Cymbalta General Information
Cymbalta (generic name: Duloxetine; brand names include: Duvanta / Yentreve) is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
Cymbalta is used to treat:
Depression
Diabetic neuropathic pain (stabbing or shooting pains associated with diabetes)
Generalised anxiety disorder
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Cymbalta Recommendations
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Cymbalta exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Take each dose with a glass of water. Cymbalta may be taken with or without food.
Cymbalta capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the contents be sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids.
Try to take Cymbalta at the same time each day.
It may take 1 to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Cymbalta. Do not stop taking Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Cymbalta instructions
Use Cymbalta as directed by your doctor.
- Take Cymbalta by mouth with or without food. Taking it with food may help to decrease the chance of nausea or stomach upset.
- Swallow Cymbalta whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on food or in liquid.
- Take Cymbalta on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Cymbalta at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Cymbalta even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Cymbalta without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, nausea, nightmare, ringing in the ears, seizures, trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness, or vomiting. You will be closely monitored when you start Cymbalta and whenever a change in dose is made.
- If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cymbalta.
Cymbalta Precautions
Before taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
you are allergic to duloxetine or any other medications;
you are taking thioridazine or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, or if you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days;
you have or have ever had glaucoma;
you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol;
you have or have ever had a heart attack; high blood pressure; seizures; coronary artery disease or heart, liver, or kidney disease, or diabetes;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Cymbalta storage
Store Cymbalta at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures 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 out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Cymbalta Ingredients
Active ingredient: duloxetine.