Find Customized Resources to Help You Talk With Your Doctor

For those living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), even the simplest things can seem difficult. Cymbalta may help.

Find answers to the questions you may have about your GAD. To get started, tell us a little more about your symptoms.

Which of the following best describes you?
Here are some common treatment options and ways to cope with GAD
that you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

Some ways that individuals treat and cope with their GAD are listed below. Select all the options that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider.

How does your GAD make you feel?

The items below are some of the symptoms of GAD. Select all the symptoms you currently feel. Your selections will help identify resources to help you talk to your doctor.

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Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Worry and anxiety are natural. They help us prepare to deal with difficult circumstances, whether current or just anticipated. But people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) stay worried, fear the worst will happen, and experience spontaneous anxiety even when a stressful or threatening situation is not apparent. The worry may become so excessive and persistent that it can limit a person's daily activities.

What Causes GAD?

While the specific cause of GAD is unknown, doctors have identified a variety of biological and psychological factors. Research shows that GAD tends to run in families.

One commonly accepted theory is that GAD is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring substances in one's brain.

GAD Symptoms

GAD is diagnosed when a person worries excessively about a variety of everyday problems for at least 6 months.

People with GAD can't control constant worry or excessive anxiety about everyday things. They can't relax and often have a hard time concentrating, falling asleep, or staying asleep.

Other symptoms you may experience include:

  • Irritability
  • Easily fatigued
  • Restlessness
  • Muscle tension and aches
  • Trembling or twitching

The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms you experience may cause significant distress or keep you from participating in things you once enjoyed.



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, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and, increased sweating. 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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