Cymbalta

Cymbalta, Enteric Coated Capsule

Chemical Name: DULOXETINE

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Common uses

This medicine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat certain types of nerve pain and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

WARNING: ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICINES MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, AND POSSIBLY ADULTS, WHO HAVE SEVERE DEPRESSION OR CERTAIN OTHER MENTAL OR MOOD DISORDERS. Children, adolescents, and adults who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking fluvoxamine, quinolone antibiotics, or thioridazine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE with, or within 14 days of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. If you are currently taking any of the medicines mentioned above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine), quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline, or imipramine), phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine or perphenazine), or antiarrhythmics (such as propafenone or flecainide). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), mania, history of seizures, slowed emptying of the stomach, controlled narrow-angle glaucoma, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of end stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney problems, liver problems, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or history of alcohol abuse. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not sprinkle the popupbodys of the capsule on food or mix with liquids. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure, may be needed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression, contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information. AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. Heavy use of alcohol combined with this medicine may increase your risk for liver damage. This medicine may cause drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone or with other medicines may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or changes in sexual function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience difficulty urinating. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any mood or mental changes (such as severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, or severe restlessness); worsening feelings of depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself; difficulty sleeping; dark urine or pale stools; yellowing of the eyes or skin; severe stomach pain; or flu-like symptoms (such as headache, weakness, muscle aches, or fever). AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions.

If you take too much

IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.