Cymbalta

Drug Uses

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) and is used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
It is also used for managing pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPNP). 

How it is taken

Cymbalta can be taken by mouth with or without food. The capsule is to be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing or sprinkling the contents after breaking it.

Take it at the same time everyday to derive maximum benefits from it.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) that helps restore chemical balance in the brain.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse, have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), recent heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (eg, slowed emptying), or increased eye pressure (eg, glaucoma), you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol.

You must not take Cymbalta if you are allergic to any ingredient in it, have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, have liver problems or severe kidney problems, or are having dialysis, are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days, taking a quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), a SNRI (e.g., venlafaxine), thioridazine, or tryptophan.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially, the following.

5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), quinidine, rasagiline, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine), SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), St. John's wort, tramadol, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur.

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), because it increases the risk of low blood sodium.

Cimetidine, medicines for high blood pressure, or quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), because they significantly increase the risk of the side effects of the drug.

Certain antiarrhythmics (eg, flecainide, propafenone), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline).

It is unknown whether is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
 

Some of the common side effects of are blurred vision, constipation, decreased sexual desire or ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, tiredness, trouble sleeping, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bizarre behavior, confusion, excessive sweating, dark urine, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever or chills, hallucinations, loss of coordination, new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts or attempts, tremor, trouble urinating, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, worsening of depression, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.