Cymbalta

Brand Names

Cymbalta, Yentreve.

What is Cymbalta

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits.

Cymbalta is also used to treat a chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia, treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) and to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, including discomfort from osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain.

Side effects of Cymbalta

The most common side effects identified in patients taking Cymbalta included:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Decreased appetite
• Increased sweating

The most serious side effect is:

• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• painful or difficult urination;
• nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• agitation, hallucinations;

Indication

For the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as acute management of generalized anxiety disorder. Also used for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. It has been used in the management of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence in women.

Precautions

Do not have Cymbalta if you have: manic depression, history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts, a recent heart attack , heart disease ,diabetic gastro paresis ,high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension) ,seizures or epilepsy ,glaucoma (a condition of the eyes) ,liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis ,kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure) ,a bladder problem ,any allergies.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

• are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
• are breastfeeding.
• drink alcohol regularly.

Dosage forms

Cymbalta comes in 40 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg capsules.

Treatmnent	Dose
Initial Treatment	40 mg/day (given as 20 mg twice daily) to 60 mg/day (given either once daily or as 30 mg twice daily).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder	60 mg administered once daily ( start -30 mg)
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain	60 mg administered once daily( start -30 mg)
Fibromyalgia	60 mg administered once daily ( start -30 mg)