Drug Name

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Drug Uses

Cymbalta is used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It is used for managing pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPNP). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Cymbalta as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Cymbalta by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Cymbalta whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on food or in liquid.
• Take Cymbalta on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Cymbalta at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Cymbalta even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Cymbalta at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cymbalta out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Cymbalta if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cymbalta;
• you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
• you have liver problems or severe kidney problems, or are having dialysis;
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days;
• you are taking a quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), a SNRI (e.g., venlafaxine), thioridazine, or tryptophan.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Cymbalta may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch patients who take Cymbalta closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Diabetes patients - Cymbalta may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• If your doctor tells you to stop taking Cymbalta, you will need to wait for at least 5 days before beginning to take certain other medicines (e.g., MAOIs). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Cymbalta.
• Lab tests, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Cymbalta. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Cymbalta with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney problems, low blood pressure, or high blood potassium levels.
• Cymbalta should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cymbalta may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cymbalta while you are pregnant. Cymbalta is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cymbalta.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; sore throat; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; confusion; excessive sweating; dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; hallucinations; loss of coordination; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; trouble urinating; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Cymbalta is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.