What is the brand name for duloxetine (SNRI)?

Brand Name for Duloxetine

The brand name for duloxetine is Cymbalta. 1

Medication Class and Mechanism

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that potently inhibits the presynaptic reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. 2, 3

FDA-Approved Indications

Cymbalta is FDA-approved for multiple conditions:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 1
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - including in children and adolescents aged 7 years and older 2, 1
• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (DPNP) 2, 1
• Fibromyalgia (FM) 1
• Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain 1

Standard Dosing

For most indications, the typical effective dose is 60 mg once daily. 2 The medication has a sufficiently long elimination half-life (approximately 12 hours) to permit single daily dosing. 2, 3 Duloxetine may be taken with or without food. 1

Dosing Strategy to Minimize Side Effects

To reduce nausea (the most common adverse effect), initiate treatment at 30 mg once daily for 1 week before increasing to the target dose of 60 mg once daily. 2

Important Administration Instructions

• Swallow capsules whole - do not chew, crush, open, or sprinkle contents on food or mix with liquids, as this may affect how the medication works. 1
• Available strengths include 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg delayed-release capsules. 1