Duloxetine for osteoarthritis
The approach to managing osteoarthritis, and the role of duloxetine, is described in Components of management for osteoarthritis.
Duloxetine has been shown to reduce pain and improve physical function in some patients with chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Duloxetine may be considered for patients with osteoarthritis who have widespread pain or depression, and persisting functional impairment and pain despite implementing the strategies in Essential features of osteoarthritis management. If a trial of duloxetine is considered appropriate, use:
duloxetine 30 mg orally, daily for 1 week, then increase to 60 mg daily. Maximum daily dose is 120 mg. duloxetine duloxetine duloxetine
If central sensitisation is suspected, see Management for fibromyalgia for further management strategies.