Symbal 60

SYMBAL 60 by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a medication primarily used for the treatment of various mental health conditions and chronic pain syndromes. It is an antidepressant that functions as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Name

• Brand Name: SYMBAL 60
• Common Name: Duloxetine (the active ingredient)

Composition

• Active Ingredients: Duloxetine 60 mg

Uses

SYMBAL 60 is prescribed for adults to manage several conditions by balancing mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and noradrenaline.

• Depression: Alleviates symptoms of major depressive disorder, improving mood and emotional well-being.
• Anxiety Disorder: Treats generalized anxiety disorder, reducing excessive worry and fear.
• Neuropathic Pain: Relieves nerve pain, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain associated with diabetes).
• Fibromyalgia: Manages widespread pain, tenderness, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
• Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Used for chronic pain in muscles and joints, including back pain and osteoarthritis.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence: Helps improve bladder control in women experiencing involuntary urine leakage.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical Adult Dosage: The recommended starting dose is often 30 mg once daily, which can be increased to 60 mg once daily based on individual response and tolerability. For some conditions like diabetic neuropathic pain, 60 mg once daily is commonly recommended.
• Administration: SYMBAL 60 can be taken with or without food. It should be swallowed whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open the capsule. It is generally advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
• Important Note: Do not stop taking SYMBAL 60 suddenly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Dosage adjustments and discontinuation should be done gradually under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, gas
• Headache, dizziness, feeling sleepy, fatigue, shaking
• Trouble sleeping, anxiety, decreased sex drive, unusual dreams
• Increased sweating, weakness, shivering
• Blurred eyesight, ringing in ears

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Thoughts of harming or killing oneself, sensing restlessness or inability to sit or stand still
• Signs of liver damage (dark urine, yellowing of skin, pain in upper right abdomen)
• Significant changes in blood pressure, agitation, tremors, seizures, or hallucinations
• Severe skin reactions (rashes, peeling skin, blisters, hives)
• Vision problems (eye pain, change in vision, swelling or redness around eyes)
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness, confusion, high fever)

Precautions

• Allergies: Not recommended for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Duloxetine or any other ingredients.
• Liver/Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease; contraindicated or probably unsafe in those with severe liver disease.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid taking with MAO inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline, selegiline, linezolid) within 5 days before or 14 days after, due to risk of serious interactions. Caution with other serotonergic drugs, anticoagulants, certain blood pressure medications, and CNS-active drugs.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy only if advised by a doctor after weighing potential benefits and risks. Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, history of seizures, mania, bipolar disorder, glaucoma, low sodium levels, or a history of bleeding disorders.
• Children and Adolescents: Generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly sealed.
• Store at room temperature (between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC).
• Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

SYMBAL 60 is a medication manufactured by TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, with Duloxetine as its active ingredient. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat various conditions by affecting certain chemical messengers in the brain.

What is SYMBAL 60 used for?

SYMBAL 60 (Duloxetine) is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also prescribed for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain (including chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis pain), and stress urinary incontinence in women.

How does SYMBAL 60 work?

SYMBAL 60 works by increasing the levels of mood-enhancing chemicals, serotonin and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), in the brain. This action helps to improve mood, reduce negative emotions, alleviate pain signals, and support better sleep.

What is the usual dosage of SYMBAL 60?

The usual adult dosage of SYMBAL 60 varies depending on the condition being treated. For many conditions, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain, a typical starting dose may be 30 mg once daily for a week, then increasing to 60 mg once daily. Some conditions may start directly at 60 mg once daily. The dose is usually not more than 120 mg per day. It is crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions for dosage and duration.

What are the possible side effects of SYMBAL 60?

Common side effects of SYMBAL 60 include nausea, dry mouth, headache, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite, increased sweating, and dizziness. More serious but less common side effects can include liver damage, serotonin syndrome (confusion, agitation, high body temperature), increased bleeding risk, severe skin reactions, suicidal thoughts (especially in young adults), low sodium levels, vision problems, and seizures.

Is SYMBAL 60 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

SYMBAL 60 is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, and its use should only be considered if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the unborn child, as determined by a doctor. It is also usually not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as it is known to pass into breast milk, and monitoring for side effects in the infant (like drowsiness or weight gain) is necessary if used. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can SYMBAL 60 be taken with other medications?

SYMBAL 60 can interact with several other medications. It should not be taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of serious side effects like serotonin syndrome. Caution is advised when taken with other antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), blood thinners (like warfarin), NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), certain antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin), and certain medications for migraine. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements (such as St. John's Wort) you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited as it can increase side effects like drowsiness and raise the risk of liver damage.

What precautions should be taken while on SYMBAL 60?

Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or a history of seizures or bipolar disorder. Do not suddenly stop taking SYMBAL 60 without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and increased sweating. SYMBAL 60 may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

What happens if a dose of SYMBAL 60 is missed?

If you miss a dose of SYMBAL 60, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should SYMBAL 60 be stored?

SYMBAL 60 should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of the reach of children.