What is Duloxetine?
The medication for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is called duloxetine. This medication is thought to increases the activity of the nerve that stimulates the urethral sphincter, improving its function.
This medication is not recommended by NICE for England and Wales, however, some women do respond to the treatment.
If you are unable to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises and don’t want to consider surgery than it may be worthwhile asking your GP about this option.
Duloxetine is not suitable for everyone so it’s important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Duloxetine Warnings
You may not be suitable for this medication if you:
- are under 18 years
- are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
- are already taking duloxetine for other problems
- are elderly
- are on haemodialysis
- are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the last two weeks
- have bleeding problems
- have certain types of heart problems
- have fructose intolerance
- have glucose-galactose malabsorption problems
- have high blood pressure
- have kidney problems
- have liver problems
- have or have had mania
- have or have had psychiatric problems
- have or have had seizures
- have or have recently had salt and water imbalances
- have raised pressure in the eye or are at risk of narrow angle glaucoma
- have risk factors for developing salt and water imbalances
- have sucrase-isomaltase deficiency
- smoke
Duloxetine Side Effects
Everyone’s reaction to a medicine is different. You may experience some of the side effects of Duloxetine listed below or none at all. If you are having problems with this medicine, it’s important to tell your GP immediately.
Very common side effect of taking Duloxetine are:
- constipation
- dry mouth
- nausea
- tiredness
Common side effects of taking Duloxetine are:
- blurred vision
- chills
- decreased libido
- diarrhoea
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling agitated
- feeling anxious
- feeling dizzy
- flushing
- headaches
- indigestion
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- paraesthesiae
- raised blood pressure
- sleepiness
- sleeping problems
- stomach pain
- sweating
- tremors
- vertigo
- vomiting
- weakness
Further Help
If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS non-emergency number on 111 (You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation)
