Constipation is also my problem. My doctor lowered the dose from 50mg to 20mg... in hopes that I would not be constipated. I will try to take 20mg every other day and see if it makes a difference. Hopefully, it won't cause me withdrawal symptoms! My heart rate is also increased w/this drug, I don't need that problem since I'm on Xanax .5mg 3times a day for my anxiety. Does anyone have similar problems with duloxetine?
Can duloxetine cause nausea & upset stomach? Currently, taking 20mg a day only!?
Question posted by Ros 2 on 4 Aug 2018
Last updated on 14 September 2022 by Snapout
4 Answers
Snapout
14 Sep 2022
I’m on 60mil duloxetine I was nauseous at first than it calmed down after a couple of months make sure you eat & try to drink a full glass of water..I’ve been on it about 4 years or more im no longer depressed caused by my daughter dying suddenly but I feel like it’s burning the lining of my stomach.. I stopped taking it the pain stopped but I started having nightmares & sever anxiety with heart racing..I wish I’d of never started taking it..I can’t tell you what to do..but I’m calling my dr again tomorrow I can’t handle this pain anymore I also lost 21lbs..in a few weeks... your having nausea on a low dose & haven’t been on it long?? Well do what you have to do..good luck to you.
Inactive
8 Aug 2018
Xanax has a whole bunch of side effects like WildCatVet mentioned. It's a benzodiazepine which will show opiate if you have a blood test done. Now the FDA is monitoring opioid much closer than before. My opinion is to try to wean it off eventually. Duloxetine is a SNRI, and it definitely can cause constipation, nausea, upset stomach... If it's tough for you to get off from it, there are specialists who can help you to detoxify it. Seek help from those professionals.
cindy-59
5 Aug 2018
Hi Ros 2. I’ve been taking Cymbalta for 8-9 years. At first I was so nauseous that I could hardly eat anything and when I finally did get something down I threw it up immediately. That lasted about a year then my doctor decided he needed to up the dosage and then I started to gain weight even though I was hardly eating anything. I was constipated and my stomach was hurting so much and I was bloated. My whole body started swelling and I sweat a lot (even in the winter). I was confused and dizzy causing me to fall down a lot. I kept gaining weight until I went from 110-120 pounds to over 200 pounds and I looked and felt like I was 7 months pregnant. I had many other problems. I took the Cymbalta for neuropathic pain but caused me to be anxious and depressed. At the end I was up to 60 mg until last year when I started to slowly taper off. I’m down to 15 mg now and almost every side effect is gone.
I’m still quite tired but I’m hoping that goes away when I’m completely off Cymbalta. I have talked to many people who have gone through or are going through the same and they have all made the choice to get off these types of medications. I believe that you could suffer from withdrawals if you decide to go the every other day route. Just be careful and listen to what your body is telling you. You will know if you start getting the ‘flu like’ feeling. Take care and I wish you the best. Cindy
cindy-59
9 Aug 2018
Hi Ros 2. I forgot to mention that I suffer from constipation and upset stomach from taking Cymbalta too. It has started to get a bit better now that I am down to 15 mg. I take a probiotic with my supper every night and it has helped. Cindy
WildcatVet
4 Aug 2018
Hi, Ros!
"Very common (10% or more): Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea"
"Common (1% to 10%): Flushing, hot flush, hypertension, increased blood pressure, palpitations"
"Some side effects of duloxetine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine."
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
https://www.drugs.com/article/drug-side-effects.html
"Initial dose: 60 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 60 to 120 mg orally once a day"
The problem is that if you don't take the medication exactly as directed you won't achieve a therapeutic level in your bloodstream/brain that will control the symptoms of the anxiety that it was prescribed for. Try to be positive and get through the next few days... don't let your anxiety over taking this medication defeat the purpose of the medication. You can't live with your disorder and you sure as hell can't keep living on Xanax which is addictive and can cause depression, increased anxiety, sleep disorders and memory loss. Cymbalta was prescribed by a professional who is aware of your symptoms and medical history... trust her/his judgement and follow the treatment plan.
Best regards... you will be feeling better very soon!!!
Ros 2
4 Aug 2018
Yes, WildcatVet I know that alprazolam is addictive! I've been on them since 1981 & can't be without them... I don't need any more panic attacks which started when I was 12yrs. old. My primary care doctor told me that he has no issue with my being on them for the rest of my life! I don't abuse them and don't drink alcohol. The Cymbalta is tough on me. I can't stand being nauseated with no appetite.
WildcatVet
4 Aug 2018
You should do some research on the long term effects of benzodiazepine dependence.
Try Wikipedia, Effects of Long Term Benzodiazepine Use
Psychology Today, Brain Damage From Benzodiazepines
I was in rehab with three older benzo addicts and they were zombies.
JoMFBL
16 April 2019
No answer but more of a question but dunno where to ask.
I've just started duloxetine today and I'm sweating, headache, light sensitive, hot then cold, shakes, and vomiting.
I know most are common side effects but only says nausea, but I'm actually sick is that normal I'm on 30mg. I don't take tablets well, and I'm nervous on new meds anyway. But I've never been sick before just heaved. I can't eat or drink. It my first tablet. I can't spend 2 weeks like this. My gp is shut now and dunno who to ask now. Thank in advance
Related topics
depression, constipation, anxiety, osteoarthritis, nausea/vomiting, duloxetine, dosage, stomach
Further information
- Duloxetine uses and safety info
- Duloxetine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Duloxetine (detailed)
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