Duloxetine: a dual reuptake inhibitor.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of duloxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).


METHODS
Searches using MEDLINE and PsycINFO were conducted (1966 to November 2003).


METHODS
All duloxetine MDD information gathered was considered. Articles containing comprehensive information regarding duloxetine use for MDD were evaluated.


RESULTS
Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor being considered for treatment of MDD and stress urinary incontinence. While approved dosing ranges have not yet been determined, studies support the efficacy and safety of 40-60 mg twice daily for the treatment of acute MDD. Adverse effects have been of mild to moderate severity and are considered to be transient. Cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate or blood pressure), while present, do not appear to be clinically significant. Overall, duloxetine appears to be well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Duloxetine is a safe and effective antidepressant. Approval of this agent provides another treatment option for the management of MDD.
Dugan
Sara E
SE
Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10000 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141, USA.
Fuller
Matthew A
MA
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D013876:Thiophenes