What it is used for

Depression
Generalised anxiety disorder
Diabetic nerve pain (peripheral neuropathic pain)
Stress urinary incontinence in women (Yentreve)

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Fibromyalgia
Other long-term pain, such as osteoarthritis or chronic back pain

How it works

Duloxetine is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases both of these chemical messengers in the brain and spinal cord, which can improve mood and reduce how pain signals are felt. In the bladder, it strengthens the muscle that keeps the urethra closed.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Duloxetine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sick
dry mouth
headache
feeling sleepy or having trouble sleeping
dizziness
constipation
sweating
sexual problems

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
yellowing of the skin or eyes
unusual bleeding or bruising
confusion, high temperature, sweating and muscle twitching, which can be signs of serotonin syndrome

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It can raise blood pressure. Your doctor may check it.
Do not take it with St John's wort.
Avoid drinking lots of alcohol, which increases the risk of liver problems.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.