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.