Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself can be an important part of feeling better. Feeling the way you do now probably didn't happen overnight. Feeling better may take a little time, too.

As you begin taking Cymbalta, it is important to watch for changes in your fibromyalgia pain symptoms. Your healthcare provider may suggest recording your symptoms in a diary on a regular basis so that he or she has as much information as possible to properly evaluate your treatment.

Use your diary to:

Be good to your body
Researchers and clinicians agree that regular, low- to moderate-intensity physical activity can help you manage some of your fibromyalgia symptoms.

However, it is important that you and your physician work together to find the right balance of exercise activity and intensity.

Some evidence suggest that people with fibromyalgia who maintain low to moderate exercise feel better and have improvements in pain and functioning:

Physical activities
Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia may avoid exercise for fear of causing a flare-up, but working out doesn't have to mean pushing yourself to your limits. Even low-intensity activities may help maintain your physical health.

Moderation is essential to succeeding in your workout plan: if you work out too intensely, too frequently, or for too long, you may cause yourself more pain than you are already experiencing. A good general rule is to do less than you think you typically can accomplish.

Every fibromyalgia patient is different. You should work with your doctor or healthcare professional to develop your own individualized workout program. Some mild- to moderate-intensity activities you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider include:

Mild Activity
  • Baking

  • Slow dancing

  • Golfing (with cart)

  • Playing piano

  • Walking (2 mph)

  • Writing

  • Leisurely canoeing
Moderate Activity
  • Leisurely cycling

  • Gardening (without lifting)

  • Golf (without cart)

  • Slow swimming

  • Walking (3-4 mph)

  • Calisthenics (without weights)

Note: Before beginning or changing an exercise program, please consult your healthcare professional.

Indication

Cymbalta is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The efficacy of Cymbalta was established in four short-term and one maintenance trial in adults.

Cymbalta is indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The efficacy of Cymbalta was established in three short-term and one maintenance trial in adults.

Cymbalta is indicated for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and fibromyalgia.

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta

Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Be especially observant within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose. Approved only for adults 18 and over.

What should I talk about with my healthcare provider?

Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Be especially observant within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Who should NOT take Cymbalta?

You should not take Cymbalta if:

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

What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?

Before starting Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

  • about all of 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 the control of blood sugar in some patients with diabetes
  • about your alcohol use
  • if you are taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, including those for migraine, to address a possible life-threatening condition
  • if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
  • if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breastfeeding an infant

While taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

  • 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 to address a possible life-threatening condition
  • before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
  • if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing, especially when first starting Cymbalta or when increasing the dose
  • 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 experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady while taking Cymbalta 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.

What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?

The most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. Other common side effects included dry mouth, constipation, sleepiness, increased sweating, decreased appetite, dizziness, and weakness. This is not a complete list of side effects.

Other safety information about Cymbalta:

Cymbalta may cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Cymbalta affects you, you should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.

Please read additional Safety Information and Boxed Warning for a complete list.

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