- Used to treat severe depression
- Also used in the treatment of general anxiety conditions
- Sometimes used to treat fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and lower back pain
- Used in the treatment of urinary incontinence
Cymbalta is the brand name for the generic drug Duloxetine which is manufactured and sold by Eli Lilly. It is available in 20 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg delayed release capsules inside which are enteric coated pellets. The 20 g capsules are an opaque green, the 30 g ones are an opaque blue and white while the 60 mg tablets are an opaque blue and green.
Indications
Duloxetine is a very effective drug for severe depression and its efficacy has been proved in trials. Not only does it decrease mood swings, it is also a great pain reliever. That is why it is used for other conditions besides severe depression. From general anxiety to lower back pain to arthritis to fibromyalgia and nervousness – it is prescribed for many ailments. Though it has not been approved for urinary incontinence in the US, it is being prescribed for this condition in Europe.
Action
Duloxetine acts as an antidepressant by inhibiting serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake and acting as a pain decreasing agent. The exact way in which it accomplishes both these actions is unclear but it is believed to act on the central nervous system and potentize the serotonergic as well as the noradrenergic activity.
Side Effects
There are mild as well as severe side effects for this drug and even though it is an effective medication and for most people, no adverse effects are seen, you must be aware that it can happen and any little aberration must be reported to your doctor. One common effect seems to be a nauseous feeling when the drug is started. This usually decreases as the days go by. There could be bouts of insomnia, irritability or restlessness or in some cases, headaches . There could also be more serious side effects like panic attacks or rapid speech or getting very anxious or hostile. The patient’s blood pressure could go up after taking this drug and should be continuously monitored. With this drug, there could be itching anywhere in the body and the eyes could turn yellow as also the urine. If you have a drug or an alcohol problem, you must inform your doctor.
Caution
You must be sure to talk to your doctor and apprise him of all the vitamins, supplements or medication that you are taking. You also need to give him a detailed history of all your medical history, including any allergies that you might be suffering from. You should also let him know if you are on any regular medication for diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure or any blood thinners.
Contraindications
Cymbalta should not be taken by pregnant or nursing mothers. It should also not be prescribed for anyone who is below 18. This drug could have serious consequences for the elderly too and should be avoided by people who are over the age of 65. Older patients who took this drug reported falling more often and at this age, the injuries can be serious. Cymbalta can cause a person to become very sleepy and you should be careful when you are driving or working.