What is duloxetine and what is it for?

What is duloxetine?

Duloxetine is an antidepressant, which is characterized by its inhibitory activity of the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline. Its active ingredient is duloxetine hydrochloride and its mechanism of action is as a specific and selective blocker.

It is a medication administered orally, so its presentation is in delayed release capsules, thus allowing greater effectiveness in its metabolism. The recommended dose is 60 mg daily, with a maximum of 120 mg in divided doses.

Note: Despite the nature of this drug and its mechanism of action, it does not require a medical prescription to obtain it.

What is duloxetine for?

Duloxetine is used as a medical treatment in a wide variety of disorders, which will be mentioned below for your contemplation, knowledge and understanding:

1. Depression and anxiety

compared to other types of depressive treatments.

2. Pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia

Duloxetine has proven its ability to be effective for certain types of pain, especially those of a spontaneous nature and nerve damage .

To highlight: The recommended dose in these cases should exceed 60 mg, thus allowing a better response to the treatment of neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, also reducing other symptom factors such as the feeling of tiredness. (two)

3. Musculoskeletal pain

Duloxetine has been approved as a treatment for pain of a musculoskeletal nature, including osteoarthritis and chronic pain.

You should know: Its analgesic effects allow great efficiency, with doses that vary from 60 to 120 mg depending on the intensity of the pain, also reducing the risk of coexistence of chronic pain and depressive responses. (3)

Duloxetine Side Effects

All medicines have stipulated Possible side effects during their consumption in medical treatments. We mention below those of duloxetine:

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea .
• Constipation, heartburn and decreased appetite.
• Stomach pain, dry mouth and dizziness.

Important: If there are side effects and they do not disappear when stopping treatment, it is important to go to medical assistance for information,

Duloxetine Contraindications

Contraindications are factors that we must take into account, to reduce the risks of suffering adverse effects . We mention below those of duloxetine:

• Do not indicate if the patient is allergic or hypersensitive to any of the components of this medicine.
• Do not indicate to patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
• Do not self-medicate.
• Do not drink alcohol during medical treatment.
• Do not indicate in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma.

To highlight: The entire medical history must be indicated, in order to determine which is the most appropriate and pertinent treatment.

Key Findings

• Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication characterized by its Ability to reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine .
• It is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and other types of illnesses.
• Duloxetine is also used as a treatment for the relief of Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
• Duloxetine is an easily accessible drug, but it requires responsible consumption, especially in patients under 18 years of age.