Brand Name(s): Cymbalta

Generic Name Duloxetine

What are Duloxetine capsules?

DULOXETINE (Cymbalta®) is an antidepressant, a medicine that helps to lift mental depression. Duloxetine may also be prescribed for other uses as decided by your health care provider. Generic duloxetine capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Duloxetine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anorexia or weight loss
• attempted suicide
• high blood pressure or heart problems
• kidney or liver disease
• mania or bipolar disorder
• an unusual reaction to duloxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take duloxetine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water; do not open or chew the capsules. You may take the duloxetine capsules with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking the capsules except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with duloxetine?

• alcohol
• amphetamine
• certain migraine headache medicines (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
• dextroamphetamine
• furazolidone
• linezolid
• lithium
• medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
• medications for weight control or appetite
• medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil^®), tranylcypromine (Parnate^®), isocarboxazid (Marplan^®)
• other medicines for mental depression, mania, psychosis, or anxiety
• procarbazine
• selegiline
• St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Duloxetine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing
• fainting spells
• mania (over-active behavior); inability to sleep
• rash
• thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• increased sweating or flushing
• loss of appetite, loss of weight
• loss of sexual desire, erectile or orgasm dysfunction
• nausea
• weakness or tiredness
• weight gain or weight loss

What should I watch for while taking duloxetine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take duloxetine for 4 weeks before you feel better. If you have been taking duloxetine for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Duloxetine may cause an increase in blood pressure. Check with your prescriber or health care professional; you may be able to measure your own blood pressure and pulse. Find out what your blood pressure and heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how duloxetine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Duloxetine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking duloxetine.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 degrees and 25 °C (68 degrees and 77 °F), in a dry place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.