Duloxetine – Dual-action SNRI for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Get expert medical advice and same-day prescriptions from qualified UK doctors through our secure online consultation platform.
- Professional online consultation and prescription
- Same-day service when clinically appropriate
- Secure delivery to your chosen pharmacy
Secure Telehealth Platform Trusted by Over 150,000 Patients
What is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a versatile SNRI antidepressant that’s particularly valuable for patients with depression or anxiety accompanied by chronic pain conditions. Its dual action on serotonin and noradrenaline makes it effective for both mood disorders and various pain syndromes.
Book an online consultation if you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or urinary incontinence that may benefit from SNRI treatment. Our GPs can assess your symptoms and determine if Duloxetine is appropriate for your specific condition combination.
What is Duloxetine used for?
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Stress urinary incontinence (in women)
- Chronic lower back pain
How does Duloxetine work?
A serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that blocks the reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline, improving mood and reducing pain signals in chronic pain conditions.
Dosage and Administration
Adults
Depression/anxiety: 60mg once daily. Pain conditions: 60mg once daily, may increase to 120mg daily. Urinary incontinence: 40mg twice daily.
Children
Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years.
Important Notes
- Take with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Swallow capsules whole—do not open, chew, or crush.
- May take 4-6 weeks to feel full benefits for depression.
- Never stop suddenly—gradual dose reduction required.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Sexual side effects
Serious Side Effects
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (especially when starting)
- Serotonin syndrome (confusion, rapid heart rate, fever)
- Severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
- Liver problems
- Severe allergic reactions
- Increased bleeding risk
- Angle-closure glaucoma
Important Warnings
- May increase thoughts of self-harm, especially in young adults—close monitoring required.
- NEVER stop suddenly—severe withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- Tell your GP if you have liver disease, kidney problems, or glaucoma.
- May increase bleeding risk, especially if taking blood thinners.
- Monitor for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment.
Drug Interactions
Tell your GP if you're taking any of the following medications:
- MAOIs—dangerous interaction, must avoid completely.
- Other antidepressants—risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Warfarin and blood thinners—increased bleeding risk.
- Tramadol—increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Thioridazine—dangerous heart rhythm interactions.
- St John's Wort—avoid this herbal supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Duloxetine different from SSRIs like Sertraline?
Duloxetine affects both serotonin and noradrenaline, making it particularly effective for chronic pain conditions as well as depression and anxiety.
Why is Duloxetine used for pain conditions?
The noradrenaline component helps modulate pain pathways in the spinal cord and brain, making it effective for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
What are withdrawal symptoms like with Duloxetine?
Withdrawal can cause 'brain zaps,' dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and mood changes. Your GP will help you reduce the dose very gradually to minimize these effects.
Can Duloxetine help with urinary incontinence?
Yes, it can strengthen the urethral sphincter muscle and is licensed for stress urinary incontinence in women when other treatments haven't worked.
Medically Reviewed by: Mohammed Hassan - Independent Prescriber
Last Updated: 2025-01-14