Article

Daily Medication Pearl: Duloxetine Hydrochloride (Cymbalta)

Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated for major depressive disorder and anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain related to the muscles and bones.

Medication Pearl of the Day: Duloxetine Hydrochloride (Cymbalta)

Indication: Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated for major depressive disorder and anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain related to the muscles and bones.

Insight:

  • Dosing: May vary based on the indication from 40 to 120 mg per day.
  • Dosage forms: 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg capsules.
  • Adverse events: Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice the incidence of placebo patients): nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, fatigue, constipation, decreased appetite, and hyperhidrosis.
  • Mechanism of action: Although the exact mechanisms of the antidepressant, central pain inhibitory, and anxiolytic actions of duloxetine in humans are unknown, these actions are believed to be related to its potentiation of serotonergic and noradrenergic activity in the central nervous system.

Source: Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) capsules (fda.gov)

Newsletter

Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.

Related Videos
Image credit:  Artur | stock.adobe.com
Cardiovascular disease doctor or cardiologist holding red heart in clinic or hospital exam room office for csr professional medical service, cardiology health care and world heart health day concept - Image credit: Chinnapong | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: AwieDarwis | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: viperagp | stock.adobe.com
Image credit:  kitsawet | stock.adobe.com
Inflammation concept, inflammated human tissues 3d rendering - Image credit: picture-waterfall | stock.adobe.com