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What Is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is a drug that has grown in popularity recently because of its antidepressant capabilities and its ability to enhance serotonin levels. Debate has also began, however, because now it is being used as to treat painful fibromyalgia as well.

  1. What does Cymbalta do?

    • Cymbalta is a depression medication that has also been used to successfully treat outbursts of fibromyalgia. The medication is used to increase the production of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system which can trigger feelings of happiness and elevates mood.

    How is Cymbalta used and administered?

    • Cymbalta only comes in twenty, forty, and sixty milligram capsules. It is usually only taken once daily, and the sixty milligram dosage is not usually prescribed.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of cymbalta include dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, agitation, irritability, increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, decreased appetite, decreased libido, hot flashes, fatigue, rash, and increased sweating.

    Precautions

    • Because Cymbalta is a central nervous system stimulant, an individual with a history of kidney or liver disease should be monitored when taking this medication. Increased bodily function can cause toxins to develop quickly in the bloodstream, so if they cannot be filtered properly,, serious side effects, including death, are even possible. Pregnant or nursing women should not take Cymbalta, as the medication will cross the placenta wall and enter breast milk. Children should not take Cymbalta.
      Patients should be slowly weaned from Cymbalta, or the effects can be severe.

    Interactions with other medications

    • There are no restrictions with taking this medication with others; precautions should only be taken if an individual has liver or kidney disease.

    Additional Information

    • Cymbalta has only recently been approved for use to treat fibromyalgia. Individuals with this ailment should take additional precautions and monitor side effects carefully because the drug was designed first and foremost as a treatment for depression, and is not known for any anti-inflammatory effects, only for increasing serotonin levels.

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