If you have depression, anxiety, or nerve pain, your doctor may prescribe you duloxetine. It is a prescription medication that is classified as a selective sertonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by flooding the nerves with serotonin and norepinephrine. In the following short article, we discuss the side effects, dosage, brand names, interactions, and warnings of duloxetine. Read on to learn more about this medication available as the brand name drugs Cymbalta and Yentreve.
What Is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety in adults. In some cases, it can also be useful in relieving nerve pain in patients with diabetes or medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, and fibromyalgia. Duloxetine is classified as an antidepressant and nerve pain medication.
How Does Duloxetine Work?
As an antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication, duloxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the bloodstream and nerve pathways. These are natural substances that help maintain balance and control mood.
Duloxetine Side Effects
Although duloxetine is generally considered to be safe in most cases, it does come with certain associated side effects.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of duloxetine are relatively mild and should disappear within a few days. They include the following:
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Peeling skin
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Nausea
- Weight loss
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects Of Duloxetine
Some side effects of duloxetine are much more serious than others and may require medical attention. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Skin rash
- Increased sweating
- Suicidal thoughts
- High blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Unusual weakness
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Duloxetine Interactions
Duloxetine may cause negative, harmful interactions if taken in conjunction with the following types of medication:
- NSAIDs
- Blood thinners
- Warfarin
- Ibuprofen
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Clopidogrel
Warnings Of Duloxetine
Do not take duloxetine within 5 days of taking an MAO inhibitor medication such as linezolid or isocarboxazid. Doing so may result in serious negative side effects.
People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting to take duloxetine to treat depression. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.
Duloxetine Dosage
Your dosage for duloxetine may vary, so it is important to consult with your doctor before taking this medication. Do not reduce or increase your dosage without first talking to your doctor.
The amount of duloxetine you take depends on the following factors:
- Strength of medicine
- Your weight
- Time between doses
- Number of doses per day
Duloxetine Dosage For Treatment Of Anxiety
Adult: 60mg per day. Your doctor may increase the dosage as needed, but the dosage should not exceed 120mg per day.
Dosage For Chronic Muscle Pain
Adult: 60mg per day. Some patients may start at 30mg per day for 1 week before increasing their dosage to 60mg per day.
Dosage For Fibromyalgia
Adult: 60mg per day. Some patients may start at 30mg per day for 1 week before increasing their dosage.
Dosage For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Adult: 60mg per day.
How To Take Duloxetine
Take duloxetine as directed by your doctor or another healthcare professional. You should take your duloxetine capsule by swallowing it whole with water or food. Duloxetine comes as a sprinkle capsule that you can open and pour onto your food or drink. It also comes as a solid capsule that should be swallowed whole.
Duloxetine Summary
Duloxetine is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by flooding the bloodstream with serotonin to improve mood.d
