Duloxetine is a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that is seven-fold selective for the serotonin transporter over the noradrenaline transporter.[1] It is used to treat major depression (although it is seldom used as a first-line treatment due to side effects),[2]generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, lower back pain[3] and urinary incontinence (although only in the European Union, the FDA refused to approve it for this indication amidst concerns over liver damage).[4][5] It is less prone, when compared to venlafaxine, to causing hypertension (high blood pressure), although it is more prone to causing liver damage when compared to other antidepressants.[6] Its major dose-limiting side effect is usually nausea.[7]
↑Cawston, H; Davie, A; Paget, MA; Skljarevski, V; Happich, M (September 2013). "Efficacy of duloxetine versus alternative oral therapies: an indirect comparison of randomised clinical trials in chronic low back pain.". European Spine Journal22 (9): 1996–2009. PMID23686477. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-2804-7.
↑Rossi, S, ed. (July 2014). "Duloxetine". Australian Medicines Handbook. Adelaide, Australia: Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
↑Brayfield, A, ed. (13 December 2013). "Duloxetine Hydrochloride". Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
↑Voican, CS; Corruble, E; Naveau, S; Perlemuter, G (April 2014). "Antidepressant-induced liver injury: a review for clinicians.". The American Journal of Psychiatry171 (4): 404–15. PMID24362450. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13050709.
↑Li, J; Yang, L; Pu, C; Tang, Y; Yun, H; Han, P (June 2013). "The role of duloxetine in stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.". International Urology and Nephrology45 (3): 679–86. PMID23504618. doi:10.1007/s11255-013-0410-6.