Physicians often prescribe cymbalta, also called duloxetine, in capsule forms for certain psychiatric disorders and some types of pain. Patients take this medication orally every day for maximum efficacy. Cymbalta capsules work by altering the chemistry in the brain to help compensate for any imbalances.
Uses
Duloxetine treats a variety of conditions, MedlinePlus explains. However its primary usage remains in treating generalized anxiety disorders and depression. Other uses include treating pain and tingling that results from some kinds of nerve damage. Duloxetine proves particularly useful for neuropathic pain caused by diabetes and fibromyalgia. Duloxetine also works to treat the muscle stiffness and itchiness that fibromyalgia can sometimes cause.
Mechanism
Duloxetine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, RxList notes. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two chemicals used by neurons in the brain to communicate with each other. Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine can cause both depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine slows the rate at which these chemicals become exported out of the brain, causing them to increase neuron signaling. The mechanism by which duloxetine relieves diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia is not known.
Dosing and Pharmacology
Typically, physicians prescribe duloxetine in doses of 40 to 60 milligrams per day, RxList.com notes. Patients taking this medication for pain relief typically receive doses on the higher end of that scale. Drugs.com notes that patients taking duloxetine daily typically develop a steady amount of the medication in their bloodstream after three days of daily use. Most of this medication becomes metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Side Effects
Many of the side effects of duloxetine, MedlinePlus explains, involve the digestive tract. These include nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dry mouth and decreased appetite. Patients can also have problems with urination, resulting in urinary hesitancy or having to urinate often. Duloxetine use can also cause excessive sweating, drowsiness, fatigue and a headache. Other adverse effects include loss of libido, muscle cramps and tremor.
Contraindications
There are some patients who should not take duloxetine, Drugs.com explains. Duloxetine is not recommended for people with glaucoma or who also take a type of medication called MAO inhibitors. Some patients become allergic to some of the compounds in Cymbalta capsules, so patients should be on the lookout for the appearance of hives and swelling of the face and limbs when starting this medication. This medication is also not recommended for patients who consume large amounts of alcohol due to the role of the liver in the metabolism of duloxetine.
