Duloxetine is a prescription antidepressant medication used to treat depression and nerve pain. It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine available in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are hormones that occur naturally in the brain and are used to carry signals between nerve cells. Serotonin helps to regulate mood, anxiety, and other brain functions, while norepinephrine helps to mobilize the brain for action, improving energy and focus. Put simply, these two chemicals make your brain feel happy.

The CDC estimates that nearly 19% of the U.S. population has experienced at least some symptoms of depression over the last year. Depression is caused by a wide range of factors - from chemical imbalances in the brain to traumatic events in your life - and is often characterized by a persistently depressed mood and a loss of interest in your daily activities and passions.

Duloxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Serotonin and norepinephrine are chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) that are responsible for regulating your mood and helping you feel happy. These hormones are produced naturally by the neurons in your brain and are used to send signals between neurons (or nerves). Once a signal has been sent, the neuron reabsorbs the serotonin and epinephrine to be recycled.

Sometimes neurons reabsorb these hormones too quickly - before they can tell your brain to feel happy - resulting in low levels of these mood-regulating chemicals. Reducing the brain’s reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine can help balance your mood and relieve a number of conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Most people who take duloxetine will experience no side effects. Some will experience minor side effects that may go away as your body gets used to the medication, such as difficulty sleeping, headaches, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, tiredness, decreased appetite, and decreased libido. Consult your doctor if these are severe or don’t go away.

Serious side effects are rare but may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal swelling, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, itching, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark colored urine, extreme tiredness or weakness, confusion, flu-like symptoms, fever, confusion, irregular heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness, blisters, rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hand, feet, ankles, or lower legs.

Duloxetine should not be used if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems; have or have had seizures, manic episodes of bipolar disorder; have glaucoma; are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; or if you have had allergic reactions to duloxetine or similar medications in the past. Also, be sure your doctor is aware of all prescription and non-prescription medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking.

This is not a complete list of duloxetine side effects. To learn more about the side effects associated with duloxetine, visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed page.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older.

In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or dial 911.

If you have been prescribed duloxetine to treat major depressive disorder, your doctor will likely start you with a daily dose of 40 to 60 mg. Depending on your body’s response to duloxetine, your doctor may increase your dose up to a daily maximum of 120 mg.

For patients with generalized anxiety disorder, starting doses of duloxetine usually begin at 30-60 mg per day. Starting doses for patients with diabetic neuropathic pain begin at 60 mg per day. For those with chronic musculoskeletal pain, your doctor will likely begin you with Duloxetine at 30 mg per day.

Use Duloxetine only as directed by your doctor. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use Duloxetine.

Duloxetine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not duloxetine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.