Cymbalta is the commercial name for duloxetine hydrochloride, a prescription oral medication that purports to treat major depressive disorder, diabetic neuropathy pain, generalized anxiety disorder and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalta belongs to the family of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. Weight loss is one of the possible side effects associated with the use of Cymbalta. As a prescription only medication, you should only take Cymbalta under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Appetite Suppression and SNRIs
According to "The New Antidepressants and Antianxieties," SNRIs such as Cymbalta have the dual action of enhancing serotonin and norepinephrine actions. In certain individuals, these substances can trigger areas of your brain responsible for signaling satiety or fullness after eating a meal. Satiety can commonly lead to less food intake and, therefore, weight loss. However, in other individuals, SNRIs can lead to weight gain. The exact mechanism and action of SNRIs on appetite suppression is not fully understood and requires more clinical research.
Weight Loss with Cymbalta
According to "What Your Patients need to Know About Psychiatric Medications," approximately 9 percent of patients that take Cymbalta may experience a loss of appetite, and approximately 2 percent of patients report weight loss. Further, of the patients that experienced weight loss, the average weight loss was 1 to 3 lbs. Therefore, the overall weight loss effect of Cymbalta is minimal.
Mechanism of Action
Your nervous system works with substances called neurotransmitters. These chemical compounds carry information from cell to cell to trigger physiological reactions. In some cases, depression results from the depletion of serotonin and norepinephrine. Cymbalta helps your body reabsorb serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby, improving your mood. Cymbalta's effects on depression typically manifest in as little as two weeks, or as long as four weeks.
Interesting Facts of Cymbalta
According to "What Your Patients need to Know About Psychiatric Medications," Cymbalta initially had some quality control issues and the product manufacturer had a difficult time determining what effects this drug had on different patients. The FDA has approved this drug to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder and to treat certain types of chronic pain. Cymbalta also functions as a symptom reliever, but not as a cure for any medical condition. Cymbalta is not, however, approved by the FDA as a weight loss aid.
References
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine HCI)
- "What Your Patients Need to Know About Psychiatric Medications"; Robert H. Chew, Robert E. Hales; Stuart Hales and Stuart C. Yodofsky; 2009
- "The New Antidepressants and Antianxieties"; William A. Appleton; 2004
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