What is the most important information I should know about Cymbalta?
Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. People who have bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions are at a particularly high risk.
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed.
Avoid using alcohol while taking Cymbalta. The combination may increase your risk for liver damage.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new or have increased:
- thoughts of suicide
- attempts to commit suicide
- increased depression
- anxiety
- agitation or restlessness
- panic attacks
- trouble sleeping
- irritability
- acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
- an extreme increase in activity and talking
Call your doctor immediately if you experience mental status changes, tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, and increased temperature. These could be signs of a potentially serious condition known as serotonin syndrome.
What is Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is an antidepressant medication. It works by increasing the chemicals in the brain, specifically the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.
Cymbalta is used to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
What should I talk to my doctor about before taking Cymbalta?
Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you have:
- Liver problems, or drink regularly
- Glaucoma
- Kidney problems
- previous heart problems or low blood pressure
- any increased risk of bleeding
Cymbalta is a pregnancy category C medication. This means that it may be unsafe for you to take if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
It is not known if Cymbalta passes into the breast milk. It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers.
How should I take Cymbalta?
Take Cymbalta exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow each tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Do not chew, crush or cut the capsule. This may disrupt the coating on the medication.
Cymbalta may be taken with or without food.
Do not stop taking Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor.
What should I avoid taking while taking Cymbalta?
Cymbalta can interact with many medications. Some interactions can be serious. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are taking. Avoid taking the following medications while taking Cymbalta:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor).
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor).
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
What are the side effects of Cymbalta?
Call you doctor immediately if you experience mental status changes, tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, and increased temperature. These could be signs of a potentially serious condition known as serotonin syndrome.
Other less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- nausea
- fatigue
- headache
- insomnia
- sexual difficulties
- sleepiness
Other side effects may occur while taking Cymbalta. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual, or especially bothersome side effects.
What happens if I overdose?
Any medication taken in excess can be dangerous. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical care right away. Symptoms of a Cymbalta overdose may include vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
Written by Arik Brye, MSIII
