How long does it take for Cymbalta to work for neuropathic pain?

Question:
My question is how long will 'Cymbalta'60 mg, for neuro pain take to work? I asked my doctor and he told me for pain it takes longer. I have been taking them now 18 days and getting desperate to know if I am wasting my time. My doctor is away and my neurologist and I feel helpless.....pain is not getting any less. My mood is changing not for the better, but not sure if its this medication or just me feeling down from the pain, my husband has his operation next week and my boys have exams...meaning at home all the time. I lost hope.......Thank you in advance. I appreciate this web site very much. I feel I have someone I can ask.

Answer:
Tim Vollmer in Denver published a placebo controlled study on the use of Cymbalta (duloxetine) for MS related Neuropathic pain in 2014. Those patients who responded began to see benefits at 1 week and definitely noticed benefits by 2 weeks. The numbers need to treat to achieve a 30 % reduction in pain (what is considered meaningful) was 8. This means that 8 people must be treated with this drug to achieve a 30 % reduction in pain for 1 person.

I usually add pregabalin (Lyrica) if a patient is not beginning to respond by 2 to 4 weeks. Talk to your doctors about adding another medication. If you are not tolerating the Cymbalta you should also discuss stopping it with your doctors.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego