Call Now (888) 229-7989
Soba New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab Logo
Client Portal
Verify Insurance

Mixing Cymbalta and Alcohol: Risks and Considerations

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuJune 24, 2024
Written by
On June 24, 2024

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Cymbalta is the brand name of the drug duloxetine, which is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
  • The prescription medication is effective for treating depression and anxiety but does have some side effects to be aware of.
  • Combining Cymbalta and alcohol increases your risk of liver damage and can worsen your symptoms of depression.
  • If you are struggling to limit or manage your alcohol intake, seek medical advice to learn about treatment options.

Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. This medication is associated with some side effects to be aware of. While most common side effects are not concerning, rare ones can have serious health consequences. You should not drink alcohol while taking Cymbalta as this can increase your risk for serious health complications, including liver damage and suicidal ideation.

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is the brand name of duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).[1] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2004 to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also approved to treat nerve pain caused by diabetes, chronic muscle and joint pain, and fibromyalgia.

Side Effects of Cymbalta

Cymbalta has some common side effects that, while they can be bothersome, are not life-threatening. Common side effects of Cymbalta include: [2]

  • ​​Drowsiness
  • Nausea, indigestion, constipation, changes in appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Increased sweating
  • Weight gain
  • Urinary retention
  • Sexual dysfunction

Cymbalta has some rare but serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:[3]

  • Pounding or fluttering heartbeats
  • High blood pressure
  • Feeling light-headed, like you might pass out
  • Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
  • Vision changes
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Liver problems: upper stomach pain on the right side, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
  • Low blood sodium: headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady
  • Manic episodes: racing thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, risky behaviors, being agitated or extremely talkative.

Risks and Factors of Cymbalta and Alcohol

It’s generally not recommended to drink while taking Accutane. Combining alcohol with the medication may increase the risk of liver damage and other adverse effects from alcohol/Accutane interactions.[3]

Accutane itself can affect liver function, and alcohol can exacerbate this effect, potentially leading to liver toxicity. Additionally, both Accutane and alcohol can cause dryness and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, which may be worsened when combined.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your treatment, it’s advisable to abstain from alcohol consumption while on Accutane. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding medication use and alcohol consumption.

How Can I Lessen the Risks if I Choose to Drink While on Accutane?

Cymbalta has some risk factors that can all be worsened when Cymbalta is combined with alcohol. You should not drink alcohol if you are taking Cymbalta. Drinking Alcohol while taking Cymbalta can have serious health consequences.

Liver Damage

If you have liver disease, liver failure, or renal dysfunction, you should not take Cymbalta.[4] There are instances where taking Cymbalta has resulted in liver injury, including jaundice. This risk is increased even more if you drink alcohol while taking Cymbalta, as alcohol can also damage your liver.

Depression

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, while Cymbalta is an antidepressant. If you drink while taking Cymbalta, you are counteracting its benefits and limiting its ability to treat your depression. Depression can also increase your risk for alcohol use or other substance use disorders, especially if you are using them to self-medicate your depression.

For example, some people with depression have difficulties falling asleep and use alcohol to help fall asleep. While it will help you fall asleep, it interferes with your sleep quality, making it counterproductive to drink to improve sleep. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having difficulties cutting back or stopping your alcohol consumption.

Suicidal Ideation

Some people have suicidal thoughts and behaviors when they begin taking Cymbalta, their dose is adjusted, or they discontinue Cymbalta. Be alert to any changes in your mood or symptoms.[5] Report any worsening or new symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Symptoms to be particularly aware of include mood and behavior changes, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, self-harm thoughts or behaviors, and symptoms of mania, including aggressiveness, hyperactivity, restlessness, irritability, agitation, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in risky behaviors. Drinking alcohol while taking Cymbalta can increase your risk for changes in thoughts and behaviors.

Other Risks of Cymbalta and Alcohol

Alcohol and medications individually affect people differently, just as they do when combined. Other adverse effects of combining Cymbalta and alcohol include:[6]

  • Drowsiness: Combining alcohol and Cymbalta can increase your drowsiness, making it difficult to stay awake or complete tasks that require alertness.
  • Dizziness: Combining Cymbalta and alcohol can increase your risk of experiencing dizziness. Dizziness can increase your risk of fainting and falls, leading to other possible accidents or injuries. If you experience dizziness, avoid getting up too fast from sitting or lying down.

Other Risks with Cymbalta

There are a few other rare but serious health risks associated with Cymbalta. Being aware of these allows you to talk to a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms associated with these conditions.

  • Abnormal Bleeding: Some people bruise and bleed more easily when taking Cymbalta. [7] This is due to Cymbalta impairing platelet aggregation. If you are using anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication, you may wish to consider taking an alternative antidepressant to Cymbalta.
  • Serotonin Syndrome: Certain drugs can interact with Cymbalta and result in an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.[8] Serotonin syndrome occurs when too much serotonin builds up in the body. This may be due to taking an antidepressant at too high a dose or combining other drugs or medications with your antidepressant. Mild symptoms of serotonin syndrome include diarrhea, headache, and goosebumps. Severe symptoms include high fever, seizures, and unconsciousness. Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening if not treated.

Combining Cymbalta and Alcohol

Due to the potential for numerous serious health conditions, Cymbalta and alcohol should not be taken together. Combining the two has less serious risks but can still have serious results. For example, while drowsiness is not life-threatening, driving while drowsy could be fatal.

If you are struggling to limit your alcohol intake or believe you or a loved one may have alcohol use disorder, talk to your healthcare provider who may suggest alcohol rehab. Many people struggle with their levels of alcohol consumption. Your healthcare provider is there to support your well-being and help you find treatment options to live life fully.

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

Alcohol Addiction Resources

Begin Your Journey

The help you need is just a step away. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.

Get In Touch

Frequently Asked Questions about Cymbalta and Alcohol

Yes, you can experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Cymbalta abruptly.[9] You should work closely with your healthcare provider to create a plan to wean off of Cymbalta should you need to stop taking it to limit or eliminate the number of withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

Do not stop taking your Cymbalta so that you can drink. Antidepressants require you to take them daily to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your system for them to work effectively. Stopping or pausing Cymbalta to drink can worsen your depression and anxiety. Stopping Cymbalta suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms.

Drinking while taking Cymbalta can worsen your depression and anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant and can lower the effectiveness of the Cymbalta.

Check with your healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter pain relief medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Combining Cymbalta with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can have a drug interaction that causes people to bruise or bleed easily.

Cymbalta can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Until you know how your body reacts to taking Cymbalta, you should avoid driving or participating in any hazardous activity.

Alcohol should be avoided while you are taking Cymbalta due to the increased health risks, including liver damage.

If you take Cymbalta and drink alcohol, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can discuss the risks with you of combining alcohol and Cymbalta. Your healthcare provider can make recommendations to reduce your alcohol use; this may include seeking alcohol addiction treatment.

There Is A Better Way To Live. It's Time To Get The Help You Deserve.

Take the first step in getting your life back. Speak with our admissions team today.
Explore Programs

[1,4,7,9] Dhaliwal, J. S. (2023, May 29). Duloxetine. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/ on 2024 June 28.

[2] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018, January 8). Duloxetine. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548820/ on 2024 June 28.

[3,5] Drugs.com. (2023, November 22). Cymbalta uses, dosage, side effects & warnings. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/cymbalta.html on 2024 June 28.

[6] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Harmful interactions. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines on 2024 June 28.

[8] Mayo Clinic (2022) Serotonin Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/serotonin-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354758 on 2024 June 28

Your Recovery Can Start Now. Contact Soba NJ Today

If you are ready to take the first step toward a new life free from substances, we are here to answer any questions and help you begin your recovery journey.

Reach Out To Get Started
© All Rights Reserved 2024. Soba New Jersey. SEO by DIGITECH .

Call Now

(888) 229-7989