Duloxetine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Information about Duloxetine

Generic Name : Duloxetine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Duloxetine are provided here.

Pronunciation : doo lox' e teen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Duloxetine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y49.2 Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Duloxetine

India :

International :

Cymbalta, Ariclaim, Xeristar, Yentreve, Duzela

Why is Duloxetine Prescribed? (Indications)

Duloxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is prescribed for depression, generalized anxiety disorder and for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by fibromyalgia and other conditions. It is used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves due to diabetes). Duloxetine acts by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain, which maintains the mental balance and stops the transmission of pain signals in the brain.

When should Duloxetine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Duloxetine is contraindicated in patients who also take mono amino oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) drugs. It should also be avoided by those allergic to the drug, with history of severe liver and kidney failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma or epilepsy.

What is the dosage of Duloxetine?

The recommended oral dose is 40 to 60mg/day, in a single or in two divided doses.

How should Duloxetine be taken?

Duloxetine comes as a delayed-release capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. The capsule should not be chewed or crushed.

What are the side effects of Duloxetine?

Heart- Hot flushes, palpitations,abnormal heart rhythm,increased blood pressure,orthostatic hypotension.
Central Nervous System- Drowsiness, headache, dizziness,fatigue,agitation, tremor,abnormal dreams, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, sleep disorder, yawning, lethargy,aggression, anger, restless leg syndrome, activation of mania and hypomania when used for depression and seizures.
Skin- Abnormally increased sweating, allergic reactions with rash, itching, blistering, redness and edema of the skin.
Eye and ENT- Blurred vision, sudden increase in eye pressure, vertigo
Serotonin Syndrome: Symptoms include increased heart rate, tremors, sweating, seizures, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal- Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain,decreased appetite
Liver: Liver damage, liver failure
Genitourinary- Sexual dysfunction which may include impotence and delayed ejaculation, frequent urination, urinary hesitation and abnormal uterine bleeding in female patients.
Musculoskeletal- Muscle spasms
Miscellaneous- Chills/rigors, low blood sodium levels, abnormal bleeding.

What are the other precautions for Duloxetine?

Do not discontinue or stop the sudden use of duloxetine suddenly as it will cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, headache, irritability, vomiting and seizures.
Consult your doctor for dosage changes.
Consult your doctor if you are going to have any surgery while using duloxetine.
Check blood pressure regularly while taking duloxetine as the drug is capable of producing hypertension.

What are the Drug Interactions of Duloxetine?

Duloxetine should be avoided with:
• Drugs with Monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, and selegiline due to the increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Duloxetine should not be given within 14 days of MAOI inhibitor treatment.
• Concomitant use of serotonergenic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-anxiety drug buspirone, fentanyl, tramadol and St.John’s wort will also lead to serotonin syndrome a condition where mental changes like agitation, hallucinations, instability, tremor, rigidity and gastrointestinal disturbances are seen.
• Drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding like warfarin, ticlopidine, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as they would further more increase the risk of bleeding.
• Antidepressants such as amitryptline and imipramine and anti-arrhythmic drugs like flecainide since they have the same metabolic pathway.

What are the storage conditions for Duloxetine?

Store the drug in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from excess heat and light.Keep out of reach of children.