Last reviewed · How we verify
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Duloxetine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability at synaptic sites.
Duloxetine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability at synaptic sites. Used for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Duloxetine (Cymbalta) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | duloxetine, Cymbalta |
| Sponsor | New York State Psychiatric Institute |
| Drug class | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) |
| Target | Serotonin transporter (SERT); Norepinephrine transporter (NET) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry; Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), duloxetine blocks the reuptake transporters for both serotonin and norepinephrine, prolonging their action in the synapse. This dual mechanism is thought to enhance mood regulation and pain signaling modulation, making it effective for both psychiatric and pain-related conditions.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Stress urinary incontinence
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Sexual dysfunction
Key clinical trials
- Procedural Framing and Epidural Steroid Injection Outcomes (NA)
- Effects of 2-Aticyto Complex and D-Ribose on Pain and Clinical Course in Patients With Fibromyalgia (NA)
- Duloxetine for Perioperative Pain in Hip Arthroplasty: A RCT (PHASE4)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor in Prophylaxis of Depression Following Fragility Fractures (PHASE4)
- Impact of Virtual Reality Pelvic Floor Training on Postpartum Stress Urinary Incontinence (NA)
- The Effect of Peppermint Oil Aromatherapy on Pain, Functional Capacity and Cost in Fibromyalgia Patients (NA)
- Dose Optimization of Sitagliptin and Duloxetine in Diabetic Cirrhosis (PHASE4)
- Adding Amantadine or Duloxetine to Pregabalin on Occurrence of Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- New York State Psychiatric Institute portfolio CI