Cymbalta
Cymbalta is a medicine that contains duloxetine hydrochloride as an active ingredient. It belongs to the class of drugs called SSNRIs or selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is used for the treatment of the depressive disorders and Gad or generalized anxiety disorder. This decreases he levels of the chemicals that causes depression in the brain and central nervous system.
It can help in the treatment of the psychosomatic disorders as well like fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndrome or pain arising from diabetes neuropathy. It can help patients with osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pains, chronic lumbago and other pain disorders. It may be indicated in other conditions as well.
What I must know about before using Cymbalta?
It must not be consumed along with thioridazine drug like mellaril and MAOI drugs like isocarboxazid, rasagiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromin etc. as they can produce serious side effects in people taking antidepressants like MAOI drugs. These side effects can be as serious as overwhelming suicidal thoughts even in a young age and these may be strong enough to drive one to serious consequences. Therefore, one must take Cymbalta along with other antidepressant unless your doctor prescribes. If you are taking it at your own then you must tell your doctor about it and the other herbal medications or the drugs you are consuming for whatever conditions you have. Go for regular visits and never miss a checkup for the first 12 weeks of the treatment.
It must not be consumed along with thioridazine drug like mellaril and MAOI drugs like isocarboxazid, rasagiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromin etc. as they can produce serious side effects in people taking antidepressants like MAOI drugs. These side effects can be as serious as overwhelming suicidal thoughts even in a young age and these may be strong enough to drive one to serious consequences. Therefore, one must take Cymbalta along with other antidepressant unless your doctor prescribes. If you are taking it at your own then you must tell your doctor about it and the other herbal medications or the drugs you are consuming for whatever conditions you have. Go for regular visits and never miss a checkup for the first 12 weeks of the treatment.
If there are any changes in the existing or new symptoms have appeared in you, report to the doctor immediately. These can be mood changes; abnormal behavior, irritable moods, panic attacks, sleep problems, aggressive attitude, suicidal tendencies, depression, hyperactive behavior etc. don't consume alcohol with this medicine as it may produce hepatotoxic effects. One may become drowsy after taking it, thus, you must be alert and should not drive vehicles or operate machines.
If you were on Mao inhibitor drugs then you must wait for at least 14 days before starting this drug and again need to stop using this drug to consume any MAOI drug. Stop Cymbalta 5 days prior to commencing the use of MAOI drugs. Never use it if you feel any allergic reactions or you are suffering from glaucoma.
Do talk to your doctor about this medicine if you have the liver and kidney diseases, have ever suffered from epileptic fits, have a bleeding disease or clotting disorder, bipolar mood disorders, glaucoma and abuse of suicidal tendencies. The family members must be aware of your situations, your moods and different thoughts you are being through during the period of consumption of this medicine. Visit the doctor for regular checkups for next 12 weeks.
Cymbalta belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C that implies it can't be taken during pregnancy and even after it. It is known to harm the fetus and new born baby by passing through mother's milk. Thus, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, don't take this medicine.
How to use Cymbalta?
It is a slow release capsule that can be taken orally, once or two times a day as advised by the physician. It may be taken with or without meals. It is usually taken once a day and rarely twice a day in severe cases that need acute treatment with the medicine. Check your prescription table for dosage and never over dose this medicine or abuse it as the drug causes many side effects. Don't take for longer period than needed. Don't chew or break the capsule, swallow it completely without opening the capsule. There are chances the doctor may keep the dosage of the Cymbalta low and later increase the doses after one week of observation.
How effective is this medicine?
The medicine is usually given to suppress the condition. The alleviation of the symptoms can be seen after the usage for 3 to 4 weeks. Stop the drug if you don't feel right with it and continue to use it if the symptoms are being removed without any serious side effects. There are chances to get some mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms as you leave the medicine like drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and pain in abdomen, headaches, sleep changes and mood disorders. Let your doctor know about these changes as you leave the usage of this medicine.
What are the other important uses of Cymbalta?
It can be used for the treatment of the health conditions like urinary incontinence or enuresis while increase in the intra-abdominal pressure like sneezing, coughing, and exercise and laughing especially in women. Ask your doctor for more information.
One must follow special precaution while taking this medicine, as you don't know how the different drugs will interact. Talk to your doctor about the medicines and the herbal supplements that you have been using.
What should be done if you miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you recall about it. Never take 2 doses at one time or abuse the medicine; it will give better effects rather produce adverse reactions. Try to maintain the gap of at least 12 hours between the two doses you have consumed in a day.
What can be the common side effects?
Common side effects of Cymbalta include nausea, vomiting, headache, sleep changes, pain in abdomen, indigestion, acne, itching and diarrhea. One may suffer from mood changes, depression, suicidal tendencies in less common cases.
Where can I buy Cymbalta online?
It is advised to buy this drug only after a prescription from your doctor but it can be purchased for cheap online from the internet drug stores and reputed online pharmacies.