Cymbalta: A very new
Antidepressant
Brand Name: Cymbalta
Generic Name: Duloxetine Hydrochloride
Why is this new antidepressant prescribed?
Cymbalta is a new
antidepressant, usually prescribed for treatment of major depression. Major
depression is a very intense, serious and overwhelming feeling of depression
that interferes with an individual's daily functioning. Cymbalta and similar
new antidepressants are used to treat symptoms which include major changes in
appetite or sleep habits, lack of interest in social or work life, feelings of
sadness, worthlessness or guilt, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, difficulty
making decisions and for suicidal ideation or attempts.
Cymbalta is relatively unique
compared to other new antidepressants in that is also used to treat diabetic
peripheral neuropathy, a painful nerve disorder associated with diabetes that
affects the hands legs and also the feet.
Antidepressants such as
Cymbalta are thought to work by correcting an imbalance in the brain chemicals
which are known to influence mood, serotonin and norepinephrine. It belongs in
the class of antidepressants referred to as selective serotonin and
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
What are
some important things to know about Cymbalta?
Cymbalta may result in some
very serious and sometimes fatal reactions when taken with such antidepressants
as MAO inhibitors, which includes Marplan, Nardil and Parnate. You should
absolutely never take Cymbalta with these depression medications, and most
physicians recommend that you wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO
inhibitor before starting treatment with Cymbalta. Likewise, before starting on
an MAO inhibitor, most doctors usually request that you stop Cymbalta for at
least five days before starting antidepressant treatment with an MAO inhibitor.
How should this antidepressant be taken?
You should take Cymbalta at
about the same time every day. You should not chew the tablet or break it open
but should swallow it whole. It may be taken with or without food.
It may take as much as several
weeks for the medication to began to work. Also, you should continue taking the
medication even after you begin to feel better. Do not stop taking this drug
without your doctor's approval. Abruptly stopping treatment may cause severe
side effects.
Information provided by
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Seventh Edition
Information and webpage by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
