Does Cymbalta Cause Weight Gain?

Gaining weight is something many people try to avoid. This is especially true as overweight and obesity are becoming more common health conditions. Excess body weight can also raise the risk of health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Several factors can contribute to weight gain, including diet, physical activity levels, and underlying health conditions. Weight gain is also a possible side effect of several medications, including Cymbalta (duloxetine).

Cymbalta actually tends to cause some weight loss at the beginning of treatment. But taking higher doses (60 mg twice a day), or taking lower doses over a longer period of time (1 year or longer), can lead to weight gain. For most people, the amount of weight gain from Cymbalta is minimal, but it can still be bothersome.

Cymbalta overview

Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It’s taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. It can treat several health conditions, including: 

• Depression

• Anxiety 

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain from diabetes)

• Fibromyalgia

• Long-term muscle pain

SNRIs are a class of antidepressant medications. They work by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers in the brain. This enhances the effects from these chemical messengers, which can help regulate mood and relieve certain types of pain.

Healthcare professionals often prescribe Cymbalta for adults. But they can also prescribe it to treat anxiety in kids ages 7 and older and fibromyalgia in teens ages 13 and older.

Does Cymbalta cause weight gain?

It depends. Cymbalta’s labeling lists both weight gain and weight loss as possible side effects.

Research suggests that timing may play a role. For instance, in one study, people experienced weight loss in the short term, but weight gain became more common with long-term use. This is reported among those taking Cymbalta for more than a year. Another study found a similar pattern: Modest weight loss during the first 5 months of treatment, followed by gradual weight gain over the remainder of the 2-year study.

Results can also depend on what other medications you’re taking. For example, one study looked at veterans taking at least 60 mg of Cymbalta (duloxetine) per day. Those who also took Lyrica (pregabalin) for nerve pain gained weight. But people who took Cymbalta by itself reported losing weight.

Can Cymbalta cause weight loss?

As mentioned, adults taking Cymbalta may experience some weight loss during the first few months. This likely stems from side effects such as decreased appetite and nausea. But, after adjusting to the medication, weight gain becomes more likely.

Weight loss may be more likely among children taking Cymbalta. In several 10-week studies of children with depression and anxiety, between 14% and 16% of those taking Cymbalta lost weight. Weight gain isn’t listed as a reported side effect for children in Cymbalta’s labeling. The manufacturer recommends regularly monitoring weight for children taking this medication.

How much weight will you gain while taking Cymbalta?

Again, it depends. In one of the studies mentioned above, people gained about 2.5 lbs after a year of taking high-dose Cymbalta (40 mg to 60 mg twice a day). People taking lower doses didn’t report significant weight changes. In another of the above studies, people gained about 5 lbs to 7 lbs over 1 to 2 years of taking Cymbalta.

Authors from both studies noted that weight gain is also associated with depression, especially when symptoms aren’t managed well. So it’s possible weight gain isn’t from the medication itself.

Can you prevent weight gain from Cymbalta?

Yes, Cymbalta weight gain is preventable in some cases.

There are some things you can do to help combat weight gain while taking Cymbalta:

• Eat a nutritious diet: Your diet can have a big impact on your body weight. If you’re eating a high-calorie diet without exercising, this could cause weight gain on its own. Eating a balanced diet can help manage your weight.

• Get regular exercise: Staying active has lots of health benefits, including weight loss. You may not see an immediate effect on your body weight from exercising, but staying consistent can help keep your weight in its target range. Talk with a healthcare professional about what type of exercise might be best for your health.

• Improve sleep quality: A good night’s sleep doesn’t just keep you energized throughout the day; quality sleep can also help you manage your weight. Optimized sleep habits can help you manage cravings and boost your activity levels.

It’s also possible that you might still experience weight gain from Cymbalta, even if you’re taking steps to avoid gaining weight. You can always talk with a healthcare professional about your concerns. They can help you determine other ways to help with managing weight.

If you gain weight while taking Cymbalta, can you lose it?

Yes, you can lose weight you may have gained while taking Cymbalta. Generally, the amount of weight gain from Cymbalta is low. So, you may be able to lose any weight gained by making positive and thoughtful lifestyle changes.

It’s also possible that you could lose weight by stopping Cymbalta. But this may not always be the best option for everyone. Cymbalta can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Always check with your healthcare team before stopping a medication you’ve been prescribed.

What other side effects are common with Cymbalta?

We’ve already talked about weight gain and weight loss. But Cymbalta also has other possible side effects.

The most common side effects of Cymbalta include:

• Nausea

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Feeling tired

• Trouble sleeping

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Decreased appetite

• Excessive sweating

• Stomach pain

• Low sex drive

Rare and possibly serious Cymbalta side effects include:

• Suicidal thought or behaviors

• Liver damage

• Low blood pressure and a higher risk of falls

• Serotonin syndrome

• Severe skin reactions

• Low sodium

• Worsening of glaucoma

• Seizures

• Increased risk of bleeding

If you think you’re experiencing a side effect from Cymbalta, let your healthcare team know. Some side effects may go away over time. But others might need treatment or medical attention.

Are there other SNRIs that don’t cause weight gain?

Many antidepressant medications can cause weight gain. But when it comes to SNRIs, the risk is usually lower. Other SNRIs include:

• Effexor XR (venlafaxine)

• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

• Savella (milnacipran)

• Fetzima (levomilnacipran)

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) has a relatively low risk for weight gain, especially at the start of treatment. That said, weight changes can still happen — especially with long-term use — so it’s a good idea to check in with your prescriber if you notice any unexpected changes.

Pristiq is generally considered weight-neutral, meaning most people don’t gain or lose much weight from it. Savella and Fetzima (levomilnacipran) have been linked to small amounts of weight loss in some studies.

If you’re wondering if switching to a different SNRI may help you, talk with a healthcare professional.

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Written by:

Jenna Clayton, PharmD

Jenna Clayton, PharmD, earned her doctorate from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. There, she gained experience in a variety of settings, including community, hospital, and long-term care.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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