Duloxetine is used for depression and generalised anxiety, and separately for diabetic nerve pain and stress urinary incontinence. If you have been given it for pain, it is being used for that rather than for mood.
Depression, generalised anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, and stress urinary incontinence in women.
For nerve pain it may help within two to four weeks; for mood, allow four to six weeks.
Once or twice daily, with or without food, swallowed whole — do not open or crush the capsules.
Take it at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due; never double up.
Do not stop duloxetine abruptly — withdrawal effects including dizziness, electric-shock sensations, nausea and irritability are common. Reduce gradually with your GP.
Nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness or insomnia, constipation and sexual side effects are the common ones. Nausea usually eases within a couple of weeks.
Contact your doctor for thoughts of harming yourself or marked agitation — Samaritans are on 116 123, free, at any hour — or for yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a rash.
Duloxetine can raise blood pressure; it should be checked periodically. It is avoided in uncontrolled hypertension and severe liver or kidney problems.
Tell your prescriber about other antidepressants, triptans, tramadol, St John’s wort, anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants, and keep alcohol low because of liver effects.
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