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
What are the Side effects of Duloxetine?
The common side effects of Duloxetine are:
- Fast heartbeat
- Severe dizziness
- Nausea Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Mouth sores
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty urinating
- Stomach / abdominal pain
- Yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite
Precautions
Ask our 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.
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 |
