DESCRIPTION

WHAT IS CYMBALTA?

Cymbalta is one of several medications being prescribed for pain associated with fibromyalgia. You or your doctor may have considered Cymbalta or you may have seen promotional materials recommending it for treatment of fibromyalgia pain.

USES

Cymbalta is used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition, it is used to help relieve nerve pain in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread pain).

Cymbalta may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and decrease nervousness. It can also decrease pain due to certain medical conditions. Cymbalta is also known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

HOW TO USE CYMBALTA

This drug should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 or 2 times a day with or without food. If you experience nausea, it may help to take this drug with food. Swallow the capsule whole. Be careful not crush or chew the capsule or mix the contents with food or liquid. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce side effects by your doctor. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away to your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS

Some side effects may be experienced from using Cymbalta. These may include:

• Nausea
• dry mouth
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• tiredness
• drowsiness or
• increased sweating may occur.

If you notice any of these effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor promptly.

Dizziness or light headedness may occur, especially when you just start taking this medication or increase the dose of this drug. To reduce the risk of dizziness, light headedness, or falling, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. So it will be safe to check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

PRECAUTIONS

Before taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it. This drug may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Contact your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, personal or family history of suicide attempts, bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, stomach problems and use/abuse of alcohol.

This drug should be taken only when administered by a doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.

It should also be noted that this drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding your baby.