Thursday, May 2, 2013

Doylestown Chiropractor Discusses Cymbalta Commercial

I was home the other day for lunch and a Cymbalta commercial came on.  During the commercial, the voice over said how effective Cymbalta was for chronic musculoskeletal pain, which I was not aware it was used for.
cymbalta
However 2 other things that stood out the most to me was that the recommended dosage was once a day and the long list of side effects.  According to their website:
Cymbalta should generally be administered once daily without regard to meals.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects identified in people taking Cymbalta included:
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased sweating
ALSO:
Cymbalta may be associated with serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency help if you experience any of the following:
  • Itching, right upper-belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of life-threatening liver problems. Severe liver problems, some fatal, have been reported
  • High fever, confusion, stiff muscles, muscle twitching, or racing heart rate, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition
  • Abnormal bleeding, especially if Cymbalta is taken with aspirin, NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen or naproxen), or blood thinners
  • Serious, possibly life-threatening skin reactions, which may include skin blisters, peeling rash, mouth sores, hives, or other allergic reactions
  • Abnormal mood (mania), which may include greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, talking more or faster than usual, and reckless behavior
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Decreased blood pressure upon standing, which can cause dizziness or fainting, mostly when first starting or increasing the dose. Cymbalta can also increase blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
  • Headache, weakness or feeling unsteady, confusion, problems concentrating, or memory problems, which may be signs of low sodium levels in the blood. Elderly people may be at greater risk
  • Problems with urination, including decreased flow or inability to pass any urine
  • Changes in appetite or weight. Children and adolescents should have height and weight monitored
cymbalta2

I know in my Doylestown chiropractic practice, that if I were to suggest that someone come see me everyday for their back pain AND I told them that you may experience any or all of the listed side effects, people would think that I am crazy!
So my question is, why are so many willing to take a prescription drug everyday, with this long list of potentially deadly side effects, yet so many balk at seeing a chiropractor 1-2 times a month?  At my office we have been helping the residents of Doylestown, Jamison, Warrington, Chalfont and the entire Central Bucks area rediscover a life without pain for over 15.  If you want to get off that medication train and start a non-surgical, drugless approach to your pain, give my office a call today.
Azzatori Chiropractic-Doylestown
Dr. Jeff McQuaite
295 Logan Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
267-247-7000

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