Cymbalta (duloxetine) is used to treat which additional condition besides depression?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is recognized for its effectiveness in treating several conditions beyond depression, one of which is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in individuals with diabetes, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness, particularly in the legs and feet. Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that not only alleviates depressive symptoms but also works by enhancing pain relief mechanisms. It helps manage the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy by affecting the way the brain perceives pain and by improving nerve function, making it an approved treatment for this condition.

In contrast, while chronic pain is a broad category that might encompass diabetic neuropathy, it’s more specific to the direct connection between duloxetine and diabetic neuropathy that the question targets. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are not primary conditions treated with this medication, as there are other specific medications more commonly used for those diagnoses. Therefore, the strong association between duloxetine and diabetic neuropathy emphasizes its role in managing that particular condition alongside depression.