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Learning to Treat Depression

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Learning to Treat Depression

Learn About Cymbalta Is Cymbalta Right for Me?

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.

Name:

Which symptoms of depression have you noticed?

Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day

Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities

Feelings of worthlessness

Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt

Thoughts of death or suicide*

Trouble making decisions

Fatigue or lack of energy

Sleeping too much or too little

Change in appetite or weight

Trouble concentrating

Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down

*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).
Other: Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
When did you first begin to notice your symptoms? Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Have you noticed any patterns or triggers of your symptoms? Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Are you currently taking any medications, either prescription or over the counter? If so, it may be helpful to make a list that includes dosages to show your doctor. Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Are you taking any herbal remedies or nutritional supplements? If so, it may be helpful to make a comprehensive list to show your doctor. Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Do you have, or have you had in the past, any medical conditions? These may include chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a recently diagnosed illness. Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Have you experienced any life changes recently? These may include positive events and circumstances (e.g., getting married or receiving a promotion) as well as negative ones (e.g., death of a friend or family member, loss of a job).
Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Do you have any relatives who have suffered from depression or another mental illness? Has anyone in your family committed suicide or suffered from alcoholism, substance abuse, or erratic behavior? Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.
Have you tried any treatments for your depression, including alternative therapies such as acupuncture or meditation? Character limit 700 You have used 0 characters.

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta

Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Be especially observant within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose. Approved only for adults 18 and over.

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.

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 (increased eye pressure)
You are taking Mellaril^® (thioridazine)

What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?

Before starting Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

about all of your medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes, seizures, or if you have bipolar disorder. Cymbalta may worsen a type of glaucoma or the control of blood sugar in some patients with 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, talk with 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.
about your blood pressure. Cymbalta can increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady while taking Cymbalta which may be signs of low sodium levels
if you develop problems with urine flow

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

What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?

In clinical studies of depression, the most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. Other common side effects included dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue, sleepiness, and increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects.