Duloxetine

Patient Drug Information
Duloxetine

This medication also comes with a medication guide.

Written Information about this prescription has been provided for you. Please read this information before you take this medication. If you have questions concerning this prescription, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer these questions.

Important information about Your Prescription

Antidepressants like this medication may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teens, or young adults. These may occur at the beginning (the first few weeks of taking your medication) or when the medication dose is changed. Watch for new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, actions, thoughts, or feelings. 

Contact your medical provider, the national suicide hotline, or 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms: attempts to commit suicide; acting on dangerous impulses; acting aggressive or violent; thoughts about dying or suicide; new or worse depression; new or worse anxiety or panic attack; feeling agitated, restless, angry, or irritable; trouble sleeping; an increase in activity or talking more than what is normal for you; or other unusual changes in behavior or mood.

You may also experience changes in your vision such as eye pain, or swelling or redness in or around the eye. An eye examination may help determine your risk of experiencing these symptoms.

Taking Your Prescription

Duloxetine capsules are taken by mouth once daily, with food, or as directed by your prescriber. Swallow medication whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or dissolve. If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose. Check your prescription label for the correct dose prescribed by your medical provider.

Duloxetine is FDA approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetes.

Precautions

Do not take if you have an allergy to duloxetine or any of its components. Do not take this medication if you are taking MAOIs or within 14 days of taking an MAOI (including linezolid). Do not take this medication if you use substantial amounts of alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver toxicity.

Avoid operating vehicles or machinery until you know how this medication may affect you. This medication may cause changes in your eyesight.

If you are taking weight loss medications, have high blood pressure, or are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, notify your medical provider before taking this medication. 

Check with your prescriber or pharmacist before starting any new supplements, vitamins, or medications. Please be sure you report all supplements, vitamins, and medications you are taking as drug interactions may occur. This medication may interact with ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, buspirone, cimetidine, flecainide, lithium, phenytoin, propafenone, propranolol, St. John’s wort, tramadol, tryptophan supplements, valproate, blood thinners (such as warfarin, edoxaban, rivaroxaban), diuretics (water pills), NSAID pain or arthritis medicines (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen), tricyclic antidepressants, and triptan medicines for migraine headaches. Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Check with your pharmacist or medical provider if you have additional concerns or questions.

Notify your prescriber before starting your medication if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems, a history of seizures or convulsions, low sodium levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of bleeding problems. Be sure to let your medical provider know if you have a family history of bipolar disorder or severe depression.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Talk to your medical provider before discontinuing therapy. Avoid taking this medication in combination with alcohol or other medications that may impair your motor functions.

Talk with your medical provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Side Effects

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you notice changes in your behavior or thoughts. The most common side effects when taking duloxetine are sweating, sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction or lowered interest in sex, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, unusual dreams, sleepiness, or trouble sleeping. If you feel more excited or energetic than usual, let your prescriber know. Let your medical provider know if you experience anxiety, swelling, chest pain, changes in hearing, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there, blistering, peeling or red skin rash, confusion, weakness, eye pain, vision changes, or seeing halos around lights.

This medication may cause an increase in blood pressure and risk of bleeding. Have your blood pressure checked as recommended by your prescriber.

If you’re experiencing a painful or threatening reaction to your medication such as thoughts of suicide or violence, or increased body temperatures or fevers, please get medical help now. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can either reach out to your prescriber, call 911, or visit a local urgent care.

Once you have determined your safety, please contact us. One of our pharmacists will assess what happened and provide guidance if needed. This may include pharmacist counseling to explain preventative techniques or recommend alternatives for your treatment.

This list may not describe all potential side effects. You may also report adverse events to the FDA by visiting: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm

Monitoring Drug Therapy

If taking duloxetine at the prescribed doses does not improve your symptoms, contact your medical provider. If you are taking your medication daily, do not abruptly stop taking it without discussing with your medical provider as adverse reactions may occur.

Storage

Store your Duloxetine at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F) in the packaging provided by the pharmacy until you need it. Excursions are permitted between 59 and 86 degrees F. Keep out of reach of children.

Under certain circumstances, a prescription drug’s effectiveness may be affected by exposure to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity.

Questions

This written information may not cover all possible information. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or medical provider.

A local or a toll-free telephone service is available, staffed by a registered pharmacist, to answer questions about your medication. The suicide hotline can be reached at 800-273-8255 or at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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