Duloxetine in Patients With Fibromyalgia

This article is about Duloxetine, which is most commonly called Cymbalta, for people with fibromyalgia. It includes information on research into how you know if it may be effective for you and some commonly asked questions about this drug. 

RESEARCH

"Early improvements in pain during the first two weeks of treatment with duloxetine were highly predictive of response or nonresponse after three months of treatment." according to the researchers.

What does this mean??

It means there are signs when you first start taking this drug that show if it is going to help your fibromyalgia or not. This is from a study published in the October 2011 issue of the Journal of Pain: the official journal of the American Pain Society.

Duloxetine, also known as Cymbalta, Ariclaim, Xeristar, Yentreve, Duzela, is a long-acting capsule used to treat depression or generalized anxiety disorder or the pain of diabetic neuropathy or fibromyalgia, or ongoing bone or muscle pain.

Duloxetine is meant to be better than many other medications for the treatment of fibromyalgia as it does not contain as many substances that can cause adverse reactions. Its effectiveness in pain relief is believed to be due to its changing of the nociception system. (pain reception).

Clinical trials have confirmed it gives pain relief, reduces fatigue, and improves physical and mental function. In 2014 researchers, Lunn MPT, Hughes RAC, Wiffen PJ, studied all the published scientific literature on duloxetine and found eight separate trials that tested the effect of duloxetine on painful diabetic neuropathy and six on the pain of fibromyalgia. they concluded that 'The usual dose of duloxetine is 60 mg. At this dose, there was moderate quality evidence that duloxetine reduced pain in both painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia.'

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DULOXETINE
Duloxetine comes as a delayed-release capsule which means it releases the medication in the intestine. This is so it is absorbed better.  When duloxetine is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, the pain of diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or ongoing bone or muscle pain, it is usually taken once a day with or without food. 

Is duloxetine FDA approved for fibromyalgia?

In addition to fibromyalgia, Cymbalta is approved for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, all in adults age 18 years and older. (LILLY)

Can duloxetine help with fibromyalgia pain?

In clinical trials, Cymbalta significantly and quickly improved pain. More than half of the patients with fibromyalgia said they felt much better within one week. Pain relief may be greater in patients who also have existing depression, although those without depression also have a significant improvement in symptoms. (WebMD)

What are the most common side effects when taking duloxetine (Cymbalta)?

Constipation, dry mouth, and nausea are the most common side effects.
Does duloxetine interact with other medications?
Blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some migraine medications are just some of the drugs that interact badly with duloxetine. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know what other drugs, vitamins, and herbs you are taking. As examples, St John's wort and some cough medicines can cause problems. More information on drug interactions can be found here.

Can duloxetine help young patients with Fibromyalgia?

One study has found that duloxetine was not effective in teenagers with fibromyalgia. You can read the report here on this site.
 SOURCES:

PubMed
MedlinePlus

Cochrane

Lilly

WebMD

Have you taken this drug and do you agree with this report? 

Did this medication - Duloxetine - help you?

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SOURCES:
PubMed
MedlinePlus

Have you taken this drug and do you agree with this report? Did this medication - Duloxetine - help you?