Duloxetine is used to treat depression.Duloxetine is also used to treat pain and tingling caused by diabetic neuropathy (damage to nerves that can develop in people who have diabetes). Duloxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance and stop the movement of pain signals in the brain.

Duloxetine comes as a delayed release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. When duloxetine is used to treat depression, it is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. When duloxetine is used to treat the pain of diabetic neuropathy, it is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take duloxetine, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take duloxetine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not open the capsules and mix the contents with liquids or sprinkle the contents on food.

If you are taking duloxetine to treat the pain of diabetic neuropathy, your doctor may start you on a low dose of medication and gradually increase your dose.

Duloxetine controls depression and relieves the pain of diabetic neuropathy, but does not cure these conditions. It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of duloxetine. Continue to take duloxetine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking duloxetine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking duloxetine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, pain, burning or tingling in hands or feet, irritability, and nightmares. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when your dose of duloxetine is decreased

Duloxetine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
heartburn
decreased appetite
dry mouth
cough
sweating or night sweats
blurred vision
dizziness
extreme tiredness
weakness
muscle pain or cramps
changes in sexual desire or ability
runny nose
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

shaking hands that you cannot control
rash
difficult, painful, or very frequent urination
fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
unusual bruising or bleeding
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark colored urine
flu-like symptoms
Duloxetine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medicine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat certain types of nerve pain and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure, may be needed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression, contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information. AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. Heavy use of alcohol combined with this medicine may increase your risk for liver damage. This medicine may cause drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone or with other medicines may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.