Duloxetine is a prescription medication used in the treatment of individuals with anxiety disorders. It interferes with the production of chemicals in the brain, and some side effects can include a change in mental state, such as dizziness, exhaustion, and trouble concentrating, as well as headaches. Other common duloxetine side effects include changes in appetite and urinary function, night sweats, and changes in sexual function.
Some of the most common duloxetine side effects include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, abdominal cramps, constipation, or diarrhea. Changes in appetite may go along with this pain, as well as nausea and gas. Some individuals may experience changes in their sleep patterns, and may experience night sweats as well as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Changes in sexual function can also be one of the common duloxetine side effects, and a loss of interest in sex is common.
Fatigue and exhaustion are also among the common duloxetine side effects. There may be dizziness, weakness, or trouble concentrating, and it is suggested that an individual starting to take the medication find out what if any side effects manifest before performing any tasks that can become potentially dangerous. Some individuals may develop severely debilitating degrees of these side effects, which can include confusion, memory lapses, and hallucinations. These symptoms should be reported to a medical professional, and can be made worse by pre-existing conditions or other medications.
The sodium content in an individual's system can increase the instances of duloxetine side effects. Some of the side effects that occur suddenly, such as headaches or shakiness, can indicate low sodium and can be alleviated by raising sodium intake. Duloxetine can also increase an individual's blood pressure, so it is not uncommon for a medical professional to monitor blood pressure while a patient is taking the medication.
Other duloxetine side effects that can signal a potentially dangerous reaction include jaundice, changes in urinary function, and pain when urinating, flu-like symptoms such as a fever, chills, and body aches, or difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills. There may also be changes in vision, the development of edema in the extremities, or hives. Many times, these duloxetine side effects will result in the individual being taken off the medication.
Most side effects that develop solely from starting to take the medication will fade as the body adjusts. Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and kidney or liver conditions can make side effects more severe when they develop. Other medications have the potential to interact with duloxetine, and medical professionals should be aware of any hazards.