Dulact 60mg Capsules

Duloxetine is an antidepressant of the SNRI type (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor). It is thought to work by raising levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, and by reducing pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain.

It is used for:

• depression
• generalised anxiety disorder
• nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
• fibromyalgia and some long-term muscle or bone pain
• stress urinary incontinence in women (some products)

It can take 1 to 4 weeks or longer to feel the full benefit.

Take duloxetine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same time each day. Your doctor may start with a low dose and increase it.

• Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not open, chew or crush them.
• You can take it with or without food.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly. Stopping can cause dizziness, nausea, irritability, sleep problems and nightmares. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.

Common side effects, which often ease after a couple of weeks, include:

• feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or constipation
• headache, dizziness or drowsiness
• dry mouth, sweating, reduced appetite or weight loss
• trouble sleeping, tiredness
• lower sex drive or other sexual problems

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life (call emergency services)
• fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, muscle twitching, fever or confusion (serotonin syndrome)
• yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in the upper right tummy
• eye pain, vision changes or red, swollen eyes
• unusual bruising or bleeding, a fit, or very high mood
• swelling of the face or throat, a blistering rash or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have liver or kidney disease
• have high blood pressure or heart disease
• have epilepsy, glaucoma or a history of mania
• have a bleeding problem or low sodium levels
• take or have recently taken an MAOI (such as moclobemide, selegiline or linezolid); these must not be taken together
• take blood thinners, aspirin or NSAIDs, other antidepressants, tryptophan or St John's wort (do not take with St John's wort)

Your doctor may check your blood pressure during treatment.

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Mood: especially in people under 25 and when starting or changing the dose, antidepressants can sometimes bring on suicidal thoughts. Family members should watch for changes in mood or behaviour.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it can be used in pregnancy if needed, after your doctor weighs up the risks. It passes into breast milk; talk to your doctor.

Alcohol and driving: avoid alcohol, as it can increase side effects. Do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy.