DULOXETINE

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited

Duloxetine Adverse Events: High Seriousness and Diverse Reactions

136,561 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About DULOXETINE

DULOXETINE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited. Based on analysis of 136,561 FDA adverse event reports, DULOXETINE has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for DULOXETINE include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, FATIGUE, NAUSEA, OFF LABEL USE, PAIN. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for DULOXETINE.

AI Safety Analysis

Duloxetine has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 136,561 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Fatigue, Nausea. Of classified reports, 71.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Serious adverse events, including death and suicide attempts, account for 71.6% of reports.

A wide range of reactions are reported, indicating diverse safety concerns. The most common reactions include fatigue, nausea, and pain, affecting a significant number of users.

Patients taking Duloxetine should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Duloxetine can interact with other drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), leading to serotonin syndrome. It is also contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Duloxetine received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 71.6% serious event ratio across 65,013 classified reports. The score accounts for 136,561 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE5,074 reports
FATIGUE4,787 reports
NAUSEA4,781 reports
OFF LABEL USE4,039 reports
PAIN3,697 reports
HEADACHE3,652 reports
DIARRHOEA3,262 reports
DIZZINESS3,034 reports
FALL2,783 reports
VOMITING2,456 reports
ARTHRALGIA2,387 reports
DYSPNOEA2,299 reports
TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS2,212 reports
DEPRESSION2,156 reports
COMPLETED SUICIDE2,079 reports
DRUG INTERACTION2,062 reports
ANXIETY1,984 reports
ASTHENIA1,936 reports
SOMNOLENCE1,925 reports
MALAISE1,784 reports
INSOMNIA1,710 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,699 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED1,697 reports
DEATH1,667 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS1,654 reports
PNEUMONIA1,566 reports
BACK PAIN1,553 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE1,532 reports
CONSTIPATION1,481 reports
PRURITUS1,446 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE1,444 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED1,418 reports
TREMOR1,400 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL1,394 reports
COUGH1,388 reports
RASH1,385 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE1,374 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,299 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED1,284 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY1,269 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION1,243 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION1,225 reports
SUICIDAL IDEATION1,219 reports
COVID 191,203 reports
HYPERTENSION1,161 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN1,147 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT1,146 reports
HYPOTENSION1,143 reports
SEROTONIN SYNDROME1,089 reports
PYREXIA1,072 reports
PARAESTHESIA1,071 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER1,057 reports
OVERDOSE978 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS976 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY950 reports
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE924 reports
NEUROPATHY PERIPHERAL922 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA916 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING906 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS891 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED873 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT822 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS822 reports
BALANCE DISORDER804 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY804 reports
MIGRAINE778 reports
CHEST PAIN768 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION765 reports
MYALGIA759 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE756 reports
MUSCULAR WEAKNESS744 reports
ALOPECIA730 reports
RENAL FAILURE725 reports
ILLNESS721 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE716 reports
INTENTIONAL OVERDOSE716 reports
WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME693 reports
NIGHTMARE683 reports
HALLUCINATION680 reports
VISION BLURRED675 reports
SINUSITIS655 reports
DRUG ABUSE644 reports
SEIZURE643 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS635 reports
ANAEMIA634 reports
ASTHMA623 reports
INFECTION618 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN613 reports
SUICIDE ATTEMPT609 reports
DRY MOUTH607 reports
INFLUENZA607 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS604 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE603 reports
DEHYDRATION599 reports
COMA597 reports
SEDATION595 reports
CONTUSION591 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED589 reports
TACHYCARDIA589 reports
DEPRESSED MOOD584 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Suicide attempts and completed suicides are reported, indicating a significant risk.
  • Serious respiratory issues, such as dyspnea and pneumonia, are notable.
  • Serotonin syndrome is reported, highlighting potential interaction risks.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 41,655, Male: 17,540, Unknown: 98. The most frequently reported age groups are age 53 (1,265 reports), age 61 (1,194 reports), age 56 (1,170 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 65,013 classified reports for DULOXETINE:

  • Serious: 46,544 reports (71.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 18,469 reports (28.4%)
Serious 71.6%Non-Serious 28.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female41,655 (70.3%)
Male17,540 (29.6%)
Unknown98 (0.2%)

Reports by Age

Age 531,265 reports
Age 611,194 reports
Age 561,170 reports
Age 641,153 reports
Age 571,141 reports
Age 591,124 reports
Age 601,117 reports
Age 631,111 reports
Age 621,109 reports
Age 681,031 reports
Age 701,017 reports
Age 581,013 reports
Age 661,013 reports
Age 55999 reports
Age 65999 reports
Age 69992 reports
Age 54953 reports
Age 52943 reports
Age 67930 reports
Age 75919 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Duloxetine can interact with other drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), leading to serotonin syndrome. It is also contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Duloxetine, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, fatigue, nausea, off label use, pain. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, and respiratory issues, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. Be aware of potential drug interactions, particularly with MAOIs and other serotonergic agents. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA closely monitors duloxetine's safety, and any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to healthcare providers immediately. Regular monitoring is recommended, especially for elderly patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Duloxetine?

The FDA has received approximately 136,561 adverse event reports associated with Duloxetine. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Duloxetine?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Duloxetine include Drug Ineffective, Fatigue, Nausea, Off Label Use, Pain. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (5,074 reports), Fatigue (4,787 reports), Nausea (4,781 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Duloxetine.

What percentage of Duloxetine adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 65,013 classified reports, 46,544 (71.6%) were classified as serious and 18,469 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Duloxetine (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Duloxetine break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 41,655, Male: 17,540, Unknown: 98. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Duloxetine?

The most frequently reported age groups for Duloxetine adverse events are: age 53: 1,265 reports, age 61: 1,194 reports, age 56: 1,170 reports, age 64: 1,153 reports, age 57: 1,141 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Duloxetine?

The primary manufacturer associated with Duloxetine adverse event reports is Aurobindo Pharma Limited. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Duloxetine?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Duloxetine include: Headache, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Fall, Vomiting. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Duloxetine?

You can report adverse events from Duloxetine to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Duloxetine's safety score and what does it mean?

Duloxetine has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Serious adverse events, including death and suicide attempts, account for 71.6% of reports.

What are the key safety signals for Duloxetine?

Key safety signals identified in Duloxetine's adverse event data include: Suicide attempts and completed suicides are reported, indicating a significant risk.. Serious respiratory issues, such as dyspnea and pneumonia, are notable.. Serotonin syndrome is reported, highlighting potential interaction risks.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Duloxetine interact with other drugs?

Duloxetine can interact with other drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), leading to serotonin syndrome. It is also contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Duloxetine.

What should patients know before taking Duloxetine?

Monitor for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, and respiratory issues, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. Be aware of potential drug interactions, particularly with MAOIs and other serotonergic agents.

Are Duloxetine side effects well-documented?

Duloxetine has 136,561 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. A wide range of reactions are reported, indicating diverse safety concerns. The volume of reports for Duloxetine reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Duloxetine?

The FDA closely monitors duloxetine's safety, and any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to healthcare providers immediately. Regular monitoring is recommended, especially for elderly patients. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to DULOXETINE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

MAOIsSerotonergic agents
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.