Duloxetine

Duloxetine treats depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain pain conditions, including diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Your treatment goal may involve mood, pain, or both.

It slows serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. These messengers participate in mood regulation and pathways that help modulate pain signals.

Sleep, energy, or appetite may change before mood improves. Benefit usually builds over several weeks; some conditions need a longer trial at a useful dose.

Track the symptoms you are treating and how you manage daily activities. Keep follow-up appointments. Schedule an earlier appointment if your mood gets worse.

• Take with or without food; food may help nausea.
• Swallow Cymbalta whole. Drizalma Sprinkle may be opened onto applesauce according to its own instructions; do not crush or chew the pellets.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Then skip it. Do not double a dose.
• Consult with your provider before stopping; a gradual reduction helps limit withdrawal symptoms.

• Nausea, dry mouth, or constipation
• Sweating, headache, or dizziness
• Sleep changes or reduced appetite
• Sexual side effects; increased blood pressure or pulse

Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.

Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts in people under 25. Watch for changes in mood or behavior at any age, especially when starting treatment or changing a dose.

Tell your provider about emotional numbness, unusual agitation, or a reduced need for sleep with increased energy. These changes may call for a treatment adjustment.

Have blood pressure checked before starting and during treatment. Report unusual bleeding, severe headache, confusion, or marked weakness; low sodium is one possible cause.

For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.

Discuss any history of mania or bipolar disorder, seizures, heart disease, glaucoma, and kidney or liver problems.

Discuss pregnancy, pregnancy plans, and breastfeeding with your provider. Treatment decisions should consider both the medication and the condition being treated.

Avoid use with substantial alcohol intake or chronic liver disease. Severe kidney impairment also affects whether it is appropriate.

Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.

MAOIs require a specific switching interval. Other serotonergic medicines can cause serotonin syndrome; aspirin, NSAIDs, and anticoagulants increase bleeding risk.

Fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, and other inhibitors raise exposure. Duloxetine affects CYP2D6 medicines. Review blood-pressure medicines, stimulants, sedatives, and alcohol.

A regular dose time and refill reminder can help prevent missed doses.

Bring a few specific observations to appointments: sleep, motivation, anxiety, and activities that have become easier or harder.

Keep medication in its labeled container, away from excess heat and moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Do not share it. Ask a pharmacy about disposal of unused medication.