What is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is categorized as a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a class of drugs that elevate serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, serving as antidepressants.
Uses of Duloxetine:
It is used to treat conditions such as
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Knee Osteoarthritis in adults
- Stress urinary incontinence in adult women
- Chronic lower back pain in adults
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Side effects of Duloxetine?
The common side effects of Duloxetine are:
- Fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Loss of coordination
- Severe dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Twitching muscles
- Unexplained
- Allergic reactions
- Rash
- Lightheadedness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Skin blisters
- Mouth sores
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Shaking (tremor)
- Difficulty urinating
- Liver problems
- Stomach / abdominal pain
- Yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Increased sweating
Precautions
Tell the Doctor about your medical history, especially if you have:
- Mental health problems like bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts
- Bleeding problems
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Seizures
- Stomach ulcers
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or alcohol
- Monitor your blood sugar levels
- Discuss the side effects(if any) with the Doctor
- This drug should only be taken during pregnancy if necessary
How to Use Duloxetine?
- Follow prescribed dosage
- Take with or without food as directed
- Take it 1 or 2 times a day as prescribed
- Take it at the same time each day
- Consult a doctor if any side effects are noticed
Interactions
- Duloxetine can slow down the removal of other medications from your body. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
- Duloxetine increases the risk of bleeding when combined with aspirin. Consult your Doctor if you take aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention.
- Duloxetine may interact with other medications that increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, such as antiplatelet drugs, NSAIDs, and blood thinners.
Interactions with Duloxetine
Interference with Removal:
Cimetidine, fluvoxamine, and certain quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) can alter Duloxetine's function by affecting its removal from the body.
Slowing Removal of Other Medicines:
Duloxetine may slow the removal of certain medications, affecting their efficacy. Examples include antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide, quinidine), antipsychotics (e.g., thioridazine), and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., desipramine, imipramine).
General Medication Considerations
Watch for Drowsiness:
All medications, including allergy or cough-and-cold remedies, should be checked for ingredients causing drowsiness.
Aspirin Interaction:
Combining Duloxetine with aspirin can raise the risk of bleeding, mainly if low-dose aspirin is prescribed for heart attack or stroke prevention (typically 81-325 milligrams daily). Follow your Doctor's instructions regarding aspirin usage.
Potential Bleeding Risks:
Duloxetine can interact with other medicines causing bleeding or bruising, such as antiplatelet medicine (e.g., clopidogrel), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), and blood thinners (e.g., warfarin).
Missed Dose
- Take the dose as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.
- If nearing the next dose, skip the missed one and resume regular dosing intervals.
- Avoid doubling up on doses.
Overdose
- If excessive intake occurs with severe symptoms like unconsciousness or breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical assistance.
- Overdose indications may include extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, seizures, or rapid heartbeat.
Storage
- Store at room temperature, shielded from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
- Keep medications out of reach of children.
Duloxetine vs Fluoxetine
| Duloxetine | Fluoxetine |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula, C18H19NOS | Formula: C17H18F3NO |
| Molar mass: 297.4146 g/mol | Molar mass: 309.33 g/mol |
| brand name Cymbalta | brand names Prozac and Sarafem |
| used to treat the major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain | Severe depressive disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are all treated with it. |
| Drug class: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | It is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class |
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Duloxetine is not typically considered a strong painkiller. It belongs to a class of medications called SNRIs (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), primarily used for treating depression and anxiety.
Yes, Duloxetine is considered a strong antidepressant. It belongs to a class of medications called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Duloxetine should be taken at the same time every day. Take as per the Doctor's instructions.
Yes, Duloxetine may increase energy levels in some individuals as a result of its antidepressant effects. However, the response can vary from person to person.
Yes, Duloxetine can be both safe and effective when used appropriately and under the guidance of a Doctor.
Duloxetine can cause drowsiness in some individuals as a side effect. If you feel excessive drowsiness or any other concerning side effects while taking Duloxetine, it's essential to discuss them with your Doctor.
The drug's benefit is often seen in the first one to two weeks of treatment, while improvements in appetite, energy, and sleep may appear.
Duloxetine is effective in treating neuropathic pain, including pain induced by diabetic neuropathy and likely fibromyalgia.
