Drugs.com describes Cymbalta as an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and nor-epinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SSNRIs. The benefits of using Cymbalta include treatment of depression and anxiety, fibromyalgia pain and stress incontinence.
Rapid Relief
Cymbalta was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in 2004 for the treatment of major depressive disorder, as reported by Neuropsychiatric Disease Treatment. In their 2008 studies, Cymbalta was shown to have promising benefits in the treatment of anxiety disorders as well. They also found that Cymbalta caused a rapid relief of anxiety symptoms associated with depression.
Pain Relief
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue and multiple tender pressure points. According to the New York Times Health Guide, Cymbalta has been approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia pain. Cymbalta shows more consistent benefits for fibromyalgia pain than other types of antidepressants, as it acts directly on two chemical messengers in the brain.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment
Stress incontinence is the leakage of urine, usually during physical activity. European Urology concluded in a nine-trial study that Cymbalta can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with stress urinary incontinence. Some patients treated with Cymbalta were cured, while approximately 50 percent showed a significant reduction in incontinence frequency.
