What do you think of Cymbalta?

[QuilterLPN]

I just wanted to gather some general opinions of Cymbalta. Have your patients had good or bad experiences with this? The generic name is duloxetine, and its not even in my 2005 drug guide. I guess its new, and drug reps must be passing it out like candy.

Just from a couple of times that I've talked with people who are taking it, it seems like it has some substantial side effects. One person asked her doctor if she could take an occasional muscle relaxant while on the Cymbalta, and the doctor said it shouldn't be a problem. Well, she got up one night (crying baby), and passed out! Yikes! At least she passed out before she picked up the baby!

Another individual just felt really tired all the time, more so than usual.

So, give me your opinions. I'm just trying to learn, and I don't have a PDR handy. Thanks

[crystalbluern]

I have read about some studiy where it is being prescribed for pain with fibromyalgia. I asked my local doc and he had never heard about it.

[medpsychRN]

We used it when it first came out and then interest dwindled. Cymbalta is very similar to Effexor XR. With Cymbalta, you can use a lower dose and get the same results as a higher dose of Effexor. This is supposed to equate to fewer side effects such as hypertension and nausea.

Neither of these drugs are a first choice for the treatment of depression. Better to use the SSRI's and use Effexor when the SSRI's stop working. Patient's often complain of feeling tired when antidepressant therapy is initiated. This usually passes.