Duloxetine: what it is for and side effects

Cymbalta contains duloxetine in its composition, which is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia in patients with or without major depressive disorder, chronic pain states associated with chronic low back pain or knee osteoarthritis and in the disorder of generalized anxiety.

This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies for a price of about 50 to 200 reais, depending on the dose and the size of the package, requiring the presentation of a prescription.

What is it for

Cymbalta is a remedy indicated for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder; Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain; Fibromyalgia in people with or without major depressive disorder; Chronic pain states associated with chronic low back pain or knee osteoarthritis; Generalized anxiety disorder.

Know what it is and what the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are.

How to use

The dosage must be determined by the doctor and depends on the treatment to be performed. Generally, the recommended doses are as follows:

1. Major depressive disorder

The recommended starting dose is 60 mg once a day. In some cases, treatment can be started with the dose of 30 mg, once a day, for a week, in order to allow the person to adapt to the medication, before increasing to 60 mg. In some cases, the dose can be increased to 120 mg per day, given in two daily doses, but this is the maximum dose and therefore should not be exceeded.

Acute episodes of major depressive disorder require maintenance pharmacological therapy, a dose of 60 mg, usually for several months or longer.

2. Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

Treatment should be started at a dose of 60 mg once a day, however, for patients whose tolerability is a concern, a lower dose may be considered.

3. Fibromyalgia

Treatment should be started with a dose of 60 mg once a day. In some cases, it may be necessary to start treatment at a dose of 30 mg, once a day, for a week, for the person to adapt to the drug, before increasing the dose to 60 mg.

4. Chronic pain associated with chronic low back pain or knee osteoarthritis

Treatment should be started with a dose of 60 mg once a day, however, in some cases, it may be necessary to start treatment at a dose of 30 mg daily for a week to facilitate adaptation to the drug, before increasing the dose. In some cases, the dose may be increased to 120 mg a day, in two daily doses, but this is the maximum dose and therefore should not be exceeded.

5. Generalized anxiety disorder

The recommended starting dose is 60 mg, once a day, and in some cases it may be convenient to start treatment with the dose of 30 mg, once a day, for a week, in order to allow adaptation to the drug, before increasing the dose to 60 mg. In cases where the decision is made to increase the dose above 60 mg, it should be done in increments of 30 mg, once a day, up to a maximum of 120 mg.

Generalized anxiety disorder requires treatment for several months or even longer treatments. The medicine should be administered in a dose of 60 to 120 mg, once a day.

Who should not use

Cymbalta should not be used by people with known hypersensitivity to duloxetine or any of its excipients, nor should it be used simultaneously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

In addition, it should also not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that can manifest during treatment with Cymbalta are dry mouth, nausea, headache.

Palpitations, ringing in the ear, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, poor digestion, abdominal pain, excess gas, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight, hypertension, muscle spasms and stiffness, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness may also occur, drowsiness, tremor, paraesthesia, insomnia, decreased sexual desire, anxiety, agitation, abnormal dreams, altered urinary frequency, ejaculation disorder, erectile dysfunction, oropharyngeal pain, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, itching and flushing.