Cymbalta and how is it used to treat depression

Cymbalta is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Cymbalta affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Sometimes people may think they're simply overstressed when in fact their condition has progressed to something more serious - a form of anxiety or depression. Stress can build and develop into outbreaks of depression and anxiety. Or, depression can also be more directly triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. Often the best treatment at this point is stress medicine. In other words: prescription medication.

Of the four major categories of medications for psychiatric symptoms, only one will be covered in some detail here. This is one of two categories that correlate more closely to stress (the other category includes the anti-anxiety medications). And within this article they'll simply be called "stress medicine" although this certainly isn't a medical term.

Cymbalta

Antidepressants:

They can also be effective for anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and phobias. It may be 2, 3, 5, or even 8 weeks before the patient notices a change. And never stop taking a med without first talking to your doctor.

The newer generation of these medications for depression is called "serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors" (SSRIs). They tend to cause fewer side effects. SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, Serzone, Lexapro, and Luvox.

The brain chemistry of depression and anxiety is not fully understood. These are chemicals in the brain that allow nerve cells to communicate. An imbalance in these chemicals may be an important factor in the development of depression and anxiety.

They are also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about pain between the body and the brain.

In the process, some of the serotonin released is reabsorbed by the first nerve cell. SSRIs block the re-absorption of serotonin into the first nerve cell. It is this blocking action that causes an increased amount of serotonin to become available at the next nerve cell and this is how SSRIs affect the balance of serotonin in the brain.

Not everyone has side effects but the common ones include: Nausea, vomiting, excitement, agitation, headache, sexual problems, dry mouth, dizziness, sedation, weight gain, constipation, heart palpitations, cardiac abnormalities, insomnia, memory problems, over-stimulation, and hypertensive crisis.

Another sub-category of antidepressant stress medicine is called selective SNRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). They work on the same basic principle as the SSRIs but target other chemicals. This impacts which conditions they can be prescribed for. Cymbalta is a common med and some of the side effects are nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, decreased appetite, increased sweating, and difficulty sleeping.

Wellbutrin on the other hand, helps balance the levels neurotransmitters called dopamine and norepinephrine. It's another antidepressant. Some of the side effects are agitation, dry mouth, skin rash, loss of appetite, sweating, ringing in the ears, shakiness, stomach pain, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, fast heartbeat, sore throat, urinating more often, constipation, headaches, and weight loss.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

•nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
•restlessness, overactive reflexes, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fainting, coma; or
•nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and fast heartbeat.

•constipation;
•drowsiness, dizziness, headache;
•weight changes;
•feeling anxious or nervous, increased sweating;
•sore throat; or
•decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a cymbalta overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, or fainting.