Duloxetine and Muscle Pain

Adverse Effects

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports, lists dry mouth as a common adverse reaction to duloxetine, occurring in patients taking the medication 1
The MMWR Recommendations and Reports also notes constipation as a common adverse reaction to duloxetine, occurring in patients taking the medication 2
Somnolence is listed as a common adverse reaction to duloxetine, according to the MMWR Recommendations and Reports, occurring in patients taking the medication 1

The MMWR Recommendations and Reports guideline recommends duloxetine for treating painful musculoskeletal conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain, with duloxetine 60 mg daily reducing pain 1, 2
The MMWR Recommendations and Reports also associates duloxetine with small improvements in pain intensity for chronic low back pain 1, 2
Duloxetine is associated with small improvements in pain severity and function for osteoarthritis pain, as reported in the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1

The MMWR Recommendations and Reports suggests considering progression of underlying pain condition if a patient reports new or worsening muscle pain after starting duloxetine 1
Concurrent medications or conditions should be considered if a patient reports new or worsening muscle pain after starting duloxetine, according to the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1
The MMWR Recommendations and Reports also notes the possibility of nocebo effect or misattribution if a patient reports new or worsening muscle pain after starting duloxetine 1