What is the most important information I should know about duloxetine?
Do not take duloxetine together with
thioridazine (Mellaril), or a
monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil),
rasagiline (Azilect),
selegiline (Eldepryl,
Emsam), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after
stopping an MAOI before you can take duloxetine. After you stop taking duloxetine, you must
wait at least 5 days before you start taking an MAOI.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular
visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood
or behavior changes, anxiety,
panic attacks,
trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive,
irritable,
agitated, hostile, aggressive,
restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or
have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking duloxetine. Alcohol may increase the risk of
damage to your
liver.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for seizures or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by duloxetine. Tell your doctor if
you regularly use any of these other medicines.
Duloxetine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What is duloxetine?
Duloxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Duloxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may
become unbalanced and cause depression.
Duloxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder. It is
also used to treat a chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia, and to treat pain caused by nerve
damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).
Duloxetine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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