CYMBALTA: Five Patients Commit Suicide During Clinical Trials: U.S.A.

Submitted by Tyler Woods Ph.D. on Aug 22nd, 2009
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Cymbalta, generic name Duloxetine Hydrochloride, has certain side effects consumers should be aware of.

Cymbalta manufactured by Eli Lilly is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant used to treat major depression. It is prescribed to treat pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is a painful nerve disorder associated with diabetes that affects the hands, legs, and feet. Cymbalta has only recently been approved for use to treat fibromyalgia if people can tolerate Cymbalta’s side effects.

The drug works by preventing serotonin and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood-lightening effect of any released serotonin and noradrenaline, restoring balance to the emotions of the patient. Cymbalta may also be used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Among the more common Cymbalta side effects that users complain about is being fatigued even after a good night’s sleep. Blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and issues with both constipation and diarrhea, agitation, irritability, increased, hostility, high blood pressure, decreased libido, hot flashes, fatigue, rash, and increased sweating have also been reported.

While people say many of Cymbalta’s side effects are manageable, some users experience effects that are extremely frightening and potentially dangerous. Some patients found the drug tends to trigger heart palpitations and increase anxiety levels and elevate the severity suicidal thoughts or impulses.

A 19-year-old college student who had shown no outward signs of depression killed herself at an Eli Lilly & Company laboratory in Indianapolis where she had been participating in a company drug trial for the experimental antidepressant. Four other patients who were given the drug during earlier trials also committed suicide.

Anyone taking Cymbalta should understand that they can be at risk while driving, handling machines, or performing other hazardous activities such as working on tall ladders as it can cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Many people report that there were no Cymbalta side effects except for a lowered sexual drive and feel the drug gave them back their life. Like other antidepressants, Cymbalta should not be stopped suddenly if you have been on it for some time. Your brain receptors will adjust to it, and suddenly stopping can cause crying jags, agitation, dizziness, nausea, or headache. You should always talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to work out a plan to slowly decrease your medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

People are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit

www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References
New York Times
Drugs.com
Source:
Tyler Woods Ph.D.