Cymbalta (Duloxetene) is an antidepressant of the SNRI class. SNRI stands for seronontin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and it is sometimes referred to as SSNRI. It is prescribed for major clinical depression as well as neuropathy arising from diabetes-related conditions. As an SNRI, it inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, instead of just serotonin as in the more popular SSRI class of antidepressants. This allows Cymbalta to positively affect clinical depression as well as chronic pain. However, Cymbalta is only FDA approved to treat major depression and the pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or DPN. Cymbalta is also being used to treat less severe adult ADHD as well as stress-related urinary incontinence, although it is not FDA approved for either treatment.

Cymbalta has side effects on par with most antidepressants of the SSRI class. The additional effect on the brain's norepinephrine levels appears to have added few side effects. Common side effects include high blood pressure, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, changes in appetite, and increased sweating. These side effects may occur when you first begin to take Cymbalta and may persist for up to a month. If they persist longer than a month, then you may wish to contact your doctor to consider taking another antidepressant. More serious risks include mania, high blood pressure, seizures, liver damage, and an increased risk of suicide. If you are suffering from these symptoms, alert a health professional. It is important to be monitored by a health professional or loved one to prevent suicide attempts during the first month of taking Cymbalta, as it has been shown that antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in the first month, especially among adolescents. In a clinical trial testing the efficacy of Cymbalta for treating women with stress-related urinary incontinence, some of the participants attempted suicide or reported suicidal thought despite showing no prior signs of willingness to commit suicide. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor all persons taking antidepressants even if they are using them for purposes other than treating depression.

Cymbalta shares the severe withdrawal symptoms that plague many other SSRI class antidepressants, even though it is an SNRI. If you suddenly stop taking Cymbalta after having been taking it for a while, you may experience a feeling of electric shocks running through your body, mania, wild mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of incredible sadness. These symptoms may persist for a few weeks to a few months after you suddenly stop taking Cymbalta. If you wish to stop taking Cymbalta, you must contact your doctor and get your dosage gradually lowered in order to prevent these withdrawal symptoms, as they are not pleasant.

Cymbalta is a useful drug for treating depression and neuropathy that may accompany it. All drugs carry a risk of side effects, and Cymbalta is no different, so you must keep in mind that side effects may occur when you start taking Cymbalta.