Duprex 30mg Capsules

Duloxetine is an SNRI antidepressant (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor). In this form, it comes as small coated pellets inside a capsule. The coating protects the medicine from stomach acid so it is released further along the gut.

It is used for:

• depression and generalised anxiety disorder
• diabetic nerve pain
• fibromyalgia and some long-term muscle or bone pain

It helps control symptoms but does not cure them, and the full effect can take a few weeks.

Take duloxetine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same time each day.

• Swallow the capsules whole with water, with or without food.
• Do not open, chew or crush the capsules or pellets, unless your product's leaflet says the capsule can be opened onto apple sauce.
• 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 suddenly. Stopping can cause withdrawal effects such as dizziness, nausea, irritability and nightmares. Your doctor will reduce 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.