Talking to Friends and Family

You can possibly improve your depression by identifying support systems. Friends and family can help you do things, like helping you visit the doctor, when you are not feeling well. Just knowing that someone is there for support can help.

Cymbalta and depression

Treating depression with Cymbalta

Start With How You're Feeling

Be honest and straightforward about what you've been experiencing. It might be useful to describe your symptoms. Just talking about being depressed may be a relief.

Explain Depression

Share what you know about depression—that it is a real disease with many causes, and that treatment can work. When friends and family understand your illness better, they'll be able to support you better.

Learning How to Talk About Depression

Conversation Starters

By sharing how you're feeling with the people close to you, you are opening up the lines of communication and supporting your path toward improvement. Talking about depression may be difficult, so we've provided you with some ways to start a conversation with a friend or family member:

"I've seen a doctor about the way I've been feeling lately, and I want to tell you about it..."
"I've been diagnosed with depression, so I need to make my health a priority right now..."
"My doctor says I have depression. I'm getting treatment to help me feel better, but I could use your support, too..."

Suggest Spending Time Together

Think of a few activities, like a morning walk or doing the crossword, which you can share with a friend or family member. Let your loved ones know that their company can help you feel better.

Ask for What You Need

You may just want to know that friends and family are there for you. Or, you might need help with practical things like driving you to the doctor or helping with chores. Don't be afraid to ask.

Remember That Support Is a Two-way Street

Your loved ones have their fair share of challenges, too—it's part of life. Just let them know that you're trying and that you care. It can go a long way to keeping relationships strong and healthy.

To learn more, consult the Resources and Links section of this site.

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?

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

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.

Please read additional Safety Information and Boxed Warning for a complete list.