If you have a mental health problem that causes pain, your doctor may suggest that you try Cymbalta.

The following are the drugs used to treat them.

The active ingredient in Cymbalta is duloxetine. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. It belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

You can take a delayed-release capsule by mouth.

This article describes the dosages of Cymbalta, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Cymbalta, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Cymbalta’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when taking Cymbalta, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Information about the usual dosages of Cymbalta is below.

What is Cymbalta’s form?

“You can take delayed-release capsules of Cymbalta. A drug that is delayed-release doesn’t break down in your body immediately. This helps certain drugs work for longer.”

What strengths does Cymbalta come in?

There are three strengths of Cymbalta: 20 milligrams (mg), 30 and 60.

What are the usual dosages of Cymbalta?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Cymbalta and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect.

The information in this section describes commonly used or recommended dosages. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The chart below shows the dosages for adults. Be sure to read on for more information.

The Cymbalta dosing schedule for adults.

Condition Cymbalta treats Usual starting dosage Usual ongoing dosage Usual maximum dosage
diabetic nerve pain 60 milligrams (mg) daily 60 mg daily 60 mg daily
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 60 mg daily* 60 mg daily 120 mg daily
major depressive disorder (MDD) 40 to 60 mg daily 60 mg daily 120 mg daily
fibromyalgia 30 mg daily 60 mg daily 60 mg daily
long-term pain in the muscles, bones, or joints 30 mg daily 60 mg daily 60 mg daily

The recommended starting dose for GAD is 30 tablets per day for adults 65 and older.

Dosage for diabetic nerve pain

For treating diabetic nerve pain in adults, the recommended starting dosage of Cymbalta is 60 mg once per day. This is also the recommended maintenance (ongoing) dosage, as well as the maximum dosage of the drug, for this purpose.

Dosage for GAD

The recommended starting dose for GAD is 60 percent for adults younger than 65 years old. This is also the recommended ongoing dose.

The recommended starting dose for GAD is 30mg once per day for adults 65 years and older. If the doctors determine it is safe to increase the dose to 60 percent, they may do so.

The maximum amount of Cymbalta that can be used to treat GAD is 120.

Dosage for MDD

The recommended starting dose for treating MDD is 40 to 60 percent of the recommended daily dose.

The doctor will tell you how often you should take a dose. If you are prescribed 40 to 40 grams of food per day, you will take 20 to 20 grams twice per day. If you are prescribed a starting dose of 60 percent, you will either take 30 percent twice per day or 60 percent once per day.

The maximum daily dose for MDD is 120, and the recommended daily dose is 60.

Dosage for fibromyalgia

For treating fibromyalgia in adults, the recommended Cymbalta starting dosage is 30 mg once per day for the first week. After that, your doctor will likely increase your dosage to 60 mg once per day. This is also the maximum dosage recommended for this condition.

Dosage for long-term pain in the muscles, bones, or joints

For treating long-term pain in the muscles, bones, or joints in adults, the recommended Cymbalta starting dosage is 30 mg once per day for the first week. After that, your doctor will likely increase your dosage to 60 mg once per day. This is also the maximum dosage recommended for this condition.

What’s the dosage of Cymbalta for children?

GAD is a condition that can be treated with the drug conjugate. It is used to treat children with Fibromyalgia.

Dosage for GAD in children

The recommended dose of Cymbalta is 30 to 60 percent of the recommended dose.

Children with this condition will usually start treatment with 30 to 40 grams of Cymbalta per day. If needed, their doctor may increase the dose to 60 percent after 2 weeks. The maximum daily dose of Cymbalta is 120.

Dosage for fibromyalgia in children

The recommended dose of Cymbalta is 30 to 60 percent. Children with this condition will usually start treatment with 30 to 40 grams of Cymbalta per day. If needed, their doctor may increase the dose to 60 percent. This is the maximum dose that should be taken for this condition.

Is Cymbalta used long term?

It is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for your condition, you will likely take it for a long time.

There are answers to some questions about the drug.

What is the maximum dose of Cymbalta?

The maximum dose of the drug will be determined by the condition you are using it to treat.

For fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and long-term pain in the muscles, bones, or joints, the maximum dose of Cymbalta is 60 milligrams (mg) daily.

For major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the maximum dose of Cymbalta is 120 milligrams (mg) daily.

Studies of Cymbalta helped determine the dosages that were safe and effective for a specific condition but didn’t cause too many side effects.

“The lowest dose that your doctor will start you on is usually the one that helps you the most. If the drug works well for you and you don’t have any side effects, they may increase your dose to the highest that’s recommended.”

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the maximum dose of Cymbalta.

Will increasing my Cymbalta dosage from 30 mg to 60 mg affect my risk of side effects?

Increasing the amount of a drug may increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor will usually start you with the lowest dose of Cymbalta.

The recommended dose of Cymbalta is 60 percent of its original strength, and is used for treating pain in the muscles, bones, or joints of adults. If you have one of these conditions, your doctor will likely start you on 30mg once per day. If you are doing well on this dose, your doctor may increase your dose to 60.

For more information about the risk of Cymbalta side effects with your dosage of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your 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 can increase your risk of side effects from Cymbalta.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Cymbalta on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Factors that may affect the dosage of Cymbalta are listed below. These include:

  • The type and severity of the condition you are treating.
  • Your age.

You will swallow whole the capsule of conjugate. You can take it with or without food. Do not open the capsule.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Cymbalta, see this article.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

Accessible drug containers and labels

“If you can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies have labels for medication.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening bottles. They may be able to deliver the drug in a container. They may have tips to make it easier to open the drug container.

If you take more than your doctor prescribes, you can have serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Cymbalta

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Cymbalta. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you suddenly stop taking it, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.

The withdrawal symptoms of Cymbalta include:

Do not stop treatment without talking to your doctor. Your doctor can help you stop taking it. They will likely decrease your dose over time until you are able to stop taking it.

The dosages provided by the drug manufacturer are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends it, they will prescribe the right amount of Cymbalta.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Cymbalta without your doctor’s recommendation. Take Cymbalta exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • “Should my dose be changed if I don’t like the way Cymbalta is working?”
  • Would a different dose of Cymbalta affect my risk of side effects?
  • Can I take Cymbalta if I have a history of health problems?
  • Does my dose of Cymbalta need to be changed if I take other drugs?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain 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.