Understanding Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Duloxetine, often sold as Cymbalta, is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). It is used to balance brain chemicals! However, it causes significant side effects in many patients. Thus, doctors must monitor the patients they prescribe it to very carefully!

The good news is that it is an effective medication for anxiety treatment. It is also great for treating depression in adults! Many patients also benefit from taking this medication as a fibromyalgia treatment. It is often prescribed as a pain treatment for many causes. This includes acting as a joint pain treatment and a treatment for diabetic nerve pain! However, patients need to understand this medication fully before taking it.

How It Works

Doctors believe this antidepressant changes how serotonin and norepinephrine interact with the central nervous system. These are both natural chemicals in the body. In other words, it balances brain chemicals! Serotonin manages several functions as a neurotransmitter, including regulating emotions and pain perception. It also helps with digestive function!

The second chemical, norepinephrine, works in the brain stem. This chemical affects how individuals perceive their mood, emotions, pain, and thoughts. It even influences blood pressure and movement. However, the biggest function is how it deals with an individual's instinctive fight-or-flight response. Depression and anxiety disorder patients experience this response far more often, even without any danger being present! Thus, medications, like this one, that manage these chemicals are vital.

Reveal the uses for this medication next.