9 replies to this topic

[Summy]

Hello Everyone,

 

My name is Summer, I'm on day 6 of no Cymbalta and I'm still experiencing brain zaps, dizziness and night sweats. I decided to quit cold turkey and took my last 60 mg pill on September 4th. 

 

My question to the group is, has anyone recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroid after having a healthy thyroid before Cymbalta? I read on web md that in rare instances Cymbalta can effect the thyroid. I've had mine checked each year with no problems and after being on Cymbalta for 9 months, I was also diagnosed with Hypothyroid and those symptoms came on rapidly.

 

I've been on and off medication for many years for PTSD, I truly thought Cymbalta was a "wonder drug" but if anyone has experienced the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, you'll know how debilitating it can be. Low thyroid makes me feel foggy, exhausted to a level that I can't explain, awful night sweats and headaches.

 

I'm an athlete and just ran my last full marathon 10 months ago. I went from easily running 10 miles a day to barely being able to run for 15 minutes before feeling extremely fatigued. I very quickly gained 25 pounds which raised alot of eyebrows from the people around me as I'm usually very fit. Another embarassing issue to endure!

 

I quit the Cymbalta cold turkey as I'm praying it will balance my thyroid out and I can start to feel more energy again. 

 

For those balancing out tapering down or stopping it completely all together, I know it's very difficult. Thought my zaps are a pain to deal with, I will say day 6 is much better than 5 days ago, it does get better. As far as medication for PTSD, i think I'll stick to meditation and a clean diet.

 

Thank you all for listening. Prayers to all of us!

 

 

[fishinghat]

Hi Summer

 

First of all I am concerned about your going cold turkey from Cymbalta as both the manufacturer and the FDA warn against it. It can lead to suicide, seizures and much more.

 

As far as the thyroid issue - It is not uncommon for any of the ssri and snri to cause hypothyroidism. Matter of fact I believe there is a warning in the drug insert for Cymbalta but I will double check. I have been on ssri and snri for 15 years and ALL my drs required a thyroid test every 6 months. That is what is normally recommended. Luckily in most cases the hypothyroidism is non-symptomatic and resolves within 6 months of coming of the antidepressant. Do NOT let your dr put you on Synthroid or another hypothyroid medicine as it will most likely result in you taking it permanently. I developed hypothyroidism after a series of contrast cat scans (that is fairly common) and my GP tried to put te on thyroid medicine. I went to my endocrinologist who threw a fit. He said that even diet can effect the thyroid hormones and even symptomatic patients should not be put on thyroid medicines for at least 3 months to see if it resolves.

 

I will have more info shortly for you.

[fishinghat]

From the drug onsert for Cymbalta

https://dailymed.nlm...f2-c185fbad64ba

"Endocrine Disorders — Infrequent: hypothyroidism."

 

More to follow.

[fishinghat]

Just some easy late night reading...  lol

Antidepressants
reboxetine - TSH reduced and T4 increased.
sertraline - TSH increased and T4 reduced.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=18262705

sertraline and fluoxetine showed reductions in TSH,T3 and T4 levels.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=15486607

Fluoxetine decreased T3 and T4, increased TSH
https://www.ncbi.nlm...d/?term=6413229

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/22450350
Escitalopram-induced subclinical hypothyroidism. A case report.

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/20851281
Reversible escitalopram-induced hypothyroidism.

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/17874352
Reversible paroxetine-induced symptomatic hypothyroidism.

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/11054982
Depressed patients should be screened for hypothyroidism. In hypothyroid patients, depression may be more responsive to a replacement regimen that includes T3 rather than T4 alone. Therefore, inclusion of T3 in the treatment regimen may be warranted after adequate trial with T4 alone.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.../pubmed/7779834
Effects of long term treatment with sertraline (Zoloft) simulating hypothyroidism in an adolescent.

And many more articles.

ssri/snri replacement is a viable option.

https://www.drugs.com/pro/effexor.html
Side effects
"Endocrine system—Rare: goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodule, thyroiditis."

https://dailymed.nlm...54-00144ff88e88
The same is mentioned in the section on 'adverse reactions' in the drug insert for Effexor.


http://www.ehealthme...hypothyroidism/
65,121 people reported to have side effects when taking Effexor.
Among them, 420 people (0.64%) have Hypothyroidism

http://www.ehealthme...hypothyroidism/
An FDA supported website.
84,701 people reported to have side effects when taking Cymbalta.
Among them, 292 people (0.34%) have Hypothyroidism

https://dailymed.nlm...f2-c185fbad64ba
Drug insert.
Endocrine Disorders — Infrequent: hypothyroidism.

[Summy]

Thank you so much! This information is very helpful! 

[fishinghat]

Your very welcome. Anytime. Come back and let us know how you are doing.

[Merete]

Related question, if you already are hypothoroid does Cymbalta have an effect on the absorption/ effectiveness of synthroid? I had a sluggish thyroid for years, finally got on 100% replacement (took a long time to ramp up the synthroid). Then was put on Cymbalta for the past couple of years and am now tapering off.

[fishinghat]

And the good news is there is no known drug interaction nor has any users reported an suspected interactions to the FDA.

[Merete]

Thanks Fishinghat!!

[fishinghat]

Glad to help.