Rare Side Effects Of Cymbalta

Cymbalta is a prescription medication containing duloxetine hydrochloride. It is approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration to treat major depression, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder and pain associated with diabetes. Cymbalta is available as an oral delayed-release capsule that is taken once or twice a day. While the common side effects include dry mouth, nausea, sweating, difficulty sleeping, excessive tiredness, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation and diarrhea, rare side effects may also occur.

Rare Side Effects

Rare side effects of Cymbalta include difficulty walking, inability to void, unusual bleeding and bruising, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The patient may experience difficulty speaking or have sexual difficulties, including male difficulty reaching orgasm, according to the drug's manufacturer. He may faint or develop liver toxicity. Pupil dilation and manic behavior are rare side effects, as are an increased blood pressure and heart rate. A withdrawal syndrome may cause severe effects if the drug is stopped abruptly.

Risk Factors for Rare Side Effects

Children, adolescents and young adults are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors as a result of taking duloxetine or other antidepressants, especially during the first few weeks of taking the drug and during a dosage increase. Those with pre-existing kidney or liver problems are at increased risk of adverse effects from Cymbalta. Patients with a history of mania may be at a higher risk of becoming manic. Individuals with acute narrow-angle glaucoma are at increased risk of eye problems should they experience pupil dilation due to the drug.

Monitoring Considerations

The individual taking Cymbalta should monitor his stools for blood and his skin for easy bruising or a yellowed tint. He should keep all appointments for examinations, counseling and laboratory tests. He should report feelings of agitation, excitement or worsening depression to the prescriber.

Family Considerations

Family and household members should monitor the patient for impulsive behavior, new onset or worsening of panic attacks, aggression, extreme excitement, drastic mood changes, suicidal gestures and verbalizations of suicidal thoughts. These events should be reported to the prescriber immediately.

Risk Reduction

To reduce the risk of rare side effects, the patient should take the medication exactly as prescribed. She should not stop taking the drug abruptly without physician approval, as a severe withdrawal syndrome can occur. The capsule should not be crushed, chewed or opened, explains the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide." Excessive alcohol use should be avoided, as it increases the risk of serious side effects, states the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken without physician approval.