Commonly Asked Questions
- How does Cymbalta work?
- When will Cymbalta begin to work?
- Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
- What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
- How should I take Cymbalta?
- What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
- I heard Cymbalta is now approved for the maintenance treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
How might that change my treatment? - What happens when I stop taking Cymbalta?
- Can children take Cymbalta?
1. How does Cymbalta work?
Although the exact way that Cymbalta works in people is unknown, it is believed to be related to an increase in the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord.
2. When will Cymbalta begin to work?
In depression, patients may notice improvements in 1 to 4 weeks. Full antidepressant response may take 4 to 6 weeks. Patients may see improvement as early as 2 weeks in their anxious symptoms of GAD. In DNP and fibromyalgia trials, some patients experienced less pain as early as 1 week. Results may vary from person to person.
3. 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)
4. 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.
Learn more about Cymbalta by reading the full Prescribing Information and Boxed Warning.
5. How should I take Cymbalta?
Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
Cymbalta should be taken by mouth. Do not open, break, or chew the capsule; it must be swallowed whole.
Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take more than the daily amount of Cymbalta that has been prescribed for you.
Remember to refill your prescription before you run out of Cymbalta. Talk with your healthcare provider before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose.
6. What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
In clinical studies, the most common side effect of Cymbalta in all clinical studies combined was nausea. Most people were not bothered enough by nausea to stop taking Cymbalta.
Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and increased sweating. In DPNP trials, most common side effects also include dizziness and weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects. You can also read the full Prescribing Information and Boxed Warning for more details on side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions or develop any side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
7. I heard Cymbalta is now approved for the maintenance treatment of GAD. How might that change my treatment?
If you are being treated with Cymbalta for GAD, this means you can continue to take it after your initial symptoms have been treated. You should have regular appointments with your doctor to determine if you need maintenance treatment. If so, your doctor will then work to determine what dose is right for you.
To learn more about maintenance treatment and how it can help delay your GAD symptoms, read the official news release.
8. What happens when I stop taking Cymbalta?
Cymbalta should not be stopped without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Cymbalta may result in side effects that may include dizziness, nausea, headache, or other potential side effects. Your healthcare provider may wish to decrease the dose slowly to help avoid these kinds of side effects.
9. Can children take Cymbalta?
Cymbalta is not approved for use in children under 18.
