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Partnering With Your Doctor

If you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of depression, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.

Your primary care provider is a good place to start. He or she can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether depression is the underlying cause. You can get a head start by creating your own list of symptoms by using the Depression Impact Tool. The depression impact tool allows you to build a list of symptoms that you can rate based on how each impacts your ability to function in everyday life.

Cymbalta and depression

Treating depression with Cymbalta

Your doctor may suggest a course of treatment or may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist. A psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, whereas a psychologist specializes in talk therapy. If you don't already have a primary care provider, see if your friends, family members, or health insurance company can recommend someone.

It's a good idea to prepare for the visit. Create a list of questions you may want to ask, along with some notes about your symptoms and medical history.

The more detail you can provide, the easier it is for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. You may also want to ask a trusted friend or relative to come with you. He or she can take notes during the visit and provide support afterward.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Doctor appointments can be rushed, and you may forget to bring up topics that are important to you. One way to make the most of your visit is to create a list of questions beforehand and then check them off as you and your doctor talk.

Here are some sample questions to get you started.

After you describe your symptoms, ask:

If your doctor diagnoses depression, ask:

If your doctor prescribes Cymbalta or any other medication, ask:

It's also a good idea to touch base with your doctor about his or her overall approach to treatment. Agree on how he or she will be monitoring your progress. Find out if it's best to follow up in person or on the phone and how often you should do so.

Checklist of Information to Take

Talking to your doctor about depression may seem uncomfortable at first. But it's important to go into detail about what you've been experiencing. The more complete the picture, the easier it will be for your doctor to make a diagnosis—and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Your doctor may ask you questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family history. Try to have the following information ready before your appointment. You can also print this page and use it as a handy checklist:

Make a list of all your symptoms. Write down approximate dates for when these symptoms started. Note any patterns or triggers you've noticed.

A list of any medications you're taking. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements.

A list of any medical conditions you have. Note any chronic conditions (eg, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a recently diagnosed illness).

Any major life changes you've recently experienced. Don't forget positive events, too (eg, getting married or receiving a promotion).

Your family medical history. Note any relatives who have suffered from depression or other mental illness, as well as any family history of suicide, alcoholism, substance abuse, or erratic behavior.

A list of treatments you've tried in the past, if any. Include alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or meditation.



Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. What should I talk about with my healthcare provider? Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening 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. You should also know that: Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when changing the dose. No increased risk has been shown for adults over age 24, and risk decreased for those over age 65. All patients starting therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for new or worsening depression symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in behavior. Cymbalta is not approved for use in patients under age 18. 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 (an eye disease) You are taking Mellaril® (thioridazine) What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider? Before starting Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider: about all of your medical conditions, including kidney problems, glaucoma, or 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, tell 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. Your healthcare provider may periodically check your blood pressure while you are taking Cymbalta 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. For most people who had it, the nausea was mild to moderate. Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects. Please read additional Safety Information and Boxed Warning for a complete list.
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