Off-Label Uses and Considerations for Cymbalta

The antidepressant Cymbalta (generic name is duloxetine) can be used off-label to treat nerve and musculoskeletal pain. Normally, Cymbalta is used to treat people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Aside from depressive and anxiety disorders, Cymbalta is very effective as a drug to treat diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia pain, as well as osteoarthritis and low back pain.

Whether you are using Cymbalta for depression, anxiety or for off-label uses to manage pain it is important to know the possible side effects of this medication. Cymbalta can cause worsening of depression in some people. This antidepressant can also put you at risk for suicidal thoughts and actions if you already suffer from depression or other type of mental disorder. To be safe, if you notice a change in your behavior, have thoughts of suicide or worsening of depression symptoms you will need to contact your doctor immediately. If you can't reach your doctor right away, contact your pharmacist.

You should not take Cymbalta if you are already taking a MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) medication such as Mellaril, Nardil, Marplan, Parnate, and Emsam. MAOIs are strong medications used to treat depression; they work by blocking or inhibiting an enzyme in the brain called monoamine oxidase.

Some people taking Cymbalta have reported side effects such as itching, dark-colored urine, jaundice and other serious liver problems. Some people have experienced nausea, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms while taking Cymbalta. Because this antidepressant can cause significant liver problems, it is best not to drink alcohol without getting the okay from your doctor first.

My personal experience with Cymbalta - I took Cymbalta for about 6 weeks and had to come off from it. For some reason certain antidepressants give me bad thoughts. Prozac gives me bad thoughts and so did Cymbalta. This antidepressant worked well for me in some ways, but there was an ever-present thought deep inside that I didn't want to live. I don't think I would have ever acted on the urge, but the thought was there none-the-less.

Before prescribing Cymbalta to be used for on or off-label purposes, your doctor should be aware of all your medical conditions and the medications you are taking. Cymbalta isn't compatible with some types of medications, such as the MAOIs mentioned above. Your doctor should be aware of all the medications you take on a daily basis, so that no mistakes are made when prescribing it.

Sources:

Drugs.com

Ask.com

Personal experience