Duloxetine

Can I buy Duloxetine online?

Yes, you can buy Duloxetine online from PharmXtra. However, you must complete an online consultation first. This is then reviewed by a registered doctor to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.

Do I need a prescription for Duloxetine?

Yes, Duloxetine is a prescription-only medication. All requests for a prescription require an online consultation, and a registered doctor will decide whether to prescribe it.

• Duloxetine is used to treat anxiety, depression and nerve pain, including pain caused by diabetes.
• It is also known by the brand names Cymbalta and Depalta.
• Duloxetine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience these effects, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery.
• It belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of possible side effects and precautions.

Duloxetine helps to manage depression by balancing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline, two chemicals that regulate mood. By stabilising these chemicals, it can also help reduce feelings of anxiety.

Duloxetine is also prescribed for nerve pain related to diabetes. High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, which may cause pain that regular painkillers cannot relieve. Duloxetine helps to reduce this type of pain.

Duloxetine Tablets

Duloxetine is taken as a tablet and should be swallowed with water. It can be taken with or without food, usually once a day.

Duloxetine 20mg/30mg/40mg/60mg

The standard dose of duloxetine is between 30mg and 60mg per day. In some cases, the dose may be increased to 120mg daily.

• For depression – The usual starting dose is 60mg per day. It may take up to four weeks to feel an improvement in your mood.
• For anxiety – The starting dose is typically 30mg daily. If necessary, this may be increased to 60mg per day.
• For diabetic nerve pain – The usual dose is 60mg per day.

Your doctor will review your response to duloxetine after two months to determine whether the medication and dosage are suitable for you.

Like all medicines, duloxetine may cause side effects. The most common include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Blurred vision, feeling tired or dizzy – you must not drive or operate machinery if any of these side effects occur.

Less common side effects may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Lack of appetite, stomach ache or indigestion
• Facial flushing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Skin tingling
• Feeling shaky
• Increased sweating
• Reduced interest in sex.

These side effects usually improve over time, but if they persist or become problematic, speak to your doctor.

Important: If you experience worsening depression or have thoughts of self-harm, contact a doctor immediately.

Serious allergic reactions are rare, but if you experience difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips or tongue, call 999 immediately.

Duloxetine may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor if you:

• Have kidney disease
• Have liver disease
• Have heart disease
• Have glaucoma
• Have high blood pressure
• Have bipolar disorder or have experienced ‘high’ moods
• Have ever had a seizure or fit
• Have a blood disorder that increases your risk of bleeding, or take medications to thin your blood
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding

Duloxetine may interact with other medicines. It may not be suitable if you take:

• Another antidepressant medication
• Antibiotics
• Fluvoxamine
• Antipsychotic medications
• Benzodiazepines
• St John’s Wort
• Triptan medications for migraine
• Tramadol
• Pethidine.