Cymbalta for Migraines: Off-Label Use & Effectiveness

Duloxetine HCI, brand name Cymbalta, is a popular antidepressant. However, dcotors prescribe it off-label for people with migraines or migraineurs. Although not officially approved for preventing migraine attacks, antidepressants often prove effective, says Migraines For Dummies.

Function

• To prevent migraine attacks, take Cymbalta daily. However, it can not stop a migraine attack once it starts.

Speculation

• Migraine Awareness Group: A National Understanding for Migraineurs (MAGNUM), says that a drop in the chemical serotonin in the brain is thought to initiate a migraine attack. Serotonin plays a part in depression, which may explain why it helps migraineurs .

Considerations

• Cymbalta may work best for migraineurs that also have an anxiety disorder, according to PubMed.gov.

Time Frame

• Migraineurs taking Cymbalta should experience less migraine attacks in about two months.

Side Effects

• Cymblata's normal side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, constipation and insomnia. But contact a doctor immediately if there are breathing problems, sudden nosebleeds or itchy skin.