Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is an important part of getting better. Feeling the way you do now probably didn't happen overnight. Feeling better may take time, too. If you are just beginning treatment, this might mean putting off big decisions for a little while and letting friends and family help you. Reaching out to the people around you is a great step toward improvement. Try to spend more time with them, talk about how you're feeling, stay in touch, and remember to ask for help. Try writing down your feelings in a notebook or journal. Some people find this comforting, and you may, too. You can even be creative and write a poem about how you're feeling.

If you find that you are starting to feel better, talk with your doctor about how long you should continue treatment. Do not stop taking your medicine until you speak to your doctor directly. He or she may decide to steadily reduce your dose. If you stop taking your medicine, you may experience dizziness, nausea, headache, or other potential side effects. This is not a complete list. If you believe you are experiencing any side effects, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Pursuing lifestyle changes may complement your treatment and enhance your general health, like improving your eating habits, getting a good night's sleep, or getting more exercise. Talk with your doctor before starting or changing an exercise program. The following suggestions may not be right for everyone, so work with your healthcare provider to determine what may work best for you.

Making healthier food choices
What you eat may affect the way you feel. The food you eat is the fuel that runs your body. Work with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate goal before you change your eating habits. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Try to eat a variety of foods each day, including:
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Whole grains, such as bread, cereal, rice, or pasta
    • Protein-rich foods, such as meats, beans, dairy, or nuts
  • Keep healthy snacks on hand so you don't go too long between meals. These could be nuts, yogurt, whole grain crackers, or fruits and vegetables.
  • Limit the amount of sugar, fat, caffeine, and alcohol you consume.

Getting a good night's sleep
Not getting enough rest can affect other parts of your life. Here are some tips to help you find the sleep strategies that work best for you.

  • Limit your caffeine intake, especially later in the day.
  • Try to go to bed at the same time each night.
  • Try to wake up at the same time each day. Set an alarm if you need one.
  • Avoid napping during the day.
  • If you're considering a sleeping aid, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider first.

If you are taking or plan to take any prescription or non-prescription medicines, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider, as Cymbalta may interact with some of these products.

Staying active
Exercise has many health benefits. The goal is to get active and start moving. Talk with your healthcare provider about what you both think could be an appropriate exercise routine. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

  • Exercise doesn't have to be exhausting or expensive. Start with taking a short walk several times a week, or try taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Choose something you enjoy. Maybe you like gardening or going for a swim. Consider doing several different things for more variety in your exercise routine.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your blood pressure before beginning any exercise program. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta.