In people with depression and anxiety, Duloxetine mostly starts working within two weeks of treatment. However, you may take 2-4 weeks to feel better. Consult your doctor if you do not see any improvement after this time. In people with diabetic neuropathic pain, you may take a few weeks to feel better. Consult your doctor if you do not feel better after 2 months.

No, you should not stop Duloxetine suddenly and without consulting your doctor. In cases of depression and anxiety, if you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may reduce your doses gradually. In case of pain and incontinence, if you are feeling better, continue taking it for long term. Your doctor will keep monitoring your response to the medicine every few months.

No, Duloxetine is not habit-forming (addictive). This means that it does not make you physically or psychologically dependent on it.

If you stop Duloxetine suddenly, you may feel dizzy, tired, agitated or restless, anxious and irritated. You may also experience sleep disturbances (vivid dreams, nightmares, inability to sleep), nausea, vomiting, shaking, muscle pain, diarrhea, a piercing sensation (pins and needles) especially in the head and excessive sweating or vertigo. Always consult your doctor before you stop taking Duloxetine. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.

You should be cautious if you are taking both Duloxetine and warfarin since there is a risk of bleeding or you may experience petechiae or purpura.

Duloxetine is safe to use for a long duration, provided you follow your doctor’s advice regarding the treatment.

Duloxetine may cause an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood pressure is required, especially during the first month of use. If your blood pressure increase is constant, consult your doctor. It may indicate that your Duloxetine dose either needs to be reduced or discontinued gradually.