Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Duloxetine

Print this page

Duloxetine

  • You may need to take duloxetine for a couple weeks before you feel the full benefit.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself.

About duloxetine

Type of medicineSerotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor
Used forTreatment of depression
Diabetic neuropathic pain (stabbing or shooting pains associated with diabetes)
Stress urinary incontinence (accidental leakage of urine during activity or exercise) in women
Generalised anxiety disorder
Also calledCymbalta® (for depression, anxiety or diabetic neuropathic pain)
Yentreve® (for stress urinary incontinence)
Available asCapsules

Duloxetine works by increasing the amount of the chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline within nerves.

In the brain these chemicals control how we feel and it is thought that low levels can lead to depression and anxiety. By increasing the amount of these chemicals, the mood improves.

In stress urinary incontinence, duloxetine increases the strength of the muscles that control the flow of urine which in turn helps to prevent any leakage.

Before taking duloxetine

Before taking duloxetine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have heart problems or hypertension (raised blood pressure).
  • If you have ever suffered from mania (great excitement, hallucinations, difficulty in concentrating or being still).
  • If you have ever suffered from fits or convulsions.
  • If you have glaucoma or increased eye pressure.
  • If you have a bleeding disorder or a tendency to develop bruises.
  • If you are under 18 years of age.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant within the last two weeks.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take duloxetine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Swallow your capsule whole with a drink of water.
  • Try to take duloxetine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You may have to take duloxetine for a few weeks before you feel the full effect.
  • It is best not to drink alcohol while you are taking duloxetine. If you do drink alcohol it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose slowly as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with duloxetine.
  • If you are taking duloxetine for stress urinary incontinence, remember to follow any exercises given to you by your doctor or nurse.

Can duloxetine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, lack of appetite, indigestion, abdominal painEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred eyesightMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer
Restlessness, changes in weight, flushes, difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, palpitations, tingling of the skin, shakiness, sexual problems, sweating, and itchingIf troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: Suicidal thoughts have been associated with medicines that are used to treat depression (such as duloxetine) particularly early in treatment or soon after stopping. Even if you have not been given duloxetine for depression, you may be at risk of such thoughts if you have previously thought about harming yourself or if you are a young adult. Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself.

Important: If you develop a rash, high temperature, confusion, swelling of the mouth or face, or have difficulty breathing, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store duloxetine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Yentreve®, Eli Lillyand Company Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Approved April 2008, accessed 27 May 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Cymbalta®, Eli Lillyand Company Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Approved August 2007, accessed 14 May 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 8748DocRef: dils3936Last Reviewed: 9 Jun 2008Version: 3
Provide feedback