About Cymbalta

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Cymbalta.

Cymbalta is a prescription drug used primarily to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Cymbalta is an antidepressant, which affects a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes depression.

In addition to treating depression, Cymbalta is used to treat and manage chronic pain in certain other health conditions. These conditions include: 1) fibromyalgia, chronic muscle or joint pain; 2) chronic osteoarthritis pain; 3) chronic low back pain; and 4) diabetic neuropathy, chronic pain caused by nerve damage in diabetic patients.

Cymbalta must be prescribed by a physician or other healthcare provider. The medication is taken orally, with or without food. The delayed-release capsules should be swallowed whole, not opened, crushed, or chewed. It is important that the patient follow the prescribed dosage, usually taken once or twice a day, and the physician's instructions carefully to ensure the optimum results and reduce the risk of possible side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, or increased perspiration.

To safely take Cymbalta and avoid complications, a patient should inform the physician about any of the following health conditions before beginning medication: liver or kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, glaucoma, bipolar disorder, history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts or pregnant or those thinking of becoming pregnant.

What is Duloxetin?

Duloxetin is the generic form of Cymbalta and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Duloxetin.