CYMBALTA (DULOXETINE)

Cymbalta Description

Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication that works as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor to treat major depressive disorder. Your brain has many neurotransmitters that work as chemical messengers between nerve cells and serotonin and noradrenaline are two of them. The effects of serotonin and noradrenaline are to lighten your mood before they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells. It is believed that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in your brain can cause depression. Cymbalta helps to block serotonin and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed so quickly, and helps balance the level of these transmitters to decrease the feelings of sadness, gloom, and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Conditions Treated by Cymbalta

Cymbalta or the generic alternative Duloxetine has also been prescribed to treat the symptoms of widespread pain called fibromyalgia. It has been found that people with fibromyalgia can be up to three times more likely to experience depression. Signs of depression with chronic pain can present as a continual sad or anxious mood, low energy, guilt or irritability, and even thoughts of self-harm. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Brand name or generic may also be prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry.

In addition, Cymbalta or Duloxetine generic is prescribed to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis or chronic back pain.

Before You Take Cymbalta

Before beginning treatment with Cymbalta, advise your doctor of any medical conditions you have, especially: liver or kidney disease; glaucoma; high blood pressure; seizures or epilepsy; blood clotting disorders. Consult with your doctor about the risks of taking Cymbalta medication while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding.

How Much Does Cymbalta Cost?

The Cymbalta cost depends on several different factors. One factor is whether you decide to buy generic Cymbalta or the brand name product. Brand name drugs tend to cost more, while the generic equivalents tend to be less expensive. There are some differences between Duloxetine generic and brand name Cymbalta. Non-active ingredients or formulations may vary between generic and brand name drugs; however, the active medicinal ingredient is the same.

What Should I Know About Cymbalta?

Combining certain medications can change how Cymbalta will work for you or cause unwanted side effects. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all over the counter medications and Rx drugs you are taking, including dietary and vitamin supplements. You should also try to avoid caffeine and alcohol as it may increase the effects of Cymbalta or increase the amount of this drug in your bloodstream.

You should not stop taking Cymbalta medication abruptly, as this may cause a variety of withdrawal symptoms that include: feeling sick; headache; irritability; trouble sleeping; dizziness; diarrhea.

Possible Cymbalta Side Effects

• Headache or muscle aches
• Frequent urination
• Cough
• Unusual drowsiness

Any new or worsening depression symptoms should be reported to your doctor.