Indications
- Duloxetine is used for treating depression, anxiety, and nerve pain associated with conditions like diabetes.
- It helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels while reducing nervousness.
- The medication is classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
- Duloxetine works by restoring the balance of natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.
- It is also used for alleviating chronic pain related to conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, and fibromyalgia.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet before using duloxetine, and consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions.
- Take the medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually 1 or 2 times a day, with or without food.
- Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, chew, or mix it with food or liquid to avoid potential side effects.
- Dosage is determined by age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Your doctor may initiate the medication at a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to maximize its benefits.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, and do not stop it without consulting your doctor.
- Abruptly stopping the drug may worsen certain conditions and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, mood swings, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, sleep changes, and sensations similar to electric shock.
- If discontinuation is needed, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose to minimize side effects. Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
Side effects
- Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, or increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, especially when you first start or increase your dose of this drug. To reduce the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, or falling, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
- This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: confusion, easy bleeding/bruising, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, muscle cramps/weakness, shaking (tremor), difficulty urinating, signs of liver problems (such as nausea that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
- Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizure, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
- This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
- A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, skin blisters, mouth sores.
- This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking duloxetine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies, as the product may contain inactive ingredients causing reactions.
- Share your medical history, especially psychiatric disorders, suicide attempts, bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, seizure disorder, stomach issues, or alcohol use/abuse, with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
- This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness, and refrain from alcohol or marijuana use, discussing any concerns with your doctor.
- If you have diabetes, duloxetine may impact blood sugar. Monitor regularly and inform your doctor for necessary adjustments.
- Before surgery, disclose all products you use to your doctor or dentist.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly bleeding, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of coordination. They may also be prone to salt imbalance, especially when taking diuretics.
- Children, especially in terms of appetite and weight loss, can be sensitive to side effects. Regularly monitor weight and height.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. The drug passes into breast milk, potentially affecting the nursing infant, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
- Since untreated mental/mood problems can be severe, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If pregnancy is planned or suspected, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication has been prescribed as your doctor deems the benefits outweigh the risks, and many users do not experience serious side effects. Regularly check blood pressure as it may rise due to this medication.
- In case of serious side effects or allergic reactions, seek medical help promptly.
- Pregnant women should be cautious, as the medication may lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns if used during the last three months of pregnancy.
- This information is not exhaustive, and any unlisted effects should be reported to your doctor or pharmacist.
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