Get Informed: Cymbalta
Active Ingredient(s)
Duloxetine
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. It works by prolonging the effect of serotonin and norepinephrine, both important chemicals in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:23
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:03
Other Names
- Cymbalta
- Duloxetine
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride
- Yentreve
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
- Please log in
- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children, adolescents, and young adults with depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the following national suicide hotlines are available in the U.S. to help you: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 03 Aug 2004
- Est US Patients*
- 6,298,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Cymbalta or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.
Cymbalta Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Cymbalta interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Cymbalta used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 47,500 patients that use Cymbalta (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 70% |
mild
severe
|
| Anxiety | 32% |
mild
severe
|
| Fibromyalgia | 32% |
mild
severe
|
| Neuropathic Pain | 26% |
mild
severe
|
| Back/Neck Pain | 20% |
mild
severe
|
| Pain-Generalized | 18% |
mild
severe
|
| Migraine/Headache | 8% |
mild
severe
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 4% |
mild
severe
|
| Attention Deficit Disorder | 2% |
mild
severe
|
| Other | 1% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Cymbalta work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 47,500 users taking Cymbalta (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM). This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 82%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Cymbalta outweigh the bad things.
- 13%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Cymbalta.
Common Side Effects of Cymbalta
iGuard regularly polls our more than 47,500 users taking Cymbalta (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
35% of patients experience side-effects on Cymbalta
7% of patients experience significant side-effects on Cymbalta
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Dryness
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
Constipation
-
Weight Gain
-
Dizziness
-
Fatigue
-
Drowsiness
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdo Pain/Cramps, Balance/Coordination Problems, Bruising, Headache, Heartburn/Reflux, High Cholesterol, Hot Flashes, Insomnia, Itch/Rash, Liver Problems, Loss of Libido, Memory/Speech Problems, Mood/Behavior Changes, Numbness/Tingling, Palpitations, Sweating, Vision Changes, Withdrawal Problems
Global Patient Feedback for Cymbalta (Duloxetine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Hi doctor wants me to take this med because the others made me gain 40lbs. I took Celexa and lexepro. Worked good except for the weight gain and sexual side effects. Did not help with my pain. Doctor thinks this will help with the pain I have and the anxiety. I already gained the weight and don't want to but anymore one while I am trying to lose what I gained anyone else out there taking this medicine an did it help? Any weight gain?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-12 22:36:16
Member Answer/Reply:
I gained about 20 lbs. on Cymbalta, but it is one of the only two (the other being Effexor) drugs that help me with my depression and anxiety without any other, more serious side-effects (but I am sensitive to drugs...).
29 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-28 09:56:56
Question/Comment:
Cymbalta levels may be affected by your KIDNEY PROBLEMS
This is what I found in my alert page for this drug. So spongeatic kidneys (and the stones) effect the proper job of the cymbalta I take everyday. I take 120 mgs a day--two capsules--at night.
Why would the two interact and how does my kidney problems effect the cymbalta?
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-11 13:00:33
Question/Comment:
I saw where someone said that they were taking 60mg.s as a full dose.. I myself am taking 120 mg. my understanding was a full dose is 90 mg.s
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-31 20:57:18
Question/Comment:
I've been on 60 mg Cymbalta for 3 months with no side effects. Changed from Prozac (needed nap in the PM) to Effexor (no tiredness but maxed out dose) to Lexapro (worked well but Doc suggested Cymbalta's due to its pain control abilities). Not sure it's done anything for my pain. Weaning off Effexor was very difficult - I felt awful.
Also take Ultram. Last week I had 2 days of tremors I stopped drugs for a day & the tremors stopped. Have had tremors before on other antidepressants.
63 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-19 09:23:45
Question/Comment:
I'm scared and need help. Depression has been horrific. Doctor just started me on 30g cymbalta (supposed to up to 60mg in 1 wk). after just two doses I had such severe diahhrea and nausea -- felt weird in general. Slept in only 20 min increments. Resident at pain clinic (only one avail this wknd) said to stop taking it for 2 days, then try again. Don't know what to do. HELP!
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-17 17:39:49
Member Answer/Reply:
Here is what i think !!! i think if the drug does this to you stop taking it !!!! tell the doctor to take it himself if its so good !!! i am on cymbalta 30mgs a day .. been on them for 5 yrs but i was on 60 mgs and ran out of them and went crazy for a few days seeing things and not sleeping .. this is what i am and have been doing i started reading the bible and praying to jesus to help me !!! and yes it has made a differance !!! Good luck to you and i pray that you do better !!!
47 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-19 12:41:47
Member Answer/Reply:
I would like to offer some insight on taking depression drugs. It takes at least 10 to 14 days to actually feel the effects of the drugs. So you may need to just continue them until the 10 to 14 days has passed. I have been on several anit-depression meds and Cymbalta has been the best for me. I feel like myself on them as I did see a difference when I was on several of the other meds. So please give them time to work. Speak to your doctor, you should never stop taking the meds unless the doctor has told you too. The reason as you may have problems just by stopping them. I hope this helps and I hope you find some relief as I kinow depression can destroy you and your family. God Bless and Be strong.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-15 16:40:21
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been nauseous and had other side-effects when first starting a drug several times, and they usually wear off after a few weeks; your body adjusts. It can be tough, but if the end result is that you feel better emotionally and can function better, it's worth wading through. If you still feel awful after a few weeks, then I'd say you may not have the right drug for you. Good luck!
29 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-28 10:00:29
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488
Patient Comments About
Cymbalta