Cymbalta & Back Pain

Duloxetine hydrochloride, sold under the brand name Cymbalta, is a drug classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, originally prescribed for anxiety and major depression. According to RxList.com, this drug also improves back pain and depression by restoring neurotransmitter balance in the patient's brain. Improve appetite, mood, energy level and sleep also have been reported.

Research

• According to a September 2009 news release by drug manufacturer Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, a study by neurologist Dr. Vladmir Skljarevski looked at Cymbalta's affects on chronic lower back pain. "Patients with chronic low back pain on Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) maintained reductions in pain for 41 weeks," the news release said. The company also noted that the drug treats pain related to fibromyalgia and diabetes. WebMD writer Miranda Hitti pointed out in 2008 that Eli Lilly funded another study that showed less dramatic improvement for back pain.

Administration

• Patients using Cymbalta for back pain take the medication once or twice a day. According to RxList, the exact dosage ultimately depends on the patient's reaction; it can take as long as four weeks for Cymbalta's efficacy to be determined.

Contraindications

• Patients with certain medical conditions may not be able to take Cymbalta for back pain. According to RxList, these conditions include liver or kidney disease, seizure disorders, psychiatric disorders, alcohol or drug addiction, dehydration and stomach problems.

Side Effects

• Side effects can affect patients taking Cymbalta for any condition. According to RxList, common side effects include yawning, drowsiness and fatigue. Digestive side effects such as nausea, constipation and loss of appetite, as well as dizziness and blurred vision, are also possible.

  RxList states that between 9 percent and 20 percent of Cymbalta users stopped using the drug because of side effects. More serious side effects include fainting and seizures, heartbeat irregularities, abnormal mental or mood changes, jaundice, urination problems, and more extreme digestive problems---stomach pain, vomiting, tarry or black stools and bloody stools.

Drug Interactions

• Patients taking Cymbalta for back pain may experience certain drug interactions. According to RxList, these include prescription medications for migraines, anxiety and mental illness, obesity, high blood pressure, heart problems and bleeding disorders. Even over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort when taken with Cymbalta can also cause interactions. Tell your doctor if you're using any other drugs---legal or illegal, prescription or over the counter.

Risks and Warnings

• To avoid withdrawal symptoms, suggests RxList, a patient should never abruptly stop taking Cymbalta prescribed for back pain. In rare instances, patients may experience "serotonin syndrome," which manifests as restlessness, hallucinations, muscle twitches, coordination loss, diarrhea, increased heartbeat, vomiting, extreme dizziness, severe nausea and unexplained fever. Take care when driving; dosages for back pain can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Pregnant women and nursing mothers shouldn't take Cymbalta.