Description:

Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, enhancing descending inhibitory pain pathways in the central nervous system and modulating pain processing. It is USFDA-approved for the management of fibromyalgia in adults and by DCGI for the treatment of moderate to severe urinary stress incontinence in women and management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Clinical trials have demonstrated that duloxetine significantly reduces pain severity, improves physical function, and may also alleviate associated symptoms such as depression and anxiety, which commonly coexist with fibromyalgia. Overall, duloxetine is considered a first-line pharmacologic option for fibromyalgia, particularly in patients who also experience mood disorders. Duloxetine has published long-term clinical data in fibromyalgia, extending to 60 weeks (approximately one year).