Cymbalta cause weight gain. Cymbalta and Weight Changes: Understanding the Impact on Adults and Children

20.08.202308.07.2023 by alexxlab

Does Cymbalta cause weight gain or loss. How does Cymbalta affect weight in adults versus children. What are the long-term effects of Cymbalta on weight. How can weight changes from Cymbalta be managed.

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The Complex Relationship Between Cymbalta and Weight

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a widely prescribed antidepressant that belongs to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). While its primary use is in treating depression, anxiety, and certain pain conditions, many patients and healthcare providers are concerned about its potential effects on body weight. The relationship between Cymbalta and weight changes is complex and can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of treatment, dosage, and individual patient characteristics.

Short-Term Weight Effects of Cymbalta in Adults

In the initial stages of Cymbalta treatment, weight loss is more commonly observed than weight gain. During the first 8 to 9 weeks of acute treatment, adults taking Cymbalta experienced a mean weight decrease of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb). This is in contrast to those receiving a placebo, who saw an average weight increase of 0.2 kg (0.44 lb). This difference was found to be statistically significant in pooled studies.

Why does Cymbalta tend to cause initial weight loss? The answer likely lies in its side effect profile. Decreased or loss of appetite (anorexia) was reported in over 7% of patients taking Cymbalta, compared to only 2% in the placebo group. Additionally, nausea (23%), decreased appetite (7%), and abdominal pain (5%) were common side effects reported in FDA studies. These gastrointestinal effects can contribute to reduced food intake and subsequent weight loss in the early stages of treatment.

Long-Term Weight Effects of Cymbalta in Adults

As treatment with Cymbalta continues beyond the initial weeks, the effects on weight can shift. Some longer-term studies have reported modest weight gain in adults taking Cymbalta, although results have been inconsistent across different studies.

In a 34-week study, patients taking 40 mg of Cymbalta twice daily showed no significant weight change (0.7 kg gain) compared to placebo (0.1 kg gain).
However, those taking 60 mg twice daily experienced a weight gain of 0.9 kg (1.5 lb), compared to 0.1 kg (0.2 lbs) in the placebo group.
A 52-week, open-label study found that patients taking 40 to 60 mg of Cymbalta twice daily had a significant mean weight gain of 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) by the end of the study.

These findings suggest that higher doses of Cymbalta may be associated with more significant weight gain over time, although this relationship has not been definitively proven.

Cymbalta’s Weight Effects in Children: A Different Story

The impact of Cymbalta on weight in children differs notably from its effects in adults. In pediatric populations, weight loss is a more common concern.

Weight Loss in Children Taking Cymbalta

Studies involving children aged 7 to 17 years taking Cymbalta for depression and anxiety have shown a higher incidence of weight loss compared to placebo:

14% of children taking Cymbalta experienced a â‰¥3.5% weight loss, compared to 6% in the placebo group.
Common gastrointestinal side effects in children included decreased weight (14%), decreased appetite (10%), nausea (18%), vomiting (9%), and diarrhea (6%).

It’s important to note that while Cymbalta is approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia in children, it is not approved for treating depression in this age group.

Long-Term Weight Trends in Children on Cymbalta

While initial weight loss is common, uncontrolled studies extending up to 6 months have shown that children taking Cymbalta tend to return to a normal weight on average when compared to their peers. This suggests that the weight loss effects may be temporary in many cases.

Managing Weight Changes on Cymbalta

For patients concerned about weight changes while taking Cymbalta, there are several strategies that can be employed:

Dietary Modifications: Adjusting calorie intake and focusing on nutrient-dense foods can help manage weight.
Regular Exercise: Incorporating physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and may also have mood-boosting benefits.
Medication Timing: Taking Cymbalta with food may help reduce nausea and improve tolerability.
Dose Adjustments: Healthcare providers may start treatment at a lower dose and gradually increase it to help limit side effects.
Regular Monitoring: Keeping track of weight changes and discussing them with a healthcare provider can help in making timely adjustments to treatment.

Factors Influencing Weight Changes on Cymbalta

Several factors can influence whether an individual experiences weight gain, loss, or no change while taking Cymbalta:

Dosage: Higher doses may be associated with more significant weight changes.
Duration of Treatment: Weight effects can shift from loss to gain over time.
Individual Metabolism: Each person’s body may respond differently to the medication.
Underlying Condition: The severity of depression or anxiety can influence appetite and weight.
Age: Children and adults may experience different weight effects.
Lifestyle Factors: Diet, exercise, and other habits play a role in weight management.

Comparing Cymbalta’s Weight Effects to Other Antidepressants

How does Cymbalta compare to other antidepressants in terms of weight effects? While each medication can have varying impacts, some general trends have been observed:

SSRIs (like Prozac or Zoloft) are often associated with modest weight gain over time.
SNRIs (including Cymbalta) may cause initial weight loss followed by potential modest gain.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is generally associated with weight loss or weight neutrality.
Tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs are more commonly associated with weight gain.

It’s crucial to remember that individual responses can vary greatly, and the effectiveness of the medication in treating the primary condition should be the primary consideration in most cases.

The Psychological Impact of Weight Changes on Cymbalta

Weight changes, whether gain or loss, can have significant psychological impacts on patients taking Cymbalta. These effects can include:

Changes in body image and self-esteem
Anxiety about continued weight changes
Concerns about the long-term health impacts of weight fluctuations
Potential non-adherence to medication due to weight concerns

Healthcare providers should be attentive to these psychological aspects and provide support and guidance to patients experiencing weight changes while on Cymbalta.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider About Weight Changes on Cymbalta

While some weight fluctuation is normal when starting a new medication, certain situations warrant a discussion with a healthcare provider:

Rapid or significant weight loss or gain
Persistent gastrointestinal side effects affecting food intake
Development of disordered eating patterns
Weight changes affecting overall health or quality of life
Concerns about the impact of weight changes on the underlying condition being treated

Healthcare providers can offer guidance, adjust treatment plans if necessary, and ensure that the benefits of Cymbalta continue to outweigh any potential side effects.

Future Research Directions on Cymbalta and Weight

While current research provides valuable insights into the relationship between Cymbalta and weight changes, several areas warrant further investigation:

Long-term studies on weight trends in both adults and children taking Cymbalta
Exploration of genetic factors that may predispose individuals to weight changes on Cymbalta
Investigation of potential interventions to mitigate unwanted weight effects
Comparison studies between Cymbalta and other antidepressants regarding weight effects
Research into the mechanisms by which Cymbalta influences appetite and metabolism

Continued research in these areas will help healthcare providers and patients make more informed decisions about Cymbalta use and weight management strategies.

Does Cymbalta cause weight gain?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Jan 17, 2022.

Overview

Cymbalta is more likely to cause weight loss than weight gain early in the first 8 to 9 weeks of treatment. A modest weight gain may occur after 8 months of treatment. In general, weight loss is minimal and may be due to temporary nausea or loss of appetite, some of the most common side effects of Cymbalta treatment.

Weight loss or weight gain was reported by at least 1% (1 out of 100) of adult patients in clinical trials conducted by the manufacturer. In children treated with Cymbalta, weight loss can be common, most likely due to gastrointestinal (stomach) side effects like decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting.

How much weight gain occurs with Cymbalta?

Significant weight gain with Cymbalta has been reported in some, but not all, longer-term studies.

After 34 weeks (8.5 months) of treatment, no significant weight change was seen in patients taking 40 mg twice a day of Cymbalta (0. 7 kg) compared to a placebo (0.1 kg).

In contrast, in those taking Cymbalta 60 mg twice a day a weight gain of 0.9 kg (1.5 lb) was reported compared to a gain of only 0.1 kg (0.2 lbs) in the placebo group. Weight gain was suggested, but not proven, to be linked with higher doses.

In a 52-week, open-label study, Cymbalta-treated patients receiving 40 to 60 mg twice a day had a significant mean weight gain of 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) at the end of the study.

In the 34-week studies, a weight gain greater than 7% of the baseline weight (at the start of the study) occurred in 8.6% of patients taking Cymbalta 40 mg twice a day (186 patients), and in 12.8% of those taking Cymbalta 60 mg twice day (195 patients), compared to 5.7% weight gain with placebo (192 patients). Results with the higher dose of Cymbalta were statistically significant vs. placebo and suggest a dose-related effect.

How can I stop weight gain with Cymbalta?

Overall, weight gain for most people taking Cymbalta is modest. For many people taking antidepressants this weight gain is gradual and can be addressed by lifestyle changes with a modified diet and exercise.

In theory, appetite may improve when depression, anxiety or pain is treated, which may lead to weight gain in some patients. Appetite and weight changes are also common symptoms of depression itself.

Does Cymbalta cause weight loss?

Decreased or loss of appetite (anorexia) was reported in over 7% of patients (vs. 2% on placebo) in several studies and may contribute to weight loss during early treatment. In these pooled studies, no association was found between higher doses of Cymbalta and weight loss. Nausea (23%), decreased appetite (7%) and abdominal pain (5%) were also reported as common side effects in studies submitted to the FDA.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) was shown to be more likely to cause a weight loss than a weight gain in pooled studies over the first 8 to 9 weeks of acute treatment in adults.

Patients treated with Cymbalta had a mean decrease in weight of 0. 5 kg (1.1 lb) compared to an increase of 0.2 kg (0.44 lb) for patients receiving placebo, a statistically significant effect.

Other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta are also reported to cause gastrointestinal side effects like decreased appetite, loss of appetite and nausea.

If Cymbalta causes nausea, you can try taking your dose with a small meal which may make the medicine more tolerable. Your doctor will probably start your treatment at a lower dose and gradually increase it to help limit this side effect. If you experience vomiting with Cymbalta, contact your healthcare provider.

Does Cymbalta cause weight loss in children?

In Cymbalta studies, weight loss was one of the most common side effects (≥5% and twice that of placebo) in children 7 to 17 years.

In children 7 to 17 years of age receiving Cymbalta in three 10-week studies for depression and anxiety, a ≥3.5% weight loss was reported in 14% of children taking Cymbalta compared to 6% of those on placebo (an inactive treatment).

Decreased weight (14%), decreased appetite (10%), nausea (18%), vomiting (9%), and diarrhea (6%) were reported as common gastrointestinal side effects, occurring in at least 5% of children in this age group.

In children, Cymbalta is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia, but not depression.

Weight loss may be related to side effects such as nausea (18% vs. 8% placebo), abdominal pain (13% vs. 10% placebo), vomiting (9% vs. 4% placebo), diarrhea (6% vs. 3% placebo) and decreased appetite (10% Cymbalta vs. 5% placebo) in children. Taking the medicine with food may help to lessen nausea.

In a review of uncontrolled studies extended up to 6 months, children taking Cymbalta tended to return to a normal weight on average when compared to peers. Regular monitoring of weight and growth should be performed for children treated with Cymbalta.

Cymbalta is approved by the FDA to treat:

major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and pediatric patients 7 years of age and older

diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) in adults

fibromyalgia (FM) in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older

chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults

Why does Cymbalta cause weight changes?

Studies show that serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta are frequently associated with weight loss due to gastrointestinal (stomach) side effects like decreased appetite and nausea. Nausea (23%), decreased appetite (7%) and abdominal pain (5%) occur frequently.

Antidepressants may cause weight gain by interfering with neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin or histamine that help control appetite. Blocking histamine may boost appetite and also lead to weight gain. Some antidepressants may cause sedation and fatigue that lower levels of activity and exercise which may result in weight gain. However, Cymbalta is more likely to cause insomnia than drowsiness.

Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in general.

Some antidepressants, like paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox) or mirtazapine (Remeron) can lead to significant weight gain.

Other antidepressants, such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), or bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) are more weight-neutral. Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are SNRIs that also have more limited effects on weight gain.

Tricyclic antidepressants, an older class of medicines used to treat depression, are well-known to be associated with weight gain.

Related: Cymbalta Side Effects (in more detail)

Medications found in the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class include:

desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka)

levomilnacipran (Fetzima)

milnacipran (Savella)

venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)

Significant weight loss or weight gain with any antidepressant treatment should be evaluated by your doctor. Your medicine, dose or schedule may need to be changed. Your doctor can choose among many alternatives in the antidepressant drug class if weight gain, weight loss or stomach side effects like nausea are a concern for you.

References

Hudson JI, Wohlreich MM, Kajdasz DK, et al. Safety and tolerability of duloxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder: analysis of pooled data from eight placebo-controlled clinical trials. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2005 Jul;20(5):327-41. doi: 10.1002/hup.696

Goldstein DJ. Duloxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007;3(2):193-209. doi:10.2147/nedt.2007.3.2.193

Wise TN, Perahia DG, Pangallo BA, et al. Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: analyses of 10 clinical studies. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(5):269-278. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0503

Nelson C, et al. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Pharmacology, administration, and side effects. Up to Date. Revised Oct. 2, 2020. Accessed Jan. 17, 2022 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris-pharmacology-administration-and-side-effects

Cymbalta (duloxetine) prescribing information. Revised Sept. 2021. Eli Lilly and Co. Indianapolis, IN. Accessed Jan. 17, 2022 at https://pi.lilly.com/us/cymbalta-pi.pdf

Drug information

Duloxetine
Cymbalta

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Medical Disclaimer

Does Cymbalta Cause Weight Gain: What You Should Know

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) help millions of people alleviate their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other health conditions every year.

Like other prescription medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Cymbalta can cause side effects.

The most common side effects with Cymbalta include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth.

Another side effect that worries some patients before taking this medication is weight gain.

But does it really cause patients to gain weight?

In this article, I’ll describe how Cymbalta works, its possible side effects, and whether or not the medication can cause weight gain.

Before starting Cymbalta or another antidepressant, talk to your doctor about your medical history and other medications you’re currently using to ensure you are taking the best medication for your needs.

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is a type of antidepressant medication called a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRIs.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are chemicals called neurotransmitters.

These chemicals carry messages for your nervous system between your brain and body.

Both norepinephrine and serotonin can also regulate mood.

Normally, when neurotransmitters finish relaying their messages, they’re reabsorbed by the brain, a process called “reuptake.”

SNRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

This increases the amount of these chemicals in the brain, which can affect mood, stress, digestion, and pain perception.

Cymbalta can be prescribed to treat:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy

If you’re prescribed Cymbalta, take the medication only as directed by your doctor.

Don’t take a different dose than what was prescribed, and don’t take it for a longer or shorter period of time than recommended by your doctor.

After starting Cymbalta, it can take 2-8 weeks for the medication to start taking effect.

Though some mild side effects can occur during that period, many can resolve on their own. If any side effects persist, reach out to your doctor.

Talk to a doctor online

Refill medications and get certain necessary prescriptions.

Start now

Does Cymbalta Cause Weight Changes?

Some people have reported weight changes, most notably weight gain, when taking antidepressant medications like Cymbalta.

Overall, the research evidence for weight gain related to Cymbalta is mixed, but does not show big swings in weight in either direction.

One study of Cymbalta’s treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in more than 1,000 people found that the medication can actually decrease appetite, eventually leading to weight loss for some patients.

In analyses of 10 clinical studies, researchers found that after short-term treatment with Cymbalta, patients lost, on average, about one pound.

Treatment that lasted up until one year coincided with weight gains of around two pounds.

Overall, the evidence suggests that Cymbalta has minimal effects on weight for the majority of patients.

Do Other Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

The research is also mixed on how significantly or directly other antidepressants cause weight gain.

One of the biggest limitations in studying this effect is eliminating other possible causes of weight gain, including biological factors like age and genetics, and socioeconomic factors like stress and access to healthy foods.

Still, evidence shows that some antidepressants can cause a minimal to modest weight change in some people.

In a population-based study from the UK, researchers reviewed data from over 300,000 men and women for up to 10 years after starting antidepressant use.

While the study found a risk of increase in weight over this time period, it was also unable to determine whether reported weight gain was a direct result of antidepressant use, or other factors.

Existing research does suggest that some antidepressants are more likely to cause weight gain than others, including:

Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Pareva)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Unfortunately, experts aren’t sure what causes antidepressants to affect weight.

Some believe that the medication’s impact on neurotransmitters in the brain have an indirect impact on metabolism, while others suggest that it’s an indirect side effect of the medications’ ability to treat the respective condition (depression, anxiety, etc).

Ultimately, neither weight loss nor weight gain is a guarantee when taking antidepressants.

For most people, the benefits of antidepressant use outweighs the risk of minimal weight changes.

Other Side Effects of Cymbalta

The most common side effects of Cymbalta are mild.

These include:

Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Insomnia

Other less common side effects are also possible when taking the medication:

Decreased appetite
Constipation
Diarrhea
Irregular menstrual cycle
Increased risk of bleeding events

Though rare, there are some more severe risks associated with Cymbalta use in some people:

Increase in blood pressure
Liver failure

The side effects of Cymbalta will vary depending on the person, which is why it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting the medication.

Tell your doctor if any new, persistent, or bothersome side effects occur.

Talk to a doctor online

Refill medications and get certain necessary prescriptions.

Start now

When to Talk to a Doctor

When taken as directed, Cymbalta can be a safe and effective treatment option for depression, anxiety, or chronic pain.

However, if the medication isn’t working to resolve your symptoms after several weeks, reach out to your doctor to discuss whether adjusting the dose or switching medications may be helpful.

If you experience any of the rare, but serious, signs of an allergic reaction, tell your doctor right away. These include:

Severe dizziness
Hives, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling
Itching or swelling, particularly of the mouth, face, or throat
Trouble breathing
Seizure

Additionally, reach out to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Panic attacks
Worsening mood
Feeling agitated, impulsive, aggressive, restless, or hyperactive
Confusion
Thoughts of suicide

If you’re having a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also get free 24/7 support from a suicide and crisis expert by calling or texting 988. If you’d prefer to chat online, you can chat with a suicide and crisis expert by visiting the Lifeline Chat.

How K Health Can Help

Think you might need a prescription for Cymbalta (Duloxetine)?

K Health has clinicians standing by 24/7 to evaluate your symptoms and determine if Cymbalta is right for you.

Get started with our free assessment, which will tell you in minutes if treatment could be a good fit. If yes, we’ll connect you right to a clinician who can prescribe medication and have it shipped right to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the alternatives to Cymbalta?

Alternatives to Cymbalta include other selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including milnacipran (Savella), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). If Cymbalta isn’t working for you, reach out to your doctor to discuss whether switching to another medication may be right for you.

How to avoid weight gain on Cymbalta?

Research shows that the risk for weight gain while taking Cymbalta is minimal. For most people, the benefits of using the medication will outweigh the risks of minimal to modest weight gain. However, if you’re concerned about gaining weight while on Cymbalta, talk to your doctor about how to safely and sustainably maintain your weight while using this or other antidepressant medications.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24898363/
Antidepressants cause minimal weight gain. (2014).
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/antidepressants-cause-minimal-weight-gain-201406067202
Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: population based cohort study. (2018).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964332/
Anxiety Facts and Statistics. (2020).
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
Duloxetine (Cymbalta). (2020).
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Duloxetine-(Cymbalta)
Duloxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. (2007).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654630/
Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review. (2019).
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Cymbalta cause weight gain? – Drink-Drink

07 Jul, 2023

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Contents

Cymbalta’s relationship to weight
Other side effects of Cymbalta
Talk to your doctor

9 0021

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is the brand name for duloxetine. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs work by changing the balance of the chemical messengers serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. This may result in improved mood or pain relief.

Cymbalta is most commonly prescribed to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and pain caused by diabetes-related nerve damage to the arms and legs. It is also prescribed to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder.

Cymbalta’s relationship to weight

Many people report that their weight changes after they start taking an SNRI such as Cymbalta. This may be true. However, the study does not support that SNRIs are the cause.

According to Cymbalta’s prescribing information, people who took the drug had a higher rate of decreased appetite than people who took placebo. In addition, the results of a study published in Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Treatment also indicated that SNRIs such as Cymbalta tend to cause decreased appetite and weight loss.

In analyzes of 10 studies that examined changes in body weight when taking Cymbalta, the authors found that most people experienced weight loss after taking an antidepressant. However, the study also showed that people who take the drug for a long time may experience weight gain.

What is true for one person on antidepressants may not be true for you. However, the odds are in your favor. According to the 2014 JAMA Psychiatry Study, the weight gain that occurs in people taking antidepressants is usually gradual and mild. Lifestyle changes can help negate any weight gain that may occur while taking the medication.

Other side effects of Cymbalta

Although more evidence may be needed to determine the effect of Cymbalta on weight, there are some side effects that are known for certain. The most common side effects of Cymbalta include:

fatigue
dry mouth
nausea
constipation
diarrhea
dizziness
Difficulty swallowing

900 15 decreased vision or blurred vision

loss of appetite
excessive sweating

You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medicine. These symptoms may include:

insomnia
restlessness
nausea
nervousness and irritability
seizures
excessive sweating

Talk to your doctor

Although evidence suggests that Cymbalta may affect your weight, it is not clear exactly how this happens. If your doctor prescribes Cymbalta for you and you are concerned about your weight change, talk to him. Ask about lifestyle changes you could make to combat this potential side effect.

Your doctor may suggest that you become more physically active to prevent or reduce weight gain. On the other hand, your doctor may recommend extra calories if you find yourself losing weight, but your doctor thinks you shouldn’t. A new meal plan can help fight reduced appetite and prevent unintentional weight loss.

Read more: Cymbalta use, side effects, interactions and warnings »

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