Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is an antidepressant which belongs to a group of drugs that are known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The composition of this anti-depressant drug is duloxetine. This anti-depressant medication acts by affecting the chemicals in the brain, which may get disturbed and may lead to depression. Therefore, it is beneficial in treating or preventing the symptoms of mental depression.
This medication is available in the form of capsules where the content of each capsule is 22.4, 33.7, or 67.3 mg of duloxetine hydrochloride which is equal to 20, 30, or 60 mg of duloxetine, respectively. To prevent the degradation of the drug in the acidic environment of the stomach, the pellets are enteric-coated. Generic Cymbalta (Duloxetine) further contains a few inactive ingredients that are FD&C Blue No. 2, gelatin, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sucrose, sugar spheres, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
This antidepressant should be taken for some time and should not be stopped as depression if not treated can lead to a serious condition. If Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses then, it may cause dependence and if the medicine is suddenly stopped, in such cases then, drug withdrawal reactions may occur.
In case you have missed a dose and it is time for your next scheduled dose then you can skip the missed dose and doubling up of doses should be avoided in case of missed dose. Over dosing of any medicine is dangerous hence, overdosing of this anti-depressant medicine should also be avoided. Few signs and symptoms of overdosing are somnolence, coma, serotonin syndrome, seizures, syncope, tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension and vomiting.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) should be consumed orally with or without food. The usual dose recommended is once or twice a day or as directed by your physician. Avoid chewing or crushing of the medicine. The contents of the medicine should not be mixed with food or liquid. The medicine should be swallowed as a whole. The recommended dosage of Cymbalta (Duloxetine) for mental depression is usually 40 mg/day to 60 mg/day for adults.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) produces certain side effects, which are as follows - nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, blurred vision, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, serious allergic reaction, etc.

There are several drugs that interact with Cymbalta (Duloxetine). Some of them are as follows:
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Quinidine
• Quinine
• Alcohol
• Certain arrhythmia medications, including propafenone and flecainide
• Certain fluoroquinolone antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin
• Delavirdine
• Linezolid
• Lithium
• Aspirin, etc.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is useful in Major Depressive Disorder and in generalized anxiety disorder. It is also useful in treating chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia; it treats pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes i.e it is useful in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) should be stored at room temperature at 25°C and can be stored for a short period at 15°C - 30°C. It should be stored away from light and moisture. The medicine should be stored far from the reach of children and pets.

• Before starting with Cymbalta (Duloxetine), you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you suffer from liver or kidney disease; seizures or epilepsy; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; glaucoma; bipolar disorder (manic depression); or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
• Alcoholic beverages are to be avoided.
• Care should be taken when Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is used in the elderly as they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• This antidepressant should be avoided during pregnancy. It may harm the unborn baby.
• As there are chances that the Cymbalta (Duloxetine) drug can pass into the breast milk and affect the nursing infant. Hence, breast-feeding is to be avoided while using this drug.