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Duloxetine-related acute dysphoria
Randy A Sansone1, Lori A Sansone
1Dr. R. Sansone is a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and Director of Psychiatry Education at Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio.
Duloxetine, a new antidepressant, may cause acute dysphoric responses in a small number of patients. This adverse reaction typically resolves with dose adjustment or discontinuing duloxetine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Psychiatry
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Duloxetine represents a recent advancement in antidepressant pharmacotherapy available in the US.
- Understanding its safety profile, including potential adverse effects, is crucial for clinical practice.
Observation:
- This case series details an unusual adverse reaction to duloxetine: an acute dysphoric response.
- The reaction was observed in five outpatients (4 women, 1 man; ages 37-73) upon medication initiation or dose increase (≤60mg/day).
Findings:
- The dysphoric response was unexpected and transient.
- In all cases, symptoms promptly subsided following a dosage reduction or discontinuation of duloxetine.
Implications:
- A subset of patients may experience acute dysphoria when treated with duloxetine.
- Clinicians should consider dose modification or cessation of duloxetine if such adverse effects emerge.
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