Duloxetine
Information about Duloxetine
Duloxetine uses
Duloxetine is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain and stress urinary incontinence.
How duloxetine works
Duloxetine works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers (serotonin and noradrenaline), natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance and stop the movement of pain signals in the brain.
Common side effects of duloxetine
Nausea, Headache, Dryness in mouth, Sleepiness, Dizziness
Content Details
Last updated on:
18 Apr 2019 | 12:58 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Duloxetine
- Duloxetine helps in treating depression and anxiety.
- It may also be used to treat nerve pain from diabetes and some other forms of chronic pain.
- It may take 2 to 4 weeks for Duloxetine to start working. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Duloxetine as it may cause excessive drowsiness and increase the risk of liver damage.
- It may cause an increase in blood pressure, especially during the first month of treatment. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- It may cause a sensation of restlessness, especially when you first start taking it. Inform your doctor if this happens to you.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Duloxetine
Duloxetine
Q. How long does Duloxetine take to work?
In people with depression and anxiety, Duloxetine mostly starts working within two weeks of treatment. However, you may take 2-4 weeks to feel better. Consult your doctor if you do not see any improvement after this time. In people with diabetic neuropathic pain, you may take a few weeks to feel better. Consult your doctor if you do not feel better after 2 months.
Q. If I start feeling better, can I stop taking Duloxetine?
No, you should not stop Duloxetine suddenly and without consulting your doctor. In cases of depression and anxiety, if you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may reduce your doses gradually. In case of pain and incontinence, if you are feeling better, continue taking it for long term. Your doctor will keep monitoring your response to the medicine every few months.
Q. Is Duloxetine highly addictive?
No, Duloxetine is not habit-forming (addictive). This means that it does not make you physically or psychologically dependent on it.
Q. What will be the consequences if I stop taking Duloxetine suddenly?
If you stop Duloxetine suddenly, you may feel dizzy, tired, agitated or restless, anxious and irritated. You may also experience sleep disturbances (vivid dreams, nightmares, inability to sleep), nausea, vomiting, shaking, muscle pain, diarrhea, a piercing sensation (pins and needles) especially in the head and excessive sweating or vertigo. Always consult your doctor before you stop taking Duloxetine. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
Q. I am taking warfarin, does Duloxetine interfere with warfarin? Is it safe to take both together?
You should be cautious if you are taking both Duloxetine and warfarin since there is a risk of bleeding or you may experience petechiae or purpura.
Q. Is Duloxetine safe to use for long term?
Duloxetine is safe to use for a long duration, provided you follow your doctor’s advice regarding the treatment.
Q. I am a hypertensive patient. I have noticed that my blood pressure has increased after I started taking Duloxetine. Is it because of Duloxetine, what should be done?
Duloxetine may cause an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood pressure is required, especially during the first month of use. If your blood pressure increase is constant, consult your doctor. It may indicate that your Duloxetine dose either needs to be reduced or discontinued gradually.