Cymbalta (Duloxetine) belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Duloxetine helps treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It could also help treating diabetes-related nerve pain, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, and chronic pain from osteoarthritis of the knee. This medication works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance and stop the movement of pain signals in the brain.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Cymbalta (Duloxetine) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. You may take Cymbalta with or without food. Take this medicine at around the same time every day. Do not crush, chew, break or open it. Swallow it whole. Do not stop taking Cymbalta without talking to your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Always take Cymbalta (Duloxetine) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Cymbalta, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Do not take Cymbalta within 5 days before or 14 days after you have used a MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine, or methylene blue injection.

Cymbalta should not be used if you have narrow angle glaucoma.

Some medicines can interact with duloxetine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Cymbalta may cause problems in a newborn if you take the medicine during the third trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

-Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-Anxious
-Breathing problems
-Confusion
-Changes in vision
-Chest pain
-Confusion
-Elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
-Eye pain
-Fast, irregular heartbeat
-Feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-Feeling agitated, angry, or irritable
-Hallucination, loss of contact with reality
-High blood pressure
-Loss of balance or coordination
-Palpitations
-Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-Restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
-Seizures
-Stiff muscles
-Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
-Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
-Trouble sleeping
-Unusual bleeding or bruising
-Unusually weak or tired
-Vomiting
-Yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

-Change in sex drive or performance
-Change in appetite or weight
-Constipation
-Dizziness
-Dry mouth
-Headache
-Increased sweating
-Nausea
-Tired

This is not a complete list of side effects and other may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose call the Poison Help line. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture and light.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking Cymbalta?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. Using an NSAID with Cymbalta may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Cymbalta may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Sever dizziness or fainting can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.