In a given year, more than 6.5 million American adults suffer from a condition called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD experience symptoms like exaggerated worry or chronic anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms can negatively impact a person's ability to function properly in work, family and social situations.
When left untreated, anxiety disorders, including GAD, can worsen. Now there is another medication available for those suffering. Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) was approved for the treatment of GAD by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2007.
"It is important to treat a condition like generalized anxiety disorder because proper treatment can alleviate patients' distressing symptoms and also have a positive impact on their functioning," said Susan Kornstein, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University. "With the approval of Cymbalta, physicians and patients will have another option for the treatment of this condition."
There are a number of ways people can deal with their anxiety.
Note to Editors: Important Safety Information
Cymbalta is approved to treat major depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorder. In children and teens, antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. You should call your doctor right away if you experience worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior or thoughts of suicide, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. Cymbalta is approved only for adults 18 and over.
Cymbalta is not for everyone. You should not take Cymbalta if you have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), are taking Mellaril® (thioridazine) or have uncontrolled glaucoma. You should speak with your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including those for migraine, to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition. You should tell your doctor about your alcohol consumption, if you have liver disease, and about all of your medical conditions.
Patients taking Cymbalta may experience dizziness or fainting upon standing. The most common side effects of Cymbalta include:
• For MDD: nausea, dry mouth and constipation
• For DPNP: nausea, sleepiness and dizziness
• For GAD: nausea, fatigue and dry mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects.
By: Stacey Moore