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Duloxetine delayed-release (brand names Cymbalta® and Drizalma Sprinkle®, and generic): Basic Information

Duloxetine delayed-release (US brand names Cymbalta® and Drizalma Sprinkle®, and generic) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Here is basic information about this medication.


FDA-approved indications

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (DPNP)
Fibromyalgia (FM)
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain


Dosage

Major Depressive Disorder

Starting dose: 40–60 mg/day

Target Dose:  a) Acute: 40 mg/day (20 mg twice daily) to 60 mg/day
(once or 30 mg twice daily b) Maintenance: 60 mg/day

Maximum Dose: 120 mg/day

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Adults

Starting dose: 60 mg/day
Target Dose: 60 mg/day once daily
Maximum Dose: 120 mg/day

Elderly

Starting dose: 30 mg/day
Target Dose: 60 mg/day once daily
Maximum Dose: 120 mg/day

Children (7-17 yrs)

Starting dose: 30 mg/day
Target Dose: 30–60 mg/day once daily
Maximum Dose: 120 mg/day

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Starting dose: 60 mg/day
Target Dose: 60 mg/day once daily
Maximum Dose: 60 mg/day

Fibromyalgia

Starting dose: 30 mg/day
Target Dose: 60 mg/day once daily
Maximum Dose: 60 mg/day

Chronic musculoskeletal pain

Starting dose: 30 mg/day
Target Dose: 60 mg/day once daily
Maximum Dose: 60 mg/day


Dosage forms and strengths (USA)

Delayed-release capsules: 20mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg


Use in special populations

Renal impairment: OK in mild/moderate renal impairment. Avoid in severe renal impairment (Lobo et al., 2010; Prescribing Information).


Important! Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.


Related Pages

Hepatic function tests in persons on duloxetine (Cymbalta®)? 

Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal): Duloxetine?

Switching antidepressants: Lessons from a difficult case

Antidepressants to use and to avoid in patients with liver disease

SSRI/ SNRI plus mirtazapine: What three clinical trials found

Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal)


References

Prescribing information for Cymbalta®

Prescribing information for Drizalma Sprinkle®

Lobo ED, Heathman M, Kuan HY, Reddy S, O’Brien L, Gonzales C, Skinner M, Knadler MP. Effects of varying degrees of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of duloxetine: analysis of a single-dose phase I study and pooled steady-state data from phase II/III trials. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2010 May;49(5):311-21. PubMed PMID: 20384393.


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Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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Comments

  1. Chris Lucas says

    February 5, 2022 at 9:52 am

    I have a colleague who uses duloxetine for dissociative symptoms. Is there any evidence to support this?

    Reply

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