About all

Cymbalta cause weight gain: Does Cymbalta cause weight gain?

by alexxlab

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

Related medical questions

  • SSRI’s vs SNRI’s – What’s the difference between them?
  • 8 Cymbalta Side Effects: Should I be Concerned?
  • Can antidepressants be used for arthritis pain?
  • How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?
  • What helps with Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms?
  • How long does it take for Cymbalta to work?
  • What do Cymbalta brain zaps feel like?
  • Can I take Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Trintellix (vortioxetine) together?
  • Is obesity a major risk factor for Covid-19?
  • How do Mounjaro, Wegovy & Ozempic compare for weight loss?
  • Mounjaro vs Ozempic: How do they compare?

Drug information

  • Duloxetine
  • Cymbalta

Related support groups

  • Duloxetine
    (70 questions, 186 members)
  • Cymbalta
    (290 questions, 1,825 members)
  • Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight)
    (704 questions, 1,438 members)

Medical Disclaimer

Does Cymbalta (duloxetine) cause weight gain or weight loss?

Taking Cymbalta can potentially cause changes in a person’s body weight. Cymbalta is the brand name of an antidepressant medication called duloxetine.

Doctors prescribe Cymbalta to treat depression, anxiety, and some chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.

Cymbalta is a type of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a class of antidepressants that can increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Increasing these feel-good chemicals may reduce depression symptoms and pain sensations.

Some people who take Cymbalta report changes in their weight. This article examines the link between Cymbalta and weight gain or weight loss.

Most related research suggests that Cymbalta can affect a person’s weight, but only modestly.

A 2015 systematic review concluded that Cymbalta might cause a small amount of weight loss in the first few weeks, followed by modest weight gain. However, the quality of the evidence was not high enough to draw any definite conclusions. Cymbalta did not appear more likely to cause weight gain than other similar drugs, namely fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).

It is possible to gain or lose weight while taking other antidepressant drugs. Antidepressants that may lead to weight gain in some people include:

  • Some tricyclic antidepressants. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), and doxepin (Silenor). For example, the results of a 2015 meta-analysis of 54 different medications suggest that amitriptyline causes weight gain in some people.
  • Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some research suggests that these antidepressants may cause weight loss in the short term but weight gain in the longer term.
  • Mirtazapine. Experts have found evidence linking the atypical antidepressant mirtazapine to weight gain.

According to a systematic review, the atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) may cause weight loss in some people.

However, medications impact people in different ways. What causes weight gain in one person may not affect the body weight of another.

According to a 2014 study on the effects of taking antidepressants long term, even when people gain weight from taking these medications, it is usually only a modest amount.

It is worth remembering that antidepressants may not be directly responsible for weight gain. Individuals may be gaining weight for other reasons, such as:

  • an increase in appetite due to an improved mood
  • the natural weight gain that results from aging
  • overeating, limited exercise, or both due to depression or anxiety

Learn more about how antidepressants can cause weight gain.

In addition to weight changes, Cymbalta can cause the following side effects in some people:

  • nausea
  • headache
  • dry mouth
  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • dizziness
  • sleepiness
  • appetite loss
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • excessive sweating

More serious side effects, which may require medical attention, include:

  • palpitations
  • blurred vision
  • abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • weight and appetite loss
  • tremor
  • anxiety and agitation
  • insomnia or strange dreams
  • sexual dysfunction or low libido
  • excessive yawning
  • hot flashes
  • fainting

In some cases, the following severe adverse effects can occur. These need immediate medical attention:

  • suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, teens, and young adults
  • liver damage
  • mania in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder
  • fluid retention and low sodium levels due to a disruption of antidiuretic hormone secretion
  • kidney damage

Mania is a risk for people with bipolar disorder, including those who do not yet have a diagnosis or who received a diagnosis of depression without a previous manic episode.

Symptoms of mania include:

  • talking a lot or pressured speech
  • feeling “high” or “wired”
  • feeling irritable, exuberant, or both
  • reduced need to sleep
  • racing thoughts
  • difficulty focusing

Serotonin syndrome is a life threatening condition that can result from high serotonin levels. It can occur when a person takes Cymbalta with other serotonergic drugs.

Learn more about serotonin here.

Cymbalta may also cause worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behaviors, especially in younger adults. The risk is highest when beginning treatment or changing the dosage.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Was this helpful?

Suddenly stopping taking Cymbalta can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is important to speak to a doctor before stopping the medication.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • irritability
  • nausea, vomiting, or both
  • dizziness
  • nightmares
  • headache
  • prickling or tingling in the skin

Learn more about antidepressant withdrawal here.

Individuals who are taking Cymbalta and experience side effects, including weight changes, should speak with their doctor.

If a person asks about weight changes, the doctor may:

  • recommend tests to see if an underlying condition is causing the changes
  • suggest changing the dose or trying a different drug
  • recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise and dietary measures to help manage weight

There are many antidepressants that a doctor may suggest as an alternative to Cymbalta. These include:

  • Other SNRIs: Examples are venlafaxine (Effexor), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), or desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), which increase the activity of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain.
  • SSRIs: Citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) aim to boost mood by increasing serotonin action in the brain.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are older types of antidepressants and include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil).
  • Tricyclic antidepressants: These are older drugs that doctors do not regularly prescribe due to potential side effects. They include amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Silenor), which can help a person sleep.
  • Other types: Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron).

What do you need to know about anxiety medications?

Here are some questions people often ask about Cymbalta and weight changes.

Is Cymbalta good for weight loss?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a drug that doctors prescribe for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Some people initially lose a small amount of weight, but taking Cymbalta long term may lead to a modest weight gain. A 2015 meta-analysis concluded that duloxetine affects body weight.

What are the side effects of Cymbalta?

Common side effects of Cymbalta include headache, nausea, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. There may also be a loss in appetite and weight.

Research has suggested that taking duloxetine may lead to modest weight loss at first, followed by modest weight gain. But, it does not consider the changes significant enough to outweigh the drug’s benefits if a doctor recommends taking it.

However, some people may notice weight changes due to an individual reaction, changes in lifestyle habits, or an underlying condition. Talking through any concerns with a doctor can help a person understand any possible changes in weight or other side effects.

The doctor may recommend doing tests for another condition or prescribe a different drug. They may also encourage the person to exercise more and adapt their diet to include more nutritious foods.

Does

Cymbalta cause weight gain? – Drink-Drink

Skip to content

07 Jul, 2023

Try it!

DrinkDrinkAdmin

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 »

    Health

    Does Cymbalta cause weight gain? – The health of your body

    od Hugo

    content

    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 in the arms and legs. It is also prescribed for the treatment of 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 SNRIs like Cymbalta. This may be true. However, Research does not support that SNRIs are the cause.

    According to the prescribing information for Cymbalta, people who took the drug did experience a decrease in appetite more often 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 generally cause decreased appetite and weight loss.

    In an analysis of 10 studies examining changes in symbalt and body weight, the authors found that most people lost weight after taking antidepressants. However, the study also showed that people who take the drug for a long time may experience weight gain.

    What applies to one person taking 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 on medication.

    Other side effects of Cymbalta

    Although more evidence will be needed to decide on the effect of Cymbalta on weight, there are some side effects that are definitely known. The most common side effects of Cymbalta include:

    • humor
    • dry mouth
    • nausea
    • closure
    • diarrhea
    • dizziness
    • difficulty swallowing

      • 900 15 decreased vision or blurring

    • loss of appetite
    • excessive sweating

    withdrawal symptoms may occur.