Neurológia pre prax 3/2014

Pharmacological profile of Cymbalta

Cymbalta is manufactured by Eli Lilly. The active substance is duloxetine hydrochloride in a dose of 30 or 60 mg in enteric soluble tablets. Duloxetine is a dual selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) at neuronal synapses. The effect of duloxetine on other mediators is negligible, acting relatively most on dopamine and substantially less on epinephrine, histamine, acetylcholine, opioids, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Both the target mediators, i.e. serotonin and norepinephrine, are engaged in the modulation of central pain pathways, predominantly via descending inhibitory pathways. Imbalance of inhibitory processes is involved in central sensitization and hyperexcitability of the spinal and supraspinal pathways. Imbalance of inhibitory processes can be manifested by several types of pain, including neuropathic pain (Ambler, 2009).

Keywords: Cymbalta, pharmacological profile.