AN OVERVIEW

You may have heard someone saying, “Cymbalta Ruined My Life“. Cymbalta is used to cure depression and anxiety. In addition, Cymbalta (duloxetine) is used to help ease nerve pain in people with diabetes or continued pain due to medical problems like arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes general pain). Duloxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and reduce nervousness. It can also reduce pain due to certain medical conditions. 

What is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta belongs to a class of medicines called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).  Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit information and signals between nerve cells in our brains. 

Serotonin regulates our behaviour, memory, mood, and happiness, while norepinephrine is associated with alertness, bursts of energy, mobilizing the brain and body for action, and recovering memories. We need a balance of both neurotransmitters for healthy mood regulation. 

Serotonin and norepinephrine are produced in nerve cells and then discharged into the synaptic cleft (the space between two nerve cells). Once there, they are active and can bind to a second nerve cell (the postsynaptic neuron), allowing the message to be received. 

However, serotonin and norepinephrine can also be reabsorbed back into the nerve cell that released them, and they become inactive again and recycled in preparation for the subsequent signal. 

How does Cymbalta work?

If you are undergoing anxiety, you may have a neurotransmitter inequality with low quantities of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. GAD is believed to result from poor neural functioning in the systems associated with serotonin and noradrenaline. 

Cymbalta helps restore the balance of these neurotransmitters in the brain, and it does this by preventing serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells. 

Cymbalta increases the amount of active serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft so that more can bind to postsynaptic neurons, allowing them to send their anxiety-reducing signals. 

Cymbalta is part of a drug family known as SSNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). It acts by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

In simpler words, Cymbalta is used to treat depression and anxiety, along with the associated nerve-related pain.

Any medication that tackles mental illness will need appropriate dosages and continuous checkups with your doctor. Improper dosages or sudden omission of the drug will lead to withdrawal effects.

Is Cymbalta good for anxiety and depression?

Taking Cymbalta is not a quick fix. Cymbalta may take 4 to 8 weeks to work at its best. This is because it takes time for serotonin and norepinephrine levels to rise and stabilize in the brain. 

However, you may notice some initial signs of improvement in anxiety-related symptoms, such as better sleep, higher energy levels, and a healthier appetite. 

You may feel worse when you start taking the medication because Cymbalta can increase anxiety, but this should subside if you keep taking the medication as prescribed.

Cymbalta dosage for anxiety

According to the FDA, the recommended dosage of Cymbalta for adults younger than 65 years old with anxiety is 60 mg, taken once daily. Your healthcare provider may start you on 30 mg daily and gradually increase it to 60 mg when your body adjusts to the medication. The maximum dosage of Cymbalta is 120 mg daily. However, research suggests no extra benefits for most people when they take more than 60 mg of Cymbalta daily. 

Risks and side effects of using Cymbalta

Some of the commonly known risk factor of Cymbalta are listed below: 

• Physical effects — Headaches, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, muscle pain, and cramps 

• Sexual dysfunction — Low sex drive and difficulty ejaculating or reaching orgasm 

• Anxiety symptoms — Agitation and restlessness 

• Digestive problems — Diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and nausea 

• Sleep problems — Insomnia, drowsiness, and fatigue

These common side effects are generally mild and usually subside after a few weeks of continuing the medication. If you notice these side effects, don’t stop taking the drug. However, symptoms such as weight gain or loss, excessive sweating, and sexual dysfunction may not subside and can persist as long-term side effects. 

It is recommended to report any symptoms to your doctor so they keep an eye on your dosage and health status.

How the sudden stopping of Cymbalta Can Ruin life

Be sure you don’t just suddenly stop taking Cymbalta, as you may experience uncomfortable discontinuation symptoms like dizziness, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, anxiety, or sleeping difficulties.

Take Home Message

Anxiety disorders such as GAD can be severe and debilitating conditions. Cymbalta is a highly effective treatment for managing anxiety disorders and is commonly prescribed. If you are considering taking anti-anxiety medication, discuss with your doctor whether Cymbalta suits you. If you and your doctor decide it isn’t, a range of other medicines may be suitable.

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