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Generic
name: duloxetine
Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
is one of the newer antidepressants, approved by the FDA in 2004 and manufactured
by Eli Lilly. Duloxetine is in a class of medications called selective
serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). It offers relief
from both the emotional and painful physical symptoms associated with
depression, according to its maker. It works by increasing the amounts
of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that
help maintain mental balance. Many antidepressants target only serotonin.
Cymbalta comes in a delayed release (long-acting) capsule and can be taken
once a day. The target daily dose for Cymbalta is 60 mg. However, your
doctor may prescribe a different dose based on his or her medical judgment.
Cymbalta is available in 20 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg capsules. It can be taken
with or without food and should be taken around the same time every day.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, crush or open them Cymbalta
is not recommended for those under 18.
Duloxetine controls but does not cure depression. It may take one to four
weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of duloxetine. You should
continue to take duloxetine even if you feel well. You should not stop
taking duloxetine without talking to your doctor, who will probably decrease
your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking duloxetine, you may experience
withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, headache,
pain, burning or tingling in hands or feet, irritability, and nightmares.
You should tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when
your dose of duloxetine is decreased.
What side effects
can Cymbalta cause?
In clinical studies for Cymbalta used for depression, the most common
side effect was nausea. For most people, the nausea was mild to moderate,
and usually subsided within one to two weeks.
Other most common
side effects included (listed in order of frequency):
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Increased sweating
Most people were not
bothered enough by these side effects to stop taking Cymbalta, according
to the manufacturer.
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Other possible side
effects include the following (Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away):
Some
side effects, although uncommon, can be serious. If you experience
any of them call your doctor immediately.
A life-threatening
condition can occur when Cymbalta, and some medicines used to treat migraine
headaches (triptans) are used together. If you take migraine headache
medicines, ask your healthcare professional if your medicine is a triptan.
Safety information
Before taking duloxetine, read the complete safety information about the
drug, which deals with allergies, potential drug interactions and other
important concerns. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what other
prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, herbal products
and nutritional supplements you are taking as interactions with several
drugs pose a risk. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you are having surgery, including
dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking duloxetine.
You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away
if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression;
thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do
so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep
or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking;
severe restlessness and frenzied, abnormal excitement. Be sure that your
family knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor
if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Related articles
Understanding
depression
Coping
with medication side effects
How
to save on medications
Tips
for managing your medications
More
articles
Sources:
U.S.
National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health
Cymbalta/Eli Lilly
Page updated March 1, 2007
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Medication profile: