This information has been developed to supplement the information the doctor or healthcare practitioner has already given you.
Date of Issue: March 2025
Review Date: March 2026
If the review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published.
What is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is an antidepressant medicine. It increases mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.
Duloxetine can help some pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or nerve pain.
What dose should I take?
The starting dose is 30mg daily. After 1-4 weeks the dose is usually increased to 60mg daily. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you what dose to take.
Take duloxetine regularly at the same time each day. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
You may feel an effect after 1-2 weeks, but it can take 4-8 weeks for the full effect.
Are there any side effects?
All medications can cause side effects but not everyone will get them. Read the information sheet provided with your medicines.
Common side effects include: feeling sick, headache, dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness. These often settle within a week.
Duloxetine can cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. It is an offence to do so if unsafe due to medicines. Alcohol can make drowsiness worse and should be avoided.
Less common side effects include; loss of appetite, flushing, high blood pressure, sleep problems, anxiety, and sweating.
If you experience any severe or continued side effects, allergic reactions or eye problems, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
How long should I take Duloxetine for?
Duloxetine can be taken for as long as it is helping and not causing problems. Review will help to decide this. Do not suddenly stop duloxetine; consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
A review is recommended every few weeks or months when starting treatment and then at least every 6-12 months.
After a while, the medicine may not work as well or may no longer be needed. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Important
Duloxetine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly when it is first started. Seek medical help immediately if you notice any concerning mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
Interaction with other medications
Duloxetine can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome, which is rare but serious.
Symptoms include: Increased temperature, sweating or shivering, feeling sick, and restlessness or confused.
It is more common when starting or increasing the dose of medication and when taken with other antidepressants or opioid medicines.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think this is happening to you.
Let your doctor know if
- You are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- You have glaucoma, bipolar disorder, seizures, kidney or liver disease or high blood pressure.
Medication in chronic pain
Medicines are not always helpful for long term pain.
They can cause side effects and harm.
It is best to stop medicines that are not working or cause problems.
It is helpful to find other ways of managing pain.
A doctor or pharmacist can explain more.
Remember
Do not stop medicines suddenly.
Do not share medicines.
Never take more medicine than prescribed.
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you take other medicines or products.
Read the information sheet given with each medicine.
Keep medicines out of the reach of children.
Store medicines safely.
Return unused medicines to your pharmacy.
If medicines make you drowsy, do not drive.
Discuss any medication concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.