Drug Class: Serotonin Norepinepherine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
Approval date: August, 2004

What is Cymbalta and how does it work

Cymbalta is an antidepressant that increases the concentration of serotonin and norepinepherine (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

What does Cymbalta treat

• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (diabetic foot pain, nerve pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by osteoarthritis or back pain

How effective is Cymbalta

Depression

• Cymbalta 60 mg daily was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression after 9 weeks of treatment.
• Cymbalta 20, 40, or 60 mg twice daily were more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression after 8 weeks of treatment.

Anxiety

• Cymbalta 30 or 60 mg once daily was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of anxiety after 9 or 10 weeks of treatment.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

• Reduction in pain may occur as early as 1 week after starting treatment in some patients.
• Cymbalta 60 mg daily was more effective than placebo in reducing pain symptoms by at least 50% after 12 weeks of treatment.

Fibromyalgia

• Cymbalta 60 mg once daily was more effective than placebo in reducing pain symptoms by at least 50% after 6 months of treatment.
• Reduction in pain may occur as early as 1 week after starting treatment in some patients.

What are interesting facts about Cymbalta

• Used for treatment of several conditions that may be present at the same time.
• Increases the activity of serotonin and norepinepherine.
• It is used for treating pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions.
• A generic version of Cymbalta was approved December 2013. 

How is Cymbalta dosed and administered

40-120 mg daily. May be administered once or twice daily.

What are the side effects of Cymbalta

Common: Nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, constipation, decreased appetite, excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis).

Serious: Suicide, liver failure, serotonin syndrome, bleeding, neuroleptic malignant syndrome,orthostatic hypotension, seizures, fainting.

Cymbalta drug interactions

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (e..g, tranylcypromine, phenelzine)
• Zyvox (linezolid)
• St. John's Wort
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (e.g., Motrin, Aleve)
• triptans (e.g., sumatriptan)
• Luvox (fluvoxamine)
• Paxil (paroxetine)

What is the cost of Cymbalta

Cost between $5 and $16 dollars per capsule.

How to obtain prescription assistance for Cymbalta

If you need prescription assistance for Cymbalta visit Lilly TruAssist.

References: Cymbalta FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.