From the FDA Drug Label
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders — Frequent: yawning, oropharyngeal pain; Infrequent: throat tightness Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Yawning 2 <1 Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 2 2 Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Oropharyngeal Pain Cough 4 3 2 1
Respiratory Symptoms:
- Yawning
- Oropharyngeal pain
- Throat tightness
- Cough Duloxetine may cause respiratory symptoms, as evidenced by the adverse reaction profiles in the provided drug labels 1 and 1. However, the incidence of these symptoms is relatively low. It is essential to monitor patients for any respiratory symptoms when taking duloxetine.
From the Research
Yes, Cymbalta (duloxetine) can cause respiratory symptoms in some patients, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, as evidenced by a study published in 2018 2. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, or nasal congestion, though they are not among the most common side effects. Some key points to consider:
- Respiratory issues are more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
- If you experience any new or worsening respiratory symptoms while taking Cymbalta, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly.
- Do not stop taking Cymbalta suddenly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms; your doctor may need to gradually reduce your dose.
- The mechanism behind these respiratory effects is not fully understood but may relate to duloxetine's action on serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters, which can affect multiple body systems including respiratory function.
- Severe respiratory symptoms like significant shortness of breath or wheezing require immediate medical attention as they could potentially indicate a serious allergic reaction. A more recent study from 2022 3 found that participants taking SSRIs, which include duloxetine, had lower FEV1 and higher odds of dyspnea compared to those not taking an antidepressant, suggesting a potential link between SSRI use and respiratory function. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of Cymbalta and consider alternative treatments if respiratory symptoms persist or worsen, as suggested by a study published in 2005 4.