What Are the Indications for Use in Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is an FDA-approved nonnarcotic medication used in the treatment of depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Although it is unknown exactly how the medication works, it is believed to regulate the imbalance of chemical substances in the brain. As those substances are stabilized, patients tend to feel less pain, anxiety and depression. It is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age, and adverse side effects including increased depression and thoughts of suicide may appear.

Depression

• Symptoms of depression include anxiety, restlessness, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, trouble concentrating and making decisions, inability to enjoy things and sadness. Theories about the causes of depression include the imbalance of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. In controlled studies Cymbalta lessened feelings of depression by correcting the brain's chemical balance. Results take between 1 and 6 weeks to appear and vary from person to person.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic, exaggerated worry and tension without provocation. Patients have sleep difficulties. Physical symptoms include fatigue, frequent urination, twitching, difficulty swallowing and breathing, nausea, lightheadedness, restlessness, hot flashes, headaches, muscle aches, irritability and perspiration. Cymbalta proved to be an effective treatment in both short-term and maintenance trials.

Diabetic Nerve Pain

• Cymbalta has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetic nerve pain. Sufferers of this disorder have burning or shooting pain caused by nerve damage in the feet, legs, hands and arms, making them overly sensitive. Cymbalta is a nonnarcotic pain-treatment alternative. Although the exact way Cymbalta works is unknown, studies have shown that patients who took Cymbalta suffered less pain that those taking a placebo.

Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic muscle pain, fatigue and tenderness. Tender points include head, shoulders, neck, chest, hips, elbows and knees. It occurs in 2 percent of the population and more frequently in women. In some instances, it starts after a traumatic event. Many patients suffer from coexisting conditions such as depression, lupus, restless leg syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder. Patients taking Cymbalta reported less pain than those taking a placebo in clinical trials.