While I was reading the article about the Pepsico “Skinny” can, I couldn’t help but see the large advertisement off to the side about Cymbalta, a drug that is advertised as having been “indicated for the management of Fibromyalgia”.

I get asked questions quite often by readers who have Fibromyalgia. People contact me because I have written in this blog before about the beneficial effects that many Fibromyalgia suffers receive when they drink ionized water. I try to keep an open mind about everything, so I decided to investigate Cymbalta.

The advertisement encouraged readers to “ask their doctors about Cymbalta”. The advertisement also offered a FREE 30 Capsule Trial offer. No diagnosis… no prescription… just click here… fill in answers for a couple of prompts which the drug company can’t possibly confirm as factual and… PRESTO… you will have drugs show up at your door. You can only get one trial order, but anybody with a little imagination could obtain several trial offers.

Since it is so easy to obtain this drug, I checked into the side effects. Here is what the link focused on:

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.

The link continued with:

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)

The link then recommended that you talk to 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
•if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms while taking Cymbalta, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
•about your alcohol use
•about all your medicines, including those for migraine, to address a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles
•if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
•before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
•if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing while taking Cymbalta. This is likely to occur in the first week or when increasing the dose, but may occur at any time during treatment
•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 while taking Cymbalta
•if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breast-feeding
Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):
•nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, and increased sweating

The site then encourages you to report negative side effects of Prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

WOW.

I’m not a physician and I don’t pretend to be. As such, I’m not allowed to offer medical advice without getting into a heap of trouble. However, I can suggest that you read up on the effects of ionized water on Fibromyalgia, and consult your physician. Water is water… it is natural and it doesn’t come with a long and scary list of side effects.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not meant as medical advice. It is recommended that you consult your health care provider with health issues.