Duzela (other name Cymbalta)

What to Know Before Taking This Medication

Before starting this medicine, inform your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
• Kidney or liver disease
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
• Taken medicines called MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate within the past 14 days
• An unusual reaction to duloxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Are breastfeeding

Proper Usage of This Medicine

Take this medication orally with a glass of water. Carefully follow the directions provided on your prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew the medicine. You can take it with or without food. Ensure you take your medicine at regular intervals and do not exceed the directed dosage. If you have been taking this medicine consistently for an extended period, do not abruptly discontinue it. It is essential to gradually reduce the dose to prevent your symptoms from worsening. Seek guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional for appropriate advice.

Consult with your pediatrician regarding the usage of this medicine in children, as special care may be necessary. This medication is often prescribed as an antidepressant or for the treatment of anxiety. Find the best prices for your medications at our online pharmacy. Buy your prescription medications online for convenience and savings. Save money on your prescription today!

Overdosage: In case of an overdose, immediately contact a poison control center or go to the emergency room.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than four hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one. Avoid taking double or extra doses to compensate.

Potential Interactions with Other Medications

Do not use this medicine with any of the following medications:

• Certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine
• MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Procarbazine
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline
• St. John's Wort
• Thioridazine
• Tryptophan
• Venlafaxine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and enoxacin
• Cimetidine
• Medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• Medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other medicines for mental depression, mania, psychosis, or anxiety

This list may not include all possible interactions. Provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are currently using. It is also important to inform them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as some of these may interact with your medicine.

Important Considerations While Using This Medicine

Visit your doctor or healthcare professional regularly to monitor your progress. Continue taking your medicine even if you do not experience immediate improvement, as it may take up to 4 weeks to feel the full effect. Patients and their families should be vigilant for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Watch for sudden or severe changes in feelings, such as anxiety, agitation, panic, irritability, hostility, aggression, impulsivity, severe restlessness, over-excitement, hyperactivity, or insomnia. If any of these occur, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, contact your healthcare professional immediately. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness until you understand how this medicine affects you. Avoid standing or sitting up quickly, especially if you are an older patient, to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine, so avoid alcoholic beverages. Do not self-treat coughs, colds, or allergies without consulting your doctor or healthcare professional for advice, as some ingredients may increase potential side effects. If you experience dry mouth, chewing sugarless gum, sucking on hard candy, or drinking plenty of water may help. Consult your doctor if the problem persists or becomes severe. This medicine may cause an increase in blood pressure. Regularly check with your doctor or healthcare professional to monitor your blood pressure and pulse. Understand what your blood pressure and heart rate should be and when to contact your healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects of This Medicine

Side effects requiring immediate attention:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Changes in blood pressure
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Hallucinations, loss of contact with reality
• Seizures
• Stomach flu-like symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting
• Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that typically do not require medical attention:

• Blurred vision
• Change in appetite
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Nausea

Proper Storage of Your Medicine

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Additional Information for Informed Use

This information provides a concise overview and may not encompass all aspects of the medication. For a comprehensive understanding, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

A: It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, as it can interfere with its effectiveness and potentially worsen side effects.

Q: How long does it take for this medicine to start working?

A: It may take up to 4 weeks for you to experience the full effects of this medicine. Continue taking it as prescribed, even if you do not feel immediate improvement.

Q: What should I do if I experience suicidal thoughts?

A: If you experience suicidal thoughts or any worsening of depression, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider or a crisis hotline for support.

Q: Is it safe to take this medicine during pregnancy?

A: Consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medicine, as it may have potential risks for the developing fetus.

Q: Can this medicine be taken with other antidepressants?

A: It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including other antidepressants, as combining certain medicines can lead to serious interactions.

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