Duloxetine is indicated for women for the treatment of moderate to severe Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).
For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:
For: Adults (18-64) Elders (65+)
Regimen A: Oral, 40 milligrams, 2 times daily.
Regimen B: Oral, 20 milligrams, 2 times daily, over the duration of 2 weeks. Afterwards, oral, 40 milligrams, 2 times daily.
The recommended dose of duloxetine is 40 mg twice daily without regard to meals. After 2-4 weeks of treatment, patients should be re-assessed in order to evaluate the benefit and tolerability of the therapy. Some patients may benefit from starting treatment at a dose of 20 mg twice daily for two weeks before increasing to the recommended dose of 40 mg twice daily. Dose escalation may decrease, though not eliminate, the risk of nausea and dizziness.
Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided. When stopping treatment with duloxetine the dose should be gradually reduced over a period of at least one to two weeks in order to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose, but at a more gradual rate.