Sideaffects of Long-Term Use of Cymbalta

Cymbalta is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. Although extended use of Cymbalta for otherwise healthy people is safe, side effects can persist for a prolonged period of time, and may even persist after a patient has stopped treatment with Cymbalta (as Cymbalta remains in the bloodstream for several weeks after a last dose). Side effects of long-term use of Cymbalta may include shortness of breath, uneven heartbeat, nausea or vomiting. Discuss with your doctor any and all effects you experience, as he may need to amend your treatment or adjust your dosage.

Overdose Side Effects

• In order to prevent prolonged side effects from worsening, take Cymbalta exactly as it was prescribed. Do not alter your dosage of Cymbalta. If you forget to take a dose of Cymbalta, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dosage of Cymbalta is within a time frame of four hours, skip the missed dose and take just your regular dose. Never double up on this medication, as this can cause Cymbalta overdose. Side-effects of Cymbalta overdose include rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, feeling lightheaded, feeling faint, confusion or diarrhea. Seek medical treatment if you are experiencing a side effect as a result of Cymbalta overdose.

Other Medical Conditions

• Some medical conditions can interact with Cymbalta and cause these conditions to worsen. Talk to your doctor about your medical conditions and drugs you are taking (even over the counter medications) before taking Cymbalta. If you have had glaucoma, do not take Cymbalta. If you have had liver disease or kidney disease, seizures, are epileptic or have experienced convulsions, do not take Cymbalta without your doctor's approval. You need to tell your doctor if you have had a blood disorder or have problems with your blood clotting or if you have ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Severe Long-Term Side Effects

• Some side effects associated with Cymbalta require emergency medical help. Do not wait for these severe side effects to go away, as they can be life-threatening. If you are experiencing a yellowing of your skin, nausea, and are having difficulty passing urine which is discolored, seek emergency attention. Cymbalta is also associated with bloody bowel movements, severe stomach upset, and trouble breathing. Unusually sore or stiff muscles are also a potential side effect of Cymbalta, and can last for prolonged periods of time. Do not wait for symptoms to subside; seek immediate medical attention, as your condition may worsen.

Moderate Side Effects

• Cymbalta is also associated with less severe side effects that may persist for a few days after beginning treatment. Some side effects may persist for as long as you continue to take Cymbalta, and possibly for weeks after treatment is discontinued. Side effects which can be prolonged include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, gas or stomach bloating, blurred vision or mouth dryness. Cymbalta is also associated with insomnia, weight fluctuations (both gain and loss), waning interest in sex and impotence. Sexual side effects may persist for weeks after Cymbalta treatment has been discontinued. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you are experiencing as a result of Cymbalta use.

Interactions

• If you are currently taking Thioridazine (also known as Mellaril), do not take Cymbalta. Never take Cymbalta within a two-week period of using an MAOI inhibitor medication. Never drink alcohol while taking Cymbalta. Alcohol interact with Cymbalta and cause long-term liver damage