Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Do's

• Take Cymbalta by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 1 or 2 times a day with or without food.
• Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Doing so can affect how well your body absorbs the drug, potentially increasing the risk for side effects or reducing its effectiveness.
• Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit from it.
• Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose.
• Take Cymbalta even if you feel well.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.
• If you experience nausea, taking the drug with food may help.

Don'ts

• Do not crush, chew, break, or open Cymbalta capsules.
• Do not suddenly stop the medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping the medication can lead to worsening conditions and withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, mood swings, and other discomforts.
• Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

The dosage of Cymbalta is typically based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider may direct you to start the medication at a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects.

The recommended dosage for treating fibromyalgia or long-term pain in adults is 60 mg once per day. However, the initial dose may be 30 mg once per day, with a potential increase to 60 mg based on your healthcare provider's assessment.                 

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Increased sweating
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Decreased appetite
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Fatigue
• Sexual side effects

Not being able to sleep (insomnia) is one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Cymbalta. In some individuals, this side effect may improve after a couple of weeks of taking the medication.

Serious Side Effects:

• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Fast heart rate
• Muscle stiffness
• Twitching
• Loss of coordination
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome
• Liver damage
• Orthostatic hypotension, which may lead to falls

Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the potential side effects of Cymbalta.

Cymbalta may interact with other drugs. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Avoid taking Cymbalta within 5 days before or 14 days after using a MAO inhibitor, as a dangerous drug interaction could occur.

If you are considering breastfeeding while taking Cymbalta, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider and explore other treatment and feeding options.

Clinical studies have shown that antidepressants such as Cymbalta increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years or younger.

Excessive alcohol use can damage the liver over time. Therefore, drinking heavily during Cymbalta treatment could raise the risk for liver damage even more.

Cymbalta may cause symptoms of serotonin syndrome; monitor for these symptoms when using the medication.

Adverse reactions after discontinuation of Cymbalta, after abrupt or tapered discontinuation, may include symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and anxiety. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible.

The information provided is not exhaustive. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Cymbalta.