Commonly Asked Questions

Find out more about the Cymbalta Promise Program, our commitment to support people taking Cymbalta.
  1. How is Cymbalta believed to work?
  2. When may Cymbalta begin to work?
  3. Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
  4. What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
  5. How should I take Cymbalta?
  6. What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
  7. I heard Cymbalta is approved for the maintenance treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). How might that change my treatment?
  8. What may happen when I stop taking Cymbalta?
  9. Can children take Cymbalta?
  10. What if I took or am taking Cymbalta while pregnant or breast-feeding?

1. How is Cymbalta believed to work?
Although the exact way that Cymbalta works in people is unknown, it is believed to be related to an increase in the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord.

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2. When may Cymbalta begin to work?
In depression, response may vary from person to person. Patients with GAD may see improvement as early as 2 weeks. In diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia trials, some patients experienced less pain as early as 1 week. Results may vary from person to person.

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3. Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:

  • have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or Mellaril® (thioridazine)
  • have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)

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4. What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
Before taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

  • about all your medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes, seizures, or if you have bipolar disorder. Cymbalta may worsen a type of glaucoma or diabetes
  • about all your prescription and nonprescription medicines. A potentially life-threatening condition has been reported when Cymbalta was taken with certain drugs for migraine, mood, or psychotic disorders
  • if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
  • about your alcohol use
  • about your blood pressure. Cymbalta can increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
  • if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breast-feeding

While taking Cymbalta, talk to your healthcare provider right away:

  • if you have itching, right upper-belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
  • if you have high fever, confusion and stiff muscles, which may be symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition
  • if you have skin blisters, serious or peeling rash, hives, mouth sores, or any other allergic reaction. These may be serious, possibly life-threatening, skin reactions
  • if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing. This tends to occur in the first week or when increasing the dose, but may occur at any time during treatment
  • before you stop Cymbalta or change your dose
  • if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady, which may be signs of low sodium levels
  • if you develop problems with urine flow

If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta.

Learn more about Cymbalta by reading the full Prescribing Information and Boxed Warning.

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5. How should I take Cymbalta?
Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Cymbalta should be taken by mouth. Do not open, break, or chew the capsule; it must be swallowed whole.

Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take more than the daily amount of Cymbalta that has been prescribed for you.

Remember to refill your prescription before you run out of Cymbalta. Talk with your healthcare provider before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose.

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6. What are the most common side effects of Cymbalta?
In clinical studies, the most common side effects identified in patients taking Cymbalta included:

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased sweating

You can also read the full Prescribing Information and Boxed Warning for more details on side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions or develop any side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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7. I heard Cymbalta is approved for the maintenance treatment of GAD. How might that change my treatment?
If you are being treated with Cymbalta for GAD, this means you can continue to take it after your initial symptoms have been treated. You should have regular appointments with your doctor to determine if you need maintenance treatment. If so, your doctor will then work to determine what dose is right for you.

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8. What may happen when I stop taking Cymbalta?
Cymbalta should not be stopped without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Cymbalta may result in side effects that may include dizziness, nausea, headache, or other potential side effects. Your healthcare provider may wish to decrease the dose slowly to help avoid these kinds of side effects.

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9. Can children take Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is not approved for use in children under 18.

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10. What if I took or am taking Cymbalta while pregnant or breast-feeding?
Lilly has a registry for women who take Cymbalta while pregnant. The purpose of the registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. Pregnant women taking Cymbalta are encouraged to initiate enrollment by calling 1-866-814-6975 or by visiting www.cymbaltapregnancyregistry.com. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding while taking Cymbalta. Because there are no adequate studies in pregnant women, Cymbalta should be used during pregnancy only if the healthcare provider feels the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

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