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Sexual Side Effects of Cymbalta

As with many antidepressants, Cymbalta can cause sexual side effects. Some sexual side effects of Cymbalta may include a decreased sex drive, ejaculation problems, and impotence. If a person does develop sexual side effects, it is difficult to know whether these problems are because of the condition or because of Cymbalta itself. Depending on the severity of your sexual side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend that you adjust your Cymbalta dosage or try another medicine.

 

Does Cymbalta Cause Sexual Side Effects?

 Cymbalta® (duloxetine hydrochloride), like many other antidepressants, is known to cause certain sexual side effects. Cymbalta sexual side effects may include:
 
Sex Drive or Orgasm Problems
Cymbalta is known to cause a decrease in sex drive (known as libido). In clinical studies where the side effects of Cymbalta were documented, a decreased sex drive occurred in up to 6 percent of men and 1 percent of women taking Cymbalta for depression. A decreased sex drive was most common in people taking Cymbalta for generalized anxiety disorder (up to 7 percent). A decreased sex drive was seen in 2 percent of people taking Cymbalta for fibromyalgia.
 
Up to 3 percent of people taking Cymbalta for anxiety or fibromyalgia reported orgasm problems. Up to 2 percent of women taking Cymbalta for depression reported orgasm problems.
 
Ejaculation Problems
Cymbalta is also known to cause ejaculation problems. These problems are usually delayed ejaculation or an inability to ejaculate.
 
In clinical studies where the side effects of Cymbalta were documented, delayed ejaculation was reported in up to 5 percent of men taking Cymbalta. This problem was most common in men taking Cymbalta for anxiety (5 percent) and slightly less common in men taking Cymbalta for fibromyalgia (4 percent) or depression (3 percent). This problem was not reported in men taking Cymbalta for nerve pain.
(Sexual Side Effects of Cymbalta Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;