Definition

The hydrochloride salt of duloxetine, an orally bioavailable fluoxetine derivative belonging to the class of selective serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), with central pain inhibitory, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities. Upon oral administration, duloxetine selectively prevents the reuptake of 5-HT and NE via transporter complexes on the pre-synaptic membrane, thereby increasing the level of these neurotransmitters within the synaptic cleft. This potentiates serotonergic and noradrenergic activities in the central nervous system (CNS), and alleviates anxiety, depression, and neuropathy sensations, such as neuropathic pain.