Learn how Cymbalta can help treat or manage your symptoms. More

I have been prescribed Cymbalta for:

Talking to Friends and Family

You can possibly improve your depression by identifying support systems. Friends and family can help you do things, like helping you visit the doctor, when you are not feeling well. Just knowing that someone is there for support can help.

Cymbalta and depression

Treating depression with Cymbalta

Start With How You're Feeling

Be honest and straightforward about what you've been experiencing. It might be useful to describe your symptoms. Just talking about being depressed may be a relief.

Explain Depression

Share what you know about depression—that it is a real disease with many causes, and that treatment can work. When friends and family understand your illness better, they'll be able to support you better.

Learning How to Talk About Depression

Conversation Starters

By sharing how you're feeling with the people close to you, you are opening up the lines of communication and supporting your path toward improvement. Talking about depression may be difficult, so we've provided you with some ways to start a conversation with a friend or family member:

Suggest Spending Time Together

Think of a few activities, like a morning walk or doing the crossword, which you can share with a friend or family member. Let your loved ones know that their company can help you feel better.

Ask for What You Need

You may just want to know that friends and family are there for you. Or, you might need help with practical things like driving you to the doctor or helping with chores. Don't be afraid to ask.

Remember That Support Is a Two-way Street

Your loved ones have their fair share of challenges, too—it's part of life. Just let them know that you're trying and that you care. It can go a long way to keeping relationships strong and healthy.

To learn more, consult the Resources and Links section of this site.



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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