Driving and operating machinery should be avoided if you are under the influence of an alcohol and Cymbalta combination as the potential for an accident is greatly increased. If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or want to reduce your consumption, your doctor can also help. Drinking alcohol while taking duloxetine is generally safe, but there are a few reports of liver damage, especially in patients with a history of liver disease or chronic alcohol use 12, 13, 14. Loading the liver with alcohol can therefore strain the duloxetine with alcohol liver’s function, increasing the risk of jaundice and yellowing of the skin due to bilirubin accumulation 13, 14. One of the main reasons that it’s not a good choice to mix Cymbalta and alcohol is because of the increased potential for creating liver damage.
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. These interactions can affect the drug’s therapeutic effects and increase the likelihood of side effects. Alcohol is a sedative that increases the release of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain. Therefore, it can interact with duloxetine, which increases serotonin and noradrenaline, to interfere with the therapeutic properties of duloxetine 11. Abrupt discontinuation of Duloxetine may result in discontinuation-emergent adverse events, of which dizziness was reported in 12% of patients.
Can I Drink Alcohol With Cymbalta?
If you have drunk alcohol on one occasion while taking duloxetine, don’t panic. 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.
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We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Cymbalta, classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Consequently, Cymbalta is commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain conditions.
Like most antidepressants, SNRIs create changes in brain chemistry and alter the communication between brain and nerve cells to regulate a person’s mood and relieve the symptoms of depression. Someevidence suggeststhat Cymbalta may benefit people who are going throughalcohol withdrawalif the drug is taken once alcohol use is stopped. Cymbalta can reduce some of the anxious feelings and other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal for some people in certain circumstances.
Always prioritize open dialogue with your doctor when starting, continuing, or discontinuing any medication. Located in New Hampshire, Liberty Health Services offers exceptional medical detox and customized addiction treatment for individuals throughout New England. Our supportive environment and experienced team are dedicated to helping you start your path to long-term wellness and recovery. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain function and alters perceptions and emotions. While moderate alcohol consumption can be relaxing, excessive use can lead to dangerous impairment.
Other adverse events included nausea, headache, paresthesia, vomiting, irritability or nightmares, which were reported in less than 6% of patients 10. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine drug commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies. It is a first-generation antihistamine with side effects such as drowsiness, slowed breathing, and sleepiness. 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.
- In pain disorders, increases in serotonin and noradrenaline in the spinal cord can reduce perceived pain by silencing some of the incoming pain signals.
- Cymbalta, classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
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- Moderate drinking is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Understanding these effects is crucial when considering the additional impact of mixing alcohol with Cymbalta. If you are taking Cymbalta or another type of antidepressant, it is always important to be aware of any risks you might face when consuming alcohol or taking other medications. Each medication is different, so don’t assume that because it was okay to drink when taking another antidepressant, it will also be alright to consume alcohol when taking something else. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol during your initial treatment or suggest that you consume only small amounts of alcohol while taking the medication. Or they may recommend that you avoid it altogether based on your physical and mental health history. A concern with drinking when you are taking Cymbalta is the potential risk for liver damage.
Learn about the dangerous side effects of mixing alcohol and Cymbalta.
Further, long-term heavy alcohol use while taking an antidepressant such as Cymbalta can make your antidepressant less effective. Your liver can become overworked from having to remove these toxins all the time. Be sure that you do not stop taking your antidepressant or change your dosage without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor can help you safely stop taking your medication by gradually lowering your dosage. Your doctor can also inform you about the potential dangers of mixing Cymbalta and alcohol. Always check the product label before taking medications along with Benadryl or any other product containing Benadryl’s active ingredient diphenhydramine.
In the realm of mental health treatment, medications like Cymbalta (duloxetine) play a crucial role in managing conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, when it comes to mixing such medications with alcohol, caution is paramount. The combination of Cymbalta and alcohol raises significant concerns, as it can potentially lead to adverse effects and complications. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of using Cymbalta alongside alcohol, exploring the risks, considerations, and the importance of informed decision-making.
Cymbalta alcohol interaction
Both substances can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impair cognitive function. When used together, these effects can be intensified, leading to a heightened risk of accidents, falls, and other safety hazards. Additionally, the combination may exacerbate symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. The answer this question is to best avoid taking alcohol when taking Cymbalta.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders
However, this drug can sometimes also cause depression and anxiety symptoms. While it may seem like alcohol can lead to improvements in mood in the short term, it likely will contribute to an increase in mood symptoms such as depression and anxiety over the long term. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Cymbalta, you should seek immediate medical attention. If left untreated, these symptoms can evolve into serious conditions, including liver failure, an emergency that can be potentially lethal.
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In pain disorders, increases in serotonin and noradrenaline in the spinal cord can reduce perceived pain by silencing some of the incoming pain signals. Cymbalta is used to treat various conditions, including depression and anxiety. Since it is a potent medication, it can have serious adverse effects when mixed with alcohol. If you take Cymbalta (the brand name of the generic drug duloxetine), what should you know about the potential interaction between it and alcohol? Alcohol does not mix well with several types of medications and can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects. Mixing alcohol and Cymbalta is not safe or advisable, and this combination should be avoided.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is used in the management of clinical depression and anxiety disorder. When prescribed, patients are advised to take certain precautions and to make note of certain side-effects that may occur with administration of this drug. One such interaction that is of concern is between Cymbalta and alcohol.
The study also found that this decrease in drinking was also accompanied by a drop in anxiety-related behaviors. Children, teens, and young adults may also experience increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly when they first start taking Cymbalta. Alcohol may heighten this risk if it is consumed while you are taking your medication. Most importantly, when drinking alcohol and taking duloxetine, drink sporadically and in moderation.
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Combining the two could potentially lead to liver toxicity or other complications, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. 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. Duloxetine, commonly known under the branded name Cymbalta, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) 1, 2.
Mixing Cymbalta with alcohol poses significant risks, including worsening depression, liver damage, and heightened side effects. Individuals should prioritize their mental health and well-being by abstaining from alcohol or seeking guidance from healthcare professionals if they choose to drink while on medication. It is essential to seek professional medical advice before making any decisions regarding alcohol intake while taking Cymbalta. Healthcare providers can offer personalized guidance based on individual circumstances, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment. Open communication between patients and healthcare professionals is crucial for optimizing mental health outcomes and minimizing risks.
By Ayesha Gulzar, PharmDAyesha Gulzar is a clinical pharmacist interested in medical research, pharmacy practice, and medication therapy management. Dr. Gulzar has been working in medical communications, writing medical and clinical research for patients and health professionals in the United Kingdom. Benadryl is a commonly used medicine for allergies that is available over the counter and with a prescription.