What is the brand name for Duloxetine?
The brand name for Duloxetine is Cymbalta.
PTCB TOP 200 · #31
Duloxetine
Cymbalta
Duloxetine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Cymbalta. It is a snri antidepressant used to treat depression, neuropathy, fibro. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Duloxetine ranks #31 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Duloxetine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Cymbalta |
| Drug class | SNRI antidepressant |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | depression, neuropathy, fibro |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Duloxetine used for?
SNRI for major depressive disorder; also used for generalized anxiety disorder and certain chronic pain conditions (indication varies by product).
What drug class is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a SNRI antidepressant in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Duloxetine
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightSomnolence or insomnia
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightSweating
Major interactions
- arrow_rightMAO inhibitors (contraindicated) → serotonin syndrome
- arrow_rightOther serotonergic drugs → serotonin syndrome risk
- arrow_rightNSAIDs/anticoagulants ↑ bleeding risk
- arrow_rightStrong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin) may increase duloxetine levels
Is Duloxetine a controlled substance?
No. Duloxetine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
BOXED WARNING: Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults—monitor closely.
How to remember Duloxetine (PTCE mnemonic)
CYMbalta calms 'C' symptoms — DULOX-etine is the DUAL SNRI for mood + neuropathy/fibro pain. Watch BP, suicidality (boxed), withdrawal.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Duloxetine is an SNRI — used for depression AND nerve pain / fibromyalgia. Like SSRIs, it carries serotonin-syndrome risk in combinations.
Duloxetine FAQ
What is Duloxetine used for?
Duloxetine is used to treat depression, neuropathy, fibro. SNRI for major depressive disorder; also used for generalized anxiety disorder and certain chronic pain conditions (indication varies by product).
What drug class is Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is a SNRI antidepressant (CNS/Psych group).
Is Duloxetine a controlled substance?
No. Duloxetine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Duloxetine
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asks
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026See all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Duloxetine the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).