Duloxetine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is the drug Duloxetine used for?

Duloxetine is a drug for treating depression and anxiety. Additionally, duloxetine is used to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain from medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia.

Duloxetine can improve your mood, sleep, appetite, energy levels, and reduce your anxiety. This medication can also reduce pain due to certain medical conditions.

Duloxetine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These drugs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

What are the rules for using Duloxetine?

Take duloxetine as directed by your doctor, usually 1 or 2 times daily with or without food. If you experience nausea, you can take this medicine at the same time as food. Swallow the capsule whole and end with a glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the capsules or mix the contents of the medicine with food or liquids. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Dosage is based on age, medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Use this remedy regularly to get its benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day.

It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you are already feeling well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions can get worse when this drug suddenly stops.

In addition, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, mood swings, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, changes in sleep patterns, and a feeling of temporary electric shock. Your dose may need to be gradually lowered to reduce side effects. Immediately report any new or worsening symptoms.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store Duloxetine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Duloxetine?

Before using Duloxetine,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Duloxetine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in duloxetine delay-release capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients that make up the drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking a thioridazine or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox); methylene blue; phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or if you have stopped using an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take duloxetine. If you stop using duloxetine, you will need to wait at least 5 days before you start taking an MAO inhibitor.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using. Be sure to mention the following: other anticoagulants such as anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Amontyl, Pamelor), protr ); antihistamines; aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); buspirone; cimetidine (Tagamet); diuretics ('water pills'); fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Fentora, Onsolis, others); medications for irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone (Cordarone), flecainide (Tambocor), moricizine (Ethmozine), propafenone (Rythmol), and quinidine (Quinidex); medications for anxiety, high blood pressure, mental illness, pain, and nausea; propranolol (Inderal); medications for migraine headaches such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), Naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); proton pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex); quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and enoxacin (Penetrex); sedative; selective certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox) and paroxetine (Paxil); sibutramine (Meridia); sleeping pills; theophylline (Theochron, Theolair); tramadol (Ultram); and sedatives. Many other drugs can interact with duloxetine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs you use, even those that don't appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• Tell your doctor about any nutritional supplements and herbal products you use, especially products that contain St John's wort or tryptophan.
• Tell your doctor if you drink or have been drunk in large quantities or if you use or have ever used excessive amounts of drugs or prescription drugs. Additionally, tell your doctor if you have or have had a heart attack; high blood pressure; seizures; coronary artery disease (blockage or narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart); or heart, liver, or kidney disease. If you have diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about how serious your condition is so that your doctor can decide if duloxetine is right for you.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, or if you plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using duloxetine, contact your doctor. Duloxetine can cause problems in the newborn after delivery if it is used during the last months of pregnancy.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about using duloxetine.
• You should know that duloxetine can make you drowsy, dizzy, or it might affect your judgment, thinking or coordination. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking duloxetine. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects from duloxetine.
• You should know that duloxetine can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. It is more common when you first start using duloxetine or with increasing doses. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
• You should know that duloxetine can cause high blood pressure. You should check your blood pressure before starting treatment and have your blood pressure checked regularly while you are using this medicine.
• You should know that duloxetine can cause angle closure glaucoma (a condition in which fluid is suddenly blocked and can't flow out of the eye causing a rapid and severe increase in eye pressure which can lead to loss of vision). Talk to your doctor about eye exams to be done before you start taking this medicine. If you experience nausea, eye pain, vision changes, such as seeing colored rings around lights, and swelling or redness in or around the eyes, contact your doctor or get emergency medical care right away.

Is Duloxetine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

Animal studies suggest that duloxetine may be a risk to the fetus if consumed by pregnant women. However, the doctor may consider whether the benefits of this drug outweigh the risks, if the mother's condition is fatal if left untreated.

Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects

What are the possible Duloxetine side effects?

Report to your doctor any new or worsening symptoms, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, restless, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mental or physical ), is more depressed, or has thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Other common duloxetine side effects are:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Tired feeling
• Mild nausea or loss of appetite
• Constipation.

Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of:

• Nausea, upper stomach pain, hives, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Feel like passing out
• Agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination
• Very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, tremors
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding
• Urinating is painful or difficult to urinate
• Headache, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, weakness, feeling unstable, seizures, shallow breathing or breathing stops
• Severe skin allergic reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling of your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, sore skin, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the drug Duloxetine?

Some drugs MAY INTERACT with duloxetine delay-release capsules. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, especially any of the following:

• 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), buspirone, fentanyl, linezolid, lithium, lorcaserin, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine, rasagiline), quinidine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine), SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), St. John's wort, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (for example, amitriptyline), or tryptophan due to severe side effects, such as reactions that may include fever, muscle stiffness, changes in blood pressure, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, or coma. might happen
• Anticoagulants (for example, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including bleeding in the stomach, can be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because of the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
• Cimetidine, a drug for high blood pressure, or a quinolone antibiotic (for example, ciprofloxacin) because it can increase the risk of side effects of these delay-release duloxetine capsules.
• Certain anti-arrhythmic drugs (eg, flecainide, propafenone), desipramine, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or theophylline because the risk of side effects can be increased with duloxetine delay-release capsules.
• Tamoxifen due to its effectiveness may decrease duloxetine delay-release capsules

This list may not be a complete list of all possible interactions. Ask your doctor if delay-release duloxetine capsules can interact with other medicines you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the drug Duloxetine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Using this medication with one of the following is usually not recommended, but may not be avoided in some cases. When used together, your doctor may change your dose or how often you use this medication, or give specific instructions about use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Tobacco

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Duloxetine?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems .:

• Alcohol abuse, history
• Kidney disease, severe
• Liver disease (including cirrhosis) - generally not recommended for use in patients with this condition
• Bipolar disorder (mood disorder with mania and depression), or risk
• Bleeding problems
• Diabetes
• Digestive problems
• Angle closed glaucoma
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood)
• Mania, history
• Seizures, history
• Urinary problems (eg, urinary retention or difficulty urinating) - Use with caution. It might make things worse.
• Kidney disease - Use with caution. Side effects can increase because the drug clears more slowly from the body.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of duloxetine for adults?

Dosage of duloxetine for treating depression

• Initial dose: 20 mg orally twice a day
• Maintenance dose: 60 mg per day, given either once daily or 30 mg orally twice daily
• Maximum dose: 120 mg orally per day

Duloxetine dosage for treating fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic pain

• Initial dose: 30 mg orally once a day for 1 week
• Maintenance dose: 30-60 mg orally once a day

Dosage of duloxetine for treating anxiety (anxiety disorder)

• Initial dose: 60 mg once daily, gradually increasing from 30 mg once daily if clinically appropriate
• Maintenance dose: 60-120 mg orally once a day
• Maximum dose: 120 mg orally once a day

What is the dosage of duloxetine for children?

Start duloxetine at a dose of 30 mg once daily for 2 weeks. The recommended dosage range is 30-60 mg once daily. The maximum dose that has been studied is 120 mg per day. The safety of doses above 120 mg once daily has not been evaluated.

In what dosages and preparations is duloxetine available?

Capsules 20 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• Agitation
• Hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that are not there)
• Fast heart rate
• Fever
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Gag
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• Dizzy
• Head light
• Fainting
• Not responsive

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.