What is Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride used for?

This medication is used to treat patients with general anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, pain caused by severe nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), and chronic pain disorder (Fibromyalgia). Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) works by affecting chemicals in the brain that are unbalanced causing depression.

How should Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride be stored?

This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture.

General information

How should I take Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride?

Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Take this medication as directed by your doctor. Take Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) the same time every day. Swallow the pill whole. Do not break, crush, open, or chew a delayed-release capsule because it is made to release medicine slowly into the body. If the pill is broken or opened, it would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. It may take 4 weeks or longer before your symptoms will improve. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor for the most optimal result. Do not stop taking the medication without first consulting with your doctor because stopping the medication suddenly will cause unpleasant side effects.

When should Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride not be taken?

Do not use Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) if you are currently taking Mellaril (thioridazone) or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl or Emsam (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Azilect (rasagiline), or Parnate (tranylcypromine). Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you take Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride). Wait at least 5 days after stopping Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) before you take an MAOI.

What precautions should I follow when taking Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride?

Inform your doctor about the following before taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride): if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you have liver or kidney disease; if you have seizures or epilepsy, if you have glaucoma, if you have a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts; if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or if you have a bipolar disorder (manic depression).

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride?

When first starting Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride), you may have suicidal thoughts, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. You are required to visit your doctor regularly on the first 12 weeks of treatment or more. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, mood or behavior changes, panic attacks, or if you feel impulsive, agitated, irritable, restless, hostile, more depressed, hyperactive (mentally or physically), aggressive, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid alcohol when taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) because it may increase the risk of damaging your liver. Let your doctor know if you are taking any narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, cold or allergy medicine, sleeping pills, and anxiety or seizure medicine because it can add to sleepiness caused by Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride). The side effects from this medication can impair your thinking or reaction, be careful if you drive, operate any type of machinery or requires you to be awake or alert.

What are the side effects of Cymbalta/Duloxetine hydrochloride?

Severe: Black, bloody, or tarry stools; headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, confusion, hallucinations; painful or difficult urination; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); weakness, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination, fainting, shallow breathing or breathing that stops, seizure; very stiff (rigid) muscles, diarrhea, high fever, vomiting, sweating, tremors, overactive reflexes, fast or uneven heartbeats; or easy bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds.

Common: Sleep problems (insomnia); dry mouth, blurred vision; decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; mild nausea, constipation, gas; weight changes; drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation; or joint or muscle pain.

Other: None.