Cymbalta Dosage (Duloxetine): 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg

Cymbalta (duloxetine) has a number of clinical applications and is used in varying doses to treat these conditions. In this article, we shall briefly review the doses of Cymbalta in clinical practice and the duration of treatment in each case.

Available doses

Cymbalta is available in 30 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg doses. Any combination of this may be used in the treatment of different clinical conditions.

Cymbalta for depression

The primary application of Cymbalta lies in the management of major depressive disorder. It is started off at 20 mg twice a day and if the patient tolerates this dose is increased to a total of 60 mg per day. This is further increase to 120 mg per day if required though the available evidence does not suggest any added benefit of higher dose. Once the patient has been established on treatment, a 60 mg per day dose is continued as long as is determined suitable by a psychiatrist.

Cymbalta for anxiety disorder

The starting dose for management of generalised anxiety disorder is 60 mg per day. Small doses may be used initially depending on the requirement of the patient and this is gradually increased according to the response. The same dose is utilised in maintenance therapy.

Cymbalta for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a painful muscular condition that can be treated with duloxetine. Cymbalta 30 mg per day is initially prescribed for a week, following which the dose is increased if the patients tolerate the medication. Higher doses are of no real benefit, and may be associated with side effects. Often, treatment is given for a period of 3 months, following which it may or may not be continued depending on how the patient responds.

Cymbalta for diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a painful clinical condition where the peripheral nerves of the body are affected by diabetes, resulting in tingling and burning in the hands and feet. Cymbalta 60 mg is the recommended dose to produce an optimal effect. Diabetic neuropathy is a difficult condition to treat and duloxetine is often given for a period of 12 weeks. Further courses of treatment are determined based on the individual patient’s needs, and assessments will need to be conducted by psychiatrists or medical professionals treating the patient.

Muscular pain

Treatment is prescribed at 60 mg per day. Low doses may be started first, and this is increased based on the response. Read more: Cymbalta for pain.

Cautions

Cymbalta need to be used with caution in patients who have liver and kidney disease. Care should be taken in pregnant women and should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks. Women who are nursing their babies must ideally avoid taking Cymbalta.

Cymbalta has a number of clinical applications, and cymbalta dosage varies in each clinical condition.