Is Cymbalta/Duloxetine safe to take while pregnant?
Cymbalta is a prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety. It’s also been used to treat fibromyalgia pain and pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes. Duloxetine is listed as a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSNRI), which changes chemicals in your brain to achieve the desired effect and balance out any chemicals that may be unbalanced.
As with most medications, Cymbalta carries a risk of side effects. These may include mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, feeling impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive, more depressed or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any side effects while taking duloxetine.
It’s not completely known how safe it is to take duloxetine while pregnant, so work with your doctor and ask him or her if taking Cymbalta while pregnant is safe for you and your situation.
An analysis was done by gathering data from women showed an increased risk for the following when taking duloxetine while pregnant:
- Spontaneous abortion
- Premature/post-term birth
- Congenital anomaly
- Perinatal/post-perinatal complication
- Stillbirth
- Ectopic pregnancy
Although data is limited due to the inability to conduct a formal study on pregnant women, it’s not advisable to take Cymbalta while pregnant. Treatment with duloxetine should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh potential risks to mother and fetus.
If you suffer from depression, pregnancy can increase the likelihood of symptoms. Work closely with your doctor to manage your depression during your pregnancy to ensure your safety and the safety of your unborn child.
How can Cymbalta/Duloxetine effect your baby?
When evaluating a medication’s safety for pregnant women, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) rates each medicine on a scale of A, B, C, D or X. Cymbalta has been listed as C on the safety scale for pregnant women, which means there are possible risks to the baby.
Although no official studies have been done on pregnant humans, some animal studies have shown babies born to mothers taking Cymbalta while pregnant can have some problems. If the benefits of taking duloxetine for the mother outweighs the potential risks to the baby, doctors will prescribe it.
As mentioned, there is a risk of congenital anomalies and complications during and after birth for your baby if you are taking duloxetine while pregnant. Remember that any medications you take while carrying your child are also being taken by your unborn baby. If you experience side effects from taking Cymbalta while pregnant, chances are your baby is experiencing them as well.
Work with your doctor to complete a benefit analysis to determine if the benefit from taking duloxetine outweighs the risk to your fetus. Together you can determine the best course of action for you.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Cymbalta or a substance use disorder or have questions about taking duloxetine while pregnant, don’t delay. Go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call 24/7 to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the road to recovery. We can help answer your questions and help you overcome your addiction today.
Alcohol & Cymbalta
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