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Have a Better Conversation with Your Doctor
about Depression

Deciding to get help is a big first step in taking charge of your depression. When you make an appointment with your doctor, don't be afraid to ask questions. Everything you tell your doctor can help you have a better conversation.

"To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered." – John Ruskin

Talking Points for Your Next Appointment

It's important to share all of your depression symptoms with your doctor. This will help him or her find the most appropriate treatment for you. Also make a list of your medical history and all your medications. Another way to make the most of your visit is to create a list of questions before you go and then check them off as you and your doctor talk. Here are some sample questions to get you started.

After You Describe Your Symptoms, Ask:

  • Do you think I have depression?
  • Can depression be caused by some other medical condition? Or can it be caused by medications I'm taking?

If Your Doctor Diagnoses Depression, Ask:

  • Do I need to see a specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist to treat my depression? If so, can you recommend someone?
  • Do I need counseling? What type of counselor would you suggest?
  • What is talk therapy? How will I know if it's working?
  • Are there any self-help strategies or lifestyle changes I could try?

If Your Doctor Prescribes a Medication, Ask:

  • What are the benefits and risks of taking this medication?
  • When will the medication start working? How will I know if it's working?
  • What will it feel like to be on this medication?
  • What are the possible side effects? Will they go away over time? What should I do if I experience them?
  • How long will I need to take this medication? Will I be able to stop taking it eventually?
  • Should I avoid particular foods or other things, such as other medications or alcohol?
  • What if it doesn't work? Is there something else I can do?
  • Will this medication take care of my depression symptoms?
  • If I take this medication, will my depression ever return?

At Your Appointment, It's Also a Good Idea to:

  • Touch base with your doctor about your overall treatment approach
  • Agree on how to monitor your progress
  • Find out how often you should follow up with your doctor
  • Decide if follow-ups should be in person or on the phone
Next Article:

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta

The most important information you should know 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.

Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:

  • have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or Mellaril® (thioridazine)
  • have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)

Before taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

  • about all 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 diabetes
  • about all your prescription and nonprescription medicines. A potentially life-threatening condition has been reported when Cymbalta was taken with certain drugs for migraine, mood, or psychotic disorders
  • if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
  • about your alcohol use
  • 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 are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breast-feeding

While taking Cymbalta, talk to your healthcare provider right away:

  • 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, which may be symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition
  • if you have skin blisters, serious or peeling rash, hives, mouth sores, or any other allergic reaction. These may be serious, possibly life-threatening, skin reactions
  • if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing. This tends to occur in the first week or when increasing the dose, but may occur at any time during treatment
  • before you stop Cymbalta or change your dose
  • if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady, which may be signs of low sodium levels
  • if you develop problems with urine flow

Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):

  • nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, and increased sweating

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of Prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other safety information about Cymbalta:

  • Cymbalta may cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Cymbalta affects you, you should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.
  • People age 65 and older who took Cymbalta reported more falls, some resulting in serious injuries.

How to take Cymbalta:

Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Cymbalta should be taken by mouth. Do not open, break or chew capsule; it must be swallowed whole. Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.

Cymbalta is available by prescription only.

See Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about antidepressants and risk of suicide, and Medication Guide.

DD CON ISI 28NOV2011

Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly Corporate Center
Indianapolis, IN - USA

DD75690 ©Lilly USA, LLC. 2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Cymbalta is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.
This site is intended for US residents age 18 and over. All rights reserved.

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

Cymbalta is indicated for the treatment of depression in adults.

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta

The most important information you should know 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.

Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:

  • have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or Mellaril® (thioridazine)
  • have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)

Before taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

  • about all 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 diabetes
  • about all your prescription and nonprescription medicines. A potentially life-threatening condition has been reported when Cymbalta was taken with certain drugs for migraine, mood, or psychotic disorders
  • if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
  • about your alcohol use
  • 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 are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breast-feeding

While taking Cymbalta, talk to your healthcare provider right away:

  • 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, which may be symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition
  • if you have skin blisters, serious or peeling rash, hives, mouth sores, or any other allergic reaction. These may be serious, possibly life-threatening, skin reactions
  • if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing. This tends to occur in the first week or when increasing the dose, but may occur at any time during treatment
  • before you stop Cymbalta or change your dose
  • if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady, which may be signs of low sodium levels
  • if you develop problems with urine flow

Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):

  • nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, and increased sweating

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of Prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other safety information about Cymbalta:

  • Cymbalta may cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Cymbalta affects you, you should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.
  • People age 65 and older who took Cymbalta reported more falls, some resulting in serious injuries.

How to take Cymbalta:

Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Cymbalta should be taken by mouth. Do not open, break or chew capsule; it must be swallowed whole. Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.

Cymbalta is available by prescription only.

See Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about antidepressants and risk of suicide, and Medication Guide.

DD CON ISI 28NOV2011

Important Safety Information and Boxed Warning
Prescribing Information | Medication Guide

Make Today the Day You Get Help

Talk to your doctor about getting started with a free 30–capsule trial of Cymbalta.

Click here for details

Lifestyle Tips

It's important to share all of your depression symptoms with your doctor. Talking openly will help you work together to create the right treatment plan.