Non-Opioid Pain Medicines
Duloxetine
(Cymbalta®) tablets
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a medicine prescribed by doctors that is used for many different conditions and can be used to help with nerve pain from cancer.
How do I take this medicine?
Take with a glass of water or other liquid. You can take duloxetine with or without food.
Continue taking this medicine, even if your pain is under control. Medicines like duloxetine should be taken every day, on a schedule. Do not stop taking this medicine, unless your care team tells you to do so.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects of duloxetine are headache, fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, and dry mouth. Some of these get better with time.
Less commonly this medicine can cause constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, trouble having an erection, tremor and blurry vision. While side effects can be tough, there are ways to manage them. Talk to your care team if any of these side effects are interfering with your life.
