Cymbalta (generic name: Duloxetine; brand names include: Duvanta / Yentreve) is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Cymbalta is used to treat:

Depression
Diabetic neuropathic pain (stabbing or shooting pains associated with diabetes)
Generalised anxiety disorder

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Cymbalta exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Take each dose with a glass of water. Cymbalta may be taken with or without food.

Cymbalta capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the contents be sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids.

Try to take Cymbalta at the same time each day.

It may take 1 to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Cymbalta. Do not stop taking Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Precautions

Before taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

you are allergic to duloxetine or any other medications;
you are taking thioridazine or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, or if you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days;
you have or have ever had glaucoma;
you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol;
you have or have ever had a heart attack; high blood pressure; seizures; coronary artery disease or heart, liver, or kidney disease, or diabetes;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: duloxetine.