On November 30, 2009, the manufacturer of Cymbalta, Eli Lilly and Company, announced that Cymbalta received FDA approval for maintenance generalized anxiety disorder treatment in adults. Cymbalta is the brand name for duloxetine HCl. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

Cymbalta had been previously used as an acute generalized anxiety disorder treatment in adults. Now, a clinical trial has shown that Cymbalta is also a safe and effective maintenance treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Since this anxiety disorder can be a long-lasting, chronic condition, a new treatment option is considered possibly beneficial for those who may not be happy with the results of their current treatment methods.

Using Cymbalta for generalized anxiety disorder helps reduce the anxiety symptoms and increase the individual’s ability to function normally. In addition to using Cymbalta for anxiety, Cymbalta is used to treat major depression, fibromyalgia, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Possible Cymbalta side effects include diarrhea, headaches, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and fatigue. The exact way that Cymbalta works in not understood, but this is not uncommon among many psychoactive medications.

Other generalized anxiety disorder treatment methods include antidepressant medication, BuSpar, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is focus on changing thought processes and behavior. A patient receiving cognitive behavioral therapy will often form and work on completing treatment goals. It is a proactive type of therapy.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a fairly common psychiatric condition. Nearly seven million Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms impair the person’s ability to function socially and occupationally.

In addition to therapy and prescribed medication, the person with generalized anxiety disorder may help the condition by living a healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, regular sleep routine, relaxation techniques, and exercise. Kava, vitamin B, folic acid, and valerian are alternative medications for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder.

Lifestyle changes and alternative medicines for generalized anxiety disorder do not necessarily eliminate the symptoms. A person should not stop taking prescribed medication without first discussing the treatment with the physician or psychiatrist.