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Cymbalta (Duloxetine) for Depression: A Detailed Review

Cymbalta for depression
Written by:
Rabia Khaliq
MSc in Applied Psychology
Reviewer:
Dr. William Grigg
DO

Content

Medical Disclaimer
The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more

Depression can be debilitating, with most symptoms limiting a person’s productivity and affecting the usual way of living. Fortunately, for most patients, the condition is treatable. Therapy, antidepressants, or the combination of these approaches can be used to help one achieve symptom relief.

Medications are usually prescribed to patients with moderate to severe symptoms. There are different drugs available, and using Cymbalta for depression treatment is one of the most effective and common options.

Read on to know more about Cymbalta, how it works, and what you should be aware of in terms of its side effects.

Contact a prescriber at the MEDvidi online clinic to get a medication chosen right for you.

What Is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta’s generic name is duloxetine [1*] . It belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and works by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. By maintaining the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine, it improves communication among neurons resulting in a better mood.

Unlike some other drugs that act on the nervous system, duloxetine is not a controlled substance and does not come with the risk of habit-forming. It is, however, available only by prescription.

While the drug has proven effective [2*] in treating depression, it may not work for everyone. Also, the right dosage may be finalized by trial and error. Patients should consult with their doctors to determine and get the right dosage if the initial one doesn’t bring the needed effect. Also, patients should avoid going beyond the prescribed dosage without approval since it does not necessarily guarantee effectiveness but may result in severe side effects instead.

What Is Cymbalta Used for?

Cymbalta is approved for several conditions? Including the following:

Summing up, duloxetine works to relieve chronic pain, decrease nervousness, and improve your sleep, appetite, energy levels, and mood.

Cymbalta Dosage

The dosage for Cymbalta depends on the condition being treated [6*] , the patient’s age, and how they respond to treatment.

The dosages can be different for the treatment of fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain and chronic pain.

The usual Cymbalta dosage for depression in adults is:

  • An initial dose of 20 to 30 mg is taken orally twice a day.
  • A usual maintenance dosage of 60 mg is taken once a day, or 30mg is taken twice daily.

The maximum Cymbalta dose for depression is 120 mg per day.

The drug is taken orally with or without food. Though for those who have nausea, it helps to take it with food.

The dosage of Cymbalta is chosen individually. Consult a professional to get diagnosed with depression online.

Cymbalta Side Effects

Most of the side effects of Cymbalta are mild to moderate, and most patients do not experience serious ones. Some common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Increased sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue

Patients should alert their doctor in case they experience any of the following serious side effects:

  • Confusion
  • Bruising or bleeding easily
  • Loss of sexual interest/changes in their sexual ability
  • Muscle fatigue, cramps
  • Liver problems (unending nausea, yellowing eyes, dark urine, abdominal pains)
  • Difficulty in urinating
  • Tremors
  • Fluttering in the chest or pounding heartbeats
  • Manic episodes

Cymbalta has a low risk of allergic reactions. However, it is not excluded. One should alert his doctor immediately if he/she notices the following symptoms:

  • Skin rash or skin pain
  • Hives
  • Swelling in the face or throat
  • Sore throat
  • Burning eyes
  • Mouth sores
  • Difficulty breathing

MEDvidi doctors offer comprehensive support. Your treatment plan will be modified if you experience side effects or the medication is not working.

Cymbalta dosage for depression

Withdrawal Risks and Symptoms

Patients should not stop taking duloxetine suddenly or without following guidance from their doctor. It exposes one to a risk of uncomfortable and sometimes limiting side effects. These could set in within hours of stopping your antidepressant use.

So, if the medication is not working for the patient, or they cannot tolerate the side effects, or another health complication has emerged, the doctor will provide the right guidelines for discontinuation of the drug. Usually, this is through tapering off, where the patient takes smaller doses gradually, allowing the body to adjust to the changes.

When it comes to Cymbalta, withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Prickling skin sensation

Conclusion

Cymbalta is an effective medication for depression in adults. It is also approved for treating other conditions, including GAD, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. The drug belongs to the SNRIs class of antidepressants and is an effective option for most patients. However, patients should get instructions for use from their doctors and follow the prescribed dosage. They should inform their doctor of any side effects and their severity. Patients should also avoid stopping Cymbalta suddenly to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Also, one should notify the prescriber about the degree of improvement within the first four to six weeks to determine whether to continue, discontinue the drug, or increase the dosage. To get comprehensive guidance on medication treatment for depression, contact MEDvidi today!

Sources

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6 sources
  1. Duloxetine. (2023)
    Source link
  2. Duloxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. (2007)
    Source link
  3. Duloxetine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. (2009)
    Source link
  4. Treatment of chronic back pain with antidepressant cymbalta: an experimental study. (2007)
    Source link
  5. Efficacy of Duloxetine in Patients With Fibromyalgia: Pooled Analysis of 4 Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials. (2009)
    Source link
  6. Cymbalta. (2021)
    Source link
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Written by:
Rabia Khaliq
MSc in Applied Psychology
Reviewer:
Dr. William Grigg
DO
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This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

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This article contains scientific references. The numbers
in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.