Alcohol in the body works the opposite way of the drug and can worsen the situation. Since ethanol is a depressant, too, it can worsen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Because of the increased depression, the patient may end up experiencing more suicidal thoughts than usual. As a result, the patient might end up needing a different dosage to counter the depression.

Among many physical effects that originate in the interaction, Cymbalta and alcohol can also produce additional mental issues or worsen the person’s anxiety and depression. Cymbalta is a brand name for duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)prescribed to treat various conditions including anxiety and depression. Coffee may affect how your body absorbs antidepressant medication, which is used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding the morning beverage and/or caffeine if you take certain medications or suggest taking them separately from drinking coffee. Cymbalta is used to treat various conditions, including depression and anxiety.

Such patients can encounter a variety of social occasions when drinking is expected. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. If you are trying to stop drinking or if you have recently quit, talk to your doctor about whether Cymbalta might be an option. Some research suggests that duloxetine may be useful in lessening anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol intake, which may make it useful as a treatment during alcohol withdrawal. Drug interactions can sometimes heighten can you drink with cymbalta the unwanted side effects of each substance.

But, on the other hand, spirits are a known central nervous system depressant. That means that it may make the depression worse, even if it’s for short periods. So even though alcohol doesn’t lead to worsening of mental or motor impairment, it can end up canceling out the effects of the drug, or at the very least, decreasing its efficacy.

The research study also located that this decrease in drinking was likewise accompanied by a decrease in anxiety-related habits. Additionally, if you decide to drink alcohol in moderation while taking Cymbalta, you should do so only after you have been taking the drug for a while. This gives you time to understand how your body reacts to the drug and to find out which side effects you will have from it. If you must consume alcohol it is recommended that you only drink it in moderation. Moderate drinking is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Amounts equaling one drink vary by alcohol type — a beer equaling one drink is 12 ounces, red wine equaling one drink is 5 ounces, and a 100 proof liquor drink consists of a 1 ounce serving.

Taking Cymbalta and Alcohol Side Effects, Risks & Overdose

Moreover, it is known that liquors tend to worsen the existing symptoms of anxiety and depression or trigger their development. Therefore, their concurrent use with Duloxetine may subsequently lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Heavy drinking is usually defined as three or more alcoholic drinks per day. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.

• If you are thinking about trying Cymbalta for depression, anxiety, or other illness, discuss your options with your doctor.
• However, combining the two substances may contribute to a worsening of other side effects.
• Alcohol use disorders not only heighten the risk of adverse interactions but also pose challenges in managing mental health conditions effectively.
• This is generally more of a problem for people that are problem drinkers or who have a history of heavy or persistent alcohol abuse.
• However, as with many medications, it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions and risks when mixing it with other substances.

Before You Mix Cymbalta and Alcohol

Abrupt discontinuation of Duloxetine may result in discontinuation-emergent adverse events, of which dizziness was reported in 12% of patients. Other adverse events included nausea, headache, paresthesia, vomiting, irritability or nightmares, which were reported in less than 6% of patients 10. Drinking on duloxetine influences the production of the same chemicals in the brain and, hence, can amplify each other’s side effects while reducing the effectiveness of the antidepressant. Talk to your doctor about whether you can have an occasional drink while you’re on Cymbalta. If your doctor allows it, you should discuss how much is a safe amount of alcohol while you take this drug.

There will likely be no detrimental effect on your liver or cognition. These could be early signs of liver toxicity induced by duloxetine 13. You should seek medical advice immediately if you notice any of these unusual symptoms.

Duloxetine with Xanax

If you are taking any of the medications listed above, ask your healthcare provider if you should limit your coffee intake. They may recommend changing the time that you drink coffee or take your prescriptions, or they may also recommend avoiding coffee while taking the medication. At Granite Recovery Centers, we gravitate toward the proven 12-step model of treatment made popular by Alcoholics Anonymous. Similar to alcohol, Cymbalta also requires that the liver break it down. Once your body has processed the helpful elements of Cymbalta, the liver will eliminate the waste material. Since liver damage can also be caused by the use of this drug alone, combining it with alcohol overworks the liver and increases the potential for tissue damage.

Other Common Drug Interactions of Duloxetine

Cymbalta is a brand name for the drug duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRIs help boost the action of brain messenger chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine. Avoid MAOIs, some antidepressants, blood thinners, and certain pain meds while taking Cymbalta due to interaction risks. Certain antibiotics can interact with Duloxetine, leading to altered effectiveness and increased risk of side effects.

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Talk with a healthcare provider if you are unsure if coffee affects any of your medications. If you take several prescription medications, consider talking with a pharmacist. Alcohol can alter the way the body uses Cymbalta and can change the brain’s chemistry, causing an increase in depression, which creates a greater risk for suicidal tendencies. One of the main reasons that it’s not a good choice to mix Cymbalta and alcohol is because of the increased potential for creating liver damage. However, this risk is greatly increased when it is mixed with alcohol. Severe side effects such as stomach bleeding and permanent liver damage can occur as a result of consuming large amounts of alcohol with Cymbalta.

At Liberty Health Services, we are fully aware of the dangers of mixing alcohol and Cymbalta and what it takes to safely detox and recover. Our residential treatment center provides men and women with various types of therapy and medical support, including family therapy, for a well-rounded treatment experience. Clients will work with therapists and their peers in a safe, supervised environment where they will practice coping and communication skills and bond with their peers. However, esomeprazole may alter the absorption and effectiveness of duloxetine, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced therapeutic benefits. Combining duloxetine with Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safe. Yet, both medications are metabolized by the liver, and using them together over an extended period might increase the risk of liver damage.

When using Cymbalta with alcohol, there are anecdotal reports of patients having greater drunkenness and blackouts, although these adverse effects have not been well-researched. As prescribed by your doctor, take this medication by mouth 1–2 times daily with or without meals. Taking this medication with meals may help if you experience nausea. Do not chew, crush, or combine the capsule’s contents with anything other than water or food.

Combining them can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a severe condition with symptoms like agitation, confusion, tremors and rapid heart rate. There is a major interaction between Cymbalta (duloxetine) and alcohol in individuals with a history of substantial alcohol intake or abuse. There does not appear to be much of a risk with social drinkers (although caution is still advised).

Drinking a lot of caffeine could raise your levels of blood sugar and insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar). Drinking too much coffee could make it more difficult to manage your diabetes. Bronchodilators are asthma drugs that relax the airways and make breathing easier. Side effects of the medication include restlessness, racing heart, headache, and irritability. Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether. This website will help you find the resources, support, and community to create your own path.

Alcohol can affect the quality of your sleep, which can contribute to worsening depression. Alcohol can be a threat to your liver, especially if you drink too much. If you drink too much alcohol over a long period of time, your liver can become damaged. Be sure that you do not stop taking your antidepressant or change your dosage without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor can help you safely stop taking your medication by gradually lowering your dosage. Your doctor can also inform you about the potential dangers of mixing Cymbalta and alcohol.