Cymbalta Dosage

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) comes in capsule form and is taken to alleviate a number of conditions. The exact amount prescribed can depend on the patient’s overall health and whether he or she is taking other medications. Even so, the most important factor in determining the correct dosage is the precise condition it is being prescribed for.

Dosage Forms of Cymbalta for Various Conditions

Anxiety and Depression

Patients taking this medication for anxiety are normally prescribed one 30 mg tablet each day when they begin treatment. This amount is typically taken for a short period of time before increasing to a 60 mg tablet daily.

Those who are taking it for bouts of depression may begin by taking a 20 mg tablet twice a day and then gradually increase to a 30 mg tablet twice daily. After taking this medication for some time, doctors may suggest simply taking one 60 mg tablet each day rather than two 30 mg tablets.

Fibromyalgia and Musculoskeletal Pain

Patients with Fibromyalgia normally being taking one 30 mg tablet of Cymbalta each day. They may continue this dosage for approximately one week before increasing the amount to 60 mg.

Those who suffer from extreme musculoskeletal pain may also take one 30 mg tablet each day for one week in the beginning. After this time, a doctor may decide to increase the dosage or leave it at the lower amount. This decision is usually based on the severity of the pain and whether an individual is also taking other medications to help with this.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetics who suffer damage to the nervous system may be prescribed either 30 mg or 60 mg of Cymbalta daily. Doctors often decide to start patients on a lower Cymbalta dosage for the first week and then double that amount if necessary. Even so, some diabetics are also prone to kidney problems, and this can play a role in how much medication is prescribed. Patients who show signs of kidney disease normally remain on the 30 mg dosage rather than increasing to 60 mg.

When the right dosage is taken, Cymbalta can be an extremely effective medication. This means that following the advice of a physician to the letter is extremely important no matter what a patient is using this prescription drug for.