Duloxetine is the generic equivalent of Cymbalta®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Duloxetine is FDA approved for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Diabetic neuropathy pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

Amitriptyline may also be used off-label for nerve pain.

Duloxetine is an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). It works by blocking the brain’s absorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, “feed good” chemicals in your brain. The end result? An increased level of norepinephrine and serotonin in your brain, which is thought to improve mood and pain.

The most common side effects of duloxetine include:

• Nausea

• Dry mouth

• Drowsiness, sleepiness

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Decreased appetitie

• Sweating

• Altered sex drive

• Weight loss, weight gain

• Small increases in heart rate

• Loss of appetite

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of duloxetine. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for duloxetine here.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions*

• Serotonin syndrome—a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain

• Withdrawal symptoms—abrupt discontinuation of treatment can cause nausea, anxiety, confusion, and headache.

• Liver problems, liver damage

• Abnormal bleeding problems

• Manic episodes or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder

• Seizures

• High blood pressure or changes in blood pressure—must be monitored periodically

• Severe skin reactions

• Glaucoma

• Increases in blood sugar

• Risk of falls in older patients

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.