Duloxetine is a medication sold under the brand name Cymbalta that is indicated for the treatment of major depression, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic lower back pain or osteoarthritis.

This medication can be purchased with a prescription at a pharmacy, and is sold in the form of capsules containing 30 mg or 60 mg of duloxetine. Dosing and treatment duration will depend on the condition being treated and your doctor's medical recommendation.

What it's used for

Duloxetine is a medicine indicated for the treatment of:

Major depressive disorder
Diabetic neuropathy
Fibromyalgia in people with or without major depressive disorder
Chronic pain states associated with chronic low back pain or knee osteoarthritis;
Generalized anxiety disorder.

Duloxetine should always be taken as prescribed and its use should be monitored on an ongoing basis.

How to take

Duloxetine can be taken orally before or after a meal. It should be taken in the dose prescribed for the treatment duration indicated by your doctor.

The dose of duloxetine may vary depending on the type of condition being treated. Recommended dosing includes:

1. Major depressive disorder

The recommended starting dose is 60 mg of duloxetine once a day. In some cases, treatment may be started with a dose of 30 mg once a day for a week to allow the person to adapt to the medication before increasing it to 60 mg.

The dose of duloxetine can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 120 mg per day, divided into two doses of 60 mg.

Acute episodes of major depressive disorder require maintenance pharmacological therapy at a dose of 60 mg per day, generally taken for several months or longer.

2. Diabetic neuropathy

The recommended starting dose is 60 mg of duloxetine once a day. However, the initial dose may be lower, depending on the doctor's assessment and the patient's tolerance to treatment.

3. Fibromyalgia

The recommended starting dose is 60 mg of duloxetine, taken once a day. Again, the doctor may start with a dose of 30 mg, once a day for a week, so that the patient adapts to the medication.

4. Chronic pain associated with chronic lower back pain or knee osteoarthritis

The recommended initial dose is 60 mg of duloxetine, taken once a day. In some cases, the doctor may start dosing at 30 mg, taken once a day for a week, to allow for an adaptation phase.

The dose can be increased to a maximum of 120 mg per day, divided into two doses of 60 mg.

5. Generalized anxiety disorder

The recommended initial dose is 60 mg, once a day, although dosing can be started at 30 mg once a day for a week, so that the patient can adapt to the medication.

Depending on the response to treatment, the dose can be increased to 60 mg, and then increase by increments of 30 mg up to a maximum of 120 mg per day. These increases require careful monitoring and frequent follow-up to assess symptoms.

Generalized anxiety disorder requires months-long treatment, which can last for even longer. The medication should be administered at a dose of 60 to 120 mg, once a day.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of duloxetine are dizziness, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth or increased sweat production.

You are advised to stop taking duloxetine and seek urgent medical attention if you notice symptoms like difficulty breathing, feeling of a closed throat, a swollen mouth, tongue or face, hives, fever, burning eyes, pain, skin blistering or skin peeling.

You should also notify your doctor if you experience changes in your mood or behavior, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, impulsivity, irritation, agitation, aggression, depression or suicidal thoughts.

Does Duloxetine cause weight loss?

Duloxetine may lead to some weight loss, especially in short-term treatment, as it can cause a loss of appetite. However, some studies show that duloxetine taken for prolonged periods of time, can actually lead to increased weight^[1]. All in all, the effects of duloxetine on weight may vary from person to person.

Contraindications for use

Duloxetine should not be taken by children under 18 years of age, nor by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is contraindicated for people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications (MAOIs), such as moclobemide, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid or phenelzine. You should wait at least 14 days after ending MAOI treatment with before starting treatment with duloxetine.

This mecication should also not be used by people who have a known allergy to duloxetine or to any of the components in the medication formula.