What is Cymbalta (duloxetine)?

Cymbalta (suhm bal tuh) belongs to a group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is a prescription oral medicine that is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also used to treat neuropathic pain (tingling and pain caused by damage to the nerves in people with diabetes). Cymbalta may also be prescribed to people with fibromyalgia (a condition characterized by long-lasting pain, muscle stiffness, and tiredness). Other uses of this medication include chronic (ongoing) muscle pain or joint pain due to osteoarthritis. 

There may be other uses of Cymbalta - the pharmacist at your local pharmacy or your other healthcare professionals can give you further information.

Who can take Cymbalta (duloxetine)?

Cymbalta is approved for use in adults with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder in children and adolescents 7 years of age and older. For fibromyalgia, it can also be used in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.

Is Cymbalta safe for children?

A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) can develop suicidal ideation (thoughts of harming or killing themselves or planning to do so) while on treatment with antidepressants and mood elevators such as duloxetine (Cymbalta). Mental health changes can occur even in people above the age of 24. Talk to your child’s doctor about this risk before starting your child on Cymbalta.