Duloxetine
Duloxetine is an SNRI used for selected mental-health and chronic-pain conditions. Benefit develops over time, and abrupt withdrawal can cause significant symptoms.
Key points
- Duloxetine may be used for depression, generalised anxiety disorder or diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
- Liver disease, blood pressure, bipolar symptoms and serotonergic medicines require review.
- Suicidal intent, severe agitation with fever or muscle rigidity, or jaundice needs urgent care.
Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.
How it works
Duloxetine increases serotonin and noradrenaline signalling in pathways involved in mood, anxiety and pain modulation.
Important safety checks
Suicide risk, bipolar disorder, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, bleeding risk and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors or other serotonergic medicines require review. Do not stop suddenly; tapering should be clinician-directed.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for suicidal intent, immediate risk of harm, severe agitation or confusion with sweating, fever, diarrhoea, tremor or muscle rigidity, yellow skin or eyes, a seizure, fainting or a serious allergic reaction.
Further reading
Related articles
Compare SSRI, SNRI, mirtazapine and older antidepressant classes by treatment role, expected timeline, side-effect profile and withdrawal planning.
Read guide