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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pdg1234567 on November 24, 2007, at 21:50:03
I've been taking 30mg Cymbalta for 2 months now (and 200 mg Welbutrin for 8 years). Noticed I have been getting fuzzy eyesight (Inability to see well at distance) certain times during the day but not all day.
Anyone know what that might indicate/mean?
Paul
Posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2007, at 23:58:06
In reply to Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by pdg1234567 on November 24, 2007, at 21:50:03
Don't know you're age but if near 40 could be that and maybe needing glasses? Phillipa
Posted by Reggie BoStar on November 25, 2007, at 0:23:03
In reply to Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by pdg1234567 on November 24, 2007, at 21:50:03
I take Cymbalta 60mg/day. I have other vision problems that would mask anything Cymbalta might be doing.
However my eye doc has always relentlessly drilled this into my thick skull: any persistent change in vision like the one you're describing should be checkout out by an eye doctor.
There could be one or more of a million things causing what you're seeing. Best to go have it checked.
As PhillipA pointed out, at least one of those million reasons could be your age - although typically that makes one more farsighted, not more nearsighted. Whatever, I'm only guessing on that one. See your doc !!
Reggie BoStar
Posted by pdg1234567 on November 25, 2007, at 8:16:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by Reggie BoStar on November 25, 2007, at 0:23:03
Phillipa/Reggie - Thanks. I will go see the eye doctor.
Posted by kaleidoscope on November 25, 2007, at 13:49:35
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight » Reggie BoStar, posted by pdg1234567 on November 25, 2007, at 8:16:13
Cymbalta may cause dilated pupils. Have you noticed that?
Posted by rskontos on November 25, 2007, at 15:25:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by kaleidoscope on November 25, 2007, at 13:49:35
When I was on cymbalta my eye doctor said that cymbalta will cause dilatin of the eyes as well as retina changes but that when you go off of it the changes will subside but usually takes 2 months. She is a eye motility and eye movement specialist as well. I wanted contact but she would not give them to me until I had been off cymbalta for two months for my retinas to go back to normal. I dont have all the scientific names for it just how I understood it. But my eyes are fine now. rk
Posted by pdg1234567 on November 25, 2007, at 15:49:32
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by kaleidoscope on November 25, 2007, at 13:49:35
I had not noticed that my pupils were dilated - I shall look for that. Would that cause my eye sight to be fuzzy? Is that dangerous to my eyes?
Posted by pdg1234567 on November 25, 2007, at 15:52:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by rskontos on November 25, 2007, at 15:25:09
Thanks. Do the retina changes or the dilation cause any permenant damage? Anything I need to be concerned in case of permenant damage?
Posted by Phillipa on November 25, 2007, at 17:41:48
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight » rskontos, posted by pdg1234567 on November 25, 2007, at 15:52:08
Funny took 60mg of cymbalta and didn't have dilated pupils if you google cymbalta is this listed as a possible side effect?
Think I will now. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on November 25, 2007, at 17:56:11
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by Reggie BoStar on November 25, 2007, at 0:23:03
Guess what fuzzy vision is a side effect of cymbalta will have to read down pretty far on the info but it's there. Wow and I took it for three months at 60mg and none of those sides effects what does that mean? Phillipa
PACKAGE LEAFLET : INFORMATION FOR THE USER
CYMBALTA 30 mg hard gastro-resistant capsules
CYMBALTA 60 mg hard gastro-resistant capsules
Duloxetine (as hydrochloride)Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:What CYMBALTA is and what it is used for
Before you take CYMBALTA
How to take CYMBALTA
Possible side effects
How to store CYMBALTA
Further information
1. WHAT CYMBALTA IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FORYou have been given CYMBALTA to treat your depression or to treat a condition called diabetic neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain is a medical condition in which the pain is commonly described as burning, stabbing, stinging, shooting or aching or like an electric shock. There may be loss of feeling in the affected area, or sensations such as touch, heat, cold or pressure may cause pain.CYMBALTA starts to work in most people with depression within two weeks of starting treatment.
Your doctor may continue to give you CYMBALTA when you are feeling better to prevent your depression from returning.
The effect of CYMBALTA may be noticeable in many patients with diabetic neuropathic pain within 1 week of treatment.2. BEFORE YOU TAKE CYMBALTA
CYMBALTA can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Do not take CYMBALTA
If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to duloxetine or any of the other ingredients of CYMBALTA.
If you are taking or have recently taken within the last 14 days, another antidepressant medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (see also below in section: ‘Taking other medicines’).
If you have liver disease.
If you have severe kidney disease.
If you are taking fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin or enoxacine.
If you are taking other medicines containing duloxetine.
If you suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Take special care with CYMBALTA
The following are reasons why CYMBALTA may not be suitable for you. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor before you take the medicine:If you are taking other medicines to treat depression.
You have kidney disease.
You have had seizures (fits).
You suffer from or have suffered from mania or bipolar disorder.
You have eye problems, such as certain kinds of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
You have a history of bleeding disorders (tendency to develop bruises).
If you are younger than 18 years.
If you have high blood pressure.
CYMBALTA may cause a sensation of restlessness or an inability to sit or stand still. You should tell your doctor if this happens to you.As with other medicines with similar mechanism of action (antidepressants), suicidal thoughts and behaviour have been reported during duloxetine therapy or early after treatment discontinuation. The symptoms of depression may include thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. Until the full antidepressant effect becomes apparent, it is possible that these symptoms of depression may persist in the first few weeks of treatment. Whilst depression and other serious mental illnesses themselves are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions, the risk of such symptoms might be higher in patients who have previously had thoughts of self harm and in young adult patients. Tell your doctor immediately if you have distressing thoughts or experiences at any time.
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age
CYMBALTA should normally not be used for children and adolescents under 18 years. Also, you should know that patients under 18 have an increased risk of side-effects such as suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and hostility (predominantly aggression, oppositional behaviour and anger) when they take this class of medicines. Despite this, your doctor may prescribe CYMBALTA for patients under 18 because he/she decides that this is in their best interests. If your doctor has prescribed CYMBALTA for a patient under 18 and you want to discuss this, please go back to your doctor. You should inform your doctor if any of the symptoms listed above develop or worsen when patients under 18 are taking CYMBALTA. Also, the long-term safety effects concerning growth, maturation, and cognitive and behavioural development of CYMBALTA in this age group have not yet been demonstrated.Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. The main ingredient of CYMBALTA, duloxetine, is used in other medicines for other conditions (diabetic neuropathic pain, depression and urinary incontinence). Using more than one of these medicines at the same time should be avoided. Check with your doctor if you are already taking other medicines containing duloxetine.
Your doctor should decide whether you can take CYMBALTA with other medicines. Do not start or stop taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal remedies, before checking with your doctor.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): You should not take CYMBALTA if you are taking, or have recently taken within the last 14 days, another antidepressant medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Taking a MAOI together with many prescription medicines, including CYMBALTA, can cause serious or even life-threatening side effects. You must wait at least 14 days after you have stopped taking an MAOI before you can take CYMBALTA. Also, you need to wait at least 5 days after you stop taking CYMBALTA before you take a MAOI.
Medicines that cause sleepiness: Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines which cause you to be sleepy. These would include medicines prescribed by your doctor including benzodiazepines, strong painkillers, antipsychotics, phenobarbital, antihistamines.
Serotonin syndrome: you should tell your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines that act in a similar way to duloxetine. Examples of these medicines include: triptans, tramadol, tryptophan, SSRIs (such as paroxetine and fluoxetine), tricyclics (such as clomipramine, amitriptyline), pethidine, St John’s Wort and venlafaxine. These medicines increase the risk of side effects; if you get any unusual symptom taking any of these medicines together with CYMBALTA, you should see your doctor.
Oral -anticoagulants: You should tell you doctor if you are taking oral –anticoagulants (medicines which thin the blood). These medicines might increase the risk of bleeding.
Taking CYMBALTA with food and drink
CYMBALTA may be taken with or without food. Care should be taken if you drink alcohol while you are being treated with CYMBALTA.Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant, or you are trying to become pregnant, while you are taking CYMBALTA. You should use CYMBALTA only after discussing the potential benefits and any potential risks to your unborn child with your doctor.You should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are breast-feeding. The use of CYMBALTA while breastfeeding is not recommended.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Do not drive or use any tools or machines until you know how CYMBALTA affects you.Important information about some of the ingredients of CYMBALTA
CYMBALTA contains sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.3. HOW TO TAKE CYMBALTA
Always take CYMBALTA exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dose of CYMBALTA is one capsule (60 mg duloxetine) once a day, but your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you.
CYMBALTA is for oral use. You should swallow your capsule whole with a drink of water.
To help you remember to take CYMBALTA, you may find it easier to take it at the same times every day.
Talk with your doctor about how long you should keep taking CYMBALTA. Do not stop taking CYMBALTA without talking to your doctor.
If you take more CYMBALTA than you should
Call your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you take more than the amount of CYMBALTA prescribed by your doctor.If you forget to take CYMBALTA
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only a single dose as usual. Do not take more than the daily amount of CYMBALTA that has been prescribed for you in one day.
If you stop taking CYMBALTA
Do not stop taking your capsules without the advice of your doctor even if you feel better. If your doctor thinks that you no longer need CYMBALTA he will ask you to reduce your dose over at least 2 weeks before stopping treatment altogether. Some patients who stop taking CYMBALTA suddenly have had symptoms such as dizziness, tingling feelings like pins and needles, sleep disturbances (vivid dreams, nightmares, inability to sleep), feeling restless or agitated, feeling anxious, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), tremor (shakiness), headaches, feeling irritable, diarrhoea, excessive sweating or vertigo. These symptoms are usually not serious and disappear within a few days, but if you have symptoms that are troublesome you should ask your doctor for advice.4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, CYMBALTA can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These effects are normally mild to moderate and often disappear after a few weeks.
The most common side effects with CYMBALTA are feeling sick (nausea), headache, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, tiredness and diarrhoea. Other common and less common side effects are listed below:
Infections: Throat inflammation.
Psychiatric disorders: Anxiety, feeling agitated and having abnormal dreams. Less common side effects affecting you mentally are feeling disorientated, experiencing hallucinations, feeling sleepy, increased yawning, lack of motivation, suicidal thoughts, behaviour or mania (a disorder which symptoms are over activity, racing thoughts and decrease need for sleep).
Nervous system disorders: Dizziness, tremor or numbness, including numbness or tingling of the skin. Less common effects could be tasting things differently than usual, disturbance in attention, fits, stiffness, spasms and involuntary movements of the muscles, a sensation of restlessness or an inability to sit or stand still or "Serotonin syndrome" (a rare reaction which may cause feelings of great happiness, drowsiness, clumsiness, restlessness, feeling of being drunk, fever, sweating or rigid muscles).
Digestive disorders: Constipation, being sick (vomiting), heartburn or breaking wind. You may also have a lack of appetite and weight change (loss or increase). Less common side effects on the digestive system are burping, indigestion, gastroenteritis. an increased level of sugar in the blood , bad breath, passing bright red blood in your stools, vomiting blood, or black tarry stools (faeces).
Liver disorders: inflammation of the liver that may cause abdominal pain, tiredness and yellow coloration of the skin.
Ear disorders: Vertigo and ear pain.
Eye disorders. Blurred eyesight is common, but less common effects are large pupils (the dark centre of the eye), visual disturbance or increased pressure in the eye.
Heart or circulation disorders: The most common effects are feeling the heart pumping in the chest , hot flushes, or increased sweating, Less common effects are flushing, increase in blood pressure, feeling cold in your fingers and/or toes, feeling dizzy ( particularly when standing up too quickly), fast or irregular heart beat, night sweats, cold sweats, shivering or fainting.
Reproductive system disorders: Sexual problems (including problems getting an erection, changes in ejaculation or orgasm, less sex drive), abnormal periods, including heavy or prolonged periods, and menopausal symptoms.
Skin disorders: Allergic reactions, (itchy) rash, increased tendency to bruise, blisters or sensitivity to sunlight.
Bone and muscle disorders: Muscle pain, muscle tightness, muscle spasm, twitching and contraction of the jaw muscle.
Urinary system disorders: Some patients need to pass urine during the night or may have difficulty or inability to pass urine. Some patients may have abnormal urine odour.
General disorders: Grinding of teeth, dehydration, feeling hot/cold, thirst, throat tightness, nose bleeds, decrease of activity of the thyroid gland, chest or stomach pain.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not mentioned listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. HOW TO STORE CYMBALTA
Keep out of the reach and sight of children
Store in the original package. Do not store above 30°C.
Do not use CYMBALTA after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
What CYMBALTA contains
CYMBALTA is available in two strengths: 30 and 60 mg. The active substance is duloxetine.
Each capsule contains 30 or 60 mg of duloxetine as duloxetine hydrochlorideThe other ingredients are:
Capsule content: hypromellose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, sucrose, sugar spheres, talc, titanium dioxide (E171), triethyl citrate.
Capsule shell: gelatin, sodium lauryl sulphate, titanium dioxide (E171), indigo carmine (E132), iron oxide yellow (E172) (60 mg only) and edible green ink (30 mg) or edible white ink (60 mg).
Edible green ink: black iron oxide-synthetic (E172), yellow iron oxide- synthetic (E172), propylene glycol, shellac.
Edible White Ink: titanium dioxide (E171), propylene glycol, shellac, povidone.What CYMBALTA looks like and contents of the pack
CYMBALTA is a hard gastro-resistant capsule
Each capsule of CYMBALTA contains pellets of duloxetine hydrochloride with a covering to protect them from stomach acid.The 30 mg capsules are blue and white and are printed with ‘30 mg’ and the code ‘9543’.
The 60 mg capsules are blue and green and are printed with ‘60 mg’ and the code ‘9542’.CYMBALTA 30 mg is available in packs of 7, 28 and 98 capsules.
CYMBALTA 60 mg is available in packs of 28, 56, 84, 98, 100 and 500 capsules.Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Eli Lilly Nederland BV, Grootslag 1-5,NL-3991 RA Houten, The Netherlands.
Manufacturer: Lilly S.A., Avda. De la Industria, 30,28108 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain.For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing AuthorisationHolder:
Posted by rskontos on November 25, 2007, at 20:49:58
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by Phillipa on November 25, 2007, at 17:56:11
No it isnt permanent according to my eye doctor. She said it was similar to a drug she would use to dilate your eyes for say a more indepth testing. You don't necessarily see your eyes or pupils looking more dilated just that is what the cymbalta does inside the eye and the changes it causes to the retina. But after you get off the drug it will go away but takes a little while. She said 2 months or so. I was on cymbalta 60 mg. for 9 -10 months and mine went away. She would now let me get contacts I just haven't been back yet. Not a priority now. I went to see her as I thought my eyesight was going bad. I couldn't see anything and was running into stuff. My eye doctor knew more about the side effects of cymbalta than the doctor prescribing it in the first place. Oh well live and learn. So don't worry it will go away. rk
Posted by pdg1234567 on November 26, 2007, at 18:33:49
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by Phillipa on November 25, 2007, at 17:56:11
Philippa - Thank you for posting the side effects. So I'm having one of the "common side effects", good to know I'm not unique with this.
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2007, at 18:40:06
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight » Phillipa, posted by pdg1234567 on November 26, 2007, at 18:33:49
Interesting as I never would have thought it was cymbalta. Glad the mystery is solved. Phillipa
Posted by connie72124 on November 30, 2007, at 6:09:10
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight » pdg1234567, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2007, at 18:40:06
I take cymbalta and having the same problem.. However I thought it was because of my prednisone and benedrel I had in my life. I was told I have cataracts at 51. When the doctor 3-4 weeks ago uped my dose from 60 to 90 My eyesight changed ALOT and I have been horribly snowed in and horizontal plus blurry eye sight--thanks for letting us know. I'm cutting back to 60 now. I've been on meds 22 years so reducing I can do. Going off I probably never will. But I sure would like to get rid of the Buzzing and tinnitis I have. Yes their two different things.
Posted by rskontos on November 30, 2007, at 16:14:42
In reply to Re: Cymbalta + Fuzzy Eyesight, posted by connie72124 on November 30, 2007, at 6:09:10
You are welcome Connie. It is still amazing to me what the doctors don't know about these drugs and how it would help those on them to know. My doc that prescribe cymbalta looked at me funny when I complained about my vision and sent me to the eye doctor. Luckily I had one that I had been going to for a while. She knew all about the effects of cymbalta as a eye movement specialist. I took information back to my doctor but she wasn't happy bout it. My eyesight is back now. I was on cymbalta total for a year. I took 3 months to taper. It was still hard....Good luck on your cutting back. rk
This is the end of the thread.
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