Find patient medical information for Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings While the brand-name capsule is no longer manufactured or dispensed at pharmacies, its identical generic version, duloxetine, remains widely available. Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Duloxetine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Duloxetine is available under the following different brand and other names: Cymbalta. Duloxetine belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Cymbalta (duloxetine) is used to treat major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder and fibromyalgia. Includes Cymbalta side effects, interactions and indications. Duloxetine is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life). Generic Name: duloxetine. Drug Class: Antidepressants, SNRIs. What is duloxetine (Cymbalta) and what is it used for? Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant used for treating depression, anxiety disorder, and pain. Cymbalta is available generically as duloxetine, and is generally well-covered by insurance plans. Cymbalta may not be right for everyone, but there are other generic alternatives that may be suitable for you if Cymbalta or duloxetine is not. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) helps treat depression and anxiety. It can also help with some types of chronic pain, such as nerve pain from diabetes. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a type of antidepressant called an SNRI, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.