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Duloxetine Antidepressant : Duloxetine

Brand Name: Duloxetine

DULOXETINE (Cymbalta®) is an antidepressant, a medicine that helps to lift mental depression. Duloxetine may also be prescribed for other uses as decided by your health care provider. Generic duloxetine capsules are not yet available. Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Uses of Duloxetine

• Duloxetine is used to treat major depression.
• It is also used to relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in diabetics. This medication works by restoring the balance of two kinds of natural substances (neurotransmitters known as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain, thereby improving mood and feelings of well-being.
• Duloxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and for the management of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
• Duloxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How to Take Duloxetine

• Take each dose with water.
• Duloxetine capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the contents be sprinkled on food or mixed with liquids.
• Duloxetine may be taken with or without food.

What are the Side Effects of Duloxetine Medication

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking duloxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
• low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
• chills or fever;
• unusual bleeding or bruising;
• a rash or hives

Warnings and precautions before taking Duloxetine Medication

• Before taking duloxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease, glaucoma (uncontrolled narrow-angle).
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, kidney disease, stomach problems (e.g., bleeding or slow stomach emptying), drug or alcohol abuse, seizure disorder.
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• If you are pregnant, this medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Due to possible complications to an infant at birth, this medicine is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

What drugs may interact with Duloxetine Tablet

Do not take duloxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Wait at least 5 days after you stop taking duloxetine before taking a MAOI. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take duloxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping duloxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).Before taking duloxetine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• an antiarrhythmic such as flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol), and others;
• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
• venlafaxine (Effexor);
• a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others;
• a quinolone antibiotic such as trovafloxacin (Trovan), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others;
• quinidine;
• a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and others

What to do if you take Overdose of Duloxetine ?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a duloxetine overdose may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• tremor
• agitation
• seizures
• drowsiness
• hyperactivity and enlarged pupils.

How to Store Duloxetine ?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.