Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSNRIs or Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors.

What is Cymbalta used for?

Cymbalta is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat pain caused by diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. The medicine helps improve certain mood problems.

How does Cymbalta work?

Cymbalta works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

How to use Cymbalta

Cymbalta should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once or twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. Cymbalta, if taken with food, may decrease nausea. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Cymbalta warnings and precautions

Do not use Cymbalta if you have taken thioridazine (Mellaril), or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the past 2 weeks.

Prior to taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, bipolar disorder (manic depression), epilepsy, glaucoma, or a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse. While using Cymbalta, avoid drinking alcohol and performing activities that require alertness.

Pregnant and lactating women should not take this medicine without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Cymbalta dose?

If you have missed your Cymbalta dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Cymbalta overdose?

If you have taken a Cymbalta overdose you should seek medical attention.

Cymbalta interactions

Before taking Cymbalta, consult your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), cimetidine (Tagamet), linezolid (Zyvox), fluvoxamine (Luvox), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), St. John’s wort, tryptophan (also known as L-tryptophan), tramadol (Ultram); antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro); other antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), desipramine (Norpramin), paroxetine (Paxil); almotriptan (Axert), sumatriptan (Imitrex), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren), piroxicam (Feldene), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen); or aspirin.

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Cymbalta side effects

Cymbalta side effects include hives or skin rash, panic attacks, anxiety, mood or behaviour changes, aggressiveness, irritability, agitation, restlessness, depression, sleeping or breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Seizure, high fever, stiff muscles, tremors, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, nausea, uneven heartbeats, loss of appetite, overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, headache, confusion, memory problems, concentration troubles, weakness, fainting, confusion, bruising, bleeding, hallucinations, stomach ache, dark urine, clay-colored stools, pain or difficulty while urinating, jaundice, and shallow breathing are also side effects from Cymbalta. If you get any of these side effects after using Cymbalta, contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, dizziness, weight changes, drowsiness, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, pain in joints or muscle, impotence, decreased sex drive or dif