Duloxetine hydrochloride is the generic name for the antidepressant
prescription medication sold under the trade name Cymbalta. Cymbalta
has been proven to be an effective treatment option for major
depressive disorder.
There
are a number of antidepressant medications that are effective in
alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorder, too, but Cymbalta is not
indicated as a treatment option when anxiety is present along with
symptoms of major depression.
Caution against adverse
reactions is always advised when taking prescription medications and
some Cymbalta side effects are worth noting.
Nausea is the
most frequently reported side effect reported by patients taking this
medication. Other disturbances of the digestive system when using this
medication can include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite
changes.
Sexual difficulties are known to develop during
treatment with duloxetine hydrochloride, as are headaches, excessive
feelings of drowsiness, insomnia, and generalized feelings of weakness.
Other
Cymbalta side effects may include dry mouth, excessive sweating,
tremors, and problems with the urinary tract. Anyone with liver disease
or severe kidney impairment should not take this drug.
Cymbalta
side effects are likely to be most noticeable at the beginning of
treatment and any time dosage is altered. Dangerous symptoms of mania
and suicidal thoughts and tendencies may develop at any time while
taking Cymbalta but their chances of occurring are heightened during
these critical periods of treatment.
Patients with
uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma should not take Cymbalta. Nor should
anyone who is also taking thioridazine; this combination can cause
irregularities of the heartbeat that can be fatal.
Anyone
undergoing treatment for depression by using a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor, especially phenelzine and tranylcypromine, should not take
Cymbalta. It is advisable to wait a minimum of 14 days after
discontinuing use of the MAO inhibitor before taking Cymbalta. Once
Cymbalta treatment has been discontinued, it is best to wait at least 5
days before beginning MAO inhibitor therapy.
In addition to
treatment for depression, Cymbalta is an effective treatment for
diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a very painful disorder that affects
the nerves in the feet, legs, and hands.
Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.