Antidepressant Cymbalta

The generic name used for Cymbalta is Duloxetine which belongs to the category of antidepressants called selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSNRI). Scientists still haven’t been able to completely figure out how this medication affects an individual, though it has been hypothesized that it soothes the communication occuring between neurons and the Central Nervous System. Cymbalta has many medical uses among which treating symptoms related to generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder are most common. Children who are above 7 years of age can be prescribed this medication. This drug was introduced by Eli Lily for the first time.

Uses of Cymbalta

This medication has been approved by the FDA for prescribing against different medical and psychological disorders. All of them are listed below:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain

Side-effects of Cymbalta

No psychotropic medication can go without side-effects as they create an impact in the Central Nervous System. They can be broadly categorized as major side-effects and minor side-effects. The common ones are mentioned below:

Major Side-effects:

• Chills
• Area rash
• Peeling, loosening, or blistering of the skin
• Blindness
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Clay-coloured stools
• Blurred vision
• Dark urine
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Cold sweats
• Fainting
• Eye pain
• Increased thirst
• Irregular and fast heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, faintness, and dizziness while trying to get up or lie down
• Itching, hives, and welts on skin
• Light-coloured stools
• Muscle and joint pain
• General weakness or tiredness
• Tearing
• Vomiting blood
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Unpleasant odour of the breath
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, and face
• White spots, sores, or ulcers on the lip region or mouth
• Irritated, red eyes
• Losing consciousness
• Fever
• Losing bladder control
• Shivering
• Sweating
• Twitching
• Shaking or trembling
• Unusual drowsiness or sleepiness
• Diarrhoea
• Restlessness
• Muscle spasm
• Poor motor coordination

Minor Side-effects:

• Cough
• Body pain and aches
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sneezing
• Weight loss
• Trouble in falling asleep
• Muscle aches
• Losing appetite
• Lack of much strength in body
• Frequent urination
• Ear congestion
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Belching
• Heartburn
• Abnormal orgasm

Contraindications

Under certain medical conditions, Cymbalta should not be prescribed to patients. The doctor must make sure that the patient is not suffering from any of these conditions. They are:

• Alcoholism
• Suicidal tendencies
• Mild mania
• Manic-depression
• High level of blood sugar
• Liver problems
• Renal impairment
• High blood pressure
• Epileptic seizure
• Closed angle glaucoma

Cymbalta and Pregnancy

The FDA assigned pregnancy category B3 and C to Cymbalta. Therefore, the risks involved in using this medication during pregnancy are not ruled out. Only in extreme cases when the uses are magnified as compared to potential risks, it should be prescribed to an expecting mother.

Mode of Ingestion

The medication is administered to the patient in oral form.