Duloxetine: An antidepressant that inhibits both norepinephrine and serotonin uptake

Duloxetine is a reuptake inhibitor at serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons and appears to have low affinity for other neurotransmitter systems. In three published clinical trials in patients with MDD, duloxetine was well tolerated and more effective than placebo. Further study is needed to compare its efficacy with that of other antidepressants, to prospectively assess time to onset of antidepressant effect, and to clarify effects on somatic symptoms and potential adverse cardiovascular and sexual effects. Duloxetine is also under investigation for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women (trade name to be determined, comarketed by Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim). Preliminary information suggests that duloxetine therapy reduces the number of incontinence episodes. Duloxetine has been deemed ?approvable? for the treatment of MDD and will be comarketed under the trade name Cymbalta by Eli Lilly and Company and Quintiles.