Some important information about duloxetine
Duloxetine is a medication typically prescribed for those with depression, anxiety, and nerve pain.
Here, the medical review team at Chemist2U provide you with some important information on duloxetine, including how it works, how to take it, its side effects, and the benefits of medication delivery. Read along for more insights on duloxetine.
In this article
How does duloxetine work?
Duloxetine, often sold under the brand name Cymbalta, is a serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can help treat depression, anxiety, nerve pain, and fibromyalgia.[1]
This medication primarily works in two ways. First, it blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two important chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood and reduce anxiety. Second, it increases dopamine levels in a specific part of the brain, which can improve mood and pain perception.
Duloxetine may also be helpful in managing different types of chronic pain by interfering with pain signals in the spinal cord.[2]
How do you take duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a delayed-release capsule designed to release medication in your intestine, not the stomach. Typically, it’s taken once or twice a day for depression and once daily for treating anxiety, diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain.[3]
You can take it with or without food, but be consistent in taking it at the same time each day. Make sure to follow your doctor’s orders closely, and if anything is unclear, be sure to clarify it with them.
Additionally, the capsules need to be swallowed whole and should not be split, chewed, or crushed. You also want to avoid opening them to mix with food or liquids.
Keep taking it as prescribed, even if you start to feel better, and consult your doctor before stopping to ensure a safe and gradual reduction in your duloxetine dosage.
Who can take Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is typically considered safe for adults with conditions like depression, anxiety, nerve pain, and fibromyalgia.[4] However, individuals with severe liver or kidney disease, diabetes, bladder issues, bipolar disorder, or bleeding disorders may require closer monitoring. Consult with your doctor before taking duloxetine.
Those with glaucoma or high blood pressure also need to use caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as seniors and children under eighteen with certain conditions, should discuss the risks with their doctor.[5]
Side effects of Duloxetine
Duloxetine, like medications such as Zoloft and Celapram, has possible side effects. The more common ones include:[6]
- Headaches
- Feeling sleepy or tired (drowsiness)
- Nausea
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Stomach pain
- Changes in weight (weight loss or gain)
- Weakness
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Dizziness
- Changes in sexual desire or performance
- Increased sweating (diaphoresis)
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Erectile dysfunction
Some serious but less common side effects of duloxetine include:[7]
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- Serotonin syndrome
- Liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
- Manic episodes
- Fainting (syncope)
- SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion)
- Low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia)
It’s important to have an open discussion with your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing while taking your mental health medication.
Duloxetine and other medications
When taking duloxetine, it’s essential to be cautious about mixing it with other medications, as this can lead to negative reactions.
Duloxetine can interact with a wide range of drugs, which might increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. These interactions aren’t always predictable, so it’s crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications you’re currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and even herbal supplements.
Medicines you should not use with duloxetine
If you’re prescribed duloxetine, be particularly mindful if you are taking any of the following:[8]
- Medications for migraine headaches (like triptans)
- Psychiatric medication for mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders (including tricyclics, lithium, buspirone, SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs)
- Pain relief medications, especially opioids (such as tramadol, fentanyl, meperidine, and methadone)
- Amphetamines
- Cimetidine
- Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and enoxacin
- Medicines for irregular heart rate (like propafenone, flecainide, and quinidine)
- Theophylline
- Blood thinners (such as warfarin)
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin)
- Over-the-counter supplements (such as tryptophan or St. John’s Wort)
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Taking any of these with duloxetine can potentially lead to ineffective treatment or serious side effects. If you’re unsure about any medication or supplement, always consult your doctor. They can give you a comprehensive list of medicines to avoid while on duloxetine.
How to order home delivery of duloxetine with Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we make medication easy, including prescriptions used to treat depression or anxiety.
Chemist2U helps ensure you always have your important medication when you need it with our online pharmacy delivery service. Here’s how it works:
- Download the app or use this website. Begin by downloading our user-friendly app or visiting our website.
- Upload your prescriptions online. You can easily upload your eScript for duloxetine, Valdoxan, Lexapro, or other prescription medications. Our trusted partner chemist in the local community will ensure your order is dispensed with care.
- Add over-the-counter medication. Need more than just your prescription medications? Add over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products, just like the ones you’d find in a physical pharmacy.
- Home delivery. We cover multiple metros and major regional areas across Australia. For same-day delivery in metro and major regional areas across Australia, just place your order before the cutoff time (typically 2.00 p.m., but may vary in some locations).
Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow five to seven business days.
Plus, we go beyond home delivery. Chemist2U can also send you reminders when it’s time to reorder your medications or seek a new script from your doctor.
Have your medication home delivered by Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
[3] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604030.html
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.554899/full
[5] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2dde979d-b6f8-41d1-96fb-325c75ea3a74
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
[8] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=2f7d4d67-10c1-4bf4-a7f2-c185fbad64ba
