Cymbalta (Duloxetine HCl)

Cymbalta is an antidepressant medicine known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Cymbalta is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic neuropathy (a painful nerve disorder associated with diabetes that affects your hands, legs, and feet), fibromyalgia (a condition characterized by weakness and pain in the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints), and chronic muscle pain.

Cymbalta can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Your doctor will monitor you closely for clinical worsening, suicidal or unusual behavior after you start taking Cymbalta or a new dose of Cymbalta. Tell your doctor right away if you experience anxiety, hostility, sleeplessness, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, or thoughts about suicide or dying; or if you have new symptoms or seem to be feeling worse. Cymbalta can cause liver damage. Contact your doctor right away if you experience abdominal pain or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Cymbalta as this can contribute to liver damage. Cymbalta can cause an increase or decrease in blood pressure. Your doctor will check your blood pressure before starting you on Cymbalta and throughout treatment. Cymbalta can cause a severe, possibly life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome (a drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by the nerve cells) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life-threatening brain disorder). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience agitation, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, changes in your blood pressure, increased body temperature, lack of coordination, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Cymbalta can increase your risk of bleeding. Do not take Cymbalta with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen), or blood thinners (such as warfarin). Cymbalta can cause severe allergic reactions. Tell your doctor right away if you develop skin blisters, peeling rash, sores in your mouth, hives, or any other allergic reactions. Do not stop taking Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor as this can cause serious side effects. Cymbalta can cause low blood sodium levels. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience headache, difficulty concentrating, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, hallucinations, falls, or seizures. Cymbalta can affect your blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic, make sure you check your blood sugar levels regularly. Cymbalta can make it difficult to urinate. If you experience this problem, contact your doctor.