Cymbalta is a brand medication that contains Duloxetine, which belongs to a class of medications called Serotonin / Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It works by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that correlate with better mood and feelings of satisfaction and calmness. It is therefore used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain all over the body) and long-term muscle and bone pain.
Cymbalta is available as delayed-release capsules. Swallow the whole capsule. Do not open, chew, break, crush or dissolve the capsule.
For depression,
start with 30-60mg per day. The maintenance dose is 60 mg daily and the maximum daily dose for adults is 120 mg.
For generalized anxiety disorder,
start with 60 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase it up to 120 mg per day according to your response.
For neuropathic pain,
Take 60 mg once daily.
For chronic musculoskeletal pain,
Start with 30mg once daily for the first 1-2 weeks. The dose will then be increased to 60 mg once daily.
For Fibromyalgia,
Start with 30 mg once daily for 1 week, then increase to 60 mg once daily. The maximum daily dose is usually 60 mg.
Common side effects of Cymbalta include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, muscle weakness, weight loss, postural hypotension and sleep disturbance.
Common dosing schedule:
Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Cymbalta may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Cymbalta is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Cymbalta in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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