🩺 Main Uses
Depression; generalized anxiety disorder; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia.
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
12 h
How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.
Time to Peak (Tmax)
6 h
Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.
What it hits (receptors)
Primary:
Balanced SNRI; also approved for pain disorders.
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Avoid with strong 1A2 inhibitors (ciprofloxacin).
⚠️ Warnings
- Dual action SNRI → also licensed for pain conditions.
- Can cause nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and sweating.
- Withdrawal can be severe if missed even a single dose.
- Liver toxicity is rare but serious → avoid in heavy drinkers/liver disease.
- Often blamed for emotional numbing and sexual dysfunction.
⏬ Taper & Withdrawal
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If you’re reducing
Taper slowly; withdrawal can be severe (dizziness, “brain zaps”).
Possible withdrawal
Dizziness, nausea, agitation, sensory symptoms.
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:28 by Connor O’Driscoll
🔗 Interaction Checker
Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.
Need Help Getting Off This?
Try your GP first. If that doesn't help, find local support services who understand tapering.
Find Support Near You →⚠️ Black Box Warning
All antidepressants: ↑ suicidal thoughts/behaviours in under-25s.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.