Duloxetine for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy and Fibromyalgia Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Sultan Asquad, Gaskell Helen, Derry Sheena, Moore R Andrew
Primary Institution: Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
Hypothesis
We investigated the efficacy of duloxetine in painful diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia to allow comparison with other antidepressants.
Conclusion
Duloxetine is equally effective for the treatment of PDN and fibromyalgia, judged by the outcome of at least 50% pain relief over 12 weeks, and is well tolerated.
Supporting Evidence
- 41% of patients achieved 50% pain relief with duloxetine compared to 24% with placebo.
- The number needed to treat (NNT) for at least 50% pain relief with duloxetine was 5.9.
- Duloxetine was well tolerated with fewer withdrawals due to lack of efficacy compared to placebo.
Takeaway
Duloxetine helps reduce pain for people with diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia, making it a good option for these tough conditions.
Methodology
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomised controlled trials using duloxetine to treat neuropathic pain.
Potential Biases
The trials were of good methodological quality, indicating a low chance of bias.
Limitations
The trials were only 12 to 13 weeks long, providing no information for longer-term efficacy or safety.
Participant Demographics
The mean age in the trials ranged between 49 and 61 years, and the majority of patients were Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.89
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.5 to 8.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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