Cymbalta (duloxetine): quick, practical guide

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is an SNRI medicine doctors prescribe for major depression, generalized anxiety, diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It can help mood and certain types of pain at the same time, which is why some people stay on it long-term. Expect mood improvements over 2–6 weeks; pain relief sometimes shows up sooner.

How Cymbalta is used and dosed

Typical dosing starts at 30 mg once daily for a short period, then moves to 60 mg once daily for most conditions. For some pain conditions doctors may keep doses at 60 mg; higher doses rarely add benefit and raise side effect risk. Take it once a day, with food to reduce nausea. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose—don’t double up without checking with your clinician.

Tell your prescriber about liver or kidney problems, heavy alcohol use, or uncontrolled high blood pressure—these can change whether Cymbalta is safe or what dose you should take. Also mention other prescriptions, over‑the‑counter meds, and supplements; some combinations raise the risk of serious reactions.

Side effects, interactions, and stopping safely

Common side effects: nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, sweating, reduced libido or other sexual issues, and small weight changes. Most of these ease after a few weeks. Watch for yellowing skin, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained tiredness—these can be signs of liver trouble; stop and call your doctor right away.

Serious but less common risks include low sodium (especially in older adults), increased blood pressure, and serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs (other antidepressants, tramadol, triptans, linezolid, certain supplements). Don’t use Cymbalta with MAO inhibitors. Discuss the proper washout period with your prescriber before switching between these drugs.

Stopping suddenly can cause dizziness, electric shock sensations, insomnia, irritability, or flu‑like symptoms. If you want to stop, ask your doctor for a tapering plan—gradual dose reduction over weeks usually prevents or reduces withdrawal symptoms.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your clinician. There can be risks to the baby and newborn adjustment symptoms; the decision should weigh risks and benefits for you and the child.

Practical tips: take Cymbalta at the same time every day, use a pillbox if you forget doses, avoid heavy drinking, and report mood swings or suicidal thoughts immediately—especially when starting or changing dose. Keep routine checkups so your prescriber can monitor blood pressure, liver function, and how the drug is working for you.

If you want deeper reads, we have guides on related mental health meds and safe online ordering. Ask questions—knowing the basics makes treatment safer and more effective.