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Cymbalta: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta belongs to a group of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) used in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also used to treat nerve pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia and chronic muscle and joint pain in osteoporosis. It has several side effects, and its intake during later stages of pregnancy may cause harm to the baby. 

What are the uses of Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is used to treat GAD and MAD. It is also useful for the treatment of chronic diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia and muscle pain caused by various diseases, injuries, stress or overuse. If Cymbalta is taken during the treatment of depression, it gives rapid relief with broad-spectrum symptoms such as mood and painful physical symptoms. It is a prescribed medication, and therefore should not be taken without a doctor’s consultation. 

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    What are the side effects of Cymbalta?

    You should contact your doctor if existing symptoms worsen or you experience new symptoms. Side effects of Cymbalta include-

    • Allergic reactions
    • Severe skin reactions
    • Painful and difficult urination
    • Light-headedness
    • Pounding heartbeats or fluttering
    • Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
    • Vision changes
    • Manic episodes
    • Headaches, agitation, confusion, thinking and memory changes suggesting low blood sodium. 
    • Jaundice, pain in the upper stomach region, itching and dark urine suggesting liver problems. 
    • Seizures
    • Hallucinations 

    What is Cymbalta

    Uses of Cymbalta

    Side effects of Cymbalta

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Cymbalta

    While sitting or lying down, do not get up too quickly. Consult your doctor about the consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Please avoid taking Cymbalta if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is passed through breast milk.

    Possible side effects of taking Cymbalta are-
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Reduced appetite
    • Increased sweating
    • Nervousness
    • Restlessness
    • Light-headedness
    • Fatigue
    • Insomnia
    • Feeling sleepy
    • Difficulty in urination
    • Vision changes
    • Manic episodes
    • Hoarseness
    More severe side effects include:
    • Increased risk of suicide
    • Liver problems
    • Serotonin syndrome
    • Mania
    • Hallucinations
    • Seizures
    • Blisters or peeling skin

    It will be better if you completely avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks or opt for decaffeinated products while taking Cymbalta, as caffeine is a stimulant and can disrupt sleep, putting you at a higher risk of developing serotonin syndrome (a serious drug reaction caused by a build-up of excess serotonin).

    Depression and anxiety are complex disorders of the brain, and the brain’s healing process takes much longer than the recovery of acute symptoms. According to an estimation, the brain entirely recovers back to cognitive function and resilience 6 to 9 months after you are no longer symptomatically depressed.

    Brain fog is characterised by forgetfulness, confusion and a lack of mental clarity and focus. Cymbalta usage is known to cause brain fog in addition to the lack of short-term memory, brain zaps, difficulty concentrating, drug-induced movement disorders and high blood pressure, among various other mild and severe side effects.

    No. Cymbalta is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It belongs to SNRI, a class of antidepressants used to treat MDD, GAD, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic neuropathic pain, menopausal symptoms, etc.

    Yes. Cymbalta is primarily used to treat MDD and GAD. It is also widely used in the treatment of fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathic pain, chronic low back pain, chronic osteoarthritis knee pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, long-term (chronic) pain and cancer treatment-related joint pain.

    Cymbalta is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Though Cymbalta does not repair nerve damage, clinical trials have shown that the drug relieves pain and other sensations associated with the condition. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, namely serotonin and norepinephrine.

    Cymbalta is a drug belonging to the SNRI class of antidepressants. SNRI antidepressants prolong the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. As norepinephrine is left floating around the brain, it stimulates peripheral adrenergic receptors that lead to excessive sweating. Sweating is one of the common side effects during treatment with Cymbalta.

    Yes. Although the risk is limited, Cymbalta can cause urinating problems like urinary retention and trouble to urinate in many patients. You may experience weak obstructive voiding symptoms most probably caused by peripheral adrenergic activity. This might affect the smooth urethral muscles or modify bladder-urethra synergy, causing fluid retention.

     

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