Cymbalta is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. In addition to treating depression, Cymbalta, is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Patients under the age of eighteen should not take this drug.
Cymbalta and Diabetic Neuropathy
MayoClinic.com states that there is no cure for neuropathy, a neurological condition of the extremities. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Cymbalta shows effectiveness in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain known as DPNP, as well as in the treatment of fibromyalgia, another disease of the central nervous system in diabetics. Because of variations in pain management, regulation of the dosages of Cymbalta should be based on observed effectiveness in individual cases.
How Cymbalta Works
The exact method by which Cymbalta treats the pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy remains unknown; however, according to a 2008 article in BMC Neurology, Cymbalta increases the chemicals, 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepineprine, which may inhibit pain signals to the brain, improving pain relief. The drug has fewer side effects than other antidepressants when patients take the recommended dosage of 60 mg in capsule form once daily.
When Not to Take Cymbalta
Patients suffering from diabetes who have recently taken the antidepressants known as MAOIs, or thioridazine, sold under the brand name Mellaril, should not take Cymbalta due to the possibility of a fatal drug reaction. Patients diagnosed with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma should refrain from usage of Cymbalta due to an increased risk for excessive dilation of the pupils. Pregnant patients should refrain from using Cymbalta as it may have adverse effects on embryo and fetal development, and nursing patients should not take Cymbalta until they stop breastfeeding.
Adverse Reactions to Cymbalta
The most common side effects associated with Cymbalta include constipation, decrease in appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, sleepiness, sweating or weakness. Overdosage of the medication can result in fainting, fast heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, seizures or vomiting. Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their physicians immediately. In acute overdosage, death may occur without immediate medical assistance.
Discontinuing Use of Cymbalta
Patients taking Cymbalta should not discontinue use suddenly. Slowly decreasing Cymbalta dosage over several weeks to months, under a physician's supervision is recommended.
