Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is a prescription antidepressant medication used to treat many conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic joint pain, urinary incontinence in women, and more.
Cymbalta is from a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Serotonin and norepinephrine are natural chemical messengers that work in the brain and other parts of the body.
You may experience some side effects while taking Cymbalta, some of which can affect you in the bedroom.
Not everyone will experience this, but if you are on this medication, you should know the potential adverse effects and how to manage them.
This article will explain the possible side effects of Cymbalta sexually.
4 side effects of Cymbalta sexually
Research has shown that taking Cymbalta can cause sexual problems. Here are some of the possible side effects of Cymbalta sexually:
1) Lower sex drive (libido)
While taking Cymbalta, you may notice that you have less desire to have sex. The lack of interest in sex is due to the increase in serotonin.
Serotonin causes you to be calmer and improves depression. So, your sex drive may also be affected. This can affect both men and women.
2) Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection
Cymbalta can cause erectile dysfunction or impotence. This is when you find it difficult to have an erection or maintain it.
As a result, the penis cannot remain firm enough to have sex. This side effect can also occur with other antidepressant drugs.
Again, an increase in serotonin is the culprit. If you are suffering from depression, that may be another cause of your erectile dysfunction.
3) Orgasm problems
Orgasm dysfunction is a possible side effect of Cymbalta. You may find it difficult to reach an orgasm while taking duloxetine, or you may not experience orgasm at all.
4) Ejaculatory dysfunction
You may experience difficulty ejaculating during sexual activity. Or, you could ejaculate too soon during sex.
This is called ejaculatory dysfunction. Consult with your healthcare provider for advice on managing any related issues.
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Do the sexual side effects of Duloxetine go away?
The side effects of duloxetine may go away as your body adjusts to the drug if you keep taking it.
The symptoms may be minor. But for others, the symptoms may persist. If your symptoms do not go away, speak to your healthcare provider.
How long do the sexual side effects of Cymbalta last?
In some people, the side effects may go away after a few weeks. But more often, they may persist as long as you are on the medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the options available to help you.
How to manage the sexual side effects of Cymbalta
If you have any sexual issues while taking Cymbalta, talk to your healthcare provider. They may have some recommendations for you, such as:
Wait and see
Wait for some weeks and see if the symptoms will resolve. The side effects may gradually decrease in severity with time.
Change the timing of your medication
Try having sex before the time for you to take your medication. You may experience better results.
Communicate with your partner
Be open with your partner about your condition and seek solutions together. You will need your partner on board for the best results.
Adjust your Cymbalta dose
Your doctor may change the dosage of the Cymbalta to see whether the symptoms will get better.
Consider trying another medication
Consider adding or switching to another drug (antidepressant) that can neutralize the adverse effects you are experiencing. For instance, adding bupropion may help to reduce the side effects.
You could try taking another medicine that enhances sexual symptoms, like Viagra (sildenafil).
Medications such as sildenafil improve sexual function for men. However, for women, there is little data to prove that it is effective for sexual dysfunction.
It may take some time to find what option works best for you. Dealing with sexual dysfunction can take a toll on you.
Be patient and discuss your concerns with your doctor to come up with a solution that works best for you.
Other adverse effects of Cymbalta
Cymbalta can cause many other side effects aside from sexual dysfunction. Most of them are mild and usually go away as your body adjusts to the drug.
Some of the adverse effects of Duloxetine are:
- Nausea (most common)
- Feeling dizzy
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness or fatigue
- General body pain or muscle aches
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Increased risk of suicide
Be sure to report any persistent side effects that you experience to your doctor. Most will resolve themselves, but some may need some form of action.
Tell your doctor about any other drugs that you are currently taking. This is to prevent any drug interaction that could occur. If you are pregnant, let your doctor know immediately.
Take the drug only as prescribed for you.
Conclusion
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is a drug used to treat many conditions. These include depression, psychiatric disorders, mood disorders, chronic pain, and others.
Duloxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the body. This action may lead to undesirable side effects such as sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction can affect both men and women who are taking Cymbalta. If you are experiencing this, contact your doctor for some remedies.
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