Cymbalta dosage for managing nerve pain, anxiety, and related conditions.

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Duloxetine, sold under the brand name Cymbalta, is a medication often prescribed for several conditions. It's typically supplied as an oral capsule that's consumed once or twice daily, and the dosage can vary depending on the condition.

Cymbalta has received approval from health authorities to treat various conditions in adults, including:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Persistent pain in the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves, often referred to as chronic musculoskeletal pain
  • Pain resulting from diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage

In children, it's used to treat generalized anxiety disorder in children aged 7 years and above and fibromyalgia in children aged 13 years and above.

Cymbalta falls under the category of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, a type of antidepressant. It's also available under a generic name, duloxetine.

For more specific information about Cymbalta dosage, including strengths and consumption instructions, take a closer look here.

Note that while this article provides typical dosages recommended by the manufacturer, it's important to follow your doctor's dosage recommendations instead.

Cymbalta dosage details

Here's a breakdown of common Cymbalta dosages for the conditions it's prescribed for:

Type of Cymbalta dosage

Cymbalta is available as oral capsules.

Cymbalta strengths

Cymbalta capsules are available in 3 strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg.

Typical dosages

Your doctor usually begins with a low dosage and gradually increases it as needed. The target dosage is the smallest amount that provides the desired effect.

Depending on the condition, here are some common dosages:

Dosage for chronic musculoskeletal pain

Long-term pain in muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves, such as back pain and arthritis pain, is known as chronic musculoskeletal pain.

The recommended dosage for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults is 60 mg once daily.

During the initial week, the starting dosage is usually 30 mg once daily if the condition responds well to the medication. Your doctor may then increase it to 60 mg once daily.

The maximum recommended dosage for this condition is 60 mg daily.

Dosage for fibromyalgia

Cymbalta is approved to treat fibromyalgia in adults with the same dosage as for chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Dosage for diabetic nerve pain

In adults, the recommended dosage for diabetic neuropathy is 60 mg once daily. Higher doses are not recommended for this condition.

Dosage for anxiety

The recommended dosage for generalized anxiety disorder varies depending on age:

For adults under age 65, the recommended dosage is 60 mg daily. Some patients may start with a lower dosage of 30 mg daily for the first week before increasing to 60 mg daily.

For adults aged 65 and above, the religious dosage is 30 mg daily for 2 weeks. If side effects are not bothersome, the dosage may eventually increase to 60 mg daily.

In adults of any age, the maximum daily Cymbalta dosage for anxiety is 120 mg. However, in clinical studies, doses higher than 60 mg were not found to be more effective than 60 mg doses.

For children, refer to the "Dosage for children" section below.

Dosage for depression

The recommended starting dosage for depression is 40 mg to 60 mg daily. For the 40-mg dosage, you would take 20 mg twice daily, while for the 60-mg dosage, you would take 30 mg twice daily or 60 mg once daily.

Most patients can start with this dosage, but in some cases, your doctor may begin with a 30-mg daily dosage for the first week before increasing it.

If necessary, your doctor may increase the daily dosage to a maximum of 120 mg to treat depression. In clinical studies, doses higher than 60 mg were not found to be more effective than 60-mg doses.

Dosage for older adults

In most cases, the dosage prescribed for older adults is the same as for adults under age 65.

However, for generalized anxiety disorder, adults aged 65 and above should start treatment with a lower dosage than younger adults.

Dosage for children

Cymbalta is approved to treat fibromyalgia and generalized anxiety disorder in children. The recommended pediatric doses for these conditions are typically lower than the adult doses.

For individuals aged 13 and above with fibromyalgia, the initial dosage of the drug is 30 mg daily. If they don't experience adverse effects, their doctor may elevate the dosage to 60 mg daily as required.

For children aged 7 and above suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, the recommended starting dosage is 30 mg daily for a fortnight. If they don't experience bothersome side effects, their doctor may escalate the dosage to 60 mg daily if necessary. It's worth noting that the appropriate Cymbalta dosage range for children is between 30 mg and 60 mg daily.

Long-term usage

Cymbalta is primarily intended for long-term treatment. Whether you and your doctor decide that Cymbalta is suitable and effective for you, you're expected to continue using it for an extended period.

The length of Cymbalta usage is contingent upon the condition it's treating and how successfully that condition responds to the medication.

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding Cymbalta's dosage.

Is Cymbalta prescribed in 90-mg and 120-mg doses?

Cymbalta can be prescribed in 90-mg and 120-mg dosages. These dosages may be used to treat depression or anxiety. However, they're not commonly used because clinical studies haven't shown them to be more effective than the 60-mg dose.

Cymbalta isn't prescribed in 90-mg or 120-mg doses for any other conditions.

For more information about the appropriate Cymbalta dosage for you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

When would my doctor recommend the maximum dosage of Cymbalta?

Your doctor may increase your Cymbalta dosage to 120 mg daily for depression or anxiety if lower dosages don't work for you. If the maximum dosage doesn't work for you, your doctor will likely switch you to a different treatment.

The highest dosage of Cymbalta for depression or anxiety is 120 mg daily. However, this dosage isn't typically prescribed.

For treating fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and diabetic nerve pain, dosages above 60 mg daily are not recommended. In clinical studies, the 60-mg doses didn't show any additional benefit for these conditions. Higher doses of Cymbalta are also associated with more side effects.

If you have questions about the maximum dosage of Cymbalta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What’s considered a low dose of Cymbalta?

A low dose of Cymbalta is 30 mg. A dosage of 30 mg daily is often prescribed when starting treatment with Cymbalta. Taking a low starting dose can help your body adapt to the medication and may help you avoid side effects.

A 30-mg dose is typically prescribed for children. If necessary, your child's doctor may increase their dose.

A low dose may also be used if you take other medications. If you take other medications, talk with your doctor before starting treatment with Cymbalta.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then, continue with your usual dosing schedule. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.

You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. This may increase your risk of side effects.

To help ensure that you don't miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Factors that can affect your dosage

The dosage of Cymbalta that your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the condition you're taking Cymbalta to treat and its severity
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medications you take
  • your age

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may adjust your treatment by increasing or decreasing your Cymbalta dosage depending on:

  • how your condition responds to Cymbalta
  • side effects you may have with Cymbalta

You should not adjust your dosage of Cymbalta on your own. Your doctor will help determine what dosage is right for you.

How to take Cymbalta

You should take Cymbalta as instructed by your doctor. Cymbalta comes as an oral capsule. You may take your dose with or without food.

If you take Cymbalta once per day, you can take it at any time. However, try to take it around the same time every day.

If you take Cymbalta twice per day, you should take it in the morning and evening. However, try to take your doses around the same time every day.

Cymbalta and misuse

Cymbalta has the potential to be misused. Misuse refers to using a drug differently than how it was prescribed. This can include taking Cymbalta more often, in a different way, or in a higher dosage than prescribed.

Cymbalta has a potential risk of misuse because it affects brain chemicals that influence mood, behavior, and feelings of reward. Although misuse of Cymbalta is rare, it can occur.

Misusing a drug can cause side effects and lead to overdose. It can also lead to drug dependence and addiction. With drug dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug to function like usual. As a result, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.)

Struggling with drug dependency, you find it difficult to quit misusing a substance, despite the harm it's causing.

Cymbalta isn't typically addictive. However, it can lead to dependence, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop using it. Therefore, it's important to reduce your Cymbalta dosage gradually when stopping its use. For further details, check out the "Cymbalta and withdrawal and dependence" section below.

If you have concerns about using Cymbalta safely, consult your doctor. They can help you manage the risk of misusing the drug.

Cymbalta Overdose

Taking more Cymbalta than prescribed by your doctor can result in serious side effects.

So, be sure to adhere to your doctor's guidance when taking Cymbalta.

Symptoms of an Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose on Cymbalta can include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Sweating
  • Flushed skin
  • Body tremors
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real)
  • Seizures
  • Coma

If you suspect you've taken too much Cymbalta, contact your doctor right away. Alternatively, reach out to America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. For severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest**emergency room.

Cymbalta and Withdrawal and Dependence

Cymbalta can lead to physical dependence. With physical dependence, your body becomes reliant on a substance to function normally. Consequently, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it.

Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when your body becomes dependent on a drug and then suddenly stops receiving it. Examples of Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Pins and needles or electric shock-like sensations
  • Headache
  • Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears)
  • Feeling uneasy, irritable, or agitated
  • Mood shifts
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion

To help prevent withdrawal symptoms, do not stop taking Cymbalta suddenly. If you and your doctor agree that you should stop treatment, your doctor will explain how to reduce your dosage gradually over time. This is known as a drug taper. It allows your body to gradually adjust to not having the medication. The length of time this can take varies from person to person.

Key Takeaways and Helpful Resources

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Cymbalta for you, they'll prescribe the dosage that's right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your Cymbalta dosage without your doctor's recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Cymbalta that's right for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Cymbalta. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

  • More about Cymbalta. For information about other aspects of Cymbalta, refer to this article.
  • Side effects. To learn about the side effects of Cymbalta, see this article. You can also look at the Cymbalta prescribing information.
  • Drug comparison. To find out how Cymbalta compares with other drugs, refer to these sections on Lexapro and Effexor XR.
  • Interactions. For more information about Cymbalta's interactions, see this article.
  • Details on your condition. For details on your condition, see our:
    • list of fibromyalgia articles and this article on Cymbalta for fibromyalgia
    • diabetes hub
    • mental health hub
    • lists of depression articles and anxiety articles

Disclaimer:Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure 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.

  1. Some individuals with depression may require a daily dosage of up to 120 mg of Cymbalta, while higher doses are not typically prescribed for fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, or diabetic nerve pain.
  2. Duloxetine, sold under the brand name Cymbalta, is also an option for managing anxiety in children aged 7 and above, with a recommended starting dosage of 30 mg daily for two weeks, which can be gradually increased.
  3. People with diabetes should be cautious when taking Cymbalta, as the medication can potentially contribute to increased blood sugar levels in some individuals, especially in combination with other drugs used to treat diabetes.
  4. Cymbalta may interact with various medications and should not be taken without consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist, as drug interactions can lead to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medications. For individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, it's particularly important to consult their doctor before starting any new medication.

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