Is Cymbalta Right for Me?
Treating Depression
The first step to improving your symptoms of depression involves talking to your doctor or healthcare professional about how you've been feeling. Only your doctor can diagnose depression, and if this happens, he or she will probably discuss various treatment options.
Medication
If your doctor recommends medication, you may want to ask about Cymbalta.
Although the exact way that Cymbalta works in people is unknown, it is believed to be related to an increase in the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine which are two naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).
Learn more about how Cymbalta may treat many of the symptoms of depression.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy typically means that you spend about an hour a week talking with a mental health professional. Treatment can continue for several weeks or up to one to two years. Every person's situation is different.
Depression can negatively affect the way you think and feel. Talk therapy can help you learn to treat your depression and help relieve your symptoms of depression.
Lifestyle Changes
Depression can affect several areas of your life, which is why your physician may recommend specific lifestyle changes, such as exercise. It may also help to reach out to friends and family for support.
Take that important first step in getting help for depression. Talk to a loved one or a friend today about how you are feeling so they may help you in talking with a doctor and getting on the road to improvement.
Don't wait. Depression is an illness that can, and should, be treated.
Important Safety Information About Cymbalta
The most important information you should know about Cymbalta:
Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Be especially observant within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose. Approved only for adults 18 and over.
Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:
- have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) or Mellaril® (thioridazine)
- have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
Talk with your healthcare provider:
- about all your medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes, seizures, or if you have bipolar disorder. Cymbalta may worsen a type of glaucoma or diabetes
- if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms while taking Cymbalta, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
- about your alcohol use
- about all your medicines, including those for migraine, to address a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles
- if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
- before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
- if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing while taking Cymbalta. This is likely to occur in the first week or when increasing the dose, but may occur at any time during treatment
- about your blood pressure. Cymbalta can increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
- if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady while taking Cymbalta, which may be signs of low sodium levels
- if you develop problems with urine flow while taking Cymbalta
- if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breast-feeding
Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):
- nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, and increased sweating
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of Prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other safety information about Cymbalta:
Cymbalta may cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Cymbalta affects you, you should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.
How to take Cymbalta:
Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Cymbalta should be taken by mouth. Do not open, break or chew capsule, it must be swallowed whole. Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.
For more safety information, please see the Medication Guide and Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
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Cymbalta is approved for
the treatment of depression.
Prescribing Information | Medication Guide
