Back in August 2004, The Food and Drug Administration approved Cymbalta – also known by its chemical name duloxetine – for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, depression, diabetic kidney disease, neuropathic pain, major depressive disorder, and fibromyalgia. Cymbalta was originally developed by Eli Lilly and Company; Eli Lilly is the 10th largest pharmaceutical company in the world, with revenues exceeding $24 billion. While they are focused heavily on diabetes and oncology medication, Eli Lilly develops specialty drugs such as Cymbalta for co-occurring conditions that often arise with cancer and diabetes treatment.
David Wong, David Robertson, and Joseph Krushinski – three Eli Lilly and Company researchers – were ultimately responsible for the research and development of Cymbalta. While the patent was filed in 1990, it was not until 2004 that the drug was finally approved. Cymbalta is now a widely prescribed medication that has also found efficacy in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain (November 2010). Cymbalta was mainly used for depression (August 2004) up until those recent discoveries. Learn more about the Cymbalta Manufacturer Coupon 2019 and other facts about Cymbalta below.
What does Cymbalta Treat?
Cymbalta has found success in treating a number of diseases. While originally approved for the treatment of depression and diabetic neuropathy in 2004, Health Canada gave the green-light for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and depression in 2007. The FDA also approved Cymbalta for the treatment of fibromyalgia in June of 2008. Since then, it has been prescribed both on-label and off-label to treat depression, major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, diabetic kidney disease, generalized anxiety disorder, and diabetic neuropathy.
How Does Cymbalta Function?
Cymbalta is known as an SNRI antidepressant (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) that can help treat the debilitating and often confusing disorder known as fibromyalgia. Cymbalta works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are found predominantly in the brain and other major parts of the central nervous system. By blocking the re-entrance of norepinephrine and Cymbalta into cells, it can increase the levels of the two substances in the brain. This reuptake has been shown to improve the mood of individuals affected by anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as relieve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
What is the Cost of Cymbalta?
The brand-name version of Cymbalta costs around $165.63 a month with a manufacturer coupon. Without the coupon, prices can reach as high $472 for 60 20mg capsules. The Rx Helper’s patient assistance programs offer savings that beat the manufacturer coupon’s savings.
What are the Side Effects of Cymbalta?
The average dose of Cymbalta is 60mg a day; however, most doctors will start a patient at 30mg to avoid unnecessary side effects that are typically associated with starting a medication at too high of a dose. The most common side effects of Cymbalta include dizziness, a loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, and a ‘tired’ feeling. Fatigue may also be a factor when starting a new medication.
Withdrawal is a very real possibility if you suddenly stop taking Cymbalta, so be sure to consult with your doctor to plan a tapering schedule to avoid unnecessary symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms from Cymbalta can include anxiety, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and insomnia. Many people that have gone through Cymbalta withdrawal report a phenomenon known as “brain zaps”, which manifest in painful electric-shock like headaches. Dizziness and nausea often accompany these brain zaps, along with vertigo and nightmares. This is why it is important to safely taper off of Cymbalta.
Need Help Paying for Cymbalta?
If you need help paying for Cymbalta, The Rx Helper is here to lend a helping hand. We qualify thousands of patients for prescription assistance, which are programs that will dramatically reduce the cost of your prescription medications. To qualify, you must be an uninsured or under-insured American who is in need of their prescription medication. To get your prescription medication delivered to your doorstep for little to no money, contact us today by calling (877) 767-3297 or by visiting our contact page.
