Is Mixing Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Alcohol Safe?

If you are taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) to treat depression or another mental health condition, it is important to avoid mixing your medication with alcohol. Taking Cymbalta and alcohol together can lead to potentially risky drug interactions and health complications, including liver damage, worsened side effects, anxiety, and depression.

This article discusses the potential risks of combining Cymbalta and alcohol, including who may have the highest risk of experiencing these effects.

What You Should Know About Cymbalta and Alcohol

Cymbalta is a brand name for duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)prescribed to treat various conditions including anxiety and depression.

Duloxetine also treats fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and chronic pain. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, lower back pain, and stress-related urinary incontinence.

This medication can have various effects on your body and may create unwanted side effects if you mix it with alcohol or other substances. If you are taking Cymbalta, it is crucial to know the potential side effects, interactions, and risks of mixing this medication with alcohol.

Can You Drink When Taking Cymbalta?

A concern with drinking when you are taking Cymbalta is the potential risk for liver damage. This is generally more of a concern for people who are heavy drinkers or who have a history of heavy or chronic alcohol abuse. 

That does not mean that there are no risks. Alcohol may contribute to increased mood-related symptoms or even interfere with your treatment.

If you are taking Cymbalta and want to know if having a drink or two is safe, talk to your doctor. Because they understand your situation and history, they can make recommendations based on your needs and health.

Your doctor can also inform you about the potential dangers of mixing Cymbalta and alcohol. These dangers are listed below.

Risk of Liver Damage

Both alcohol and Cymbalta can lead to liver damage. Taking these two substances together can heighten this risk.

Your liver breaks down the substances you consume and removes toxins from your body. Because alcohol contains a number of toxins, chronic use can eventually overwork your liver and lead to liver damage. Cymbalta has also been linked to liver damage.

According to the FDA's prescribing information for Cymbalta, the medication is not recommended for people who regularly consume alcohol. People with a history of liver problems or liver damage will have reduced metabolism of this medication.

Some signs of potential liver damage include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Worsening of Side Effects

Drug interactions can sometimes heighten the unwanted side effects of each substance. The FDA reports that when Cymbalta and alcohol are taken so that their peak effects coincide, the use of Cymbalta did not worsen the motor or mental impairment caused by alcohol. However, combining the two substances may contribute to a worsening of other side effects.

Common side effects of Cymbalta include:

• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
  

Increased Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

While Cymbalta is often prescribed to treat depression, it can sometimes destabilize mood. Combined with alcohol, it may also decrease the effectiveness of the medication. This can lead to a worsening of symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Some mood symptoms that might increase in severity as a result include:

• Changes in mood
• Changes in sleep
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Irritability
• Thoughts of suicide

While it may seem like alcohol can lead to improvements in mood in the short term, it likely will contribute to an increase in mood symptoms such as depression and anxiety over the long term.

If you are being treated for depression, the American Psychiatric Association recommends learning more about how reducing your alcohol intake may help improve your treatment outcomes.

Children, teens, and young adults may also experience increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly when they first start taking Cymbalta. Alcohol may heighten this risk if it is consumed while you are taking your medication.

Taking Cymbalta for Alcohol Withdrawal

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. 

If you are withdrawing from alcohol, however, you should never take Cymbalta or other medications containing duloxetine without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your health and guide you through the withdrawal process based on your unique needs and situation. 

After stopping Cymbalta, the medication may remain in your system for some time. You should talk to your doctor about when it might be safe to consume alcohol.

Before You Mix Cymbalta and Alcohol

If you are thinking about trying Cymbalta for depression, anxiety, or other illness, discuss your options with your doctor. Be sure to ask whether or not it is okay to drink or take other medications while you are taking Cymbalta.

You should also be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or substances that you are taking. Other substances that can interact with Cymbalta include other antidepressants, blood thinners, and St. John's wort.

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol during your initial treatment or suggest that you consume only small amounts of alcohol while taking the medication. Or they may recommend that you avoid it altogether based on your physical and mental health history.

A Word From Verywell

If you are taking Cymbalta or another type of antidepressant, it is always important to be aware of any risks you might face when consuming alcohol or taking other medications. Each medication is different, so don’t assume that because it was okay to drink when taking another antidepressant, it will also be alright to consume alcohol when taking something else.

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or want to reduce your consumption, your doctor can also help. Treating underlying conditions such as depression and anxiety can be helpful, but your doctor may also recommend additional treatments such as therapy or medications designed to help reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.