Cymbalta Weight Gain: Everything You Need to Know

What Is Cymbalta (Duloxetine)?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is an FDA-approved antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and pediatric patients over the age of seven. The antidepressant works by boosting the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, working to improve symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and other mood changes.¹

Why Does Cymbalta Cause Weight Gain?

Many people who take antidepressants report experiencing either weight gain or loss. However, studies suggest that weight gain is more likely for long-term users. However, how Cymbalta affects a person is greatly influenced by how the antidepressant reacts with their body. More research is needed to know exactly how Cymbalta impacts weight in the long-term.

Cymbalta works by regulating serotonin levels in the brain, which play a positive role in improving mood and anxiety. Cymbalta can influence metabolism or appetite, leading to one overeating or experiencing decreased metabolic function. This may result in weight gain and possibly an increased craving for high amounts of processed foods.²

Cymbalta has also been noted in clinical trials to cause weight loss, particularly in pediatric patients. In clinical trials of adults treated with Cymbalta, less than 1% of patients experienced weight gain or weight loss.

Do Other Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

Cymbalta belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which increase the chemical activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Similar to other antidepressants, like Celexa and Zoloft, Cymbalta has been associated with slight weight gain when used long-term. It is important to consult with your doctor about which medications are less likely to result in weight gain for you.

Other Reasons for Weight Gain on Cymbalta

Because Cymbalta may influence a person’s appetite and metabolism, one may either gain or lose weight while taking the drug. However, depression may result in similar results, as symptoms can lead to emotional eating, decrease physical activity, or increased fatigue.⁴Therefore, those with depression may have a higher chance of experiencing weight gain.⁵

Ways to Manage Cymbalta Weight Gain

Experiencing weight gain when taking Cymbalta can be worrying for some. However, there are practical ways you can address this side effect. It is essential to consult with your doctor in order to understand other factors that can put you at risk of weight gain while taking the antidepressant medication.

Here are ways to manage weight gain while taking Cymbalta:

• Maintain a healthy diet: Healthy foods are rich in nutrition and lower in calories, making them suitable for managing weight gain.
• Work with a dietician: A dietician can help you manage your caloric intake and implement healthy eating habits.
• Engage in regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity has been associated with both mental and physical benefits.
• Eat more mindfully: When you eat mindfully, you purposefully slow down and focus on the food you are enjoying. This can be helpful when trying to eat less and manage weight gain.
• Adjust medication doses: Different people require different dosages of a medication in order to benefit from them.
• Switch your prescription: While some antidepressants are typically associated with weight gain, others are not. Talk with your doctor about other alternatives.

Other Side Effects of Cymbalta

Cymbalta can result in other side effects apart from weight gain. However, it can also result in more serious effects that require immediate medical attention. Be sure to alert your healthcare team of any significant changes in your well-being and physical health.

Common side effects of Cymbalta may include:¹

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Sexual problems
• Increased blood pressure

Serious side effects of Cymbalta that may require immediate medical attention include:¹

• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome
• Low salt levels
• Manic episodes
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Discontinuation syndrome
• Angle-closure glaucoma:
• Sexual dysfunction

Alternatives to Cymbalta if Experiencing Weight Gain

While some antidepressants like Cymbalta frequently cause weight gain, certain antidepressant medications such as Prozac (fluoxetine) more commonly result in weight loss. If you are experiencing sudden weight gain while taking Cymbalta, your doctor may prescribe Prozac as an alternative.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Cymbalta Side Effects

Before taking any antidepressant, you must consult with your doctor. If you are worried about the side effects of Cymbalta, you can ask your health practitioner about how long you may be affected by them.

Questions to ask your care team about Cymbalta include:

• How can I tell Cymbalta is causing my weight gain?
• How long does weight gain last?
• Am I at risk of increased weight gain if I am taking other medications?
• Will a previous history of weight gain make me more susceptible?
• What is the best dosage for me?
• When should I reach out to you about any weight gain?
• Are there other medications that may affect my weight less?
• What are the effects of mixing Cymbalta with alcohol?
• What are the best ways to manage Cymbalta weight gain?

Final Thoughts

Because everyone is different, taking Cymbalta may result in various side effects in users. However, if you are unhappy with the drug’s side effects, you can consult with your doctor to identify alternatives or make healthy lifestyle changes to manage weight gain.