What is Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, otherwise known as an SSNRI. It’s believed that duloxetine targets and modifies the chemicals in the brain that may be responsible for depression. Cymbalta is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and general anxiety disorder in adults and children seven years and older. Additionally, Cymbalta is utilized to ease nerve pain resulting from diabetes, chronic muscle or joint pain, and fibromyalgia in both adults and children, with the latter being at least 13 years of age.
It’s crucial to follow the instructions given by a physician when taking Cymbalta and to refrain from using the medication within five days before or 14 days after taking an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine, or methylene blue injection. It’s also important to note that Cymbalta shouldn’t be used if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.
Individuals taking Cymbalta for the first time, particularly young people, may experience suicidal thoughts, mood or behavioral changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms. It’s essential to report any new or worsening symptoms to a doctor, and one should not stop using Cymbalta without consulting a physician. Before taking Cymbalta, ensure that you are not allergic to duloxetine and avoid taking the medication within five days before or 14 days after using an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
There are various other medical conditions that may affect how Cymbalta interacts with your body, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, slow digestion, seizures, bleeding problems, sexual problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, bipolar disorder, drug addiction, suicidal thoughts, and high alcohol consumption. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before taking Cymbalta, and those who are pregnant may have their name listed on a pregnancy registry to monitor the effects of duloxetine on the baby.
To take Cymbalta, follow the directions on your prescription label or instructions from your doctor. It’s not recommended to take the medication in higher doses or more often than prescribed, as it will not improve its efficacy and may increase side effects. Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew, crush, break, or open it, and take the medication with or without food. It’s also important to monitor any changes in sexual function and discuss them with a doctor. It may take up to four weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms, and individuals should not stop using Cymbalta abruptly as it may lead to unpleasant side effects. The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
The dosing information for Cymbalta depends on the condition being treated, with the initial doses ranging from 20-30 mg orally twice a day for depression, 30 mg orally once a day for fibromyalgia, 60 mg orally once a day for generalized anxiety disorder, 30-60 mg orally once a day for pain, and 30-60 mg orally once a day for neuropathic pain. The maintenance dose also varies, and the maximum dose should not exceed 120 mg/day.
