Guide To Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Duloxetine belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). IT is often sold as Cymbalta. Its ability to help balance an individual's brain chemicals is one of the major reasons this medication is prescribed for several conditions. However, doctors need to monitor patients closely when they are taking it. This is because of the significant side effects.

Duloxetine is an effective medication for depression in adults and is also a common option for anxiety treatment. This medication is also one of the only approved ones for fibromyalgia treatment. It is also considered a powerful pain treatment for the muscles, joints, and nerves. Thus, it is often prescribed as a treatment for osteoarthritis, chronic muscle pain, and diabetic neuropathy. Of course, patients need to understand it before they take it.

How It Works

This antidepressant is used to balance chemicals in the brain. Rather than investigating the exact effects on the brain, doctors have documented the medication's effects on patient symptoms. The best understanding of the mechanism is that it changes how norepinephrine and serotonin interact with the central nervous system. These are both chemicals that occur naturally in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. It is responsible for a variety of essential functions, including pain perception, digestive system function, and regulation of emotions. 

Norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter and hormone. It chiefly carries out its functions in the brain stem. It affects an individual's fight-or-flight instincts, which occur in response to environmental stress. When individuals have an anxiety disorder or depression, they are at a higher risk of experiencing these responses even when they are not in danger. In addition to this, norepinephrine affects an individual's perception of their mood, pain, emotions, and thoughts. It can affect blood pressure and physical movement as well.

Reveal the major uses of this medication next.