Advanced Search | Join Now | Sign In


Cymbalta (duloxotine hydrochloride)
Overall Rating
spacerspacer
5.44
Rating:

5.44

Side Effects
spacerspacer
4.88
Pricing
spacerspacer
7.15
Average Price: $12.97 Thumbs up Recommended By
59% of reviewers (of 34 reviews)
Ads by
HealthPricer
advertisement




Cymbaltaź

Generic Name: Duloxetine hydrochloride

Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSNRI

 

Contents

 

Description
This medicine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). This medicine is used to treat depression. This medicine is also used for nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in diabetic patients. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat other conditions.
Top of page 

General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Top of page

Proper use of this medicine
Follow the directions printed on your prescription label. Ask you doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take this medicine. This medicine should be taken by mouth. This medicine should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the contents be sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids. All of these might affect the enteric coating. Do not quickly stop this medicine without talking to your doctor.
Top of page

Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Top of page

Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Top of page

Possible Side Effects
    • Talk to your doctor if these side effects are bothersome or do not go away:
      • nausea
      • drowsiness
      • dizziness
      • nervousness
      • insomnia
      • headache
      • increased sweating
      • lightheadedness
      • sexual problems
    • A few of the most common side effects with this medicine include:
    • nausea
    • dry mouth
    • constipation
    • fatigue
    • somnolence
    • increased sweating
    • If you experience other bothersome side effects, contact your health care provider.
Top of page

Warnings/Precautions
    • Patients and their families should be alert to personality changes such as increased agitation or talk of suicide.
    • Do NOT stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor.
    • Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
    • This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • Before taking this medicine, notify your doctor if you have:
      • history of alcohol abuse
      • narrow-angled glaucoma
      • kidney problems
    • Patient should watch for worsening depression or suicidal tendencies. If you are feeling more agitated, talk to your health care professional.
    • This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
    • Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities.
Top of page

Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Top of page

Drug Interactions
    • Patients should be advised to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter medications, since there is a potential for interactions.
    • If you are taking a group of medicine called "MAO inhibitors", they cannont be taken with this medicine. Stop the MAO inhibitor 14 days prior to starting this medicine. Your doctor or pharmacist can assist you with this.
    • Before taking any new medications, either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), talk to your doctor or pharmacist about mixing medicines.
    • Avoid taking St. John's Wort with this medicine.

Top of page

Pregnancy/Nursing
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy. Neonates exposed to SSRIs or SNRIs late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization. (1) Nursing is not recommended while taking this medicine.
Top of page

More Information

For more information about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.
Top of page

Copyright © 2006 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. www.pharmclips.com
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.



Last reviewed:

  On 8 Aug 2006

  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.



 

p107cymbalta
Tags: cymbalta

Ads by
HealthPricer



Achieve
Visitor


Registered: June 2006
Posts: 9
Review Date: Sat July 1, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $20.00| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Adequate anti-depressant
Negative aspects of this (cons): Sexual side effects. Sleepiness.

It works well with mood stabilizers.
alf0156
Member


Registered: August 2006
Posts: 60
Review Date: Thu August 31, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): it works
Negative aspects of this (cons): bad stomic cramps if not taken with a small amount of food

it works
alisandria
Veteran Member


Registered: August 2006
Posts: 331
Review Date: Fri September 8, 2006 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): N/A
Negative aspects of this (cons): headache and agitation/anxiety

I tried this on two separate occassions with the hope I could get past the side effects, because I know it's also supposed to be good with neuropathic pain and hopefully would alleviate the pain I suffer. Thing is I could never get past the headaches I got. The second time I tried it I did manage to stay on for a month, but then just had to quit, I had migraines constantly and was experiencing more anxiety than prior to being on it (probably cause of the amount of pain I was in from migraines). Unfortunate because I know that this drug has worked well for many.
JustAPixie
Elder


Registered: July 2006
Posts: 5176
Review Date: Wed September 13, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): elevated my mood
Negative aspects of this (cons): felt more anxious, lost weight, nausia and supressed apetite and sex drive.

I was on it for one and half months and although I did feel better, I got more panick attacks, and I completely stopped eating and passed out a lot because my blood pressure dropped so low.
dottie
Magnate


Registered: July 2005
Posts: 2008
Review Date: Thu September 14, 2006 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): elevated my mood
Negative aspects of this (cons): bizarre dreming, nightmares, insomnia, headache, sinus congestion. Visual problems. Dry mouth,

I can't recommend this. Too many side effects. I have been on it for 2 years and the side effects seem to be worsening. Going to ask my doctor to change to another A-D. Groan.
Xilber
Visitor

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 3
Review Date: Fri December 1, 2006 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 2 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): can't remember any
Negative aspects of this (cons): sleepiness, constipation

Was on it for a short while for depression. I was extremely tired all the time and constantly constipated.
superwoman
Junior Member

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 5
Review Date: Wed December 6, 2006 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): worked okayish at first
Negative aspects of this (cons): chronic insomnia, drowsiness,

Been on this med for 4 months. Felt better after about a week of being on it. It gave me some motivation to face my anxiety head on. The side effect of insomnia has not eased in all this time. Takes HOURS to get off to sleep then keep waking during the night. Very lethargic during the day. It seems to have now pooped out and my mood has dropped again. It helped my anxiety to a degree. I wouldn't recommend it because it's effects are not consistent.
RollerCoaster
Visitor

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed December 13, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 2 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Calming affect
Negative aspects of this (cons): Major daytime sleepiness, Sexual problems, Dry mouth

This is the second time I have tried this stuff. It made me so sleepy I thought there was something else wrong with me....constantly yawning and lethargic. It did have a calming effect - like I haven't a care in the world - and would be great if I wanted to lay around the house and sleep all the time, but I am (was/want to be again) a very active person and have work to get done. Although it did not reduce sexual drive, it made climax nearly impossible and even then, not satisfying.
Since everyone is affected by these drugs differently, it is hard to make a recommendation....but if you are a physically, sexually active male who relies on being awake and alert for work, don't take this drug!
bhill0821
Visitor

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 1
Review Date: Sun December 17, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Great!! Really helps with my feelings
Negative aspects of this (cons): Side effects, but if you stay on it and take it regular, they subside

Wow, alot of negatives about this medicine. I have been on this medicine for about 2 years. It really works. I stopped taking it for a few weeks and noticed a big difference in my mood and was crying all the time about any little thing. If I have to take this med for the rest of my life, so be it. I am going to get through life on a day by day of dealing with ups and downs by taking the med and enjoying life.
sallyoop
Visitor

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 3
Review Date: Wed December 20, 2006 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 5 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): the world literally seemed brighter
Negative aspects of this (cons): made me reckless

This medicine made me sleepy and worked wonders for the constant pain I was in due to my depression. I am not sure why I stopped it except that it seemed to worsen my anxiety and did not really help my depression.
Review Date: Thu December 28, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $30.00| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): helps with nerve pain, self injury urges, and depression
Negative aspects of this (cons): none

This pill is a wonder drug. My psychiatrist and neurologist both reccomended it. It takes the place of 3 different perscriptions. I would reccomend it to anyone, especially if they have nerve pain!
vanna123
Veteran Member


Registered: July 2005
Posts: 363
Review Date: Sat January 27, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): works well on the apin
Negative aspects of this (cons): weird dreams

had some sucess with the pain -- did not help much with the depression
ladyprime
Junior Member


Registered: November 2005
Posts: 9
Review Date: Mon January 29, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 0 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): working well for me ..until...
Negative aspects of this (cons): none, really

until my MH nurse was a jerk and wouldnt give me full dosage to 'punish' me...then i went into a depresion, but out of it now.
after reading all these comments, it appears to not work to well for people, but it has been great for me..ive been on wellbutrin 450mg ( this stuff saved my life) ive beenon buspars for about a year, that doing well too, and the cymbalta for about 3-4 months...finally got my little'cocktail'correct
SecretAngel
Visitor

Registered: January 2007
Posts: 1
Review Date: Fri February 2, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: $4.00| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): None
Negative aspects of this (cons): Horrible side effects when starting

When I started this medication I was so sick for the first week that I could barely get out of bed. I had a horrible headache, and my stomach was so upset that I was not eating or drinking. Eventually it got so bad that I was admitted to the hospital for dehydration.
Pomegranate
Member


Registered: February 2007
Posts: 30
Review Date: Mon February 5, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): helped daily pain
Negative aspects of this (cons): episodes of heavy sweating or hot flashes

I was on Zoloft for major depression and anxiety for several years. But I suffered from joint, muscle and nerve pain daily, most often moderate, sometimes very bad. Switching to Cymbalta helped with the daily moderate pain in legs, upper spine and joints. The very bad lower back and joint pain was not affected but does not occur as often, so it brought me much pain relief along with the same relief from depression as the Zoloft gave me.

With the Zoloft I had no side effects after the first two months. With Cymblata the only side effect I have is hot flashes, a couple or so a day. Well worth the pain (and depression) relief to me.

MoodyOne
Visitor

Registered: April 2007
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed April 18, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $0.86| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros):
Negative aspects of this (cons): None so far

Cymbalta Smile I LOVE Cymbalta! This has been a miracle drug for me. I was already taking 100mg of Lamictal once per day when I initially started taking Cymbalta. I immediately started having some side effects including dry mouth, nausea, irregular heart beats and decreased appetite. However, my moods were so dramatically improved that I decided to wait it out. After about 10 days the side effects (all but the decreased appetite) went away. When people used to tell me that life wasn't that bad I never believed them. I can breathe now and I feel wonderful in my own skin. I used to break down crying at trivial things. As an added bonus I have lost 14 pounds! Yes, I am a Cymbalta cheerleader, but I do know that this is not for everyone. The docs had me on countless SSRI's before they tried this and none of them ever worked. In fact, they made my condition much, much worse. I hope this helps someone.
jimmyjetta
Visitor

Registered: May 2007
Posts: 8
Review Date: Sun May 13, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): none
Negative aspects of this (cons): migraines? feeling generally miserable.

Cymbalta is the only antidepressant I've taken to leave me feeling constantly awful. The only way I can describe it is as a coffee-buzz-gone-out-of-control with effects similar to some migraines (BTW, watch the espresso intake while on this drug: I experienced heart palpitations, sweats, and even worse than normal symptoms after coffee one evening).
adamsmom
Visitor


Registered: July 2007
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed July 11, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: $25.00| Rating: 2 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): none
Negative aspects of this (cons): did not work at all for me

I was more depressed when taking this than I was before I took it.
xp1155
Member

Registered: August 2007
Posts: 42
Review Date: Sun August 26, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): helps physical symptoms, side effects were mild
Negative aspects of this (cons): mania, dry mouth

This product was awesome at treating my physical symptoms of depression. I am in pain almost every day of my life and, with this drug, I was almost pain free. The dry mouth I had was tolerable. However, it did cause mania and I was not able to sleep. I think I might try it again with a mood stabilizer. If you suffer from physical symptoms of depression, or generalized pain, I highly encourage you to consider this treatment with your doctor.
Prada
Member

Registered: August 2007
Posts: 33
Review Date: Fri September 14, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Took all my depression and anger away.
Negative aspects of this (cons): Made me VERY anxious. Was on Neurontin to counter this.

It worked wonders for me. If it weren't for the price I would still be on it. The only problem was the anxiety it caused, I couldnt sit still no matter what dose I was on. They had me on Neurontin(800mg a day)to try to counter it though that only helped for the first 3 weeks.
bellestar
Junior Member


Registered: September 2007
Posts: 9
Review Date: Wed September 19, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): was able to hold my water better
Negative aspects of this (cons): withdrawal

After four months, it just stopped working. It wasn't doing much good to start with as far as mood. THE worst part is withdrawal. I started in May and I'm still titrating down. I had to break open the caps and count pieces....every time I step down a few, I cry for two days off and on. I'm down to 8 little pieces a day...I'll do that for two weeks and then go to five or six.


NO WONDER they say you can be suicidal after taking this and then coming off....so, moral of my story....if you ever take this and need to get off, go as slowly as possible, break open the caps and do not follow the Dr's orders according to the drug maker. The lowest dose is 20mg....I probably take .005 mg at this point and still boo-hoo and get headaches.

IMO...it shouldn't be sold at all.

102riley
Visitor


Registered: October 2007
Posts: 9
Review Date: Wed October 10, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $23.00| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): no serious side effects and I think I am doing a little better
Negative aspects of this (cons): itchy, I started ichying three weeks after taking it

I have not been very pleased with this treatment. I do think it was a better addition to my mood stabalizers than the SSRS, which seem to get me going very fast with suicidal thoughts.
biplr4me
New Member


Registered: July 2007
Posts: 13
Review Date: Thu October 18, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $0.25| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Lightened mood, clearer thinking
Negative aspects of this (cons): Possibly building a tolarance to it

I was placed on it to help my mood and ADHD. Worked well until now. I went up on the dosage 120mg per day and it only seems like my mood is flat, but my ADHD is still under control. Although to be fair I have been going through a very emotional time so that may be overwhelming to its effects. Total time on it is about 2 years and I do still get a headache now and then but most side effects are manageable. Overall I think it's a good med to use but I still have my questions on tolerance of it.*UPDATE* 05/01/08 I am now off it completely. It seemed to lose It's use for me. It was also suppressing my emotions. I do feel more up being off of it. It was a good med until I hit that wall of it no longer doing it's job. The weight loss is nice also being off of it. It may work for some but it stopped for me.
mazer
Member


Registered: January 2008
Posts: 28
Review Date: Wed January 2, 2008 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): worked at first and also free in UK
Negative aspects of this (cons): heart racing when take it,dont take it a night

I have been on this for a year now,got told by pdoc to take it in the morning as it affects your sleep,ie keeps you awake,it is ok at first for depression but wears off quick,if you forget to take a dose I get head zaps ! weight increase too,Im now coming off this as its not working anymore
sarcasticme
New Member


Registered: January 2008
Posts: 3
Review Date: Sat January 26, 2008 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: $0.67| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): None
Negative aspects of this (cons): Took this for about two weeks, caused so much pain that it worsened the depression!

I couldn't handle the side effects. They caused me a great deal of pain, which doesn't help depression at all!
djmojo
Visitor

Registered: February 2008
Posts: 4
Review Date: Sat February 16, 2008 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Don't know, was mega dosed by my pdoc!!!
Negative aspects of this (cons): total lack of care, bills, job, wife and kids.

Drink alcohol and be prepared to suffer like never before
Getting off after a year was a real mother
sleepy,dull, heavy reactions.....but hey! Ilost weight! jeez
My anxiety was off the scale, eating xanax like candy
vulnerome
Member

Registered: October 2004
Posts: 130
Review Date: Sun February 17, 2008 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 4 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Numbness.
Negative aspects of this (cons): Numbness, made me very tired.

I was put on this in addition to Mirtazapine. It just made me more and more numb to the point that I no longer felt love for my boyfriend. Nor did I feel anxiety or annoyance when he vanished for two weeks, or happiness when he returned. Put simply, I did not care about anything. It was more like a chemical frontal lobotomy than anything else. My therapist felt it was seriously hampering progress. The numbness could be a useful respite to some people though, and I would consider taking it again for that purpose if some major trauma came into my life.

Coming off it now and seem to be getting withdrawals despite only being on it a month - trouble with visual tracking, dizziness, jolty feelings in my body, brain zaps, skin crawling, night jerking, weird arse dreams etc. Quite enjoying the weird effects myself Smile but they might upset some people.

petuniacat
Visitor

Registered: February 2008
Posts: 2
Review Date: Mon March 3, 2008 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): wakes you right up, keeps you positive
Negative aspects of this (cons): hard time going to sleep

This medication works wonders for me. I am normal what ever normal is. As long as I function at work I'm happy.
thancen
Junior Member


Registered: March 2008
Posts: 13
Review Date: Thu March 6, 2008 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): works well with Depakote
Negative aspects of this (cons): Excessive diahrea

works excellent with Depakote and my mood was more stable, but I had the worse diahrea of my life. Even with anti-diahrea medicine the side effect didn't ease. I had to go on a diet of rice and jello. Couldn't live eating like that forever.
mommyof5cats
Visitor


Registered: January 2007
Posts: 2
Review Date: Sun March 16, 2008 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 5 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): decreased appetite
Negative aspects of this (cons): fatigue, feeling a bit "foggy"

I've only been taking this for four days, but so far I don't have any complaints. I'll probably be posting in a week or two with an update. I listed the decreased appetite as a "pro", because I'm 50 pounds overweight, so I'm not complaining about that.
mazer
Member


Registered: January 2008
Posts: 28
Review Date: Sun April 6, 2008 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 0 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): none
Negative aspects of this (cons): makes you feel shit

should be banned as its awful to come off,been on it for over 2 years and cant get off this poison !
TaintedGoth1
Grand Member


Registered: April 2008
Posts: 646
Review Date: Sun April 6, 2008 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Excellent for depression
Negative aspects of this (cons): Wears off too soon

I really would recommend this. I've not had the side effects noted by others and do extremely well on this medication. Take it midday as sometimes it does not have the same potency in the evening if you take it in the morning.
_Hope_
Grand Poohbah


Registered: September 2007
Posts: 1823
Review Date: Mon April 7, 2008 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): none yet
Negative aspects of this (cons): sexual problems , dehydration, constipation

I have only been on it 2 weeks , I havenot noticied anything good yet , but the worst is an inability to orgasm, that doesn't help my depression much
katfriendly
Visitor