AMBIDEXT 20MG TAB

What is Duloxetine for:

This medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, prescribed for depression, anxiety disorder, and also used for managing pain caused by fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPNP). It maintains the mental balance and stops the movement of pain signals in the brain.

How does Duloxetine work:

Duloxetine raises chemicals in the brain. With low mood (depression), sleep and eating habits may get better fast. Other signs may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to get better.

How should Duloxetine be used:

PO- The recommended dose is 40 to 60mgday, twice daily orally. It comes capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. (Swallow whole, do not chewcrush).

Common side effects of Duloxetine :

Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Nervous and excitable. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Loose stools (diarrhea). Headache. Dry mouth. Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. See a dentist often. Change in sex ability. This most often goes back to normal. Not able to sleep.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Duloxetine :

Alert your doctor immediately if you are currently taking or have recently taken, within the last 2 weeks, a medicine called a MAO inhibitor. Examples of such medicines are isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine. Duloxetine should not be taken within 2 weeks of stopping a MAO inhibitor, and a MAO inhibitor should not be started within 5 days of stopping Duloxetine. Alert your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy (seizures fits) or an eye disease called glaucoma. You must inform your doctor if you or your family have a history of any psychiatric problems, especially if you have bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression). Inform your doctor if you drink alcohol, especially if you drink frequently or in large amounts. Alert your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Duloxetine.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you are planning to harm yourself or the want to harm yourself gets worse. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Big change in balance. Agitation, twitching, sweating, or muscle stiffness. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Feeling very tired or weak. A fast heartbeat. Any bruising or bleeding. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to eat. Feeling very tired or weak. Very bad skin irritation. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Duloxetine with other medicines:

Do not take Duloxetine together with thioridazine or MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine. Alert your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: - antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine. - any psychiatric medicines, especially thioridazine. - heart medicines such as flecainide, propafenone. - migraine medicines such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan and related medicines. - painkillers such as tramadol and pethidine. - herbal medicines such as valerian root, St Johns wort Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Duloxetine :

Store at 25°C. Store it in air tight container and keep away from children.

Pregnancy Category

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Antidepressants