Cymbalta has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of fibromyalgia. Cymbalta, generic name duloxetine HCl, is a medicine developed by drugmaker Eli Lilly and is available only by prescription. Cymbalta is the first serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that has been proven to reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients.
According to Eli Lilly, some researchers believe fibromyalgia may be caused by a combination of alterations in brain and spinal cord chemistry, genetics, and stress. Other researchers emphasize a heightened sensitivity to pain. How Cymbalta works to relieve fibromyalgia pain is not entirely understood but it's thought that by increasing the activity of two naturally-occurring substances -- serotonin and norepinephrine -- it suppresses pain.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can overlap with symptoms of arthritis and other conditions -- making the syndrome difficult to diagnose. In 1990, criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis was established which includes a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body (above the waist on both sides; below the waist on both sides of the body) for three months or more and pain at 11 of 18 tender points. Approximately 90% of fibromyalgia patients suffer with severe fatigue or sleep disorders. Other than muscular pain, fatigue, and tenderness, patients also may experience:- anxiety
- depression
- headaches
- pelvic pain
- memory problems
- restless leg syndrome
- irritable bowel or bladder
- noise and temperature sensitivity
- temporomandibular joint disorder
Cymbalta is an important new fibromyalgia treatment option for the estimated 5 million Americans who have fibromyalgia, but the medicine is not for everyone. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits and risks associated with Cymbalta and if you decide to start using the medication -- pay attention to possible side effects and do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's supervision.
Related Resources:
- More About Cymbalta
- Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
- Test Your Knowledge: Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
- 10 Things You Should Know About Fibromyalgia
Photo © Gold Standard
I have fibromyalgia and take Cymbalta for it.I’m happy with it because it helps with my concentration.Before I was on Cymbalta I couldn’t even read the newspaper without haveing to reread it 4 or 5 times before understanding what I was reading.After I was on it for less than a month I could even go back to reading books.
Sandy
I’ve been taking Cymbalta for fibro for a while now. If I forget to take my pills, the pain in my legs is unbearable. It helps my moods and thinking too. I’m glad that Drs are taking fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome more seriously. It isn’t just in the head!
I just took one pill of 30 mg and started to feel sick–no appetite, nausea, & diarrhea. Katharine, I forgot to take the pill the second day and my condition of carpal tunnel got worst. My pain was so terrible last night that I called 911 to do something with me. I was taken to the doctor. I was screaming of the pain. I am thinking that Cymbalta awoke my condition of carpal tunnel. My entire left arm was numbness. I was scared to death. I am afraid to continue taking Cymbalta.
L. Rivera
i have fibromyagliafor several years.. i took cymbalta and it helps but problem is side effect (ear ringing).
Cymbalta seems to working for my wide spread moving pain. I tried two other meds, including efexor, which didn’t help at all. I had tried cymbalta, for two months before, but couldn’t afford to pay 170 bucks for 30 day supply. I will update as time goes on!
I was on cymbalta for the last 10 months they started me on 30 mg and the increased it to 60 mg. About a month ago I went to my primary physican I had been so tired that I could not get out of bed and in lots of pain. She then prescribed savella and now I am in even more pain and having hot flashes all day. I do agree with you my memory and constration was much better when I was on the cymbalta. So I will be going to see my RA doctor in November and post what she recomends.
I was on cymbalta for the last 10 months they started me on 30 mg and the increased it to 60 mg. About a month ago I went to my primary physican I had been so tired that I could not get out of bed and in lots of pain. She then prescribed savella and now I am in even more pain and having hot flashes all day. I do agree with you my memory and constration was much better when I was on the cymbalta. So I will be going to see my RA doctor in November and post what she recomends.
I found Cymbalta was excellent, except I started having such tremors that people were concerned I was coming down with Parkinson’s. I stopped taking it, and the tremors slowly went away…and the fibromyalgia came back worse than it had been in years.
I’d go on the Cymbalta again if it weren’t for the tremors.