Duloxetine

Duloxetine belongs to a group of medicines called “serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors” (SNRIs). Duloxetine may be used to treat depression and anxiety. Duloxetine is also used to treat different types of pain, such as diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia pain, chronic low back pain, and chronic osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain.

Duloxetine is an oral capsule.

The recommended dose is 60 mg once daily to a maximum of 120 mg daily (higher doses are associated with a higher rate of adverse reactions).

A common way to start duloxetine is with 30 mg once daily, with a dose increase to 60 mg in one to two weeks to allow your body time to adjust to the medication.|

A lower dose may be required if you have reduced kidney function.

Cigarette smokers are likely to have lower levels of duloxetine in their system and may require higher dosing of duloxetine. If you are a smoker, please discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Duloxetine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters that help to coordinate signals in the brain and nervous system. It is thought that these neurotransmitters play a role in the experience of pain. These neurotransmitters are not yet fully understood. Scientists believe that by increasing levels of serotonin and nor-epinephrine in the body, duloxetine can calm pain signals and provide pain relief.

You may notice improvement in your pain symptoms with duloxetine within one week.

Duloxetine interacts with a number of other medications. Please speak with your healthcare provider about whether any of the other medications you currently take interact with duloxetine.

Do not take duloxetine if you have an allergy to duloxetine.

Duloxetine should be avoided if you have serious liver or kidney diseases or if you consume substantial amounts of alcohol (three or more drinks per day).

Before taking duloxetine, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding/chestfeeding or planning to breastfeed/chestfeed. Currently there are no studies to assess the use of duloxetine during pregnancy and breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits of taking duloxetine while you are pregnant.

Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, headache (rarely), increased blood pressure/heart rate, sweating and decreased appetite. If any of these symptoms become bothersome, please speak to your healthcare provider.

Suicidal thoughts or behaviour, and self-injury have been very rarely reported in patients taking SNRI medications, like duloxetine. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider prior to starting duloxetine. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience worsening depression or thoughts of suicide while taking duloxetine.

Do not discontinue or reduce your dosage of duloxetine without speaking with your healthcare provider. Duloxetine should be discontinued slowly, typically over a week or two.

Initial side effects with duloxetine usually diminish 1 to 2 weeks after starting duloxetine.

Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of duloxetine. Gradual dosage increases may help reduce some of the side effects. To reduce stomach upset, consider taking duloxetine with food.

If you experience drowsiness and sedation while taking duloxetine, please be cautious about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until you are reasonably certain that duloxetine therapy does not affect your ability to engage in such activities.

People who are experiencing drowsiness and sedation may consider taking the medication closer to bedtime.

Routine blood tests or monitoring are normally not required while taking duloxetine. Your healthcare provider may meet with you regularly to ensure that duloxetine is adequately controlling your pain and not causing adverse effects.

Your healthcare provider may also monitor your blood pressure to make sure duloxetine is not causing an increase.

Store this medication at room temperature (15 to 30 degrees Celsius) and keep it out of reach of children.