Generic Cymbalta

Cymbalta, which is generically prescribed as duloxetine, is commonly used to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder, or can be used to treat nerve pain in patients with chronic conditions, in particular diabetes.

Cymbalta may cause suicidal thoughts or a desire for self harm in some patients. All patients should be carefully monitored to detect this mental state, although patients under the age of 18 are more susceptible to this side effect. Some patients experience this effect in the first 12 weeks while others only experience it after they have been taking this medication for over a year.

Cymbalta is not appropriate for everyone. A medical history should be thoroughly evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes the recent use of an MAOI, kidney disease, liver disease, epilepsy, another seizure disorder, bipolar disorder, drug use, or suicidal thoughts. Heavy drinkers should not take this medication.

The American Food and Drug Administration has determined that Cymbalta presents a category C pregnancy risk, which means that there is a possibility that this medication will cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. Cymbalta does pass through the mother’s breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should not prescribe this medication to women who are pregnant or nursing or who are likely to become pregnant. This medication has not been approved for children under the age of 18 except in cases of daily monitoring. It is best tot find another medication for those under the age of 18.

Side effects that are associated with Cymbalta vary from subtle to severe. Allergic reactions are possible, and require immediate emergency medical attention. If an allergic reaction is present, symptoms will include facial swelling, swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects that require emergency medical intervention include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, jaundice, fast heart rate, restlessness, overactive reflexes, hallucinations, lack of coordination, fainting, or coma.

Less serious side effects associated with Cymbalta are much more common and may include constipation, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and insomnia, changes in weight, anxiety, nervousness, increased sweating, sore throat, and sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician as the discomfort they present may be alleviated by reducing the dosage of Cymbalta.

It is very important that Cymbalta is taken as it has been prescribed by the physician, as taking too much of this medication can cause serious health problems. If a dose is missed, it should only be taken when remembered if it is not close to the time for the next scheduled dose. Otherwise, the missed dose should be skipped. The patient should not try to “make up” the missed dose with a double dose. An overdose requires immediate medical intervention and may present with symptoms such as confusion, agitation, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, hallucinations, fast heart rate, fainting, coma, or death.

There is a risk of drug interactions associated with Cymbalta. A medical history is very important and should be completely assessed before prescribing this medication. Patients should always discuss new medications with the prescribing physician, including over the counter medications and herbal products. Medications with known interactions include medications that evoke a feeling of drowsiness, alcohol, cimetidine, linezolid, lithium, St. John’s wort, blood thinners, almotriptan, tryptophan, tramadol, and other antidepressants, especially MAO inhibitors.