This active ingredient is in Cymbalta
The active ingredient in Cymbalta is duloxetine. The active ingredient is a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It binds to the transport proteins of serotonin and norepinephrine, inhibiting their transport. This increases the levels and availability of the neurotransmitters, which has a depressant and mood-lifting effect.
When is Cymbalta used?
Cymbalta is used in adults suffering from depressive disorders.
Typical uses of Cymbalta are:
- severe depression
- generalized anxiety disorders
- @ pain in diabetic polyneuropathy
Cymbalta takes about two to four weeks to start working, because the active ingredient slowly throttles the number of receptors that can take up serotonin and norepinephrine.
What are the side effects of Cymbalta?
Cymbalta side effects are often varied and mild to moderate in severity.
Common Cymbalta side effects include sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, abnormal dreams, dizziness, tremors, or a feeling of numbness. Furthermore, blurred vision, tinnitus, rash, or muscle pain may occur with use. Increased sweating, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite with weight loss are also possible.
Occasionally the use of Cymbalta is accompanied by inner restlessness or suicidal thoughts. Coordination disorders, difficulty urinating, nosebleeds or prolonged menstrual bleeding, bloody vomiting, black stools, or liver inflammation are other occasional side effects.
If you experience any serious side effects or any side effects not listed above, please seek medical attention right away.
You should be aware of the following when using Cymbalta.
This medicine should not be used by:
- allergies to the active substance and other ingredients contained in the drug
- severe liver and kidney function impairment
- taking MAO inhibitors (antidepressants)
- patients with uncontrolled hypertension
Caution when taking Cymbalta is advised in:
- diagnosed mania
- Epilepsy
- heart disease and hypertension
- dilatation of the pupil (mydriasis)
- Patients with suicidal ideation
- Bleeding tendency
If other medications are taken at the same time as Cymbalta, the doctor should be advised to avoid interactions. Special caution should be exercised when taking:
- CNS-active drugs (e.g., alcohol, opioids, antipsychotics, sedatives, etc.).
- Medicines that increase serotonin levels (e.g. Tramadal).
- St. John’s wort
All drug interactions should be clarified in advance with a doctor and pharmacist, because the combination of these drugs can cause severe side effects.
Cymbalta: Dosage
Patients with depressive symptoms or pain from diabetic-related polyneuropathy take one capsule daily containing 60 mg of active ingredient.
For the treatment of generalized anxiety, therapy begins with 30 mg of Cymbalta daily and may be increased to 60 mg or a maximum of 120 mg daily as needed.
Dose adjustment may be required in patients 65 years of age and older.
The onset of action is noticeable in patients with depression or anxiety disorders after about two weeks. In diabetic patients, pain is relieved after one week.
Cymbalta overdose
Cymbalta: discontinuation
The dose to discontinue the drug should be gradually reduced over at least two weeks to minimize the risk of side effects occurring.
Cymbalta: pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children.
Cymbalta should not be taken during pregnancy. There is a risk of constriction of blood vessels in the lungs in newborns (PPHN). This manifests itself within the first 24 hours of life in the form of breathing difficulties and bluish skin. Especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, the child may suffer from many symptoms after birth, such as seizures, vomiting, difficulty in feeding, drowsiness, nervous tremors, stiff or flabby muscles.
Since the active ingredient of Cymbalta passes into breast milk, treatment during breastfeeding is not recommended.
How to get Cymbalta
The drug Cymbalta is available from pharmacies with a prescription and can be purchased as a hard capsule containing 30 mg or 60 mg of active ingredient.
Complete information about this drug
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF)
