The main aim of the study is to find out whether taking a medicine called duloxetine reduces leg pain in people with sciatica. Sciatica is a form of back pain where pain goes down the leg. 
Duloxetine has been approved for use in Australia to treat a number of conditions, including major depressive disorder (commonly known as depression), generalised anxiety disorder (excessive worry) and nerve pain caused by diabetes. Sciatica is also a kind of nerve pain and therefore it is thought duloxetine could help treat this condition. At present there is no conclusive evidence that it is effective for sciatica. 
If you are eligible and agree to participate, you will be randomly allocated to one of two groups where you will have a 50% chance of receiving duloxetine, or a 50% chance of receiving a placebo (no active treatment). You will not be able to choose your treatment group.
A study doctor will prescribe the medication. You will be asked to take it daily for 14 weeks and the study team will follow you up at various time points over a 12 month period.
You may be able to take part if you have moderate to severe sciatica which started more than 12 weeks ago. 
You can submit an expression of interest through the website;
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Or by submitting this online form:
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Ethics committee approval number:Â 2024/HE000160