Many antidepressants have known interactions with other medications and foods. They can also present greater risks for people with certain medical conditions. This is why it’s important to go over potential interactions with your prescriber before you start taking a new medication. Make sure they have an accurate picture of your current and past medical history.
You may have heard there are some foods and substances you should avoid when taking Cymbalta. There are only a couple of things you’ll want to steer clear of. You can talk with your doctor about dietary and lifestyle adjustments, or you can ask about alternative antidepressants to try. Cymbalta works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. There are some foods you can add to your diet to help your body maintain higher serotonin levels.
This article will cover the main points of interactions you should be aware of before you start taking Cymbalta. We’ll also provide a list of foods that can help you naturally boost serotonin levels. You should have a detailed discussion about your risks with a qualified prescribing physician before you start any new psychiatric medication.
What foods should I avoid while taking Cymbalta?
Cymbalta has known interactions with alcohol, tobacco and ethanol. When taking an antidepressant, it’s best to keep your consumption of these substances to a minimum. If it’s hard for you to avoid alcohol or tobacco, this is something you should talk about with whoever is providing your medication management. These can have especially adverse effects for people who are taking Cymbalta.
Ethanol is sometimes used in small amounts as an additive that enhances flavor and ensures even distribution of food coloring. You may ingest small amounts of ethanol if you eat fermented foods, mincemeat, plum pudding, fruitcake or foods with vanilla extract. Alcoholic beverages are known to contain more significant amounts of ethanol, so it’s most important to avoid them.
Grocery items like yogurt, kefir, fruit juices and packaged breads may also contain trace amounts of ethanol. Ask your prescriber if trace amounts of ethanol are safe to consume.
The following foods and beverages are likely to contain at least a trace amount of ethanol:
- Wine, beer and distilled spirits
- Vanilla extract
- Brandied fruits
- Candies with alcoholic fillings
- Ripe bananas
- Fruit juices like orange, apple and grape juice
- Packed bakery products such as bread, rolls or buns
- Mincemeat
- Plum pudding or fruitcake
- Fermented foods like kombucha or sauerkraut
- Soy sauce
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Ice cream
- Vinegar
What foods can naturally boost serotonin levels?
Certain nutrients can support your brain’s production of serotonin naturally. These foods, however, can’t produce the same results as serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta. Foods that contain tryptophan, protein and omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful in maintaining healthy levels of serotonin. Some of the items on the list below, like tofu and pineapple, may contain ethanol. Talk with your prescriber before adding them to your diet.
The following foods contain nutrients that support your brain’s production of serotonin:
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Turkey
- Tofu
- Pineapples
- Nuts, oats and seeds
What else should I know about taking Cymbalta every day?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) comes in a delayed-release capsule that can be taken with or without food. You shouldn’t open the capsule or pour the contents out. If you can’t swallow capsules, your doctor may provide some alternate instructions on how you can take it safely. Most people take Cymbalta twice a day, in the mornings and evenings, but it can cause drowsiness. If you only take Cymbalta once a day and it makes you drowsy, try taking it before bed.
Most side effects people experience with antidepressants are mild, and they usually go away within a few weeks. But it’s important to know what can put you at a higher risk. Discuss your individual risks with the psychiatrist providing your medication management. Let them know about any side effects you notice right away.
While you’re transitioning to a new medication, you should meet with a medication management provider at least once a week. The first antidepressant you try may not be the best one for you. It can take some trial and error to find the right medication or combination of medications. Ultimately, you’ll want to balance any risk of side effects with the positive effects of improving your depression or anxiety symptoms.
Lightfully staff psychiatrists can help you through medication transitions
For many of our clients, medication is an important aspect of treatment. It’s always part of a comprehensive treatment plan that’s guided by your experiences and your treatment goals. Our process-based treatment (PBT) model integrates the most effective aspects of proactive and person-centered treatments to create a holistic, personalized plan for long-term mental wellness.
You can meet with our resident psychiatrists regularly during any of our intensive treatment programs. Both outpatient programs and Residential Treatment offer safe environments where you can get help managing side effects as you adjust your medication.
Trying a new antidepressant is a challenge, but the positive effects can be well worth the effort. Have any questions about how medication fits into our treatment plans? Feel free to contact us.
