The Sound of Evolution
Duloxetine
Mechanism of action:
Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Duloxetine selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter and norepinephrine transporter on presynaptic neurons, preventing reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft. This enhances their neurotransmission in the central nervous system and modulates neural signaling related to mood, anxiety, sleep, and descending pain inhibitory pathways.
Reference(s):
1. Turcotte JE et al. (2001). Assessment of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake blocking properties of duloxetine in healthy subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology.
2. Anttila S et al. (2002). Duloxetine Eli Lilly. Curr Opin Investig Drugs.
3. Karpa KD et al. (2002). Duloxetine pharmacology: profile of a dual monoamine modulator. CNS Drug Rev.