Pharmacological science advances more every day to create increasingly effective medications with fewer side effects. One of these recently created medications 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 must take into account.
Duloxetine, known commercially as Cymbalta, is an antidepressant that falls within the category of Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, or SNRIs. As such, it has an effect on the levels of these two neurotransmitters, which work to regulate people’s mood.
The good tolerance of duloxetine has made it a drug of choice for the treatment of major depression and to combat the symptomatic pain of diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
Research carried out on the effectiveness of this drug reveal that the usefulness of duloxetine is above other antidepressant medications thanks to its dual mechanism of action. Thus, it is more effective than traditional Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in covering and reducing the intensity of 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.
For what disorders is it used?
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 generalized anxiety disorder; to physical illnesses 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 for effort. This type of incontinence is one in which the person leaks urine while performing physical activities or exertion. They can also appear when coughing, lifting a heavy object, or doing physical exertion.
In any case, the use of this drug can only be given by medical indication, and it is also essential to follow exactly the instructions that the professional gives.
1. Major depression
In major depression, the patient presents symptoms that characterized by a low mood, invasive and persistent. It is usually accompanied by low self-esteem and anhedonia or a lack of interest and enjoyment in activities that before depression were perceived as pleasurable.
2. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
This condition is distinguished by causing the person feelings of persistent 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
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 marked pain reaction.
4. Chronic low back pain
Duloxetine has also been found to be very effective in treating pain caused by chronic low back pain. This pain appears localized at the level of the lumbar region of the spine and must last more than three months.
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 joint movement.
6. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by cause musculoskeletal pain in those patients who suffer from it, without it having an organic origin that justifies it.
How is this drug administered?
Duloxetine is produced in delayed-release capsules to take by mouth. This means The active ingredients are not released until they reach the intestine and thus avoid gastric acids in the stomach that could interfere and spoil the effect of the medication.
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 doses daily. depending on the patient’s condition, while in the rest of the cases Doctors usually prescribe a single dose per day
In any case, the patient must follow the instructions given by the doctor to the letter. In no case will the patient be able to vary the dose on their own, nor take it more times than indicated.
What side effects does it have?
Like other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor drugs, duloxetine has a large number of side effects However, not all of them are serious and are more bearable than those caused by other antidepressants. Furthermore, 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 must contact their doctor if they worsen or last longer, while in the latter, they must inform them immediately.
The side effects of duloxetine that are considered not serious are the following.
Gastric problems.
Vomiting.
Lack of appetite
Dry mouth.
Problems with urination.
Vertigo
Headaches.
Sweating and/or night sweats.
Feeling of fatigue.
Weakness.
Drowsiness
Pain and/or muscle spasms.
Alteration of sexual desire and/or capacity.
Uncontrollable shaking
Serious side effects
This psychotropic drug also has other more serious side effects. They are the following.
Skin changes and itching.
Bleeding and/or bruises without apparent cause.
Inflammation of the abdomen.
Yellowish eye discoloration
Dark urine.
Extreme fatigue.
Confusion
Vision problems.
Fever
Flu symptoms.
Blisters, rash and/or hives
Problems with breathing and swallowing.
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 the patient is taking at the time of starting treatment with duloxetine, as well as their alcohol consumption habits.
Due to the sedative effects of this antidepressant, patients may experience confusion or impaired judgment so 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 demonstrated that there is no risk to the fetus or baby, since duloxetine can be excreted through breast milk.
