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Duloxetine

 

Duloxetine (generic Cymbalta) Review

brand name: Cymbalta
generic name: Duloxetine

Why is Cymbalta prescribed?

Cymbalta is used to treat major depression--a disorder marked by continuing, serious, and overwhelming feelings of depression that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms may include major changes in appetite or sleep habits; lack of interest in social or work life; feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness; fatigue; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; and suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.

Cymbalta is also used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a painful nerve disorder associated with diabetes that affects the hands, legs, and feet.

Cymbalta is thought to work by correcting an imbalance of two brain chemicals known to influence mood--serotonin and norepinephrine. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Most important fact about Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Serious, sometimes fatal reactions can occur if Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is taken with antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors, including Marplan, Nardil and Parnate. Never combine Cymbalta with one of these drugs, and wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before starting treatment with Cymbalta (Duloxetine). Likewise, after stopping therapy with Cymbalta, allow at least 5 days before starting treatment with an MAO inhibitor.

Duloxetine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or if you feel impulsive, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, anxiety.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nausea, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and fast heartbeat.
• restlessness, overactive reflexes, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fainting, coma; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
• sore throat; or
• feeling anxious or nervous, increased sweating;
• weight changes;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• drowsiness, dizziness, headache;
• constipation;

What is duloxetine?

Duloxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Duloxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Duloxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).

Duloxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What other drugs will affect duloxetine?

Before taking duloxetine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

• any other antidepressants such as trimipramine (Surmontil), sertraline (Zoloft), protriptyline (Vivactil), paroxetine (Paxil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), Tofranil), imipramine (Janimine, fluvoxamine (Luvox), Sarafem), fluoxetine (Prozac, escitalopram (Lexapro), desipramine (Norpramin), clomipramine (Anafranil), amoxapine (Ascendin), amitriptyline (Elavil), or venlafaxine (Effexor).
• almotriptan (Axert), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), sumatriptan (Imitrex), frovatriptan (Frova), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or
• tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan);
• tramadol (Ultram);
• St. John's wort;
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
• linezolid (Zyvox);
• cimetidine (Tagamet);

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect duloxetine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use duloxetine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm ), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; seizures; hallucinations; fever; excessive sweating; fast or irregular heartbeat; coma; confusion; severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, or vomiting.

Proper storage of Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Delayed-Release Capsules:

Store Cymbalta Delayed-Release Capsules at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Delayed-Release Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.