Health & Wellness

13 Foods to Avoid while Taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Many of you must be curious about foods to Avoid while Taking Cymbalta. If you’ve been prescribed a medication like Cymbalta (duloxetine) for depression or anxiety, it’s essential to consider how your diet can affect its effectiveness and overall well-being.

While we often focus on taking the medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes, don’t forget that certain foods can interact with the drug or worsen its side effects.

This article explores the foods to avoid while taking Cymbalta. You can manage your diet more safely while taking Cymbalta if you know how particular foods may affect the medication’s effectiveness and reduce possible adverse effects.

In This Article

  1. Foods to Avoid while Taking Cymbalta

Foods to Avoid while Taking Cymbalta

Here we have listed what foods interact with Cymbalta

Foods to Avoid while Taking Cymbalta

1. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice

Cymbalta foods to avoid are Grapefruit and grapefruit juice. It can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications, including Cymbalta. It’s true! Grapefruits contain compounds called furanocoumarins which inhibit an enzyme in your body called cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4).

This enzyme is responsible for breaking down many medications in the body. Consumption can lead to increased levels of medicine in your bloodstream. So if you take any medication like Cymbalta that CYP3A4 breaks down, make sure to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking its juice.

2. Alcohol

If you take Cymbalta and alcohol together, it can lead to some severe side effects like increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Plus, when taking them together, there is a risk of liver damage or worsening pre-existing conditions.

Combining alcohol with cymbalta medication used for depression and anxiety may counteract the intended effects of the medicine, so be careful when mixing these two substances!

3. Fermented Foods

Did you know that fermented foods contain a compound called tyramine? Tyramine is produced during the fermentation process and can cause an increase in blood pressure.

It’s important to note that while Cymbalta itself does not have a direct interaction with tyramine, it is possible that consuming high amounts of tyramine-rich foods could lead to a hypertensive crisis in individuals taking certain medications which inhibit the breakdown of this compound. So monitor your intake if you take any medicines like Cymbalta!

4. Spicy Foods

It’s essential to be mindful of our foods if we take certain medications. Suppose you’re on Cymbalta and prone to gastrointestinal issues. In that case, limiting or avoiding spicy foods might be a good idea as they contain compounds like capsaicin that can irritate your digestive system and trigger symptoms. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

5. Excessive Salt Intake

Excessive salt intake is not advised when taking Cymbalta due to the potential to increase blood pressure. Since Cymbalta can already raise blood pressure as a side effect, consuming too much salt could further contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure).

High Blood Pressure can adversely affect our health, so it’s best to limit our salt intake to keep our BP levels at an optimal level.

6. Artificial Sweeteners

You may have heard that artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe to consume, but it’s essential to be aware of potential sensitivities or reactions some people may experience.

Suppose you take Cymbalta for anxiety or depression and notice any adverse effects like increased anxiety or nervousness after consuming artificial sweeteners. In that case, avoiding them or limiting your intake is best.

7. Caffeine

Foods not to eat with Cymbalta is Caffeine. It can affect the same neurotransmitters as Cymbalta, and this combination may lead to increased stimulation or agitation. It could also exacerbate anxiety or restlessness, so limiting caffeine intake is best if you’re taking Cymbalta.

Additionally, consuming too much caffeine late in the day can disrupt sleep patterns already affected by this antidepressant medication – so moderation is key here!

8. Soy products

I wanted to let you know that while soy products aren’t known for having a direct interaction with Cymbalta, there is some evidence suggesting that it can interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

This is because soy contains compounds called isoflavones which inhibit enzymes responsible for drug metabolism in our bodies. So if you’re taking medication like Cymbalta and consuming large amounts of soy-based products, it may reduce the effectiveness of your medicine.

9. High-sugar foods

It’s essential to know that Cymbalta can affect your blood sugar levels. Overeating sugary food can cause rapid spikes in your blood sugar followed by a crash, which could worsen mood swings, fatigue or other symptoms.

10. High-fat foods

High-fat foods are recommended to be avoided when taking Cymbalta; it is essential to remember that these types of food can affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Too much fat might also worsen common side effects like stomach discomfort, nausea or diarrhea.

11. Processed Meats

I know we all love a good hot dog or sausage occasionally! However, it’s essential to be aware that processed meats like these are often high in sodium and contain preservatives and additives.

Some people may be sensitive to food additives such as MSG, nitrates or nitrites, leading to mood swings. This is especially important if you’re taking Cymbalta because the effects of the medication could interact with any potential side effects from eating processed meats.

12. Undercooked seafood

Just wanted to remind you that raw or undercooked seafood, such as fish and oysters, should be avoided while taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) due to the risk of bacterial contamination.

This isn’t just for those taking Cymbalta either – it’s a good idea for everyone to steer clear of these types of food items since they can harbour harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Vibrio, or E. coli, which can lead to nasty illnesses like gastroenteritis if ingested.

13. Allergenic Foods

I know that we all love to enjoy a variety of foods, but if you have any known food allergies or sensitivities, it’s essential to be aware and avoid those foods.

Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort to more severe conditions, so taking the time to identify and avoid these allergens is essential for your wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers-

Q. Does Cymbalta need to be taken with food?

Ans- You can take Cymbalta (duloxetine) with or without food, as your doctor prescribes. No special dietary restrictions are necessary to take Cymbalta. However, some may find that taking it with food lowers the possibility of nausea or upset stomach.

Q. Does Cymbalta cause a change in taste of food?

Ans- Yes, While taking Cymbalta, some people may notice a metallic aftertaste in their mouth or an overall change in their sense of taste. It’s essential to remember that not everyone will have this side effect, and for those who do, it might vary in severity.

Q. Can Cymbalta make you crave food?

Ans- Cymbalta (duloxetine) can affect some individuals’ appetites, leading to changes in hunger levels and food cravings. While not everyone will experience this side effect, it has been reported by some people taking Cymbalta.

In Closing

In conclusion, it’s essential to be aware of specific foods that may interact with Cymbalta or worsen its adverse effects while using either one.

No specific foods must be avoided at all costs when taking Cymbalta. However, using in moderation or making wise decisions to support the medication’s efficacy and general wellbeing is advised.

Be sure to read:

  1. Foods to Avoid while Taking Fosamax
  2. What Foods to Avoid While on Eliquis

References

  1. Duloxetine: a review of its use in the treatment of major depressive disorder
  2. Safety and adverse event profile of duloxetine
  3. Duloxetine-Associated Tachycardia

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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