Is Cymbalta effective for Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia Community

When you have fibromyalgia, your whole life becomes frightening. Fibromyalgia treatment is very much difficult since it is not known what causes it. One main feature that makes it a lot more difficult to understand this illness is that the symptoms of fibromyalgia vary a lot. Different people having fibromyalgia have different experiences. Of course, most of us deal with the generic symptoms, but the severity, triggers and combinations are across the board. Chronic pain, memory problems, mood disorders, sleep issues, depression and anxiety are some key symptoms that we all are familiar with. Thus, fibromyalgia seems to be mysterious sometimes. Certain options are there that permits you to treat more than one of the symptoms at a time.

Usually for treating fibromyalgia symptoms, a medication from the family of drugs that are known as “antidepressants” is prescribed. These antidepressants are prescribed to fibro patients even if depression is not an overwhelming symptom. These come from a highly effective branch of drugs called SSNRIs or SNRIs (Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors).

How SNRIs work?

Neurotransmitters produced by the body are acted upon by SNRIs such as Cymbalta. Normally, these chemicals carry out important functions within the brain. In this case, their importance is easier to understand by looking at their side effects from when the neurotransmitters do not function properly: the results include memory loss, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, health issues such as neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia and much more. This may give you a closer look into the precarious role that neurotransmitters play in your health and overall well-being.

SNRIs help the brain in proper processing of neurotransmitters within the brain. Although it is not completely known by the researchers how it works. Usually, it is done by the brain automatically. However, this is not the case for people with anxiety, depression and fibromyalgia. The neurotransmitters broke down and reabsorbed into the components parts instead of carrying out their proper function within the brain. So, SNRIs help in bonding the neurotransmitters and it also forces them to stay in the brain until they are absorbed properly. Once these neurotransmitters are absorbed, the brain then uses them properly and the expected benefits that they provide are then experienced. People with major depression disorder, anxiety as well as fibromyalgia have found SNRIs to be effective.

Is Cymbalta is a good option?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a particular SNRI that is proved to be effective for both people having fibromyalgia and mood disorders. Cymbalta is widely prescribed to fibromyalgia sufferers by healthcare practitioners. A lot of fibromyalgia symptoms can be minimized by Cymbalta like depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal pain, brain fog and so on.

It is important to keep this in mind that everyone is different. No two bodies can be same, so no two people will experience the exact same things and exact same results whether in terms of positive or negative. Make it sure if you are using any other medication before your doctor prescribes Cymbalta for your fibromyalgia. Medications, as well as health or herbal supplements, are also included in it. Sometimes, the prescription medications also get interacted dangerously with the naturopathic herbs that you are taking to treat fibromyalgia.

So, it is important to let your doctor know about everything you are using and its effect on you, either good or bad. It is also important to follow the directions in regards to the proper dosages. Sometimes the medications become toxic and lead towards organ damage or may even die.

The side effects of Cymbalta

No doubt, Cymbalta can be very beneficial to people having fibromyalgia, but people should be aware of the side effects that come with it, just like other medications. These are not limited to, but include:

Drowsiness
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Increased sweating
Vision changes
Dizziness
Loss of appetite

Rarely:

Blurred or distorted vision
Problems urinating
Low sodium levels (results in a headache, confusion, speech difficulties, weakness, and some other issues)
Major skin reactions (causing blistering, rash, swelling in face or tongue, fever, sore throat)
Light-headedness
Liver problems
High serotonin levels (results in agitation, hallucinations, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and other problems)
Severe nervous system reactions

Is Cymbalta worth using?

Everyone will be thinking that fibromyalgia is such an overwhelming condition. So, why would I take something that would cause some of the symptoms that I need to fix? Yes, this is a valid concern. Like other SNRIs, Cymbalta is also proved to be effective for treating fibromyalgia symptoms. Yet some of the patients can’t take because Cymbalta may make some symptoms worse. You need to do research on your own as well as you have to consult your doctor and should do a trial run of Cymbalta. You and your doctor need to determine what is best for you.