Role of Duloxetine in management of cervical or lumbosacral neuralgia of unknown etiology: A preliminary study

Background: Duloxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Use of duloxetine for idiopathic neuropathic pain is not known. We present our experience for treatment of such painful conditions. M...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Digambar P Nawani, Sanjay Agrawal, Veena Asthana
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Pain
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.indianjpain.org/article.asp?issn=0970-5333;year=2013;volume=27;issue=3;spage=182;epage=184;aulast=Nawani
Description
Summary:Background: Duloxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Use of duloxetine for idiopathic neuropathic pain is not known. We present our experience for treatment of such painful conditions. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients, either sex, aged 30-65 years presenting for cervical and lumbosacral pain were administered duloxetine 40 mg/day in two divided doses. They were followed for a total period of 20 weeks and pain was assessed periodically using Numerical scale and Facies scale. Results: Fifteen patients showed complete resolution of pain. No major side effects were seen. No patient showed less than 50% resolution of pain. Conclusion: Duloxetine 40 mg/day is effective for control of painful neuropathic condition in our Indian setup.
ISSN:0970-5333