Cymbalta
Cymbalta is an effective drug used for treating depressions and anxiety disorders. The drug is also used for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Drug usage
An anti depressant, Cymbalta belongs to a group of medicines known as Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. It acts on the chemicals in the brain that is responsible for the mood changes.
How taken
Cymbalta can be taken in empty stomach or with meals. But take care that the drug is only swallowed as it has to be slowly released into the body. Never crush, chew or break the drug.
When you are on Cymbalta medication, always follow the doctor's advise. Always make it a point not to deviate from your prescription. Never take larger amounts of Cymbalta and also do not use the drug for longer periods as it can only increase the risk of side effects.
Moreover, never stop the drug without consulting the doctor as stopping the middle of a course only increase the risk of side effects.
Missed dose/overdose
If you have missed a dose, take it once you remember it. But if it is time for your timely doses, just skip the missed dosage. Never mix two doses of Cymbalta as it can only worsen the complications.
In case you have taken an overdose, better contact the doctor immediately. Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fast heart rate and light-headedness are some of the overdose symptoms that can be seen with Cymbalta.
More information
Once you doctor decides to prescribe Cymbalta, you should not hide any facts related to your health with him. Be frank enough to tell the doctor about all your preset and past health conditions and also the allergies that you have.
Tell the doctor if you have any problems of the liver, heart, kidney or have seizures epilepsy, bleeding disorders, blood clotting disorders, bipolar disorder, glaucoma and history of drug abuse.
If you have any of these conditions, the doctor may not prescribe Cymbalta or he may adjust the dosages.
Cymbalta is FDA pregnancy category C, which means the drug can be harmful to the foetus. It is advised not to take Cymbalta during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. In case you become pregnant during Cymbalta medication, inform the doctor immediately. As the drug can pass into breast milk, breast-feeding women should have to avoid feeding while they are on Cymbalta medication.
Elderly people should use Cymbalta drug with caution as they are more sensitive to the side effects. The drug is also not prescribed to anyone below 18 years of age.
Warnings/precautions
While taking Cymbalta, you have to be careful as you might have thoughts of suicide. Inform the doctor if you come across any mood or behaviour change.
Cymbalta should not be used along with MAO inhibitors. You should have to take MAO inhibitors only after 5 days after stopping Cymbalta. And also a medication of Cymbalta should only be started after stopping MAO inhibitor for at least 2 weeks.
Alcohol should be avoided while using Cymbalta.
Side effects
As like all drugs, Cymbalta also come with many allergic reactions and serious side effects. Rashes, difficulty breathing and swelling are some of the allergic reactions.
Mood changes, panic attacks, irritable feeling, nausea, stomach pain, fever, appetite loss and dark urine are the serious side effects.