This does not appear to be an issue with Cymbalta and intermittent alcohol consumption. There is a major interaction between Cymbalta (duloxetine) and alcohol in individuals with a history of substantial alcohol intake or abuse. There does not appear to be much of a risk with social drinkers (although caution is still advised).
As in the case with the majority of antidepressants, Duloxetine and alcohol don’t go well together. Since treatment with SNRIs usually lasts for months, this property can present an unexpected challenge to those who drink. Such patients can encounter a variety of social occasions when drinking is expected.
Both substances affect chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and norepinephrine; this means the efficacy of Cymbalta is compromised if it is taken with alcohol. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being
It is best that alcohol is not used while trying to achieve mental health and balance. Drinking alcohol while on Cymbalta therapy causes each substance to become more potent. When mixed, you may experience a worsening of the side effects that you would normally experience when taking each substance separately. The therapeutic mechanism of duloxetine is to increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps to stabilize mood and modulate pain in the peripheral nervous system 1, 6.
Cymbalta And Alcohol: Can One Drink While On Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is an antidepressant, which means that it will work to help and try to get the patient to come out of the depressive state, and it does that well. But, on the other hand, spirits are a known central nervous system depressant. That means that it may make the depression worse, even if it’s for short periods.
The FDA reports that when Cymbalta and alcohol are taken so that their peak effects coincide, the use of Cymbalta did not worsen the motor or mental impairment caused by alcohol. However, combining the two substances may contribute to a worsening of other side effects. Your liver breaks down the substances you consume and removes toxins from your body. Because alcohol contains a number of toxins, chronic use can eventually overwork your liver and lead to liver damage. Many people who are struggling with substance use disorder benefit from our inpatient programs where they are fully supported and can focus 24/7 on their sobriety.
While the drug is sometimes prescribed to help relieve the psychological effects of alcohol withdrawal, it can result in stronger cravings when misused. The Duloxetine alcohol mix can induce more prolonged alcohol blackouts. One of the conditions that Cymbalta treats is depression and the symptoms that go along with it. However, this drug can sometimes also cause depression and anxiety symptoms.
The Relationship Between Cymbalta and Alcohol
Since everyone reacts to the medication differently, a close eye must be kept to safely navigate cymbalta alcohol the potential increased anxiety and depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that, when mixed with alcohol or other substances, Cymbalta can have dangerous physiological effects that can even lead to death. When taken on their own, both Cymbalta and alcohol can lead to liver damage and depression.
Additionally, if you decide to drink alcohol in moderation while taking Cymbalta, you should do so only after you have been taking the drug for a while. This gives you time to understand how your body reacts to the drug and to find out which side effects you will have from it. Beyond the risk to the liver, the combination can exacerbate certain side effects. This can include heightened fatigue, excessive weakness, and even an increase in feelings of depression or anxiety. Typically, one of the biggest concerns in regard to taking medication with alcohol is the risk of additive sedation and cognitive impairment.
Talk to your doctor
Therefore, their concurrent use with Duloxetine may subsequently lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. According to the FDA’s prescribing information for Cymbalta, the medication is not recommended for people who regularly consume alcohol. People with a history of liver problems or liver damage will have reduced metabolism of this medication.
Being aware of potential side effects, both common and rare, allows for informed decisions about treatment and better communication with healthcare providers. Always prioritize open dialogue with your doctor when starting, continuing, or discontinuing any medication. Remember, informed decision-making and open communication with healthcare providers are key to ensuring safe and effective treatment outcomes. By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can better protect their mental health while undergoing treatment with Cymbalta. Although it is widely known that drinking is inadvisable during treatment with any medicines, the interaction of spirits and antidepressants can have devastating consequences. Among many physical effects that originate in the interaction, Cymbalta and alcohol can also produce additional mental issues or worsen the person’s anxiety and depression.
Alcohol may heighten this risk if it is consumed while you are taking your medication. The care that Granite Recovery Centers provides doesn’t stop once you’ve completed treatment. After discussing these answers with you, your physician should have a better idea of how taking Cymbalta may affect your alcohol use. It is key to work closely with your medical team and follow recommendations with the full knowledge of why the advice is suggested. If you fall into this category, it is advised that you consider treatment for excessive alcohol use.
Rare but Serious Side Effects:
There will likely be no detrimental effect on your liver or cognition. These could be early signs of liver toxicity induced by duloxetine 13. You should seek medical advice immediately if you notice any of these unusual symptoms. Signs of a liver problem can include dark urine, jaundice of skin or eyes, itching, right upper stomach pain or flu like symptoms. Consuming alcohol with Cymbalta can also cause increased impairment of thinking and reactions and an increase in the symptoms of depression.
What Are the Symptoms of Liver Damage?
- We are here to assist you every step of the way and know an effective protocol to treat dependence.
- It is essential to seek professional medical advice before making any decisions regarding alcohol intake while taking Cymbalta.
- You may also want to have your liver function tested if you are concerned.
- People who drink excessively tend to have “memory blackouts” and “lose time” and don’t know what happened while they were intoxicated.
Before using Cymbalta or consuming alcohol, individuals should thoroughly discuss their medical history and current health condition with a healthcare professional. Factors such as pre-existing liver conditions, alcohol use disorders, and other medications being taken must be taken into account. This information helps healthcare providers assess the appropriateness of prescribing Cymbalta and provides guidance on alcohol consumption. Cymbalta (duloxetine) is an antidepressant belonging to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) category. It’s prescribed for a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. The significance of its interaction with alcohol becomes evident when considering its effects on the central nervous system.
Alcohol may contribute to increased mood-related symptoms or even interfere with your treatment. This article discusses the potential risks of combining Cymbalta and alcohol, including who may have the highest risk of experiencing these effects. Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether.
Some patients take Cymbalta to help them alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. While some people think that Cymbalta helps relieve anxiety and other symptoms experienced during alcohol withdrawal, it can still cause dangerous effects even after alcohol use has stopped. The main purpose of taking medications or using alcohol is to experience some sort of relief. By defining the reasons why you’re seeking relief with Cymbalta and alcohol, you’ll build a foundation that will help your doctor create a mental health program tailored for you.
The details are kept up to date to help people with addiction treatment needs get the most full and precise facts about the rehabilitation facility. Further, long-term heavy alcohol use while taking an antidepressant such as Cymbalta can make your antidepressant less effective. Alcohol can be a threat to your liver, especially if you drink too much. If you drink too much alcohol over a long period of time, your liver can become damaged.