Can Cymbalta (duloxetine) cause dry mouth?

Dry Mouth as a Side Effect of Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Yes, dry mouth is a common side effect of Cymbalta (duloxetine), occurring in approximately 13% of patients taking the medication. 1

Evidence for Dry Mouth with Duloxetine

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is consistently documented as one of the most common adverse effects of duloxetine across multiple high-quality guidelines and the FDA drug label:

• The FDA drug label for duloxetine explicitly lists dry mouth among the "most common side effects" 1
• Clinical practice guidelines identify dry mouth as a common side effect of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine 2
• In placebo-controlled trials across all approved adult populations, dry mouth occurred in 13% of duloxetine-treated patients compared to only 5% in placebo-treated patients 1

Incidence and Severity

The incidence of dry mouth with duloxetine varies somewhat across different studies and patient populations:

• In pooled data from placebo-controlled trials including over 8,100 patients, dry mouth was reported by 13% of duloxetine-treated patients versus 5% of placebo-treated patients 1
• Dry mouth appears to be dose-dependent, with higher rates occurring at higher doses 1
• The severity is typically mild to moderate rather than severe 3

Risk Factors

Some demographic factors may influence the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth with duloxetine:

• Women may experience higher rates of duloxetine-associated dry mouth than men (13.1% vs. 10.4%) 3
• Caucasians may have a higher incidence of dry mouth compared to non-Caucasians (13.2% vs. 11.0%) 3

Management of Duloxetine-Induced Dry Mouth

If you experience dry mouth while taking duloxetine, consider these management strategies:

• Stay well-hydrated
• Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco which can worsen dry mouth
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash
• Consider artificial saliva products if symptoms are bothersome

Other Common Side Effects of Duloxetine

In addition to dry mouth, other common side effects of duloxetine include:

• Nausea (most common at 23%) 1
• Headache (14%) 1
• Somnolence/sleepiness (10%) 1
• Fatigue (9%) 1
• Insomnia (9%) 1
• Constipation (9%) 1
• Dizziness (9%) 1
• Decreased appetite (7%) 1
• Hyperhidrosis/increased sweating (6%) 1

Important Considerations

• Dry mouth is generally not a reason to discontinue duloxetine unless it causes significant discomfort
• The side effect profile should be weighed against the therapeutic benefits for your specific condition
• Dry mouth typically begins early in treatment and may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication
• If dry mouth is severe or particularly bothersome, consult with your healthcare provider about potential dose adjustments or alternative medications

Remember that while dry mouth is common with duloxetine, individual responses to medications vary. Your healthcare provider can help determine if the benefits of duloxetine outweigh this and other potential side effects in your specific situation.