Cymbalta Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Cymbalta's Generic Name: duloxetine hydrochloride

Eli Lilly's antidepressant Cymbalta is a versitile medication approved to treat depression and certain types of pain. The company hopes that it has found a money-maker, since It's flagship antidepressant Prozac is now available in a cheaper generic version.

Cymbalta capsules contain the active ingredient duloxetine hydrochloride, which is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) . This type of medicine acts on nerve cells in the brain.

Cymbalta Dosage

• Lilly reported that Cymbalta was studied in a dose range of 40-120 mg per day in clinical trials. The recommended daily dose for most adults is 60 mg.
• Take each dose with water.
• Cymbalta capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the contents be sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Uses of Cymbalta

Cymbalta is one of the newer antidepressants that is approved to treat both depression and certain types of neuropathic pain.

• Cymbalta is used to treat major depression
• Cymbalta is also used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a painful nerve disorder associated with diabetes that affects the hands, legs, and feet.
• Cymbalta also is being studied for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, which may also respond to treatment with both serotonin and norepinephrine.
• Cymbalta seems to be effective in treating the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia in women, but not in men
• Cymbalta sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Side Effects of Cymbalta

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Cymbalta.

• Side effects may include:
  Appetite changes, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, sexual difficulties, sleepiness, sweating, weight loss, tremor, urinary difficulties, vomiting, weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Cymbalta:

• Cymbalta may cause liver injury. Talk to your doctor before taking Cymbalta if you have or have had liver problems or drink alcohol regularly.
• Cymbalta should not be used by patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, and cautiously by those with controlled narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Your doctor should know if you have liver or kidney problems before prescribing Cymbalta for you.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• Your doctor may periodically check your blood pressure while you are taking Cymbalta. You should not stop taking Cymbalta without talking to your doctor.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cymbalta, as the combination may cause liver damage.

Drug Interaction :- Cymbalta can interact with many other medicines. Some interactions can be very important. Make sure your prescriber or health care professional knows about all other medicines you are taking. Many important interactions are listed below :-

• Venlafaxine (Effexor).
• A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil).
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor).
• Do not take cymbalta if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil).

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately. Symptoms of a Cymbalta overdose may include vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.