Cymbalta For Anxiety, Fibromyalgia, Depression And Pain Management

Cymbalta

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta, also known as Duloxetine, is a popular antidepressant drug in the SNRI (serotonin and non noripenephrine uptake inhibitors) class. The drug affects chemicals in the brain whose imbalance results in depression. Duloxetine is manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly. David Robertson, David Wong, and Joseph Krushinski are listed as inventors on the patent application filed in 1986 and granted in 1990. The drug has failed the approval for stress urinary incontinence in the United States however is approved in Europe.

Prescription and use of Cymbalta

Cymbalta is used for treatment of depressive, anxiety and chronic pain disorders. The medication is also indicated for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. Patients should take Cymbalta capsules exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The capsules should not be chewed, broken or open but only taken whole at once. In cases of
overdose, immediately consult with a doctor.

Precautions

As an antidepressant Cymbalta can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults and might cause severe depression and some other psychiatric disorders. For that reason, patients under treatment with Cymbalta should be carefully observed by their families and caregivers for any behavioral changes and consult with a
doctor when those have been detected. The drug should not be prescribed in cases of glaucoma, to be shared with the antidepressant monoamine oxidase inhibitor or Mellaril (thioridazine). Special test and careful dosage adjustments are needed for patients with liver and kidney diseases, seizures or epilepsy, depressions, history of drug abuse and suicidal thoughts. During treatments with Cymbalta, alcohol should be avoided.

Potential side effects

A treatment with Cymbalta might have many side effects. Like other antidepressants the drug could cause anxiety, nervousness, blurred vision, nightmares, dizziness, fainting, vomiting, confusion, stiff muscles, increased blood pressure. Itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, difficulty passing urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptom might indicate liver problems, some of which can be fatal. Other side effects include: increased sweating, hot flashes, taste disturbances, decreased sex drive or even
impotence. If those occur, the patient should contact a doctor immediately.