Cymbalta (duloxetine) for anxiety: What you need to know

If you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, or believe you may have one, there are a few different medications that doctors may prescribe. One common treatment option is Cymbalta.

Whether you’re already taking Cymbalta for anxiety or you think you might benefit from taking it, this guide will tell you what you need to know about how Cymbalta works, how long it takes to work, and the side effects you should look out for.

What is Cymbalta and how does it work?

Cymbalta is a brand name for duloxetine, a medication that’s been approved by the FDA since 2004 to treat depression and anxiety, as well as other conditions. Other brand names for duloxetine include Irenka and Drizalma Sprinkle. Regardless of what it's called duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)—a type of medication that works by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. One of them is serotonin, which helps regulate mood and promotes good feelings. The other is norepinephrine, which helps with alertness and energy levels.  

Typically, after these neurotransmitters do what they’re supposed to, nerve cells reabsorb—or “reuptake”—them. SNRIs like Cymbalta block, or inhibit, that reuptake, keeping the serotonin and norepinephrine active in your brain, which can help you feel better emotionally.

What conditions does Cymbalta treat?

Cymbalta can help regulate chemical imbalances or a serotonin deficiency, and it has been clinically proven to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including

• ‍Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

If you have one of these conditions, or think you might, talking to a doctor is the right place to start. You can take our free online assessment to get matched with a psychiatrist to help get a diagnosis and/or treatment.

Off-label uses

Doctors also prescribe duloxetine for off-label uses. If a doctor prescribes a drug for an off-label use, it’s because the drug has shown some success as a potential treatment for a specific condition despite not being the primary use for that drug. For Cymbalta, these include:

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Osteoarthritis pain ‍
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Social phobia or social anxiety disorder

How long does it take Cymbalta to work?

If you’re taking duloxetine for anxiety or depression, it usually takes between 2-4 weeks to begin noticing the effects. It can take up to 4-6 weeks to see the maximum benefits of a particular dose of Cymbalta. (If you’re using it for nerve pain, it may take longer to work.) This varies from person to person and the exact dosage of Cymbalta prescribed. Like many other antidepressants, it may not work right away. But that’s no reason to skip out on treatment.  

Even if you don’t notice its effects, stopping antidepressant medications, like Cymbalta, can lead to withdrawal symptoms or cause serotonin syndrome, which can have serious affects on your health. Keep in contact with your psychiatrist and let them know if your symptoms aren’t improving. They can help with adjust dosage adjustments or changes to your medication.  

Potential side effects of Cymbalta

Like any medication, Cymbalta and other duloxetine products may cause side effects. Most people (90%) have no side effects or very minor ones, which can be resolved by adjusting the dose with your doctor.  

Common side effects

These are typically short-lived and improve with time. They can also be treated if they persist.

• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased blood pressure
• Urinary retention
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Diminished appetite and weight loss
• Diminished interest in sex, or sexual dysfunction, including difficulty maintaining an erection or reaching orgasm  

Serious side effects

In rare cases, you may experience more adverse effects from taking this medication.You should call 911 or go to the ER right away if you experience any of the following:

• Seizures
• Yellowing in the whites of your eyes, which may be a sign of liver issues
• Hypomanic symptoms like hallucinations, bursts of sudden anger or euphoria, excitement, extreme agitation or irritability and  restlessness  
• Worsening suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm

Some people are allergic to duloxetine and, in extreme cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction. If you’re having trouble breathing, breaking out into hives, or feeling a tightness in your throat, go to the ER right away.

Cymbalta vs. other medications

Other common SNRIs used to treat anxiety and depression include Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) and Effexor (venlafaxine). These medications come in different doses, have slightly different side effects, and can be used to treat different symptoms. For instance, Pristiq, and Effexor may raise your blood pressure while duloxetine may worsen existing liver problems. If you’re worried about any specific side effects or have allergies, always remember to tell your doctor. They’ll guide you through your options based on any concerns you have.

SSRIs are another class of antidepressant that can also help with anxiety. They’re prescribed more often because they tend to be less likely to cause side effects than some SNRIs. Common SSRIs include Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline).

Related article: Cymbalta vs Lexapro

Your psychiatrist will help you choose between the different types of anxiety and depression medication. Some medications have interactions, and a health care provider will take that into account when discussing your treatment options. Make sure to tell them about any medical conditions you may have and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding to narrow down treatment options to what is best in your situation.

Is Cymbalta good for depression and anxiety?

Cymbalta is an antidepressant that can effectively regulate your serotonin and norepinephrine levels to help minimize your anxiety symptoms and get you on your way to feeling better. If you’re struggling with anxiety and think Cymbalta can help with your symptoms of depression or anxiety, reach out to a medical health professional. Talkiatry can help connect you with a licensed psychiatrist to help you get a diagnosis and treatment plan. The first step is completing our short free online assessment to schedule your first visit.  

The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.