Cymbalta Used for Relief of Nerve Pain

Cymbalta (duloxetine HCI) is a prescription antidepressant medication commonly used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The Food and Drug Administration has also approved Cymbalta to treat the chronic pain of fibromyalgia as well as nerve pain associated with diabetes.

What is Nerve Pain?

• Nerve pain produces a stabbing, throbbing or burning sensation, along with tingling or numbness in the feet, arms, legs and hands. The damaged nerves that result can be very sensitive. It is estimated that approximately 20 to 40 percent of diabetes patients have nerve pain.

How Cymbalta Works

• According to Cymbalta.com, the exact way the drug works in people is unknown, but researchers believe Cymbalta increases the activity of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine (SNRIs). These brain chemicals send signals from one nerve to another. Since Cymbalta is also an anti-depressant, it may improve quality of life for nerve pain sufferers. Studies have shown that patients taking Cymbalta compared to those taking a placebo continued to notice improvement in their symptoms for the duration of the studies.

Getting Started With Cymbalta

• Cymbalta requires a doctor's prescription. If you think you have nerve pain, discuss it with your doctor to see if Cymbalta can help. Tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you may be taking, as well as your alcohol use. Common side effects include dry mouth and nausea. Patients taking Cymbalta, as well as their families or caregivers, should watch for new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety or pain, thoughts of suicide, difficulty sleeping, irritability or other unusual behavior. Those taking a type of antidepressant known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as well as those taking Mellaril or those with narrow-angle glaucoma should not take Cymbalta.