When a person has depression, he may take an antidepressant that reduces the symptoms and improves his mood. One option is Cymbalta, or duloxetine, a type of antidepressant called a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. This medication interferes with specific neurotransmitters, improving depression symptoms, and making it useful in the treatment of other conditions, as well.
Mechanism
As a SNRI, Cymbalta affects the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters in the brain linked to mood. According to eMedTV, Cymbalta interrupts the reuptake process of serotonin and norepinephrine. With reuptake, the brain takes the leftover neurotransmitters and recycles them. When neurotransmitters are not recycled, more are available for the brain to use, which improves mood.
Uses
A doctor can prescribe Cymbalta to patients who have conditions other than depression. For example, patients with generalized anxiety disorder, a disorder in which patients have uncontrolled worry, can take Cymbalta. A doctor may prescribe Cymbalta to patients with certain pain conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, caused by diabetes and fibromyalgia. With peripheral neuropathy, the nerves outside the brain and spinal nerve become damaged, resulting in pain, tingling and numbness. Professionals at eMedTV note that Cymbalta may block the pain signals, relieving the pain. With fibromyalgia, patients have pain in soft tissue areas, such as the neck. Doctors are not sure how Cymbalta works for fibromyalgia pain.
Restrictions
People with certain medical conditions cannot take Cymbalta, or may need testing before taking the medication. For example, Drugs.com notes that people with liver or kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or glaucoma may not be able to take Cymbalta. Bipolar disorder patients cannot take Cymbalta alone, as the drug can trigger manic episodes in which patients have an abnormally elevated mood. Other conditions that may restrict Cymbalta use include seizures, a history of drug abuse and suicidal thoughts.
Drug Interactions
Certain drugs can interact with Cymbalta. For example, Drugs.com explains that drugs like etodolac, nabumetone, piroxicam, indomethacin, aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen can cause easy bruising and bleeding in Cymbalta users. Other antidepressants, such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, desipramine and fluvoxamine, can interfere with Cymbalta. Even alternative treatments for depression can interact with Cymbalta, which include tryptophan and St. John's wort. Certain headache medications can cause problems when combined with Cymbalta. These medications include almotriptan, zolmitriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan and naratriptan. Other medications that can interact with Cymbalta include tramadol, a pain medication; cimetidine, an ulcer treatment; warfarin, a blood thinner; lithium, a bipolar disorder treatment; and diuretics.
Side Effects
Some users of Cymbalta may experience side effects. Professionals at eMedTV list insomnia, nausea and headaches as common side effects. Patients may experience dry mouth when using Cymbalta. Other common side effects include constipation, drowsiness and dizziness. Cymbalta can cause some serious side effects, which should be reported to a doctor. For example, Drugs.com notes that weakness, a loss of coordination and problems with memory and concentration are serious side effects. Some people may develop jaundice, in which they have yellowing of their skin or eyes.
