
Precautions
Duloxetine, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants have similar tolerability while the opioids caused more side effects. Another review in Prescrire International considered the moderate pain relief achieved with duloxetine to be clinically insignificant and the results of the clinical trials unconvincing.
Is duloxetine an opioid?
Celexa is an effective antidepressant but it may cause more side effects than other SSRIs, such as escitalopram. 20 mg/day is the maximum recommended dosage for seniors older than 60 years, people with liver disease, or CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, or those taking cimetidine, omeprazole, or another CYP2C19 inhibitor. be cautious when using during ...
Is Celexa a good SSRI?
When used with SSRIs (such as fluoxetine) or tricyclic antidepressants (such as clomipramine and imipramine), Nuedexta may cause “serotonin syndrome”, with changes including altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor [see Drug Interactions (7.4), Overdosage (10)].
Is Nuedexta a SSRI?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants available. Aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel), and brexpiprazole (Rexulti) have been FDA approved as add-on therapy to antidepressants for depression.
Is Rexulti a SSRI?

What's the difference between an SSRI and an SNRI?
What are the differences between SSRIs and SNRIs? Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are two different types of antidepressants. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, while SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
Is Cymbalta an SSRI or SNRI?
Drug details Cymbalta contains the active drug duloxetine. Duloxetine belongs to a drug class called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
What type of antidepressant is duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a type of antidepressant medicine known as a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRIs are thought to work by increasing the amount of mood-enhancing chemicals, serotonin and noradrenaline, in your brain. It's used to treat depression and anxiety.
Is duloxetine good for anxiety?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is good for treating depression, anxiety, and some forms of long-term pain, but it's more likely than other antidepressants to cause problems if you drink alcohol or have high blood pressure.
What can you not mix with duloxetine?
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
Do I need SSRI or SNRI?
SSRIs tend to be more commonly prescribed than SNRIs because they are effective at improving mood and tend to be less likely than some SNRIs to cause side effects. Other conditions that SSRIs are approved to treat, in addition to depression, include: Anxiety. Bulimia.
Does duloxetine make you gain weight?
Weight gain is a possible side effect of Cymbalta (duloxetine). But it can also cause weight loss during the first several months of taking it. Weight gain can happen from taking it for a longer time. You can help manage weight while taking Cymbalta by making healthy lifestyle choices.
What are the most common side effects of duloxetine?
Common side effectsDifficulty sleeping. Try taking duloxetine first thing in the morning.Headaches. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. ... Feeling dizzy. ... Blurred vision. ... Constipation. ... Diarrhoea. ... Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) ... Dry mouth.More items...
Is duloxetine a good antidepressant?
Duloxetine demonstrated antidepressant efficacy at a dose of 60 mg qd in two placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind studies and significantly improved remission rates compared with placebo.
What are the worst side effects of Cymbalta?
Common Cymbalta side effects include nausea, headache and insomnia. While rare, some serious documented side effects are bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, liver damage and suicidal ideation. Long lasting withdrawal symptoms have been reported when patients stopped taking Cymbalta.
Which SSRI is best for anxiety?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat social anxiety disorder. The only SSRIs that are currently FDA-approved for this condition are sertraline (Zoloft) and immediate- and extended-release paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR).
Is duloxetine the same as Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) effectively treats occasional or short-term anxiety and panic attacks. Compared to similar drugs, it is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms and can have more interactions with some medicines. Cymbalta (duloxetine) may help relieve nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of chronic pain.
How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?
Not being able to sleep (also called insomnia) is one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Cymbalta. In some people, this side...
Does Cymbalta cause weight gain?
Cymbalta is more likely to cause weight loss early in the first 8 to 9 weeks of treatment, but result in a modest weight gain after 8 months of tre...
What helps with Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms?
Slowly stopping Cymbalta treatment over 2 to 4 weeks is the best way to help avoid withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, nausea or headache. Talk wit...
How long does it take for Cymbalta to work?
It may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for the full effects of Cymbalta to be seen, although some improvement in symptoms, such as sleep, energy, or appeti...
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat depression?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant used for treating depression, anxiety disorder, and pain. Other drugs in this class include milnacipran ( Savella ), venlafaxine ( Effexor ), and desvenlafaxine ( Pristiq ). Cymbalta (duloxetine) is used for the treatment of depression, ...
What is the drug class of Cymbalta?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is in the drug class SSRI. Cymbalta is prescribed for the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The most common side effects of Cymbalta are nausea, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, and dizziness.
When was Cymbalta approved?
Cymbalta (duloxetine) was approved by the FDA in August 2004. Cymbalta (duloxetine) is approved for treating the following conditions: Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Does Cymbalta reduce serotonin?
Since uptake is an important mechanism for removing released neurotransmitters and terminating their actions on adjacent nerves, the reduced uptake caused by Cymbalta (duloxetine) increases the effect of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Does Cymbalta affect duloxetine?
Nevertheless, aAdministration of duloxetine with an antacid or famotidine ( Axid) did not significantly affect the absorption of duloxetine. Cymbalta (duloxetine) may reduce the breakdown of desipramine (Norpramine), leading to increased blood concentrations of desipramine and potential side effects.
Can Cymbalta be used as an antidepressant?
Anyone considering the use of Cymbalta (duloxetine) or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
Can Cymbalta be discontinued?
anxiety, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, diarrhea, irritability, and. insomnia. The Cymbalta (duloxetine) dosage should be gradually reduced when therapy is discontinued to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents ...
What is duloxetine used for?
The main uses of duloxetine are in major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and fibromyalgia. Duloxetine is recommended as a first-line agent for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, as a first-line therapy for fibromyalgia in ...
Who invented duloxetine?
Duloxetine was created by Eli Lilly and Company researchers. David Robertson; David Wong, a co-discoverer of fluoxetine; and Joseph Krushinski are listed as inventors on the patent application filed in 1986 and granted in 1990. The first publication on the discovery of the racemic form of duloxetine known as LY227942, was made in 1988. The (+)- enantiomer, assigned LY248686, was chosen for further studies, because it inhibited serotonin reuptake in rat synaptosomes to twice the degree of the (–)-enantiomer. This molecule was subsequently named duloxetine.
How long does it take for duloxetine to absorb?
There is an average 2-hour lag until absorption begins with maximum plasma concentrations occurring about 6 hours post dose. Food does not affect the C max of duloxetine, but delays the time to reach peak concentration from 6 to 10 hours.
When was duloxetine first discovered?
The first publication on the discovery of the racemic form of duloxetine known as LY227942, was made in 1988. The (+)- enantiomer, assigned LY248686, was chosen for further studies, because it inhibited serotonin reuptake in rat synaptosomes to twice the degree of the (–)-enantiomer.
When was duloxetine approved?
Duloxetine was approved for medical use in the United States and in the European Union in 2004. It is available as a generic medication. In 2018, it was the 36th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 21 million prescriptions.
Is Duloxetine approved for urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence. Duloxetine failed to receive US approval for stress urinary incontinence amid concerns over liver toxicity and suicidal events; it was approved for this use in the UK, however, where it is recommended as an add-on medication in stress urinary incontinence instead of surgery.
Is duloxetine good for back pain?
It may be useful for chronic pain from osteoarthritis. On November 4, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved duloxetine to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, including discomfort from osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain.
What are the other SSRIs?
Other SSRIs include citalopram ( Celexa ), fluoxetine ( Prozac ), paroxetine ( Paxil ), and sertraline ( Zoloft ). SSRIs work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, the chemical messengers that nerves use to communicate with one another. Many experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters is the cause of depression.
What drugs affect serotonin?
Similar reactions may occur if duloxetine is combined with antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants or other drugs that affect serotonin in the brain. Examples include tryptophan, sumatriptan (Imitrex), lithium, linezolid (Zyvox), tramadol (Ultram), and St. John’s Wort.
What is Cymbalta used for?
Cymbalta is also used to treat pain from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Lexapro and Cymbalta belong to different drug classes: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), respectively.
What is the difference between Lexapro and Cymbalta?
What's the Difference Between Lexapro and Cymbalta? Lexapro ( escitalopram) and Cymbalta ( duloxetine) are used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Cymbalta is also used to treat pain from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Can Lexapro cause a withdrawal?
Symptoms of withdrawal from Lexapro include dizziness, tingling, tiredness, vivid dreams, irritability, or poor mood . Symptoms of withdrawal from Cymbalta include dizziness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, diarrhea, irritability, and insomnia.
Can Cymbalta cause seizures?
Side effects of Cymbalta that are different from Lexapro include constipation, fatigue, dizziness, increased blood pressure, and seizures. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Lexapro or Cymbalta. Symptoms of withdrawal from Lexapro include dizziness, tingling, tiredness, vivid dreams, irritability, or poor mood.
Is Lexapro a SSRI?
Lexapro and Cymbalta belong to different drug classes. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Side effects of Lexapro and Cymbalta that are similar include nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, ...
Why are SSRIs used for depression?
In addition to depression, SSRIs may also be used to treat a range of other conditions, for example: Anxiety. Bulimia nervosa. Fibromyalgia.
What is the best medication for depression?
Antidepressants relieve the symptoms of depression. SSRIs are one type of antidepressant. Other types include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the atypical antidepressants.
How do SSRIs affect the brain?
SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by nerves. Having more serotonin available in the nerve synapse means that it can transmit messages easier. All SSRI antidepressants are thought to work in this way. Antidepressants relieve the symptoms of depression. SSRIs are one type of antidepressant.
What is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
What are Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors? SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. SSRI antidepressants are a type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of serotonin within the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is often referred to as the “feel good hormone”.
What is the function of serotonin?
It carries messages between brain cells and contributes to well-being, good mood, appetite, as well as helping to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle and internal clock. SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing the reuptake ...
Can you withdraw SSRIs slowly?
Several SSRIs have been associated with a discontinuation syndrome when they have been stopped suddenly. For this reason, it is best to withdraw all antidepressants slowly. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the individual drug monographs. Read more.
Does citalopram cause agitation?
An increase in the risk of bleeding, especially if used with other medications that also increase bleeding risk. In addition, some SSRIs, such as citalopram have been associated with abnormal heart rhythms with higher dosages.
How many rings does duloxetine have?
Duloxetine, which is structurally different than venlafaxine, has three rings in its chemical structure, two of which are adjacent to each other.5Duloxetine became a candidate for generic formulation in late 2013. Pharmacokinetics. The half-life of duloxetine is around 12 hours.
What is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor?
The serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are a family of antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. While these drugs are traditionally considered a group of inter-related antidepressants based upon reuptake inhibition, they generally display different chemical structures as well as different ...
How long does venlafaxine last?
Pharmacokinetics. The half-life of the immediate release formulation of venlafaxine is five hours. The active metabolite of venlafaxine, o-desmethylvenlafaxine or desvenlafaxine, has a half-life of 11 hours.
Which SNRI has the most clinical indications?
Among the SNRIs, duloxetine has the most clinical indications through the FDA (6 indications), followed by venlafaxine (4 indications), and desvenlafaxine, milnacipran, and levomilnacipran (one indication each).
When was Venlafaxine first marketed?
Venlafaxine immediate release (Effexor™) was the first SNRI to be marketed in the United States and was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993.
Is venlafaxine metabolized by P-450?
In terms of metabolism, both venlafaxine and duloxetine are metabolized through the P-450 isoenzyme system, indicating the possibility of potential drug interactions as well as metabolic susceptibility to 2D6 genetic polymorphism.
Is Venlafaxine a generic?
Of the available SNRIs, both venlafaxine and duloxetine are available in generic formulations, suggesting a potential cost advantage.
When to take duloxetine?
As duloxetine tends to make you feel more awake, it is best taken in the morning. In some people, but not all, there can be sexual dysfunction (lower libido and difficulty with orgasm). If you have anxiety, then the medication might reduce this, but you may find your anxiety returns when you stop the medication.
Can anxiety medication interact with other medications?
Some people with anxiety find it difficult to stop the medication for this reason. These medications can interact with other medications you may be taking, so make sure you tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including herbal and over -the-counter medications) before you start them.
Does SSRI help with anxiety?
and. the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) effect treats anxiety. This increases the amount of serotonin effect in the brain. You may already be taking an SSRI medication for anxiety or low mood, but unless your medication is also an SNRI medication, it won’t be as effective for your pain. Duloxetine, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine have ...
Can SSRI affect serotonin?
Medications that can affect Serotonin include: Pregabalin, gabapentin, the contraceptive pill, codeine and anti-inflammatory medications do not affect Serotonin, so do not interact with these medications.
Can amitriptyline cause serotonin?
Serotonin Syndrome can occur when either the dose of a medication that affects Serotonin in the body is increased, or another medication that affects serotonin is added. It is rare when using either low dose amitriptyline or an SNRI – and still quite uncommon when these drugs are used together.
Does venlafaxine help with anxiety?
Duloxetine, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine have both SNRI and SSRI effects, so they help pain AND anxiety. If you aren’t anxious, that’ s fine, they can still help pain.
Does SNRI help with pain?
SNRI medications help a mix of symptoms including: – overall pain. – pelvic muscle pain. – anxiety or tension. – low mood. Like all medications, they don’t help everyone, but are worth considering if you have these conditions.

Overview
Duloxetine is used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition, duloxetine is used to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread pain).
May Treat: Major depressive disorder · Anxiety with depression · Chronic musculoskeletal pain · Diabetic peripheral neuropathy · Fibromyalgia and more
Brand Names: Cymbalta · Irenka · Drizalma Sprinkle
Drug Class: Antidepressant - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) · Fibromyalgia Agents - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake-Inhib (SNRIs)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Major depressive disorder · Anxiety with depression · Chronic musculoskeletal pain · Diabetic peripheral neuropathy · Fibromyalgia and more
Brand Names: Cymbalta · Irenka · Drizalma Sprinkle
Drug Class: Antidepressant - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) · Fibromyalgia Agents - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake-Inhib (SNRIs)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Adverse effects
Medical uses
Contraindications
Pharmacology
History
Nausea, somnolence, insomnia, and dizziness are the main side effects, reported by about 10% to 20% of patients.
In a trial for major depressive disorder (MDD), the most commonly reported treatment-emergent adverse events among duloxetine-treated patients were nausea (34.7%), dry mouth (22.7%), headache (20.0%) and dizziness (18.7%), and except for headache, these were reported significa…
External links
The main uses of duloxetine are in major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and fibromyalgia.
Duloxetine is recommended as a first-line agent for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, as a first-line therapy for fibromyalgia in the presence of mood disorders by the German Interdisciplinary Association for Pain Therapy, a…