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1. How does Cymbalta work? There are many theories about the cause of depression. One of the most commonly accepted theories suggests that two naturally occurring chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, are believed to affect core mood and pain symptoms of depression. These chemical messengers aid communication between many areas of the brain and spinal cord that affect emotional aspects of a person's nature. They are also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about pain between the body and the brain. While the mechanism of action for Cymbalta is not fully known, its effects on depression may be due to increasing the activity of two chemicals in the central nervous system, serotonin and norepinephrine. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective SNRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), and is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. More than 5 million patients have been prescribed Cymbalta for any indication. Back to top 2. When will Cymbalta begin to work? In clinical studies, many people taking Cymbalta began to feel improvement in their symptoms as early as one to four weeks after starting Cymbalta. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person. Back to top 3. Who should NOT take Cymbalta? You should NOT take Cymbalta if:
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta:
Learn more about Cymbalta by reading the full Prescribing Information. Back to top 4. How should I take Cymbalta? Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your doctor. 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. Consistency is important. Remember to refill your prescription before you run out of Cymbalta. Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose. Back to top 5. What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta? Like all medicines, Cymbalta can cause side effects. In clinical studies, the most common side effect was nausea. For most people, the nausea was mild to moderate and usually went away within 1-2 weeks. Other common side effects included: dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue, sleepiness, and increased sweating. Most people were not bothered enough to stop taking Cymbalta. In clinical studies, some people taking Cymbalta experienced an increase in blood pressure. Your doctor or healthcare professional may periodically check your blood pressure. This not a complete list of side effects. If you have questions or develop any side effects that concern you, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. You can also read the full Prescribing Information for more details on side effects. Back to top 6. What happens when I stop taking Cymbalta? Like other antidepressants, Cymbalta should not be stopped suddenly. Stopping Cymbalta suddenly may result in symptoms like dizziness, nausea or headache. Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before stopping Cymbalta as he or she may wish to decrease the dose slowly to help you avoid these kinds of symptoms. Back to top 7. Can children take Cymbalta? Cymbalta should not be used for children under the age of 18. Back to top 8. Can you tell me more about the FDA alert about suicidality and antidepressants? The FDA issued an alert as part of its ongoing evaluation about antidepressants and suicide. In 2007, the FDA recommended that all antidepressants update their Boxed Warning around increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and teens to include the young adult population as well. Cymbalta is not approved for use in patients under age 18. The FDA is currently evaluating the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults treated with these medications. Eli Lilly and Company fully supports the FDA's efforts to share timely, accurate and meaningful safety information with patients. All patients being treated with any type of antidepressant should be observed closely for worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior and thoughts of suicide, especially within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose. Back to top 9. Given the FDA evaluation, is Cymbalta safe for me to use? Your healthcare provider is the best source for questions or concerns. If you are currently taking Cymbalta, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. Cymbalta has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. According to the FDA website: "An increased rate of suicidality [suicidal thoughts or behavior] was not seen in controlled trials of Cymbalta for treatment of depression or diabetic neuropathic pain (the approved indications for Cymbalta)." However, all patients being treated with any type of antidepressant should be observed closely for worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior and thoughts of suicide, especially within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose. Back to top Make that important first step in getting help for depression. Don't wait — depression is an illness that can, and should, be treated. Talk to a loved one or a friend today about how you are feeling so they may help you in talking with a doctor. In fact, print out your results from the Symptom Body Map and/or the Checklist to help start the conversation with a friend or loved one. Learn more about: Taking the First Step Talking to Friends and Family Questions to Ask Your Doctor 
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