Does Cymbalta (duloxetine) cause dizziness?

From the Guidelines

Dizziness is a common side effect of Cymbalta (duloxetine), and if you're experiencing it, you should consult your healthcare provider, as they may recommend taking the medication at bedtime or adjusting your dosage to manage this side effect. The dizziness often improves within 1-2 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. To manage this side effect, take Cymbalta with food, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, stay well-hydrated, and avoid alcohol which can worsen dizziness.

Key Points to Consider

• Dizziness is a common adverse effect of second-generation antidepressants, including Cymbalta, as reported in studies 1.
• The American College of Physicians recommends discussing adverse event profiles with patients before selecting a medication 1.
• Cymbalta affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can temporarily impact blood pressure regulation and inner ear function, causing dizziness.
• If dizziness is severe, persistent beyond several weeks, or accompanied by fainting or severe headaches, seek medical attention promptly as dosage adjustment or medication change may be necessary.

Management of Dizziness

• Take Cymbalta with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
• Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent orthostatic hypotension
• Stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration, which can worsen dizziness
• Avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate dizziness
• Consider taking the medication at bedtime if daytime dizziness is problematic It is essential to weigh the benefits of Cymbalta against the potential risks, including dizziness, and to closely monitor patients for any adverse effects, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Duloxetine delayed-release capsules may: increase your blood pressure. decrease your blood pressure when standing and cause dizziness or fainting, mostly when first starting duloxetine delayed-release capsules or when increasing the dose.

Common possible side effects in people who take duloxetine delayed-release capsules include: * dizziness

Common possible side effects in children and adolescents who take duloxetine delayed-release capsules include: * dizziness

Dizziness is a possible side effect of duloxetine delayed-release capsules, which may be caused by a decrease in blood pressure when standing, especially when first starting the medication or increasing the dose 2.

• Key points:
  • Dizziness is a common side effect in both adults and children/adolescents taking duloxetine delayed-release capsules.
  • It is essential to monitor blood pressure before starting and throughout treatment with duloxetine delayed-release capsules.
  • Patients should be cautious when operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that duloxetine delayed-release capsules therapy does not affect their ability to engage in such activities 2.

From the Research

Cymbalta and Dizziness

• Cymbalta, also known as duloxetine, is a medication used to treat major depressive disorder, among other conditions 3, 4, 5.
• Dizziness is a common side effect of Cymbalta, with studies indicating that it is one of the most frequently observed adverse events in patients taking the medication 5, 6.
• The exact mechanism of dizziness caused by Cymbalta is not fully understood, but it may be related to the medication's effects on serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain 4.
• In a retrospective pooled analysis of 23,983 subjects, dizziness was reported as a treatment-emergent adverse event in patients taking Cymbalta for various indications, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and fibromyalgia 6.

Evaluation and Management of Dizziness

• Dizziness is a common yet imprecise symptom that can be difficult to evaluate and manage 7.
• The evaluation of dizziness focuses on determining whether the etiology is peripheral or central, with peripheral etiologies usually being benign and central etiologies often requiring urgent treatment 7.
• The HINTS (head-impulse, nystagmus, test of skew) examination can help distinguish peripheral from central etiologies of dizziness 7.
• Laboratory testing and imaging are not required and are usually not helpful in the evaluation of dizziness 7.

Treatment of Dizziness Associated with Cymbalta

• There is no specific treatment for dizziness associated with Cymbalta, but patients may be advised to avoid standing up quickly or changing positions suddenly 5.
• In some cases, the dosage of Cymbalta may be adjusted or the medication may be discontinued if the dizziness is severe or persistent 3, 4.
• Patients experiencing dizziness while taking Cymbalta should be monitored closely for any changes in their condition and should report any concerns to their healthcare provider 6.