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What is the Medication Cymbalta Used for?

Cymbalta is classified as a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is an antidepressant pharmaceutical. This indicates that the primary use of Cymbalta is for the treatment of depression.
Cymbalta is made by Eli Lilly and Company. SNRIs are designed to action upon and boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin, play a big part in affecting one's mood.

  1. Major Uses

    • The major uses of Cymbalta include treatment for depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia.

    Off-Label Uses

    • Doctors may prescribe Cymbalta for additional reasons, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and menopausal symptoms. Doctors determine off-label uses when enough cases have shown that the medication may affect on other conditions; however, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet officially approved Cymbalta for these other conditions.

    How It Works

    • Cymbalta improves depression, GAD and diabetic neuropahty by increasing the production of the natural substances in the brain and spinal cord, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine.

    Response Time Frame

    • Depression sufferers usually see improvement within one to four weeks; however, full effects of the medication typically take 4 to 6 weeks. GAD patients may see improvement in their symptoms within two weeks. Diabetic and fibromyalgia patients could see effects in about a week. Time frames differ depending on the patient's reaction to the medication.

    Side Effects and Contraindications

    • As with any prescription medication, Cymbalta has potential side effects: nausea, headache, weight gain, drowsiness, changes in appetite, vivid dreams, dry mouth, and increased sweating. Sometimes the medication can cause anxiety, mild elevation in pulse and blood pressure, and hyperactivity.
      Avoid using Cymbalta with alcohol or St. John's Wort. Those with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma or liver disease should not take Cymbalta.
      If your doctor has prescribed Cymbalta for you, make sure you discuss all the possible side effects and the length of time until you should see a response to the treatment.

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