Duloxetine Capsules for Depression and Anxiety

Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and certain chronic pain disorders. It is dispensed as delayed-release capsules designed for steady absorption. Ships from Canada to US options are available for eligible prescriptions, including access to Duloxetine without insurance.

What Duloxetine Is and How It Works

Duloxetine belongs to the SNRI class, which increases serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. That balanced activity may support mood and reduce certain kinds of nerve-related pain. The brand Cymbalta® is the reference product; this page focuses on the approved generic.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Indications include major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Learn more about these conditions in our overviews of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The medicine also has labeled uses for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

As an SNRI, it should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within recommended washout windows due to serotonin syndrome risk. The capsule is designed to pass through the stomach intact; do not crush or open the pellets.

Who It’s For

This treatment is approved for adults with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also indicated for pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. See our condition pages on Fibromyalgia and Diabetic Neuropathy for context.

People with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, substantial alcohol use, or chronic liver disease should avoid this medicine. Do not combine with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. A boxed warning notes increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people; close monitoring is important when starting or changing the dose.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s plan and the approved labeling. For depression, many adults start at a low daily dose and may advance to Duloxetine 60 mg as tolerated. For generalized anxiety, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathic pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain, a low starting dose for one week may improve tolerability before moving to the usual maintenance range.

Swallow capsules whole with water. Take at the same time each day, with or without food. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, taking the dose with a small meal may help. Do not split or sprinkle capsule contents. If a dose change is needed, your healthcare professional will guide adjustments based on response and tolerability.

For additional reading on how prescribers approach titration and maintenance, explore Finding The Right Balance.

Strengths and Forms

Capsules are delayed-release and typically available in several strengths to support individualized regimens. Availability can vary by manufacturer and region.

• Duloxetine 30 mg delayed-release capsules
• Other capsule strengths may be supplied to match approved labeling and market availability

Formulations and packaging may differ slightly across manufacturers. Your dispensing pharmacy may provide a therapeutically equivalent version based on supply.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule. Do not double up. Consistent daily timing helps maintain steady levels and may reduce side effects.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules at room temperature in a dry place and keep the bottle tightly closed. Protect from moisture and keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry the medicine in original labeled packaging and pack enough for the entire trip with a small buffer. A simple medication list can help at security checkpoints. Pharmacies and couriers use temperature-controlled handling when required; capsules like these are generally room-temperature stable.

Benefits

By enhancing two key neurotransmitters, this therapy may improve mood, reduce anxiety symptoms, and help with certain pain states driven by nerve sensitization. Many patients find once-daily dosing convenient. Delayed-release capsules are designed to support gastrointestinal tolerability when used as directed.

For broader context on treatment choices, see our category page for Mental Health.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or sleepiness
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Sweating
• Headache or fatigue

Serious risks can include serotonin syndrome, severe allergic reactions, liver injury, increased blood pressure, mania in those with bipolar disorder, low sodium, and eye pain from angle-closure glaucoma. Bleeding risk may increase when combined with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants. If taking insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes, monitor for changes in glucose control. Seek medical attention urgently for signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, fever, muscle twitching, or confusion.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use with MAOIs or within specified washout periods. Combining with other serotonergic agents (such as triptans, SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, or St. John’s wort) raises serotonin syndrome risk. Alcohol increases the chance of liver problems and should be limited or avoided.

Duloxetine is metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 and can moderately inhibit CYP2D6. Fluvoxamine and other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors can increase exposure. It may raise concentrations of certain tricyclic antidepressants and other CYP2D6 substrates. Tobacco smoke can reduce levels through CYP1A2 induction. Always disclose all medicines, supplements, and substances to your clinician.

What to Expect Over Time

Improvements in mood or anxiety can emerge gradually with consistent use. Pain-related benefits may evolve with continued therapy. Early weeks often focus on tolerability, daily routine, and setting realistic goals. Keep appointments for check-ins about symptoms, side effects, and overall function. If the plan changes, your prescriber will outline next steps based on the label and clinical judgment.

For educational background on options, you can review Top 5 Medications For Depression and our primer on Anxiety And Depression And Medicines.

Compare With Alternatives

Within SNRIs and related agents, alternatives your prescriber may consider include venlafaxine extended-release and certain SSRIs. We offer options such as Effexor Xr and Sertraline 100 Tablets on separate pages. The best choice depends on diagnosis, prior response, coexisting conditions, and interaction profiles.

Pricing and Access

Pricing for generics can vary by manufacturer, fill size, and current supply. For this product, check the Duloxetine price on the product page to see current options. We reflect Canadian market rates and provide US delivery from Canada after prescription verification. If you are comparing cash-pay options, you can also view current site promotions on our Promotions page. Checkout is encrypted for privacy.

Country-of-origin details are shown on product pages when applicable; see the attribute for Canada when displayed.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary over time across manufacturers. If a specific capsule strength or pack size is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative or a different fill size that maintains the same daily amount. Therapeutic equivalence across approved generics supports continuity when substitutions are made by the dispensing pharmacy within regulations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathic pain, or chronic musculoskeletal pain who have no contraindications. Those with severe liver disease, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or recent MAOI use are not candidates.

To manage overall expense, consider larger fills when appropriate, which can lower per-capsule costs. Set refill reminders so therapy is not interrupted. If you prefer to Pay cash for Duloxetine instead of using insurance, compare total out-of-pocket amounts across available pack sizes. When traveling, keep doses in original containers and carry a copy of the prescription.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which indication are we targeting first, and how will we track progress?
• What starting dose and schedule do you recommend based on my history?
• Which side effects should prompt a call versus urgent care?
• How might current medicines or supplements interact with this therapy?
• What is the plan if symptoms persist after several weeks of consistent use?
• How often should blood pressure or labs be monitored?
• What steps can reduce nausea, dizziness, or dry mouth if they occur?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Duloxetine Capsules

US Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

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