Cymbalta is a brand-name prescription medication for symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Healthcare providers also prescribe Cymbalta to treat pain symptoms caused by diabetic nerve damage (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Cymbalta is available as an oral capsule. It contains the drug duloxetine, which is also available in generic form. Cymbalta is only available via prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

The FDA has approved Cymbalta to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), diabetic peripheral and neuropathic pain (DPNP), and chronic musculoskeletal pain (such as osteoarthritis) in adults. It’s also approved to treat fibromyalgia in patients 13 and older and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in patients seven and older.

The CDC estimates that almost 19% of adult Americans exhibited some symptoms of depression in 2019. Depression, which can be caused by genetic, biological, environmental, and/or psychological factors, is characterized by a persistently depressed mood and a loss of interest in activities. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body. According to the CDC, fibromyalgia affects about 4 million Americans yearly. Anyone can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, although symptoms usually appear in middle age. Fibromyalgia is most commonly characterized by persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Generalized anxiety disorder causes people to feel intensely and persistently worried and anxious. A person who suffers from anxiety disorder may have constant feelings of worry, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to relax. If left untreated, anxiety may eventually interfere with work or school performance, personal relationships, and other daily functions.

Cymbalta belongs to a class of medications known as antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which block our brain cells' reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a naturally occurring chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) responsible for regulating behavior and aiding attention and alertness. Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter that is responsible for appetite, behavior, and sexual desire. Neurotransmitters send signals between your brain and neurons. Once the brain sends a signal, neurons reabsorb serotonin and norepinephrine.

By blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, Cymbalta helps maintain mental balance and block pain signals in the brain.

Cymbalta has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if these reactions do not disappear within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported from Cymbalta use:

• Heartburn
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Diarrhea/ constipation
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Nausea
  
• Confusion
  
• Weight changes
  
• Fatigue and weakness
  
• Sweating/ night sweats
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Muscle pain/ cramping
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Sexual dysfunction in males and females
  
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty breathing, abdominal pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, a skin rash, hives, fever, fainting, confusion, difficulty urinating, dark-colored urine, extreme fatigue, seizures, hallucinations, or changes in your heart rate while taking Cymbalta, seek medical attention immediately.

As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Cymbalta. Cymbalta can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before beginning treatment with Cymbalta, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

Cymbalta cannot be taken by those to take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Cymbalta can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Abruptly stopping Cymbalta can result in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, heart palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia.

Cymbalta is commonly prescribed as a once-daily oral capsule. The exact dosage and schedule will vary depending on the patient's age, diagnosis, and body weight. Take the medication exactly as your doctor has instructed.

Do not increase your dosage or discontinue the use of Cymbalta unless ordered to do so by your doctor. If you experience any adverse reactions, contact a healthcare provider. Your dosage may increase or decrease depending on how well you tolerate the medication.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Cymbalta is only available via prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame can order Cymbalta for local pickup on the same day. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Cymbalta to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.