What should you know about cymbalta itching?

Cymbalta is duloxetine, and a new itch after starting or changing it can reflect a medicine reaction. It may also be unrelated, such as dry skin, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hives, psoriasis or another condition. The timing, appearance and distribution of the symptom help a clinician sort these possibilities.

A medicine-related reaction can occur with or without obvious skin changes. Do not stop a prescribed medicine abruptly without speaking with the prescriber, because sudden changes can cause withdrawal symptoms or allow the treated condition to worsen.

Write down when the itching began, when each dose is taken, where the itch appears and whether you see welts, blisters, scaling or bruising. Tell the prescriber about every medicine and supplement, including recent additions. Until assessed, use gentle, fragrance-free skin care and avoid scratching or very hot showers.

The clinician may advise continuing, changing or stopping treatment, depending on the findings. Do not use someone else’s cream or an antihistamine that could interact with your medicines without checking first.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, faintness or rapidly spreading hives. Seek urgent assessment for blistering, peeling skin, painful sores in the mouth or eyes, fever with a rash, or purple spots that do not fade with pressure.

Could this be a medicine reaction or a separate skin condition? Should I change the dose or timing, which symptom-relief products are compatible with my medicines, and what warning signs require emergency care?