While caffeine has its own effects on the body, it also may increase or influence the effects of certain medications. One medication that has a known interaction with caffeine is Cymbalta. Cymbalta is a prescription antidepressant mediation used to treat general anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia. While Cymbalta can cause multiple side effects by itself, additional side effects may occur when the medication is taken with caffeine.
Side Effects of Cymbalta
The most common side effects of Cymbalta are constipation, excessive sweating, decreased appetite, dry mouth, nausea and sleepiness, according to the Cymbalta prescribing information. These side effects occurred in more than 5 percent of clinical trial participants who took Cymbalta and occurred twice as often as in clinical trial participants who took a placebo. Those taking Cymbalta for a long period of time may also become physically dependent on the medication. This may cause unpleasant withdrawal effects when the medication is stopped. In addition, Cymbalta may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in people younger than 24 years old. Anyone taking Cymbalta should ask his family or friends to monitor his behavior and report strange behavior to a doctor or mental-health professional.
Side Effects of Caffeine
In addition to the increased energy and alertness, caffeine also may cause undesirable side effects. It can cause an uneven or fast heartbeat, headaches, insomnia, jitteriness or shakiness, nervousness, dizziness and may raise your blood pressure. Like Cymbalta, it also can make you physically dependent on it so you will need to take increasing amounts of it to feel the same effects, and you may experience unpleasant withdrawal effects when you stop consuming it
Interaction
Caffeine is known to interact negatively with Cymbalta. It may increase the levels of Cymbalta in your body, which could increase the risk of serious side effects. Some of these side effects may include increased heart rate, severe high blood pressure, loss of consciousness or serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is rare but potentially fatal. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include changes in mental state, hallucinations, confusion, altered consciousness, tremors, gastrointestinal upset or coma. If you have consumed caffeine while taking Cymbalta and experience any of these effects, call a doctor immediately.
Considerations
Cymbalta and caffeine can affect people in different ways. Because of this, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine how much caffeine, if any, is safe to consume while taking Cymbalta. Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully, and report any unusual physical reactions to a doctor as soon as possible.
Member Comments