How is Duloxetine dosed?
The recommended dose of duloxetine for adults is typically 60 mg once daily.
What is the dosage form of Duloxetine?
Duloxetine is available in oral delayed-release capsules.
What medications are contraindication with Duloxetine?
Duloxetine may cause serious conditions if taken with certain medicines such as buspirone, fentanyl, lithium, tryptophan, St. John's wort, amphetamines, or some pain medicines (e.g., tramadol, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, or rizatriptan). It may also increase the risk for bleeding problems when taken with other medicines that thin the blood, such as aspirin, NSAID pain medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or warfarin.
How is Duloxetine administered?
Duloxetine should be swallowed whole with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsule. Do not open the Cymbalta delayed-release capsule and sprinkle the contents on food or in liquids. If you cannot swallow the Drizalma Sprinkle delayed-release capsule whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoon of applesauce. Alternatively, you may open the capsule and pour the contents into an all plastic catheter tip syringe, add 50 mL of water, gently shake for 10 seconds, and then use it through a nasogastric tube. Rinse with additional water if needed.
What are common precautions when taking Duloxetine?
When taking duloxetine, monitor for side effects such as nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, and sleep problems. Avoid taking duloxetine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 5 days of stopping an MAOI. Use caution when taking duloxetine with other medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, antianxiety medications, and pain relievers. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to duloxetine's effects and may be at a higher risk for side effects such as hyponatremia and falls. Duloxetine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other medications that thin the blood. Limited information is available on the safety of duloxetine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.