This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Description, Dosage, Side Effects, Contraindications. Data from EMA, URPL, openFDA and other regulatory sources.
| Venlafaxine | Duloxetine | |
|---|---|---|
| Active Substances | VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE | duloxetine |
| ATC Code | N06AX16 | N06AX21 |
| Form | TABLET | — |
| Dosage | 37.5 mg/1 | — |
| Route | ORAL | — |
| Manufacturer | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited | Eli Lilly Nederland B.V. |
| Indications | — | Duloxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is prescribed for depression, generalized anxiety disorder and for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by fibromyalgia and other conditions. It is used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves due to diabetes). Duloxetine acts by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain, which maintains the mental balance and stops the transmission of pain signals in the brain. |
Venlafaxine (INN: VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, ATC N06AX16) and Duloxetine (INN: duloxetine, ATC N06AX21) differ in active substance, indications, and safety profile. The table above summarizes the clinical differences from regulatory documents.
Combination safety depends on mechanisms and your health profile. Use our interactions checker and always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications.
Both drugs are approved when used per label. Safety is patient-specific — the better choice depends on your condition, other medications, allergies, and comorbidities. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| Side Effects |
|---|
| — |
| Heart - Hot flushes, palpitations,abnormal heart rhythm,increased blood pressure,orthostatic hypotension. Central Nervous System - Drowsiness, headache, dizziness,fatigue,agitation, tremor,abnormal dreams, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, sleep disorder, yawning, lethargy,aggression, anger, restless leg syndrome, activation of mania and hypomania when used for depression and seizures. Skin - Abnormally increased sweating, allergic reactions with rash, itching, blistering, redness and edema of the skin. Eye and ENT - Blurred vision, sudden increase in eye pressure, vertigo Serotonin Syndrome: Symptoms include increased heart rate, tremors, sweating, seizures, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal - Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain,decreased appetite Liver: Liver damage, liver failure Genitourinary - Sexual dysfunction which may include impotence and delayed ejaculation, frequent urination, urinary hesitation and abnormal uterine bleeding in female patients. Musculoskeletal - Muscle spasms Miscellaneous - Chills/rigors, low blood sodium levels, abnormal bleeding. |
| Warnings | — | •Duloxetine is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18 years because of the suicidal thoughts that it can produce. • Swallow the capsule as a whole and do not try to open it. • Get up slowly from bed while taking this medication as it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and the risk of falling down due to a fall in blood pressure in the erect posture (orthostatic hypotension). • Avoid driving a car or operating machinery while taking this medication as it may make you feel dizzy, or may affect your judgment, thinking or coordination. • Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. • Duloxetine may cause “Serotonin Syndrome” with the following symptoms: increased heart rate, tremors, sweating, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If so consult your healthcare provider. • Avoid alcohol consumption while taking duloxetine due to the increased side effects of the drug (alcohol when consumed with duloxetine can cause severe liver damage). |
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