How to Use Cymbalta for Diabetic Neuropathy

Cymbalta is a brand name of the prescription drug duloxetine, an antidepressant that provides balance to the chemicals in brain that affect depression. It can also be used to treat the nerve damage associated with diabetes. Diabetics can suffer from diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which circulation problems cause nerve cells to die. Cymbalta can treat diabetic neuropathy "off label," meaning that the drug is not designed to affect this condition but a doctor may use it anyway.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your diabetic neuropathy. Cymbalta is a prescription drug that must prescribed by a doctor. Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy may include nerve testing with nylon filaments and electrical signals.

• 2

  Disclose all drug allergies to your doctor. You should also inform him of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. He can use this information to judge if you will have any allergic reactions or drug interactions with prescription Cymbalta.

• 3

  Take Cymbalta exactly as prescribed for as long it was prescribed to you. Do not crush or break the tablets. Swallow them whole. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Cymbalta, because it can cause dangerous drug interactions.

• 4

  Take Cymbalta at the same time every day, and try not to miss a dose. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember that you missed it. If it is close enough to the time for the next dose, wait and take the next dose. Do not double up on the next dose if you miss one.

• 5

  Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while on Cymbalta, because the drug can make you drowsy. You should also check with your doctor before you begin taking any new drugs while on Cymbalta. Certain muscle relaxers, allergy medicine and sleeping pills can add to the drowsiness that Cymbalta causes.

• 6

  Monitor the side effects you may feel on prescription Cymbalta. Changes in mood are especially important, because this drug is antidepressant. You may have thoughts of suicide when you first start taking it. You may also experience panic attacks, insomnia and increased aggressiveness. Discuss any new or worsening side effects with your doctor so he can decide if your dosage should be adjusted. If you experience a sudden skin rash or swelling in your tongue, lips and throat, you may be having an allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• 7

  Do not stop taking Cymbalta without permission from your doctor. If he decides to stop your Cymbalta prescription, he will want to wean you off it gradually to avoid serious side effects.