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
Headache, Dryness in mouth, Sleepiness, Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Blurred vision, Fatigue, Flatulence, Sweating, Increased calcium level in blood, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Fainting, Tachycardia, Increased liver enzymes, Urinary retention, Hypersensitivity, SIADH (water retention due to excessive ADH), Hypertensive crisis, Suicidal behaviors, Serotonin syndrome
Available Medicine for Duloxetine
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 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.