This article describes duloxetine oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for duloxetine.
If you want to know more about duloxetine oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Duloxetine oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Cymbalta.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Duloxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of duloxetine
Duloxetine oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: oral delayed-release* capsule that you swallow
- Strengths:
- 20 milligrams (mg)
- 30 mg
- 60 mg
* “Delayed release” means the drug releases into your body slowly over time.
Dosage of duloxetine
This article describes the recommended dosages for duloxetine oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of duloxetine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of duloxetine in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of duloxetine oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of duloxetine oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for fibromyalgia, anxiety, and other conditions
In adults, duloxetine is approved to treat:
- pain related to fibromyalgia
- generalized anxiety disorder
- major depressive disorder
- nerve pain related to diabetes
- musculoskeletal pain that lasts a long time
The table below provides duloxetine’s recommended dosages for these uses in milligrams (mg). A maintenance dosage is what you’ll take throughout treatment, usually after a starting dosage.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| pain related to fibromyalgia | 30 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day | 120 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses |
| generalized anxiety disorder | 60 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day | 120 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses |
| major depressive disorder | 30–60 mg per day | 60 mg per day | 120 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses |
| nerve pain related to diabetes | 60 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day |
| musculoskeletal pain that lasts a long time | 30 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day |
Your doctor will tell you how many doses you should take per day. Be sure to follow what they prescribe.
Dosages of duloxetine in children
Duloxetine is approved for the following uses in children:
- generalized anxiety disorder in children ages 7 years and older
- pain related to fibromyalgia in children ages 13 years and older
The table below provides duloxetine’s recommended dosages for these uses in mg. A maintenance dosage is what your child will take throughout treatment, usually after a starting dosage.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| pain related to fibromyalgia | 30 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day | 120 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses |
| generalized anxiety disorder | 30 mg once per day | 30–60 mg once per day | 120 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses |
Your child’s doctor will tell you how many doses your child should take per day. Be sure to follow what they prescribe.
Dosage adjustments for duloxetine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of duloxetine oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Your doctor may not prescribe duloxetine in some situations. These include if you have chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or severe kidney problems.
Missed dose of duloxetine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of duloxetine oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of duloxetine oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about duloxetine oral capsule and its dosage.
What is the lowest recommended dosage of duloxetine?
The dosage of duloxetine depends on the condition it’s being taken to treat.
The lowest recommended dosage for any approved use is 30 mg once per day. This duloxetine dosage is for treating pain related to fibromyalgia or musculoskeletal pain that lasts a long time.
To learn more about recommended dosages of duloxetine, see the “Dosage of duloxetine” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist about duloxetine’s recommended dosages.
Is duloxetine taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe duloxetine oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take duloxetine oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How duloxetine is taken
You’ll swallow duloxetine oral capsule with or without food. You’ll take it once or twice per day as your doctor prescribes.
Duloxetine oral capsules are a delayed-release form, which releases the drug into your body slowly over time. Because of this, you should not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Doing so would affect how the drug works in your body. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Duloxetine coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for duloxetine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of duloxetine
It’s important that you do not take more duloxetine oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
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Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- vomiting
- changes in blood pressure
- fast heart rate
- sleepiness
- fainting
- seizures
In extreme cases or if left untreated, overdose can lead to coma.
What to do if you take too much duloxetine
If you think you’ve taken too much duloxetine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for duloxetine oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of duloxetine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take duloxetine oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How will we monitor whether my duloxetine oral capsule dosage is working to treat my condition?
- If I have side effects from duloxetine oral capsule, can I be prescribed a lower dosage?
- I have depression and anxiety. Is there a duloxetine oral capsule dosage that treats both conditions?
- Does my dosage of duloxetine oral capsule affect its cost?
Boxed warning for duloxetine
Duloxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Antidepressants, including duloxetine, may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some people. These include children and young adults ages 24 years and younger.
Duloxetine is not approved to treat depression in children. But it’s prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder and pain related to fibromyalgia in certain children. Doctors should monitor for symptoms of suicidal thoughts or behaviors whenever duloxetine is used in children. Doctors should also monitor for these symptoms in young adults ages 24 years and younger.
The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is highest at certain times during treatment with duloxetine. This is during the first few months of treatment and whenever duloxetine’s dosage is changed. As you continue treatment with duloxetine over time, this risk may decrease.
It’s important to note that depression and other mental health conditions are more likely to cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors than antidepressant drugs. These include duloxetine. It’s also important to note that studies showed duloxetine and other antidepressants lowered the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults ages 25 years and older.
While taking duloxetine, watch for any changes in your behaviors, thoughts, or moods. If you’re comfortable doing so, let a close family member or friend know you’re taking duloxetine. They can help monitor for any of these changes in you as well.
During duloxetine treatment, call your doctor or get emergency medical help immediately if you have symptoms such as:
- thoughts about dying or suicide
- new or worsening depression or anxiety
- significant agitation, irritation, or restlessness
- other unusual changes to your behavior or mood
If you have thoughts of suicide during duloxetine treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to get support.
To learn more about this boxed warning, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.