Duloxetine Hydrochloride (Antidepressant)

Question 1

What is the brand name of duloxetine hydrochloride?

Answer 1

Cymbalta

Question 2

What capsule strengths are available for Cymbalta?

Answer 2

20 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg

Question 3

What is the FDA approved indication and dosages for Cymbalta?

Answer 3

The treatment of major depressive disorder: the normal total daily dose is 40 to 60 mg. A 40 mg daily dose should be given his 20 mg twice a day. He 60 mg daily dose may be given as 30 mg twice a day or 60 mg once a day.

Question 4

What does of duloxetine hydrochloride is used for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Answer 4

60 mg per day

Question 5

What does duloxetine hydrochloride is used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Answer 5

Start with 30 mg daily for one week then increased to 60 mg daily. Maximum daily dose is 100 mg.

Question 6

What does age of duloxetine hydrochloride is used for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain?

Answer 6

Start with 30 mg daily for one week then increased to 60 mg daily.

Question 7

What is the mechanism of action of duloxetine hydrochloride?

Answer 7

Do you like sitting is a potent inhibitor of neuron or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and a slight inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. Its mechanism of action is that we do to potentiation of serotonergic and noradrenergic activity in the CNS.

Question 8

What are the drug interactions of duloxetine hydrochloride

Answer 8

• Serious sometimes fatal reactions have occurred and patients taking a serotonin reuptake inhibitor with monoamine oxidase inhibitor’s.
• Potent inhibitors of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 will increase plasma levels of duloxetine.
• Plasma levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 maybe increase when used with duloxetine

Question 9

What are the contraindications of duloxetine hydrochloride?

Answer 9

• Anti-depressants increase suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and young adults.
• Use is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor’s and patients with uncontrolled narrow angle glaucoma.
  Patients being treated with anti-depressant should be observed closely for clinical worsening in suicidality, especially if therapy or at the time of this change.
• Use with caution patient with impaired to hepatic function and patient with heavy alcohol use.
• Duloxetine may increase blood pressure and activate mania/hypomania in some individuals; use appropriate precautions.
• Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or controlled narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Do not use late in the third trimester.
• Nursing is not recommended while lactating.
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 10

What are the adverse effects of Cymbalta?

Answer 10

Adverse affects occurring more than 2% of the population include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, dizziness, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, sweating, bargaining, blurred vision, and erectile dysfunction

Question 11

What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling them for the use of duloxetine hydrochloride?

Answer 11

• Therapeutic effects may take as long as four weeks to appear.
• May cause drowsiness. Use caution while operating machinery or mental alertness is required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking non-prescription medication’s.
• Do not abruptly discontinue medication.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.
• Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, and mood behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
• Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Continue therapy about two weeks maybe need to show noticeable improvement.