duloxetine for postoperative pain in orthopedic surgeries: a review article

Postoperative pain plays a key role in patients’ satisfaction. since opioids may cause dependence and have a high abuse rate, non- opioid drugs such as duloxetine are being investigated for their effect in this matter. this review investigated the pharmacokinetics and the effects of duloxetine on postoperative pain after orthopedic surgeries. duloxetine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that causes a synergistic effect and can help manage postoperative pain. for this cause, it is prescribed as 60 mg per day. there have been studies in recent years proving its effectiveness both in total hip and knee arthroplasties and elective surgeries. the collective data show that duloxetine can be used for postoperative pain management, and with minimal side effects, it can lower opioid usage and dependence. however, considering duloxetine side effects including gastrointestinal (gi) disturbances (nausea, constipation), dry mouth, and loss of appetite, and the limitations of current literature, further studies need to be conducted.