Yes, duloxetine (also known as Cymbalta) is commonly used to help manage nerve pain in people with lupus. It belongs to a class of medications called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine) that help improve mood and can Show Full Answer
Krystal, I haven't taken it, but I've seen some patients with different types of chronic pain find it helpful. Gabapentin and Lyrica are more specifically for nerve pain. Amitriptyline (a small dose at bedtime) can also help, but it tends to cause weight gain and may predispose to Alzheimer's Disease.
I use to take it
I have taken it for years. I took Zoloft before. My Rheumatologist switched to Duloxetine because he said it helps with pain. It may or may not....I don't know what the pain would be like if I didn't take it. I have tried Gabapentin in the past but didn't notice any improvement with pain.