Duloxetine usually takes a few weeks to noticeably help, but the exact timing varies by person and by condition being treated. It is normal not to feel full benefit right away.
Typical time to start working
For depression and anxiety, many people begin to notice some improvement after about 2 to 4 weeks of daily use. Full effect on mood can take longer, often around 6 to 8 weeks of consistent treatment. For nerve pain, duloxetine may also start helping within 2 to 4 weeks, but it can take up to about 1 to 2 months to reach maximum benefit or find the right dose.
What early improvement may look like
Early changes are often subtle, such as slightly better sleep, energy, or appetite within the first 1 to 2 weeks, before mood or pain improve more clearly. Clinical studies suggest that some patients show measurable symptom improvement as early as 2 weeks, with more meaningful improvement building over 3 to 5 weeks. Because of this gradual pattern, doctors usually recommend continuing duloxetine for at least 6 weeks before deciding it is not helping, unless side effects are severe.
When to talk to your doctor
Contact a clinician urgently if mood worsens, you have thoughts of self-harm, or you develop troubling side effects at any time. If there is little or no improvement after about 6 weeks, or side effects are hard to tolerate, a doctor may adjust the dose or consider a different medication rather than stopping suddenly. Never change the dose or stop duloxetine abruptly on your own, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and a return or worsening of depression, anxiety, or pain.