Cymbalta and Alcohol: Dangers of Mixing the Two Together
Duloxetine is an antidepressant, which means that it will work to help and try to get the patient to come out of the depressive state, and it does that well. But, on the other hand, spirits are a known central nervous system depressant. That means that it may make the depression worse, even if it’s for short periods. So even though alcohol doesn’t lead to worsening of mental or motor impairment, it can end up canceling out the effects of the drug, or at the very least, decreasing its efficacy. Alcohol in the body works the opposite way of the drug and can worsen the situation.
It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. In addition, Cymbalta may enhance your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and reduce nervousness. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors include Duloxetine (SNRI). This drug works by assisting in the brain’s natural chemical balances of serotonin and norepinephrine. Furthermore, the combination of Cymbalta and alcohol can worsen depressive symptoms.
- Certain supplements might interact with Duloxetine, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects.
- The combination of these two substances can serious side effects to occur.
- Duloxetine increases the risk of bleeding by blocking the serotonin transporter in platelets.
- Among many physical effects that originate in the interaction, Cymbalta and alcohol can also produce additional mental issues or worsen the person’s anxiety and depression.
- Awareness of these laws and consequences promotes responsible decisions about drinking and driving.
- Consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and make informed choices for your wellbeing.
Mental Health
You should never stop taking Cymbalta or any other medication abruptly without consulting with your doctor. If you experience side effects or have concerns, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Beyond the risk to the liver, the combination can exacerbate certain side effects. This can include heightened fatigue, excessive weakness, and even an increase in feelings of depression or anxiety.
How Many Beers to Drive Safely?
Many people feel stimulated and strengthened at low doses of alcohol and duloxetine. As prescribed by your doctor, take this medication by mouth 1–2 times daily with or without meals. Taking this medication with meals may help if you experience nausea. Do not chew, crush, or combine the capsule’s contents with anything other than water or food. This might cause the medicine to leak completely all at once, raising the possibility of negative effects.
If you’d prefer to chat online, you can chat with a suicide and crisis expert by visiting the Lifeline Chat. Alcohol is a depressant and can cause symptoms of depression or anxiety to become significantly worse. I’ll also talk about how Cymbalta may be used to help with alcohol withdrawal. If there’s ever any doubt about your ability to drive just don’t take the risk.
Duloxetine Drug Interactions: What Not To Take
If you were prescribed both medications, monitoring these symptoms closely with your healthcare provider is vital. It is not recommended that a patient taking Cymbalta take part in alcohol consumption. That is because of all the risks like extreme drowsiness, liver damage, decreased efficacy, and in some cases, syncope. In addition, every patient will have a slightly different reaction to taking the drug.
What are the consequences of exceeding the legal BAC limit?
After all, every time the liver has to filter something as strong as alcohol, some liver cells die, and taking Duloxetine could make matters worse for their overall health. Taking both substances together poses a “double danger” to the liver. While Cymbalta is often prescribed to treat depression, it can sometimes destabilize mood.
- Shannon has been with Gallus Medical Detox Centers since 2010 and is a vital part of our organization.
- However, when it comes to mixing such medications with alcohol, caution is paramount.
- Relationships can suffer, work performance may decline, and an individual’s overall quality of life can be greatly diminished.
- All liquors act as a depressant, canceling out the positive impact of Duloxetine.
- Alcohol may diminish the therapeutic benefits of Cymbalta, reducing its ability to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- The FDA reports that when Cymbalta and alcohol are taken so that their peak effects coincide, the use of Cymbalta did not worsen the motor or mental impairment caused by alcohol.
- Understanding this measurement helps you gauge your alcohol intake against safety guidelines.
Increased Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
It may also be prescribed off-label to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, lower back pain, and stress-related urinary incontinence. Ask your doctor about whether it’s okay for you to drink alcohol and take Cymbalta. Talk to your doctor about whether you can have an occasional drink while you’re on Cymbalta.
While not strictly prohibited, it’s wise to monitor your caffeine intake. Duloxetine can sometimes elevate blood pressure and excessive caffeine consumption may double this effect. If you are sensitive to caffeine or have a history of high blood pressure, consider reducing your intake. It’s vital to monitor blood pressure when how much alcohol can you drink on cymbalta undergoing Cymbalta treatment, as this antidepressant can raise blood pressure.
People with a history of liver problems or liver damage will have reduced metabolism of this medication. Your liver breaks down the substances you consume and removes toxins from your body. Because alcohol contains a number of toxins, chronic use can eventually overwork your liver and lead to liver damage. BAC is influenced by several key factors, including body weight, gender, the type of alcohol consumed, the rate of consumption, and whether food has been eaten. Understanding these factors helps individuals make safer choices when drinking.