Cymbalta, a brand name for duloxetine, is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SSNRIs. Cymbalta increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. This is meant to correct chemical imbalances associated with depression. Cymbalta is available in delayed-release capsules, and it can take weeks for signs of improvement to occur.
Used as Treatment
Cymbalta is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterized by disruptive and excessive worry that lasts at least six months or more. Cymbalta may also be used to treat the pain and tingling sensation caused by diabetic neuropathy. This medication can also be used to treat fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes muscle stiffness, exhaustion and insomnia. Cymbalta can also be used to treat bone and muscle pain.
Dose
Dosing for Cymbalta varies from person to person and is determined by a licensed medical doctor. The strength of Cymbalta can determine the number of daily doses you need as well as the minimum amount of time you need to wait between doses, MayoClinic.com notes. The dose also depends on what Cymbalta is meant to treat. Adults may take as much as a single 60 mg dose daily when Cymbalta is being used to treat anxiety as well as chronic muscle pain. The daily dose for treating anxiety never exceeds 120 mg. When Cymbalta is being used to treat depression, the daily dose for adults is about 40 mg per day. This may be given as two 20 mg capsules. You may need to take as much as 60 to 120 mg daily. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia can be treated using single doses of 30 mg to 60 mg capsules.
Adverse Interactions with Other Medications
Some medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, can interact adversely with Cymbalta, MedlinePlus warns. Anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin should not be taken with Cymbalta. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, Asendin and Norpramin can also cause adverse reactions when used with Cymbalta, as can migraine medications such as Axert, Relpax and Frova. A few selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, such as Prozac, Luvox and Paxil should be avoided when taking Cymbalta. Other medications such as those used for treating high blood pressure and insomnia as well as diuretics may also interact adversely with Cymbalta. If you are taking any medication, be sure to inform your doctor so that you may avoid any adverse interactions.
Side Effects
You may experience side effects such as nausea or pain in your upper stomach area after taking Cymbalta, Drugs.com explains. Other possible side effects include agitation, elevated heart rate, confusion and impaired cognitive function. Cymbalta can also cause itching or hives as well as swelling of your face and breathing difficulties, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Muscle spasms and severe diarrhea are also examples of possible side effects caused by Cymbalta.
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