Cymbalta for generalized anxiety disorder?

i may go on cymbalta for anxiety and panic attacks, are there sexual side effects? can this pill be taken for long term use?

Hello, I began taking Cymbalta about 8 or so months ago. I am in the process of going off of it now, and unfortunately am experiencing some nasty dizziness, along with nausea (3+ days at this point, and still going strong :( Physically, I had no sexual issues. However, I have never in my life had a low sex drive UNTIL now. It has just been GONEEEEE!!!! SO Not a good thing!!! As far as the long term use - there is quite a bit of information that I have come across stating (as with many other meds) the potential of liver damage from this. (try a search for cymbalta "long term use" potential side effects ) If you feel that you need assistance in dealing with your disorder, you need to remember any of these medications are going to come along with their own "side effects....." If after reading through it all, you feel you still need to get some assistance, chose the best one for you. Then once you are able to get in what you feel is a "good place" you can then try some techniques like visualization techniques, medication, biofeedback etc.. so that you have some "other" forms of help. This way, when you feel strong enough to come off the meds you will have some tools that YOU can use to help keep yourself in a good place. Trust in yourself, and know that you have the ability within to get through anything. Even if it seems you cannot, TRUST that you really CAN :) Good luck!

I am not on cymbalta but I am on Cipralex for anxiety also I am guessing that they are the same type of drug because they do the same thing, I am guessing that they have the same side effects, I know when I started taking cipralex the thought of sex sickened me, i didnt want to have it at all, also while on cipralex I have found it very hard to orgasm, it is a side effect from it as well. It will get better though, you will want to have sex again, slowly but surely.

I was on it for awhile...when I started I was tired and had hot flashes. For two nights I soaked my sheets. I didn't have any crazy sexual side effects accept when I went off>>>I couldn't afford my prescription and went off cold turkey. It was ok but didn't help with my depression like I wanted. If you think it would help go for it, but I feel better without meds.

DULOXETINE (Cymbalta庐) 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 I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
鈥lcohol (ethanol) use
鈥norexia or weight loss
鈥ttempted suicide
鈥arrow-angle glaucoma
鈥igh blood pressure or heart problems
鈥idney or liver disease
鈥ania or bipolar disorder
鈥n unusual reaction to duloxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
鈥regnant or trying to get pregnant
鈥reast-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?
鈥lcohol
鈥mphetamine
鈥ertain migraine headache medicines (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
鈥extroamphetamine
鈥oxercalciferol
鈥urazolidone
鈥inezolid
鈥ithium
鈥edicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
鈥edications for weight control or appetite
鈥edicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil庐), tranylcypromine (Parnate庐), isocarboxazid (Marplan庐)
鈥ther medicines for mental depression, mania, psychosis, or anxiety
鈥rocarbazine
鈥elegiline
鈥t. 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:
鈥bdominal (stomach) pain or tenderness
鈥ark or brown urine
鈥ifficulty breathing
鈥ainting spells
鈥allucination, loss of contact with reality
鈥tching
鈥ania (over-active behavior); inability to sleep
鈥ash
鈥estlessness, inability to sleep, or severe loss of sleep
鈥eizures
鈥houghts of suicide or of harming yourself
鈥nexplained 'flu-like' symptoms
鈥omiting
鈥ellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
鈥ry mouth
鈥onstipation
鈥izziness
鈥rowsiness
鈥eadache
鈥ncreased sweating or flushing
鈥oss of appetite, loss of weight
鈥oss of sexual desire, erectile, or orgasm dysfunction
鈥ausea
鈥eakness or tiredness
鈥eight 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. Alcohol intake may also increase your risk for liver injury if you are taking duloxetine.

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.