{"id":59757,"date":"2023-08-08T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T13:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59757"},"modified":"2025-11-06T12:58:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:58:11","slug":"foods-to-avoid-while-taking-cymbalta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/foods-to-avoid-while-taking-cymbalta\/","title":{"rendered":"Are there foods to avoid when taking Cymbalta?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cymbalta (<\/span>duloxetine<\/span><\/a>) is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It\u2019s used to treat <\/span>depression and anxiety as well as chronic pain conditions<\/span><\/a> like fibromyalgia and nerve pain caused by diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SNRIs <\/span>work similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors<\/span><\/a> (SSRIs), but they also increase the amount of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain (SSRIs only increase serotonin). Because SNRIs like Cymbalta increase serotonin and norepinephrine, they interact differently with some foods and medicines. There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications\u2014as well as some foods and herbal supplements\u2014you should avoid combining with this antidepressant. Here\u2019s how Cymbalta works and what you should not mix with it.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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How Cymbalta works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cymbalta blocks the reuptake, or absorption, of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin in the body\u2014effectively increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine\u2014says <\/span>Joanna Lewis<\/span>, Pharm.D., founder of <\/span>The Pharmacist\u2019s Guide<\/span>. Both of these neurotransmitters, she adds, <\/span>can play a role in depression<\/span>. Increasing them may positively impact mood, alertness, energy, and other common depression symptoms. These beneficial effects can happen within the first two weeks of taking Cymbalta, increasing over the next four to eight weeks, she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Lewis<\/a> says Cymbalta’s role in relieving nerve pain is less clear. Some <\/span>data show<\/span><\/a> an imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine in central pain pathways plays a role in pain sensitivity. Cymbalta\u2019s ability to increase the amount of these neurotransmitters in the body may be able to decrease nerve pain, says Dr. Lewis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>review of studies<\/span><\/a>, for example, indicated that Cymbalta is a safe and effective drug for treating neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Foods to avoid while taking Cymbalta<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are many documented drug interactions with Cymbalta but no known food interactions, according to <\/span>Inna Melamed<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., functional medicine practitioner and author of <\/span>Digestive Reset<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, you should still monitor the amount of certain beverages you consume, like alcohol and coffee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drinking a lot of coffee (or other caffeinated beverages) with Cymbalta can increase duloxetine levels, which increases the risk of <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a>, says Dr. Melamed. This rare but potentially severe, life-threatening drug reaction may occur when serotonin levels are too high.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to cut out coffee completely, but you should limit your overall caffeine intake to avoid adverse effects\u2014and apply the same rule to how much alcohol you drink. If you drink caffeinated beverages or moderate amounts of alcohol, speak with your healthcare provider about a safe amount.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCymbalta can affect the liver, [so when combined with alcohol], it can produce a double negative effect,\u201d Dr. Melamed says. It can increase the likelihood of liver problems, including liver damage. The <\/span>prescribing information<\/span><\/a> recommends that people who drink a substantial amount of alcohol should not take Cymbalta.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5 Cymbalta interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Since duloxetine increases norepinephrine and serotonin levels, there are medications you may need to avoid or be careful taking with Cymbalta. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements so they can check for possible drug interactions. When taking Cymbalta, do not start any new medications unless your doctor approves.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. NSAIDs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cymbalta carries a risk of increased bleeding<\/span><\/a>, says Dr. Melamed. Combining duloxetine with common NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen can increase this risk since <\/span>NSAIDs also are associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Talk to your prescribing healthcare provider about the risks of taking NSAIDs with Cymbalta\u2014you may be instructed to take other pain relievers, like <\/span>Tylenol (acetaminophen)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Other antidepressants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many people take a combination of antidepressants for various medical conditions. You may take a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) like <\/span>nortriptyline<\/span><\/a> to prevent migraines and an SNRI like <\/span>Cymbalta for anxiety<\/span><\/a>. This combination can cause serotonin syndrome, but you can take steps to minimize your risk of a drug reaction, like <\/span>taking a lower dose of one drug<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>knowing the signs of serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most other <\/span>antidepressant medications<\/span><\/a>, including SSRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs, increase serotonin levels. Taking Cymbalta, which also increases serotonin, with other antidepressants should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n

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