Cymbalta is a brand-name prescription medication available to treat mental depression and other disorders. The medication is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs), according to the Mayo Clinic. Cymbalta works by balancing chemicals in the brain that help control mood. Serious side effects may occur when mixing this medication with other antidepressant medications.
Uses
Cymbalta helps treat anxiety, major mental depression. For a diagnosis of major depression, an individual feels overwhelming feelings of depression that interfere with completing normal functions of daily life. The disorder may also cause symptoms such as changes in appetite, lack of interest in hobbies or feelings of sadness. Cymbalta can help to treat nerve pain due to damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes. This nerve pain generally affects the legs, hands and feet. The medication may treat symptoms such as muscle pain and stiffness related to fibromyalgia, according to Drugs.com.
Availability
Cymbalta is available as a capsule and a delayed-release capsule. Each capsule contains the active medication duloxetine hydrochloride. Dosage amounts vary between individuals and between conditions. Physicians usually prescribe lower doses of the medicine and gradually increase the dose while the individual adjusts to the medication. Available capsule dosages include 20 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg capsules, according to RxList.com.
Administration
An individual swallows a Cymbalta whole without chewing, breaking or crushing the medication or opening the capsule. Taking the medication at the same time each day is important to keep a constant amount of the medication in the body. When beginning the medication, it may take several weeks for an individual to feel positive effects. Individuals can take Cymbalta with or without food.
Side Effects
Serious adverse reactions may occur while taking Cymbalta. Signs that liver function is failing while taking the medication include clay-colored stools, yellowed skin, nausea, stomach pain and a loss of appetite. Cymbalta may increase the risk of bleeding in the body. The bleeding may cause an increase in nosebleeds, bloody or tarry stool and an increase in bruising in the body. Some individuals may have worsening symptoms of depression or mood, including thoughts of suicide. All serious side effects require immediate evaluation by the physician.
Contraindications
Individuals taking Cymbalta need to avoid MAO inhibitor antidepressant medications. Combining the two medications may result in death, according to Drugs.com. When changing from one medication class to the other, a waiting period is necessary to prevent serious complications. Individuals also suffering from conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, seizures, glaucoma and suicidal thoughts may require close monitoring while taking Cymbalta. Pregnant women need to avoid taking Cymbalta because the medication may harm the unborn baby, according to Drugs.com. Pediatric patients have an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts while taking Cymbalta; therefore, individuals under the age of 24 should not take the medication.
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