In recent years, the number of adults suffering from depression and depressive disorders has increased alarmingly. Recent studies show that about 16.2 million adults living in the US have had at least one major depressive episode in a year. As such, there has been a corresponding increase in the use of several antidepressants and SSRIs.
However, while they are quite effective in combating depressive disorders, these drugs may also cause sexual dysfunctions in users. Thus, many of those who face SSRI-induced erectile dysfunction simply co-administer the antidepressant with an ED drug like Viagra.
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Main Features of Cymbalta
Cymbalta is used to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to a category of drugs known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (or SNRIs). It is also used to relieve peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain) in diabetic patients and treat pain caused by certain medical conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia [1].
Cymbalta, which contains duloxetine as its active ingredient, was first approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. Subsequently, it has since continued to grow in popularity. In 2009 alone, doctors wrote up to 14.6 million prescriptions of this medication [2].
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How It works
Cymbalta (duloxetine) works by helping to restore the balance of natural substances in the brain. Thus, it increases the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system [3]. It causes an increase in the level of the brain’s neurotransmitters by stopping or preventing the body from reabsorbing them. Thus, this contributes to its antidepressant effects.
Who Can Use It?
Cymbalta can be used by adults and children who are at least 7 years old, who have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. However, it should be used only when prescribed by a doctor.
What Is Viagra Medicine?
This is one of the most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction to have hit the pharmaceutical market. Viagra was patented by Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company in the United States [4].
One common misconception about this ED treatment is that it helps to sexually stimulate users or cause the arousal. However, this is grossly untrue. Viagra does not cause sexual stimulation nor arousal. It merely enhances penile erections and thus sexual performance in men who suffer from ED. As a matter of fact, it does not work if one is not sexually stimulated already.
How It Works
An erection takes place when blood engulfs the arteries in the penis. In an ideal situation, when a man is sexually stimulated, the smooth muscles in the walls of the penis relax, allowing blood to flow in. This gives rise to an erection. However, in men suffering from ED, there is very little blood flow to the penis, and this affects the quality of erection. Viagra works by improving blood flow to the penis, and this ultimately brings about an improved erection for penetration and heightened sexual pleasure.
How to Use It
Viagra should be taken at least 30 minutes or one hour before sexual intercourse. It can be taken with or without food. However, it may take longer to kick in if administered with a high-fat meal like french fries, peanut butter, cheeseburger, etc. This drug typically lasts in the body for four hours within which the user experiences improved erections and sexual function, so there’s no need to rush [5]. However, this duration may be extended or reduced depending on several factors such as age, dosage, and diet.
Who Can Use It?
Viagra can be used by men over the age of 18. It is not for women and children [6]. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it as it might not be safe for certain people. For example, it may be dangerous for individuals having an underlying health condition, using some other drugs, or being allergic to any or some of its ingredients.
Can You Take Stack Cymbalta and Viagra?
Yes, Cymbalta and Viagra can be co-administered in men who suffer from both depressive disorder and erectile dysfunction at the same time.
Studies show that a significant percentage of people with untreated major depression also experience some form of sexual dysfunction. However, when treating this mood disorder, some antidepressants may also impair sexual function. Although Cymbalta causes fewer sexual side effects than other similar tabs, users of this drug may also experience sexual dysfunctions (whether biological, psychological or antidepressant-induced).
So, users of this medicine who are battling ED can always combine it with Viagra. This is a very common solution to alleviating sexual dysfunctions caused by antidepressants. A study showed that men who experienced SSRI-induced impotence observed an improvement in sexual function.
Possible Side Effects of Mixing
There are no known specific side effects that could be pinpointed as a result of the co-administration of these drugs. However, it does not rule out the possibility completely, as all drugs and drug combinations have side effects, the most common ones being upset stomach and nausea [7]. Cymbalta and Viagra each have their individual adverse reactions, and they are as follows.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) comes with a special black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its use may spike the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in users between the age of 24 and below. Thus, one may observe a worsening of depressive symptoms within the first stages of treatment. This antidepressant may also cause dizziness, drowsiness, and falling in users.
Some of its common side effects include:
- loss of appetite;
- constipation;
- fatigue;
- dry mouth;
- nausea;
- increased sweating.
However, these symptoms are more common in adults. For children, possible side effects are stomach pain, weight loss, diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea.
On the other hand, Viagra may incite headaches, flushing, dizziness, or upset stomach. Vision changes like blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light may also occur.
However, all of these adverse reactions rarely occur, but when they do, they’re often short-lived. Consult a doctor or seek immediate medical attention if they persist, or you experience priapism or sudden loss of vision while taking Viagra.
Withdrawal Period
Withdrawal symptoms typically occur when one abruptly stops taking an antidepressant, especially after long-term dependence. While these reactions may be experienced with Cymbalta, there is none associated with Viagra.
The discontinuation of Cymbalta may cause a plethora of symptoms lumped under the term “Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome”. Some of the associated reactions include:
- muscle spasms or tremors;
- increased sweating;
- insomnia;
- nausea;
- instability;
- feelings of anxiety;
- depressive symptoms.
It is worth noting that not all users of this drug experience withdrawal symptoms. In the same light, it may be more severe in some others.
One may experience these symptoms for 2-3 weeks or even months after the last full dose. If Cymbalta is stopped abruptly, there is a chance of appearance of more severe reactions.
Interaction of Viagra Plus Cymbalta with Alcohol and Food
There is no known negative interaction between Cymbalta and Viagra [8]. However, these drugs have individual interactions with other medications and substances which may be harmful. Cymbalta is known to interact with MAO inhibitors, blood thinners, and aspirin. It should not also be taken with alcohol without prior medical consultation.
On the other hand, Viagra interacts with nitrates and alpha-blockers. A beer or few glasses of wine may not interfere with the normal working of this drug; however, excessive amounts of alcohol could make have unpleasant or even dangerous consequences. Viagra should not also be taken concomitantly with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can raise the levels of sildenafil in the blood or delay its time of action [9].
What Are the Best Places to Buy These Drugs?
These drugs are available in both walk-in and online pharmacies. However, walk-in drugstores are often expensive and inconvenient, so many users resort to buying over the Internet. While making online purchases offers convenience and speed, care should be taken to ensure that genuine pills are bought. This can only be ensured by patronizing trustworthy online vendors only.
Here are the best e-pharmacies you can get these drugs from.
ViaBestBuys
This is an online supplier that sells quality and safe generic medication at low prices. You can buy a variety of ED meds there, by using credit cards, PayPal, or even cryptocurrency. It has lots of deals and offers for returning and first-time customers alike.
ViaBestBuys ships all packages from India using two delivery options: Express Mail Service (EMS) and Registered Airmail. Usually, EMS takes within 7-10 business days to deliver orders made from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Delivery to other countries may take within 14-30 business days.
Registered Airmail is a slower shipping option that comes very handy for bulk purchases to countries with stringent customs or import laws. This delivery service takes between 10-18 business days for orders made from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the USA and 14-30 days for orders from other countries. It is not trackable and does not require a signature upon delivery.
It is worth noting that there are a few countries this vendor does not ship directly to as a result of strict customs laws; they include Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Canada, Pakistan, and Brazil. However, people living in these places can still get products delivered by using a reshipping service like SkyPax.
ViaBestBuy provides a total refund or free reshipping in the event that a package gets lost or delayed at customs for up to two weeks.
CialisBit
CialisBit is also a great place to shop for ED treatment.
It offers two shipping options: EMS and Registered Airmail and provides a wide range of discounts and offers to customers. Thus, it is a great choice for people who want to enjoy great prices, discounts, and fast delivery all in one package.
When buying drugs from this company, one can use varying payment options including credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin. If a customer selects bitcoins as a payment method, they get a whopping 25% discount.
CialisBit ships to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand from India, and all EU countries from the UK. Delivery is usually swift and may vary depending on the shipping option selected and the destination country. For example, customers who live in the UK, the USA, Australia, or New Zealand and select EMS as a shipping option will get their orders delivered within 7-10 business days.
This online pharmacy does not ship to the following countries:
- 🇿🇦 South Africa;
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan;
- 🇦🇪 UAE;
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia;
- 🇨🇦 Canada;
- 🇲🇽 Mexico;
- 🇧🇷 Brazil;
- 🇮🇱 Israel.
The above list is not extensive, so you should check the website to know for sure. For customers living in countries with strict import and customs laws, it is advisable to use a reshipping service.
HighStreetPharma
HighStreetPharma protects customers’ privacy by ensuring that all orders are packed discreetly with no labels. It ships to almost all parts of the world, and just like other online vendors, it does not require a doctor’s prescription. You can get generic versions of both Cymbalta and Viagra there.
With HighStreetPharma, shipping rates may vary depending on the selected shipping option, the destination country, and the order itself. Orders made using the Express delivery method can be tracked using the delivery tracking code. On the other hand, customers who use standard Airmail shipping may have to wait for 14-21 days.
This vendor offers 25% discounts to customers who use crypto and free Airmail shipping to those who have a minimum order value of $150.
PureRxPills
PureRxPills does not require a doctor’s prescription, but it may ask for certain medical information. The customer would be required to answer certain questions to complete the patient profile form. This pharmacy offers a variety of generics at low prices and also provides a full refund or reshipping if the order gets damaged or lost.
With PureRxPills, shopping has never been so easy. It has a nicely designed website with the SSL-secured check out option when one uses a credit card, and navigation is straightforward. Once the order has been submitted and approved, the customer gets the package delivered to any part of the world.
Conclusion
Cymbalta and Viagra are two medications that can be combined to treat both depressive disorder and erectile dysfunction in men. There are no known harmful interactions between these drugs, as they are used together in order to avoid the SNRI-induced erectile dysfunction. However, one should be cautious about their individual interactions and side effects. Do not combine the meds without consulting a doctor.
References:
- Cymbalta. Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Webmd.com.
- Lilly Moves Closer to Approval to Market Cymbalta for Chronic Pain. By Duff Wilson. Published: August 19, 2010. Nytimes.com.
- Cymbalta. By Michelle Llamas. Reviewed by Dr. Ashraf Ali. Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Drugwatch.com.
- Sildenafil (Compound). Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Tips for Taking Viagra (sildenafil citrate) | Safety Info. Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Viagra.com.
- Sildenafil (Viagra): Medicine for Erection Problems – NHS. Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Nhs.uk.
- Common Drug Side Effects: Types and FDA Regulations. Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Webmd.com.
- Drug Interactions between Cymbalta and sildenafil. Retrieved: February 13, 2020. Drugs.com.
- Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil. By Jetter, Kinzig-Schippers M, Walchner-Bonjean M, et.al. Retrieved: February 11, 2020. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.