Key Highlights:

• Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided while taking Cymbalta
  
• High-tyramine foods have not shown any interactions
  
• Some Mental health related  medications, and painkillers may interact with Cymbalta
  
• Supplements and herbal interactions must be considered
  
• Other factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions, vaccines, and lab tests may affect Cymbalta interactions

Introduction

If you are on Cymbalta (duloxetine), you know it is used in treating many health issues. As a patient, it is vital to know about food and drug interactions while using this medication. Right? This understanding may save you from nasty side effects and ensure it works well.

Let’s look at the different foods and substances to skip when on Cymbalta. We will also touch on drug interactions, supplement and herbal mix-ups, and other factors that matter. Bear in mind that everyone is unique, so you should talk to your Doctor before making big changes.

Foods to Avoid While Taking Cymbalta

Some foods and drinks aren’t a good match with Cymbalta. What are they? Let’s find out.

Alcohol

It is safer to avoid alcohol if you are on Cymbalta. Why? Because alcohol may magnify some drug side effects and may even lead to harmful interactions.

Combining alcohol with Cymbalta could cause:

• More drowsiness or tiredness
• Increase in depression symptoms
• Greater risk of liver damage

What could happen if you mix alcohol and Cymbalta?

• You could feel dizzy.
• You might vomit or feel sick.
• Your thinking or moving could be affected.

Caffeine

Keep tabs on how much caffeine you take. It may not directly interact with the drug, but it may impact Cymbalta’s efficacy and worsen side effects.

So, what does caffeine do to Cymbalta?

• Boost anxiety level which might hinder Cymbalta’s soothing effects.

How do you manage your caffeine intake?

• Drastically cut down on tea, coffee and energy drinks.
• Keep a daily record of caffeine intake.
• If you need to drink less caffeine, reduce it bit by bit.

Effects on High Blood Pressure

Cymbalta belongs to a group called SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). It may push up your blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure or history concerns should be closely watched by their healthcare provider while on Cymbalta. Your doctor may suggest medication adjustments due to possible complications.

High-Tyramine Foods

Even though Cymbalta isn’t a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), eating high-tyramine foods might stir up negative interactions. Although studies have not shown strong evidences to support this.

Relationship between MAOI and Cymbalta:

• Though Cymbalta isn’t an MAOI, it’s better to avoid excessive intake of high-tyramine foods if possible.

List of high-tyramine foods to avoid:

• Old cheeses
• Smoked or dry meats
• Pickled vegetables
• Fermented soy foods like soy sauce and tempeh
• Sauerkraut

Let’s get more details from the table below:

I want to emphasise that when prescribed to take Cymbalta, it is important to especially avoid drinking alcohol as it may potentially increase the risk of liver damage. Prioritising your health and adhering to your doctor’s recommendations will ensure the safest and most beneficial use of this medication.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Drug Interactions with Cymbalta

Interested in knowing the drugs that may clash with Cymbalta? Let’s find out. Remember to let your doctor know all drugs you take now or plan to take, to avoid interactions.

Mental Health Medications

Mixing Cymbalta with other mental health drugs may increase problems and side effects. Below are some examples:

• Antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline
• Mood balancers
• Anxiety medicines

What complications and side effects could occur?

• More risk of serotonin syndrome, leading to disturbance, fever, and fast heart rate
• Anxiety or mood-related side effects may increase

How to manage drug interactions?

• Consult your doctor about all medicines that you may be taking. 
• Do not self medicate

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs may not work well with Cymbalta. It could hike the risk of side effects and problems.

Possible risks and side effects:

• Ulcers or stomach bleeding could occur
• Existing kidney or liver issues could get worse

How to manage this interaction:

• Speak to your doctor before mixing Cymbalta with any NSAIDs
• Be careful when using NSAIDs for long or in large doses along with Cymbalta

Amphetamines

Amphetamines may not mix well with Cymbalta. More side effects and problems may occur.

What are the risks?

• More risk of side effects like faster heart rate, anxiety, and disturbance
• One or both medicine may not be as effective

Tips for managing this interaction:

• Discuss all drugs, including those based on amphetamine, with your health provider before you start Cymbalta
• Keep an eye on your response to both drugs and quickly report any odd signs to your health provider

Supplement and Herbal Interactions with Cymbalta

You need to know how supplements and herbs can interact with Cymbalta. So, always discuss all vitamins and minerals you’re taking with your doctor.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

No specific reports yet on vitamin or mineral ties with Cymbalta. Still, it’s safer to discuss all vitamins and minerals with your healthcare provider.

Herbal Supplements

Remember, some herbs may not mix well with Cymbalta. So, let your doctor know all herbal products you are taking. Below, we have more details in our table.

Some tips on safe herbal usage:

• Talk to your doctor about all herbal supplements you take or plan to take
• Monitor your reaction to any herbal supplement used along with Cymbalta

Here’s a brief of what we just discussed:

If you feel nauseous or sick while taking Cymbalta, I might advise you to stick to simple meals and avoid consuming heavy and spicy foods. Opting for simpler, easily digestible meals may help minimise digestive discomfort and promote overall comfort during your recovery or specific circumstances.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Other Factors Affecting Cymbalta Interactions

Vaccination status, laboratory tests, and health history can influence how Cymbalta interacts.

Vaccines

There are no known clashes between Cymbalta and vaccines. However, always speak with your doctor about vaccines during your Cymbalta treatment.

Lab Tests

As far as we know, there’s no tie between Cymbalta and lab tests. But, what if you need a lab test while on Cymbalta? Discuss with your doctor.

Health History Considerations

Your health history can affect how Cymbalta works. So always tell your doctor about your health past before you start Cymbalta. Things to consider include:

• Pregnancy or plans to conceive
• Liver or kidney disease
• Heart or blood vessel conditions
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Seizure disorders like epilepsy

Take a look at this summary table:

Conclusion

Now we know how Cymbalta interacts with food, beverage, drugs and more. Understanding this helps to ensure better health and full benefit of the medication. Always remember your unique needs and circumstances when taking medication. Hence, always check in with your healthcare professional before making any big changes.

While on Cymbalta, keep in touch with your doctor. Share details of other medications, supplements, or lifestyle habits that can influence your treatment. Your doctor can help spot potential interactions, adjustments, or alternatives for a healthier outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

References:

1. PubMed. Combination of pregabalin with duloxetine for fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26982602
2. ScienceDirect. Duloxetine and pregabalin: High-dose monotherapy or their combination? The “COMBO-DN study” – a multinational, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395913002856
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Black Box Warning [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538521