Duloxetine is an oral antidepressant typically prescribed for patients diagnosed with clinical depression or generalized anxiety disorder. The medication is classified as a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This type of drug works by producing more serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, the chemicals responsible for mood stabilization. These chemicals also help minimize pain signals sent to the brain, so some doctors prescribe duloxetine for pain from fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. You should only use duloxetine for pain if your doctor advises you to do so, and you should only take the dosage recommended by your doctor to minimize side effects and complications.
The use of duloxetine for pain is minimal, and it is typically only prescribed for patients who have not responded to other treatments and drugs for pain management. Patients who take duloxetine for pain usually only take one pill a day. Pills should be taken at the same time each day, since the capsules are formulated to slowly release the drug into the patient’s body over a period of time. Duloxetine capsules are meant to be swallowed, so you shouldn’t chew them or empty the contents of the capsules into a drink or on food. If you have trouble swallowing pills, your doctor may recommend a different mediation to treat your pain.
Fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy patients who take duloxetine for pain may need to take the medication daily for several weeks before they notice a difference in their symptoms. The drug acts on brain chemicals, and it may take between one and four weeks for the body to adjust to the drug. Some doctors prefer starting pain patients on low doses of duloxetine and increasing the amount of the drug gradually until pain symptoms are adequately controlled.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you take regularly. The drug can interact with several medications, including other antidepressants, blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anxiety medications. Some herbal remedies or supplements can also interfere with duloxetine, particularly tryptophan and St. John’s wort.
Gastrointestinal side effects, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, and changes in sexual desire are common side effects of duloxetine that often resolve on their own after a few weeks. You should notify your doctor of any side effects your experience, however. Some side effects can be signs of serious complications while taking duloxetine. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience flu-like symptoms, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rash, swelling, itching, or pain in the upper right part of your abdomen if you are taking duloxetine for pain.
Don’t stop taking duloxetine suddenly, even if you feel you no longer need it. Suddenly stopping the drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including headache, insomnia, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, anxiety, and gastrointestinal problems. If you no longer need the drug or your doctor wants you to try another medication or treatment method for pain, he will likely decrease your dose gradually to avoid these symptoms.
