Cymbalta, which is also known as duloxetine is an anti-depressant in the Selective Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) category. It works by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain – which are the chemicals that nerves create within the brain. Duloxetine helps increase the effect of both Serotonin and Norepinephrine in the brain.
Why Cymbalta is Prescribed?
Cymbalta is normally prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and neuropathic pain which is a side effect of fibromyalgia.
Depression can be treated!
Drug Interactions with Cymbalta:
There are a few drug interactions that you must know. It’s important that you mention any and all medications that you are taking to your doctor before you take Cymbalta.
You should not take Cymbalta along with an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil, Parnate, or Eldepryl. You should also not take Cymbalta up to 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI. Combining SNRIs and MAOIs can cause sometimes fatal reactions including dangerously high body temperature, delirium, and coma.
Similar effects can occur when combining Cymbalta with antipsychotic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants or any drugs that also affect the levels of serotonin in the brain. Some examples of these drugs are tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, and Tramadol.
Combining Cymbalta with Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), or Fluvoxamine (Luvox) can cause adverse affects of Cymbalta.
Try to minimize or avoid using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications that increase the risk of bleeding as taking them with Cymbalta can cause an even higher risk of bleeding.
What precautions do I need to take while taking Cymbalta?
- Cymbalta is an anti-depressant whose goal is to make you feel better and eliminate feelings of depression. If you find that you feel better, this is not a reason to stop taking Cymbalta suddenly. Take it even if you feel fine.
- Going off of an anti-depressant without the assistance of a doctor can lead to withdrawal symptoms including headache, restlessness, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, and suicidal thoughts.
- If you truly want to go off of Cymbalta, talk to your doctor so that he can organize a plan to gradually decrease your dosage. You should never go off of Cymbalta suddenly or without speaking to your doctor.
What are the most common side effects of taking Cymbalta?
The most common side effects of taking Cymbalta are:
• Nausea
• Dry Mouth
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Sexual dysfunction (decreased sex drive, delayed orgasm, inability to reach orgasm)
When you begin taking Cymbalta, you may feel sick for a few days until your body gets used to it. If you run a fever, experience excessive dizziness, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor for any side effects which concern you. Call 911 if it is a medical emergency.
What is the most important thing I need to know about taking Cymbalta?
You may not feel the effects of Cymbalta right away. It takes anywhere from 14-28 days for some people to begin to feel relief from their depression symptoms.
Going off of Cymbalta or any anti-depressant without the assistance of a doctor to order a gradual decrease in dose is not recommended.
Cymbalta is a way to help the symptoms of depression. It works best when you also make the proper life modifications to allow for your body to naturally fight depression including a balanced diet, exercise, and therapy. Speak to your doctor about lifestyle changes that may be beneficial for you based upon your medical history.
References:
1. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=82458
2. http://www.drugs.com/cymbalta.html
3. Refer to the prescription drug information included with your prescription medication for more specific information.
