Duloxetine: uses and side effects of this drug

Pharmacological science advances every day to create increasingly effective drugs with fewer side effects. One of these newly created drugs is duloxetine, which was marketed for the first time in 2004.

Throughout this article we will talk about the properties and form of action of this antidepressant, as well as the disorders in which it is administered, its side effects and the precautions that those who consume it should take into account.

• Related article: "Types of psychoactive drugs: uses and side effects"

What is duloxetine?

Duloxetine, known commercially as Cymbalta, is an antidepressant that is included in the category of Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, or SNRI. As such it exerts an effect on the levels of these two neurotransmitters, which work by regulating the mood of people.

The good tolerance of duloxetine has made it a drug of choice for the treatment of major depression and to combat pain symptomatic of diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia.

Research conducted on the efficacy of this drug

reveal that the usefulness of duloxetine is above other antidepressant drugs thanks to its double mechanism of action. Thus, it is more effective than Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) when it comes to encompassing and reducing the intensity of the symptoms and therefore achieving a much more successful remission.

Finally, like other antidepressant drugs in this category, it also exerts a slight dopamine reuptake inhibitory effect, which makes it a fairly complete antidepressant.

• You may be interested in: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

What disorders is it used for?

The disorders and conditions in which an antidepressant such as duloxetine is administered are varied. and range from psychological disorders such as major depression and anxiety disorder widespread; to physical diseases such as pain caused by peripheral neuropathic conditions, chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.

Besides, It is also prescribed at the beginning of urinary incontinence by effort. This type of incontinence is one in which the person suffers some urine leakage while performing physical activities or exertion. They can also appear when coughing, lifting a heavy object or making some physical effort.

In any case, the use of this drug can only be given by medical indication, and it is also essential to follow exactly the indications that the professional gives.

1. major depression

In major depression, the patient presents symptoms that characterized by low moodinvasive and persistent. It is often accompanied by low self-esteem and anhedonia, or a lack of interest and enjoyment in activities that were perceived as pleasurable prior to the depression.

• Related article: "Major Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"

2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This condition is distinguished by causing a person persistent feelings of fear and worry related to any aspect of daily life. The person is completely unable to control this restlessness which ends up generating other physical and psychological discomforts and interfering with the patient's daily activities.

• Related article: "Generalized Anxiety Disorder: symptoms, causes and treatment"

3. peripheral neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is the product of an injury or disease that acts on the somatosensory system. Its main symptoms are: allodynia or when a harmless stimulus causes a disproportionate pain response, and hyperalgesia or when a mild painful stimulus produces a heightened pain reaction.

4. chronic low back pain

Duloxetine has also been found to be very effective in the treatment of pain caused by chronic low back pain. This pain appears localized at the level of the lumbar region of the spine and must have a duration of more than three months.

5. Osteoarthritis

The pain caused by osteoarthritis is caused by damage to the cartilage that lines the ends of bones in joints. This causes direct friction of the bones which causes pain, swelling and impaired movement of the joint.

6. fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition distinguished by cause musculoskeletal pain in those patients who suffer from it, without it having an organic origin that justifies it.

• Related article: "Fibromyalgia: causes, symptoms and treatments"

How is this drug administered?

Duloxetine is produced as a delayed-release capsule to take by mouth. This means the active principles are not released until they reach the intestine and thus avoid the gastric acids of the stomach that could interfere and spoil the effect of the medication.

The treatment will begin gradually, initially administering a low dose which will be increased once a week. In the treatment of anxiety, normally the amount will be one or two daily doses. according to the state of the patient, while in the rest of the cases doctors usually prescribe a single dose a day.

In either case, the patient must follow the instructions indicated by the doctor to the letter. In no case will the patient be able to vary the dose on their own, or take it more times than indicated.

What side effects does it have?

Like other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor drugs, duloxetine has a host of side effects. However, not all are serious and are more bearable than those caused by other antidepressants. In addition, these are significantly reduced if it is consumed with food.

Unwanted side effects can be divided into serious and non-serious. In the former, the patient should contact their doctor if they worsen or lengthen over time, while in the latter they should report immediately.

Non-serious side effects

Side effects of duloxetine that are considered to be mild include the following.

• gastric problems.
• vomiting
• Lack of appetite.
• dry mouth
• Urination problems.
• dizziness.
• headaches.
• Sweating and/or night sweats.
• Feeling of fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Drowsiness.
• Pain and/or muscle spasms.
• Alteration of desire and/or sexual capacity.
• uncontrollable tremors.

serious side effects

This psychoactive drug also has other more serious side effects. They are next.

• Skin changes and itching.
• Bleeding and/or bruises without apparent cause.
• Inflammation of the abdomen.
• yellowish eye coloration.
• Dark colored urine.
• extreme fatigue.
• Confusion.
• Vision problems.
• Fever.
• Flu symptoms.
• Blisters, rash, and/or hives.
• Breathing and swallowing problems.
• Inflammation in various areas of the body.
• Hoarseness.

Precautions to consider

The patient is required to report any allergies, illnesses, conditions or special health conditions that could interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.

In addition, you must also inform about any medication, vitamin supplement or natural complex that is consuming the patient at the time of starting treatment with duloxetine, as well as their drug consumption habits. alcohol.

Due to the sedative effects of this antidepressant, patients may experience confusion or impaired judgmentTherefore, they should avoid or take special precautions when driving or operating heavy machinery.

In cases of pregnancy and lactation It should only be administered in those cases in which it is shown that there is no risk to the fetus or baby, since duloxetine can be excreted in breast milk.