Duloxetine 30 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Depression (major depressive disorder); Generalised anxiety disorder.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.81 to ₹29.81 per capsule across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / capsule | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duloxetine Gastro Resistant Tablets IP 30mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹28.13 | ₹2.81 | 19 October 2026 |
| Duxead 30 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹155.39 | ₹15.54 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sympta 30 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹197.44 | ₹19.74 | 19 October 2026 |
| Delok 30 | Abbott | 10 | ₹199.12 | ₹19.91 | 19 October 2026 |
| Duvanta 30 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹205.70 | ₹20.57 | 19 October 2026 |
| Duzela 30 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹211.00 | ₹21.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dulane 30 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹211.00 | ₹21.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Symbal 30 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹241.07 | ₹24.11 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dulot 30 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹298.15 | ₹29.81 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Depression (major depressive disorder).
- Generalised anxiety disorder.
- Nerve pain – diabetic neuropathy, and chronic musculoskeletal pain such as fibromyalgia and low back pain.
- Stress urinary incontinence in women, in some cases.
How to take it
Take one 30 mg capsule once a day at the same time, with or without food, exactly as your doctor prescribes. Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not open, crush or chew it because the coating protects the medicine from stomach acid. Doctors usually start at 30 mg for a week or two and may increase to 60 mg. It can take 2 to 4 weeks to feel the full benefit for mood and several weeks for nerve pain, so keep taking it even if you do not feel better straight away. Never stop suddenly – your doctor will reduce the dose slowly over weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, nausea and irritability.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhoea.
- Headache, dizziness or drowsiness.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Reduced sex drive or sexual problems.
- Loss of appetite and some weight loss.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- New or worsening low mood or thoughts of self-harm, especially in the first weeks or after a dose change – contact a doctor at once.
- Serotonin syndrome – high fever, agitation, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, especially with other antidepressants or tramadol.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, black stools or blood in vomit.
- Mania (unusually high energy, little sleep), a seizure, or a severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It increases drowsiness and dizziness, worsens depression and raises the risk of liver damage with duloxetine.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Duloxetine is used in pregnancy only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, at the lowest effective dose.
Kidney problems
Not recommended in severe kidney disease. Tell your doctor about any kidney problem so the dose can be reviewed.
Liver problems
Avoid in liver disease; duloxetine can rarely cause liver injury. Report dark urine, yellow eyes or stomach pain.
Children
Not routinely used under 18 years; only a psychiatrist should decide.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon – then skip the missed one. Do not take two capsules together.
Interactions
- Other antidepressants, tramadol, linezolid and MAO inhibitors – risk of serotonin syndrome; never combine without a doctor.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel) and painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac – higher bleeding risk.
- Ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine – can raise duloxetine levels.
- Sleeping tablets, alprazolam and alcohol – more drowsiness.
- St John's wort – avoid.
Frequently asked questions
What is Duzela 30 used for?
Duzela 30 contains duloxetine 30 mg, an SNRI antidepressant. It is prescribed for depression, anxiety, diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia and chronic back or knee pain.
Duzela 20 vs Duzela 30 vs Duzela 60 – which one?
They are the same medicine in different strengths. Doctors usually start at 20 or 30 mg to reduce nausea and then move to 60 mg, which is the usual maintenance dose for depression and nerve pain. Never change strength on your own.
Can I take Duvanta 30 with alcohol?
No. Alcohol adds to drowsiness and dizziness and raises the risk of liver damage with duloxetine. It also makes depression worse.
How long does duloxetine take to work?
Sleep and appetite may improve within 1 to 2 weeks, but mood usually takes 2 to 4 weeks and nerve pain relief can take longer. Give it at least 4 to 6 weeks before judging.
Does Duzela cause weight gain?
Duloxetine more often causes loss of appetite and slight weight loss in the first weeks. Significant weight gain is uncommon.
Can I stop Duzela 30 suddenly?
No. Stopping abruptly causes withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, electric-shock sensations and irritability. Your doctor will taper the dose over several weeks.
Is Duzela 30 a sleeping pill?
No. It can cause drowsiness in some people and insomnia in others, but it is not a sedative. Take it in the morning if it disturbs your sleep, or at night if it makes you sleepy, as your doctor advises.
Is duloxetine safe in pregnancy?
It is used only when clearly needed. Do not stop it on your own if you find out you are pregnant – speak to your doctor, who will weigh the risks and benefits.
Can I take Duzela with tramadol or Ultracet for pain?
Only if a doctor has prescribed both. Tramadol with duloxetine raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and seizures.
Is Duzela 30 available without a prescription?
No. Duloxetine is a Schedule H prescription medicine in India and needs a doctor's monitoring, especially in the first weeks.
Sources
- NHS – Duloxetine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms