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Duloxetine

Brand names: Cymbalta, Drizalma

Duloxetine is an SNRI used for depression, anxiety, and some kinds of long-lasting pain, like diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia.

Brand namesCymbalta, Drizalma
Type of medicineSNRI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It raises serotonin and norepinephrine, which affect mood and how the brain processes pain.

What it's used for

  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Diabetic nerve pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Long-lasting muscle and joint pain, like back pain or osteoarthritis

How to take it

  • Swallow capsules whole. Don't crush, chew, or open them.
  • Take it with or without food.
  • Don't stop suddenly; stopping can cause dizziness, nausea, and 'brain zaps.'

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness
  • Constipation
  • Less appetite
  • Sweating
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right belly
Call your provider todayDizziness or fainting when standing
Call your provider todayUnusual bleeding or bruising

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting.
  • Not for people with severe liver disease or heavy drinking.
  • It can raise blood pressure.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin can raise its level a lot.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.