Duloxetine Usage and Dosage Instructions

Cymbalta must be taken exactly as directed by the healthcare provider to have the best effect of the medication. Following instructions must be kept in mind while consuming Cymbalta.

• The prescribed dosage of the drug should never be increased or decreased without prior consulting with the doctor.
• Sudden stopping of the medication can result in unpleasant side effects.
• Patients should not open, break or crush the tablet. They are advised to swallow whole tablet with a glass full of water.
• This drug should be initiated with a low dose that should be gradually increased over the period of time.

Cymbalta Dosage

Cymbalta dosages are determined depending upon the factors like medical condition for which the patients are being treated, other medical conditions of the patients and the intake of any other medications taken by the patients.

Depression - The recommended Cymbalta dose for depression is either 20 mg twice in a day or 30 mg twice in day. Patients are advised to avoid dosage above 60 mg per day.

Neuropathic Pain – Patients suffering from peripheral diabetic neuropathy pain are recommended with the dosage of 60 mg once in a day. Individuals having kidney problems are advised to start with a lower dose.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder & Fibromyalgia – GAD and Fibromyalgia patients are advised to start with the dose of 30 mg once in a day, which after one week time is increased to 60 mg in a day.

Musculoskeletal Pain – The starting dose for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain like arthritis or back pain is 60 mg once in a day. However, the patients are advised to start with 30 mg in a day in order to get accustomed to the drug.

Missed and Overdose of Duloxetine

In case if anyone has missed a dose of Duloxetine, then the person should immediately take the drug upon remembering it. If it is almost the time for next dose, then patients should skip the missed dose and resume with the regular dosing schedule. Double dose of the drug should be strictly avoided.

The effect of the overdose varies depending upon the amount of Cymbalta consumed and whether it was taken with any other medications or not. Overdose symptoms that can be experienced by the victims are vomiting, drowsiness and seizures. The overdosed individual should be immediately provided with emergency medical help. Immediate treatment options for overdosed victims include pumping the stomach or administering fluids through an intravenous line.

Cymbalta Storage

Cymbalta must be ideally stored between the temperatures 25°C to 30°C. The drug should be kept away from direct sunlight and must be protected from moisture. Duloxetine must also be kept away from children and pets. All expired and unused drugs should be safely disposed.