Cymbalta for Pain

 Cymbalta^® (duloxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of depression. Healthcare providers may also prescribe Cymbalta for pain (specifically, peripheral diabetic neuropathy pain), generalized anxiety disorder, and fibromyalgia.

 

The medication is a type of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that works by balancing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine -- chemicals that can cause anxiety and depression if they become unbalanced. Although it is not entirely clear how Cymbalta works for nerve pain, it appears to help block the nerve pain signals in the spinal cord or brain.

 

Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label uses for this antidepressant. Using Cymbalta for pain that is chronic and stress incontinence (loss of bladder control) is considered to be an off-label use.