Cymbalta is a is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) prescribed for the treatment of depressive disorder, painful peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and general anxiety disorder. It is currently marketed and sold under the brand names Duzela, Yentreve, Xeristar, and Ariclaim. Warnings have been issued, however, that Cymbalta may increase risk of heart attack, suicide, and paranoid reactions in some patients.
Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which is able to trigger a change in the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in a patient’s body. Serotonin is critical to mood regulation as well as pain perception, and norepinephrine monitors how our body biologically responds to stress. Although scientists are not 100% certain how the medication works, they know that Cymbalta is able to successful treat depression, lower pain, and reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients including pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands and feet.
Cymbalta is generally used to treat pain and depression, but it has also been approved for painful peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and general anxiety disorder. In Europe it has also been approved for stress urinary incontinence.
Antidepressant medication Cymbalta, which made millions of dollars for Eli Lilly, lost its patent protection in 2013, opening a gaping hole in their product line. The good news for consumers is that they are now able to buy generic prescriptions for the medication from other companies who have been given the rights to sell lower priced copycat medications. Do not feel too sorry for Lilly, who made billions of dollars by selling Cymbalta since it first launched in 2004. Although the company may lose a substantial amount of money, they have already started producing and selling other drugs to fill the gaps. The company acknowledges the loss of the patent will reduce their revenue, but they understand it is part of the life-cycle of drug production. Despite the end of the patent, they believe the drug had an enormous impact on medicine and offered “pain sufferers a non-addictive alternative to opiate painkillers.” The drug was sold to an estimated 60 million people and sales have grown every year since it market introduction.
Cymbalta has helped millions of patients suffering from depression, but before you take the pills you should find out what it can do to your body. Cymbalta is an SNRI, or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it can affect both serotonin and norepinephrine, two important substances within your central nervous system.Depression may lower the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine which your body naturally produces in the spinal cord and brain. It is this lowering of these critical substances that medical experts believes can negatively affect both your emotional responses and your body’s ability to communicate effectively with certain parts of your brain.
No one knows for sure how many millions of Americans suffer with depression but some estimates claim the number could be as high as 1 in 10. Medical experts also claim that most sufferers never receive proper treatment. So who suffers the most? Women tend to have more depression than men and most sufferers are between the ages of 45 to 64. Cymbalta should not be taken by patients who are younger than 24 years of age. Patients should also tell their doctor if they are experiencing any suicidal thoughts, hyperactivity, aggression, hostility, agitation, impulsivity, and restlessness. Patients who have liver disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, seizures, bleeding disorders, history of drug use, or bipolar disorder should also notify their doctor about their condition prior to use. Do not use Cymbalta if you are operating heavy machinery.
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