Duloxetine

Uses

This medication is used to manage the following conditions:

•       Depression
•       Anxiety disorder
•       Peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes
•       Fibromyalgia
•       Back discomfort, osteoarthritis, or other musculoskeletal pain
•       Neuropathic pain
•       Urinary incontinence due to stress

IUPAC name: (3S)-N-methyl-3-naphthalen-1-yloxy-3-thiophen-2-yl propan-1-amine

Drug class: Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

This drug works by inhibiting neuronal reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. As a result, the levels of these neurotransmitters increase, helping in the restoration and maintenance of mental stability and helping in regulating mood.

It is also used to relieve nerve pain by lowering the pain signals carried by the body’s injured or damaged nerves.

Side effects

It may cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, insomnia (sleeplessness), loss of appetite, sweating, tiredness, yawning, constipation.

Warnings

This medication should not be taken within 1 week before or 2 weeks after taking MAO inhibitors (including moclobemide, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, tranylcypromine, etc).

Avoid abruptly discontinuing this medication without first talking to your doctor.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

If you are allergic to it or to other antidepressants (including amitriptyline, moclobemide, trazodone), or if you have other allergies,

If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),

If you have a history of cardiac disease (heart attack, congestive heart failure, hypertension), kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension (high blood pressure), seizures, high cholesterol, bleeding issues, stomach problems, alcohol abuse,

If you have undergone any type of surgery,

Use of this medication may cause angle-closure glaucoma (a type of eye problem). Consult your doctor about an eye exam.

Limit your alcohol usage since it increases your chances of developing blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness.

This drug’s adverse effects are more severe in older adults and children.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

Use of this drug is not recommended while breastfeeding.