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CymbaltDULOXETINEa Oral Uses
is used to treat major depression and anxiety. In addition, duloxetine is used to relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes. It is also used to treat pain caused by a condition called fibromyalgia that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and supporting tissues.
This medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters). Duloxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and decrease nervousness. It can also decrease pain caused by nerve damage.
How to use Cymbalta OralRead the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using duloxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 1 or 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication with food may reduce nausea, especially when you first start taking duloxetine. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew the capsule or mix the contents with food or liquid. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, headache, numbness, tingling, nightmares) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and 4 weeks to feel the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Cymbalta Oral Warnings
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
