Can You Take Cymbalta And Gabapentin Together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between Cymbalta and gabapentin.
Can I continue taking gabapentin if I’ve been prescribed Cymbalta?
Apr 27, 2022- It is generally safe to take gabapentin and Cymbalta together, as they are commonly prescribed in combination and the risk of serious interaction is very low for most people.
- Both medications are effective for nerve pain, and studies show that combining them works better than taking either drug alone.
- The most common side effect when taking these drugs together is drowsiness.
Hello and thank you for reaching out to us!
For most individuals, it is safe to take gabapentin and Cymbalta (duloxetine) together. In fact, they are commonly used in combination to treat certain conditions, like neuropathy (nerve-type pain).
There are some precautions, that I list below, but generally, they are of low risk. Nevertheless, as everyone's medical situation is unique, be sure to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Cymbalta With Gabapentin
As mentioned, Cymbalta and gabapentin are commonly prescribed together and the risk of a serious interaction is very low for most people.
Some 'drug interaction checkers' will list the following risks, however:
- Risk of low sodium levels
- Risk of decreased anti-convulsant activity
Low sodium levels, also referred to as 'hyponatremia', is a listed side effect of Cymbalta, but it is uncommon.
Studies show that most cases have occurred in the very elderly, those taking diuretic drugs, or already have issues with electrolyte balance.
In regard to anticonvulsant activity, Cymbalta, and drugs like it (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have very rarely been reported to cause seizures but this typically has only happened in cases where someone is already suffering from seizures or stops the drug abruptly after being on it for a long period of time.
Overall, again, the risk of any serious drug interaction is low and these drugs are commonly prescribed together.
Neuropathic Pain
Both Cymbalta and gabapentin are commonly prescribed for neuropathic (i.e. nerve) pain, and both are effective.
Studies show that combining these drugs has been shown to be more effective than either alone.
Pregabalin (generic for Lyrica), a drug very similar to gabapentin, has been particularly well studied with gabapentin. One such study reported:
Combining pregabalin and duloxetine for fibromyalgia improves multiple clinical outcomes vs monotherapy
If gabapentin (or Lyrica) and Cymbalta are combined, the most common side effect experienced is drowsiness, so, something to be aware of.
Final Words
You mention in your question that you were previously on gabapentin, and were recently prescribed Cymbalta.
Unless your prescriber specifically mentioned stopping taking gabapentin, it is important to not make any changes until you speak with them.
More likely than not, you are likely supposed to be on both.
Thanks again for your question! I hope this answer helped!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Neuropathy
- Disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, often causing weakness or pain.
- Hyponatremia
- A condition where the sodium level in the blood is abnormally low.
- Electrolyte
- Minerals in the body like sodium and potassium that help regulate fluid balance and nerve function.
- Anticonvulsant
- A medication or property that prevents or reduces seizures.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- A class of antidepressant drugs that increase levels of two brain chemicals to improve mood and reduce pain.
- Neuropathic pain
- Pain caused by damage or dysfunction in the nerves themselves, rather than from injury to other body tissues.
- Monotherapy
- Treatment using a single medication rather than a combination of drugs.
- Fibromyalgia
- A chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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