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Learning to Treat Depression

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Questions to Answer Before Your Doctor Visit

Preparing for Your First Doctor Visit

Talking to your doctor about depression may seem uncomfortable at first. But it's important to go into detail about what you've been experiencing. The more complete the picture, the easier it will be for your doctor to make a diagnosis — and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

A little preparation can be helpful before your first doctor visit. Following are some questions your doctor may ask you. Please take a moment to fill out the form and print a copy to take with you. This may give you more time to think about your condition, which may result in a more effective initial evaluation. Or, if you prefer, print the form as is and fill it out at your convenience.

Please Note: Data entered into this form will not be saved. All entries are optional and for the purpose of completing this form only.

  1. Which symptoms of depression have you noticed?

    *Thoughts of death or suicide are common in depression and it is important to take these thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

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Important Safety Information

Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

What should I talk about with my healthcare provider?
Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Be especially observant within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

You should also know that:

  • Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders.
  • Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when changing the dose. No increased risk has been shown for adults over age 24, and risk decreased for those over age 65.
  • All patients starting therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for new or worsening depression symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in behavior.
  • Cymbalta is not approved for use in patients under age 18.

Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
You should not take Cymbalta if:

  • You have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
  • You have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (an eye disease)
  • You are taking Mellaril® (thioridazine)

What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
Before starting Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:

  • about all of your medical conditions, including kidney problems, glaucoma, or diabetes
  • about your alcohol use
  • if you are taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, including those for migraine, to address a possible life-threatening condition
  • if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
  • if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breastfeeding an infant

While taking Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:

  • if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
  • if you have high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles to address a possible life-threatening condition
  • before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
  • if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing, especially when first starting Cymbalta or when increasing the dose. Your healthcare provider may periodically check your blood pressure while you are taking Cymbalta

If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta.

What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
The most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. For most people who had it, the nausea was mild to moderate. Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and, increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects.

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Mellaril is a registered trademark of its manufacturer.

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Cymbalta is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Cymbalta is approved for the acute
and maintenance treatment of depression.

Safety Information and Boxed Warning
Prescribing Information | Medication Guide