Risks of Cymbalta and Alcohol

Cymbalta, which is also called Duloxetine, has become one of the preferred medications used by doctors throughout the world to treat both depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD. When prescribed for the right reasons and taken responsibly, this drug is effective for reducing and even eliminating symptoms but as with all medications, there are risks. One of the precautions has to do with Cymbalta and alcohol, a topic we want to address.

Common Uses

As mentioned, the two primary reasons that doctors prescribe Cymbalta include depression and GAD. However, experts within the medical field have discovered that this drug is also an effective treatment for various types of pain, as well as joint stiffness, muscle tenderness, and sleep disruption. For instance, Cymbalta is widely used to reduce neuropathy associated with Diabetes, pain experienced with Fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Cymbalta falls within a certain class of drug known as "selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors" or SSNRIs. The way this medication works is by boosting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two naturally-produced chemicals in the brain. With this, chemicals become balanced, thereby improving overall mental function and blocking pain signals.

Precautions and Potential Risks

Keep in mind that precautions and potential risks of Cymbalta and alcohol are different from common side effects. In other words, people prescribed this medication often experience one or more unpleasant side effects that range from something mild to include dry mouth and headache or quite severe such as blurred vision, confusion, and difficulty breathing, among other things.

Just as there is a list of side effects, there are specific precautions and potential risks. Some of these involve prescription drug and even certain supplement interactions, incorrect dosage, existing health problems and conditions, illicit drug abuse, and again, alcohol consumption. The main reason we felt it important to discuss Cymbalta and alcohol in particular is that many people do not understand what the risk is or that in some cases, just a single alcoholic beverage can be risky.

It is most important for an individual to be completely honest with the doctor, regardless if embarrassing. Remember, due to risk of Cymbalta and alcohol, a person needs to be open about drinking alcohol during the initial consultation. The concern is that this particular drug is hard on the liver, as is alcohol. Obviously, the greatest risk specific to Cymbalta and alcohol exists for someone who has a bona fide problem with drinking but there is also risk with occasional and mild alcohol consumption.

Simply put, taking Cymbalta with alcohol increases the risk for the liver to suffer serious damage. As long as the doctor knows about a person's alcohol consumption, the best decision can be made regarding the use of this drug. Based on individual's pattern of drinking, irreversible and even life-threatening liver damage can be avoided while depression and/or pain can be effectively and safely treated. The problem occurs when a doctor is unaware that a person even drinks.

The bottom line - someone who struggles with depression, General Anxiety Disorder, pain, stiffness, and/or a sleep disorder must reveal information pertaining to the consumption of alcohol. Based on that information, the medical professional can make an informed decision that is going to best serve the patient. However, even when the drug is prescribed, if an individual has any concerns there is the option of looking at other drugs.

In addition to gaining tremendous insight into risks of Cymbalta and alcohol that will be offered by the doctor, an individual can always find a wealth of information online. Even with a trusted physician, when a person gains knowledge there is a new sense of confidence. However, the majority of doctors who use Cymbalta to treat patients fully understand the pros and cons of the drug, which includes all the risks associated with Cymbalta and alcohol, as well as others. Because of this, they will prescribe this medication only when it is deemed safe.