Duloxetine
Also known as: Cymbalta, Yentreve
What it's for
Duloxetine treats depression, anxiety, diabetic nerve pain, and stress incontinence. It increases serotonin and noradrenaline in your brain.
Comes as: Capsules
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 60mg once daily.
- May start at 30mg for the first week.
- Swallow whole - do not open, crush, or chew.
- Take with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Drowsiness or difficulty sleeping
- Constipation
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop suddenly - taper off gradually
- Avoid alcohol - increases risk of liver problems
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems
- May increase blood pressure
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have severe stomach pain or dark urine (liver problems)
- You have a seizure
- You have difficulty passing urine
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.