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General Medication Fact Sheet for Duloxetine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Duloxetine |
| Brand Name Versions | Cymbalta |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. |
| Purpose | Treats depression, anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. |
| Mechanism of Action | Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules (delayed-release) |
| Available Strengths | 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once or twice daily, as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased appetite, increased sweating. |
| Serious Side Effects | Increased blood pressure, liver problems, serotonin syndrome, abnormal bleeding, angle-closure glaucoma. |
| Drug Interactions | MAOIs, other SNRIs/SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), NSAIDs, certain pain medications (e.g., tramadol). |
| Important Notes | Do not stop taking duloxetine abruptly; consult your doctor for gradual dose reduction. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Venlafaxine, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Citalopram |
Duloxetine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venlafaxine (Effexor) | Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) | Similar to duloxetine; also used for depression and anxiety. |
| Sertraline (Zoloft) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Primarily affects serotonin levels; used for depression, anxiety, and OCD. |
| Fluoxetine (Prozac) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Another SSRI option for depression and anxiety. |
| Citalopram (Celexa) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Commonly prescribed SSRI for depression. |
Duloxetine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Liver problems |
| Dry mouth | Serotonin syndrome (high fever, agitation, confusion) |
| Constipation | Abnormal bleeding or bruising |
| Fatigue | Angle-closure glaucoma (blurred vision, eye pain) |
| Drowsiness | Increased blood pressure |
Duloxetine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depression | 40-60 mg daily | 40-120 mg daily | May be taken once daily or divided into two doses. |
| Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy | 60 mg daily | 60 mg daily | Do not exceed 60 mg daily. |
| Fibromyalgia | 30 mg daily | 60 mg daily | May increase to 60 mg daily after one week. |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | 60 mg daily | 60-120 mg daily | May start with 30mg daily for one week before increasing to 60mg. |
Duloxetine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $30 – $70 |
| From CPS | $18.88 |
