Cymbalta is FDA Approved as an Anti-Depressant ( Depression )
Cymbalta is a Multi-uptake class antidepressant, unlike Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, which are are SSRIs ( (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).

In addition to Depression, Cymbalta is also approved for: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain - (FDA approved) 7 September 2004. It is used off-label for many other ailments : Panic/Anxiety Disorders , Bipolar Depression ,

• Panic/Anxiety
• Bipolar Depression (anecdotal evidence so far)
• Fibromyalgia (with or without Major Depressive Disorder)
• Stress urinary incontinence in women (officially approved in Europe for this problem)
• Possibly for men, too.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Nothing published yet, nor have I read anything.  Like fibromyalgia, they'll throw any antidepressant on the market at IBS. 
• There's still not much in the way of published studies yet for off-label uses, other than a bajillion forms of stress urinary incontinence.  Stay tuned.

U.S. Brand name : Cymbalta    Manufacturer: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chemical name: escitalopram oxalate  
Generic version : NOT available at present in U.S.A.; manufactuer's patent ends Mar 13, 2012 ; available in Canada.
Foreign brand names: Cipralex , Seroplex , Sipralexa

Pros: Relatively fast-acting, minimal side-effects.  At least as far as something that works on serotonin is concerned.  People who take it for bipolar depression don't bitch about it as much as other antidepressants.

Cons: Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) has a Discontinuation syndrome , similar to Effexor (venlafaxine) for many people. Gradual tapering off is important, if you have to stop taking the medication..There is a case report of exacerbation of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) when taking Cymbalta, but it appears to be rare.

 

For Cymbalta, these are the side-effects that you really need to know:

Most Common: Nausea, Headache, Dry Mouth, Sweating, Sleepiness or Insomnia, Diarrhea or Constipation, Weight Gain, Loss of libido

Slightly Rare: Lethargy, Apathy ( Can be intense if you get these, but typically lasts 2 weeks or less)

Very Rare: Uncontrolled eye movements, Discharge of breast milk

Read a summary of the experiences of others and also our forum topic on Cymbalta .

Drug interactions information is yet to collected. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The cost listed here is based on prices listed at some online sites. With my luck, the pharmacies near me are, most likely, charging more.

Cost of Cymbalta in U.S. : 5mg: $2.50 per pill, 10mg: $2.60 per pill; 20mg : $2.60 per pill, Oral Solution: $140 / 240ml
Canada: Cipralex Generic Escitalopram 5mg : $1.20 per pill, 20mg: $1.60 per pill, 40mg: $1.60 per pill (US$; as of 11/1/2007)
Other countries: Please contact us if you can provide prevailing prices in your drug.

Pharmacy Checker is a useful site for checking and comparing prices of popular medications.

Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Cymbalta

PAP (Patient Assistance Programs are free drug programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies for low-income population. It requires proof of income, prescription for 2-3 months of supply and a form filled out by the doctor before applying for the program. It can be a tedious process, especially if you are on several medications. There are local organizations that may assist you with the process for free or a small fee. A useful resource for detailed information about PAP is Needy Meds.

Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Cymbalta

User experiences for Cymbalta can be found on Medness Forum.

If you have been prescribed Cymbalta, we would love to hear your experience(s). Please post on our forum or Contact Us directly.