Cymbalta

Drug name

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Drug Uses

Cymbalta is intended to treat depression, anxiety disorder as well as to ease diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. However your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat some other conditions as well.

How Taken

Follow your doctor prescriptions when taking the medicine. Read the dosage information on the label.

- The medicine is taken orally during the meal as well as before or after it.
- Take the whole capsule at once without crushing or chewing it before swallowing. You should not open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine on the food or into liquid.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day to prevent missing doses and get the most benefit of the therapy.
- Do not stop therapy in case your condition became better. Avoid missing doses.

Missed Dose

In case you have missed to take the medicine do it at the moment you have remembered but skip it in case it is the time of your next dosage and follow your usual schedule. You shouldn’t use double dose simultaneously.

Storage

Keep the medicine at the temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). You may also store it between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) for a short period of time. Keep the medicine in a cool, dry and dark place beyond reach of the children and pets. The medicine should not be stored in the bathroom.

Warnings Precautions

Contact your doctor and do not take the medicine in case:

- you have allergic reaction to any component of the drug;
- you experience uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;
- you have liver or kidney problems or dialysis;
- you use or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor during the last 2 weeks;
- you are taking quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), a SNRI (e.g., venlafaxine), thioridazine, or tryptophan.

Note:

- Avoid operating any machinery until you are aware of your organism reaction to the medicine.
- The effect of the medicine can show itself after several weeks of the therapy. Do not increase your dosage or therapy period; contact your doctor at first.
- Taking the medicine may cause suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults. Contact the doctor in case patient treated with Cymbalta experiences new or increased symptoms (depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks) or any other mood conditions that are unusual for him/her. Seek an emergence medical assistance in case patient has any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Taking the medicine can affect blood sugar in diabetes patients. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and contact your doctor before changing your diabetes drugs dosage.
- In case your doctor prescribed you to stop the therapy at least 5 days are required before you can start taking any other medicines. Contact your doctor in case you are not sure when you should start new therapy.
- Doctor may appoint you several lab test as well as blood pressure check to monitor your condition throughout the therapy period. Follow your doctor appointments.
- Patients in ages may be more sensitive to side effects of the medicine, especially those having kidney problems, low blood pressure, or high blood potassium levels. In case any of these apply to you – use the medicine with caution.
- The effect of the medicine on children is not studied yet. So use the medicine wit caution when treating children.
- Taking the medicine throughout the last trimester of the pregnancy period may harm fetus. Let your doctor know in case you become pregnant. Avoid breast-feeding throughout the therapy period.

Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor in case you experience any of the following side effects for a long period of time:

- blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; sore throat; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Contact your doctor at once in case you have any of the following side effects:

- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; confusion; excessive sweating; dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; hallucinations; loss of coordination; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; trouble urinating; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

The medicine should be used only by the patients with corresponding prescriptions. Do not give the medicine to those who don’t have such prescriptions.