Apo-Duloxetine Dosage/Direction for Use

Follow carefully all directions given by the doctor. Their instructions may be different to the information in this monograph.
How much to take: The doctor will tell how much of this medicine should be taken. This will depend on the condition and whether the patient is taking any other medicines.
Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without first checking with the doctor.
For major depressive disorder, the recommended dose is usually one 60mg capsule once daily.
For generalised anxiety disorder, the recommended dose is 30mg to 120mg, taken once daily.
The patient may be started on a lower dose to help reduce side effects. If the patient has severe kidney disease, the recommended starting dose is one 30mg capsule once daily.
How to take it: Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.
Do not open the capsules and crush the pellets inside because the medicine may not work as well. Duloxetine may be taken with or without meals.
When to take it: Take this medicine at the same time each day. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect and will also help remember when to take it.
It does not matter if the patient has taken it before, with or after food.
How long to take it for: Continue taking the medicine for as long as the doctor tells to.
Make sure to have enough to last over weekends and holidays.
If the patient forgets to take it: If it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Otherwise the patient should take it as soon as remembered and then go back to taking the medicine as the patient would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for missed doses.
This may increase the chance of experiencing side effects.
If having trouble remembering to take the medicine, ask the pharmacist for some hints to help remember.