Cymbalta is really for depression. Yes, it does help build the serotonin in your brain which helps to numb your pain factor but it was not originally made for nerve pain or pain in the general. I am also a bipolar patient. But since I've been using Opiodsfor non acute chronic pain it also helps with my bipolar condition. Because both medications help build serotonin in your brain. Doctors prescribe antidepressant for pain because they don't wanna keep up with the paperwork that the DEA require