Duloxetine

Brand names: Cymbalta

A medicine that turns down pain signaling in the nervous system, used for fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

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Duloxetine

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How it works · Pain modulation

Pain signals travel to the brain

Nerves carry signals from the body through the spinal cord to the brain, which decides how loud they feel.

Fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis pain and nerve pain. It also treats depression and anxiety.

It raises serotonin and norepinephrine, chemical messengers that help the brain dampen incoming pain signals.

A capsule taken once a day, started at a low dose. Benefits build over 2 to 4 weeks.

Nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness or trouble sleeping, sweating and constipation, usually improving over time. Rarely, mood changes.

Blood pressure, mood and liver health. Let your doctor know about other antidepressants or migraine medicines you take.

Do not stop suddenly, since withdrawal symptoms can occur. Taper with your doctor’s guidance.

At a glance

Class

Pain & symptom relief

Brand names

Cymbalta

Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR

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For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.