Duloxetine

Indications & formulation #

Major depressive disorder in adults. This reference covers the selected formulation; other indications and products need their own evidence.

Dose reference #

Adult educational reference · Oral delayed-release capsule · United States. The clinician selects treatment after assessment; this page does not calculate or change a prescription.

Selected starting range is 40–60 mg/day; 30 mg/day for one week may improve tolerability before 60 mg/day. Doses above 60 mg/day showed no additional average MDD benefit.

Contraindications & important cautions #

Avoid MAOIs. Significant alcohol exposure or chronic liver disease increases concern for hepatic injury.

Selected important cautions; consult the full product information for all contraindications and warnings.

Adverse effects #

Nausea, sweating, blood-pressure effects and discontinuation symptoms; hepatic concerns require attention.

Interactions #

Review serotonergic drugs, CYP1A2/CYP2D6 interactions, alcohol exposure and hepatic/renal restrictions.

Monitoring #

Assess blood pressure, liver-related history, renal context, activation and the intended psychiatric or pain indication.

Special populations #

Avoid in chronic liver disease/cirrhosis and severe renal impairment (GFR below 30 mL/min). Older GAD patients have a different initiation schedule.

Adult scope. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and pediatric use require the exact product’s population-specific guidance and individual assessment.

Discontinuation, restarting & counseling #

Taper; monitor dizziness, sensory symptoms, anxiety and recurrence.

Brands & products #

Reference coverage #

Structured summary of selected adult uses, not an exhaustive monograph. Indian product authorization and local prescribing requirements have not been reconciled.