Duloxetine is one of the medications approved by FDA for treating fibromyalgia. It is sometimes referred to as Cymbalta, the brand name of the drug. Here is what you need to know about duloxetine for fibromyalgia.
What is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a type of antidepressant which falls under the class of serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of antidepressant prevents the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin, from reentering into the brain cells that release them. By doing so, the drug helps to maintain healthy levels of these two key mood regulating hormones:
- Norepinephrine – a stress hormone which is released when a person faces stress. It helps increase alertness and helps with memory.
- Serotonin – the happy hormone which helps to promote a sense of well-being and happiness. It also has a role in modulating sleep and pain perception.
Therefore, duloxetine is often used to treat anxiety, depression, neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
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I had it for approx 12 years it was good at first it helped with my migrating pain and kept me in work. Then the side effects began with my eyes the pressure went to the limits and I was getting blurred vision. I had to stop it the side effects were horrendous for 3 months and more. After being off it for 12 months I realised that a lot of illness I had and used to think was Fibro. Vanished.