Cymbalta Weight Gain Side Effects
Cymbalta is a prescription medication used to treat both depression and fibromyalgia. Despite its effectiveness, Cymbalta poses a risk for side effects in some patients, including weight gain.
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Identification
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While patients who take Cymbalta for depression typically lose weight, there is a potential for weight increases in patients who take the drug for fibromyalgia, according to RxList. Doctors have not discerned the reasons for this discrepancy.
Prevalence
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Approximately 2 percent of patients who take Cymbalta for fibromyalgia gain weight.
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Size
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The average weight gain of patients taking Cymbalta for fibromyalgia is 1.54 pounds over 26 weeks.
Significance
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Although the weight gain from Cymbalta is not significant, it can pose a threat to patients who are already obese because of the increase in their body mass index. The higher a person's BMI, the more at risk he is for developing certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart attacks and stroke, according to the Weight Control Information Network.
Prevention
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Proper exercise and a well-balanced diet help minimize the weight gain from Cymbalta. If you are concerned about gaining weight, talk to your doctor or a dietitian.
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