Duloxetine

WHAT IS IT?

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an SNRI medication.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Major depressive disorder (MDD): these SNRI medications may sometimes be first line treatment options for MDD.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): SNRI medications such as Duloxetine also serve as anxiolytics.

Diabetic neuropathic pain: this medication is also sometimes used for diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

Concurrent/recent (i.e., within 2 weeks) therapy with an MAO inhibitor: this is due to the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

Patients with uncontrolled angle-closure glaucomathis medication can increase the risk of mydriasis, which is not ideal in the setting of angle-closure glaucoma.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Administered orally without regard to meals.

Source
Source
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Decreased sexual function which can include decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 08.17.2016