Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an SNRI that is used for several conditions beyond depression. These include:
- Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Duloxetine is effective in treating symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (DPNP): It’s used to manage pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, a condition where diabetes leads to nerve damage, particularly in the legs and feet.
- Fibromyalgia: Duloxetine can help relieve pain and improve physical function in people with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue.
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: This includes long-term pain from conditions like chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis.
- Other Neuropathic Pains: It may be prescribed for other types of neuropathic pain, though this might be considered off-label use depending on the region and specific condition.
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): In some countries, duloxetine is also used to treat symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in women, helping to improve bladder control.
It’s important to note that while duloxetine can be effective for these conditions, its suitability for an individual depends on their overall health, other medications they may be taking, and specific symptoms.