Duloxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder

Abstract

>55% were observed in two of the studies, while in a third study the probability of remission with duloxetine treatment was nearly three times that observed with placebo (44% versus 16%). Duloxetine also produced significant improvement in painful physical symptoms compared with placebo, in many cases after only 2 weeks of treatment. The discontinuation rate due to adverse events (14.6%) was similar to those observed with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The most frequently reported adverse events were nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, and insomnia. Conclusion. Duloxetine was demonstrated to be safe and effective in the treatment of MDD. The starting dose with the best balance of efficacy and tolerability is 60 mg QD.