nausea, and other abdominal difficulties or digestive diseases which may lead to major weight loss.
It also adds to the feeling of fullness and loss of appetite leading to anorexia and other secondary ailments which lean towards loss of weight.
What Are The Other Side Effects Of Cymbalta?
Apart from affecting your digestive system, it can-
❌ Cause your mouth to feel dry
❌ Cause you feel drowsy or sleepy
❌ Can affect the level of energy you have throughout the day
❌ Might affect your muscles and lead to pinching pain in them
❌ Can render males sexually inactive
❌ Might lead to mild tremors in the hands and legs
What To Do If Cymbalta Causes Weight Gain?
Cymbalta might react differently in different people. So in case, Cymbalta causes rapid weight gain, you should contact your doctor to adjust the dosage. If that doesn’t help, try switching to an alternative. Patients can also look to make some major dietary and lifestyle changes in order to control their excessive weight gain.
For instance, cutting your alcohol can be very effective when it comes to a weight loss regime. However, if you are thinking of taking any additional supplements or going in for surgery to deal with it, don’t do it without informing your doctor or healthcare provider.
Can Cymbalta Be Used To Reduce Weight Without Prescription?
The answer is no. Cymbalta is a prescription medication for specific purposes. This means you cannot use it like over-the-counter medicines and consume them as you deem fit. It should only be taken when you suffer from a certain condition only if prescribed by your doctor. Taking one without a doctor’s prescription can prove fatal to your life.
Also read: Lyrica Weight Gain: Why Does It Occur And How To Avoid It?
Major Cymbalta Withdrawal Symptoms
In case you feel that Cymbalta is altering your weight too much, it shouldn’t be stopped immediately. However, if your doctor and you agree, one can be weaned off it gradually. Reducing the dosage can help lessen the dependency on the drug. Usually, when someone stops taking Cymbalta, they can face a number of symptoms that can range from mild to extreme. Some of them are-
Final Words
We know how hard it can be to discontinue medications that have a literal effect on your moods and temperaments. The important thing is to understand that medicines are not the solution to every problem. It is your dedication that matters. So in case you are going through a rough patch talk to your doctor and discuss your symptoms in great detail.
Try and have an open conversation with your therapist and describe your concerns. Additionally, you can also treat the symptoms separately with some OTC medications only if your doctor suggests. Also, find solace in your close family and let them know what you are going through. Cymbalta is effective when it comes to managing pain and helping with depression but shouldn’t be used as a weight loss or weight gain pill.
