Cymbalta
Duloxetine Oral capsule, gastro-resistant pellets
What is this medicine?
DULOXETINE (doo LOX e teen) is an antidepressant. It is used to treat depression. It is also used to treat different types of chronic pain.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose, or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Read More ›
Cymbalta can be used to treat the following conditions:
- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- musculoskeletal pain
- osteoarthritis
- urinary incontinence
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
changes in blood pressure
confusion
fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
fast, irregular heartbeat
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
stomach flu-like symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine
linezolid
MAOIs like Azilect, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
methylene blue
procarbazine
SSRIs like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline
thioridazine
tryptophan
venlafaxine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and enoxacin
cimetidine
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
other medicines for mental depression, mania, psychosis, or anxiety
St. John's wort
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
kidney or liver disease
narrow- angle glaucoma
suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
taken medicines called MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate within 14 days
an unusual reaction to duloxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your medicine even if you do not feel better right away. It can take about 4 weeks before you feel the full effect of this medicine.
Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause an increase in blood pressure. Check with your doctor or health care professional, you may be able to measure your own blood pressure and pulse. Find out what your blood pressure and heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.
Who should not take Cymbalta?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
abrupt discontinuation, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, anticoagulant therapy, bipolar disorder, bleeding, breast-feeding, cardiac disease, children, closed-angle glaucoma, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, ethanol intoxication, geriatric, hepatic disease, hepatitis, hypertension, hyponatremia, hypotension, hypovolemia, increased intraocular pressure, jaundice, mania, MAOI therapy, neonates, orthostatic hypotension, pregnancy, renal failure, renal impairment, suicidal ideation, syncope, thrombolytic therapy, urinary retention
Copyright: 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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