Cymbalta linked to suicidal thoughts and serotonin syndrome
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Aug 06 2009 at 2:37 PM
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Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin says that Cymbalta (duloxetine), a popular antidepressant, has been linked to more than 100 adverse effects last year.

According to the bulletin released August 3, the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC) has received 108 reports regarding Cymbalta (duloxetine) since 2008 June.

10 reported cases were of suicidal thoughts. Eight agitation seven serotonin syndrome cases were reported. Serotonin syndrome is an accumulation of serotonin in the central nervous system.

According to the report, a 40-year old woman developed serotonin syndrome after one dose of Cymbalta while a 70-year old woman developed the condition within 48 hours after taking the drug.

The bulletin says that Cymbalta alone or combined with other drugs can cause serotonin syndrome.

Cymbalta, which is manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly, is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), pain related to diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. It comes in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI).

An Eli Lilly spokes woman said serotonin syndrome is very rare and occurs less than 1/10,000 patients using duloxetine. She said the company has recently updated the Cymbalta product information to include a warning about the condition.

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