I am a type 1 diabetic and just started on this med. I have had severe nausea and a headache but im hoping they go away. Thanks
Has anyone had high blood sugars while on Cymbalta?
Question posted by vbk60 on 7 Feb 2013
Last updated on 3 November 2017 by Nikki 1966
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
4 Answers
Yes I have type 2 and my doc knew this but she put me on it for fibromyalgia now I'm so miserable trying to ween myself off it , its terrible. This is one time I HATE my doctor
The only way I found to deal with the nausea was to eat something every couple of hours, do not let yourself get too hungry and do not eat a big meal. The headache will become milder the longer you are on them but will flare up from time to time.
Thanks so much. I have been on it 3 weeks today somedays no headache other days not so good.
Hi v. I checked out the answer to your question. This is going to be a long message, so no reading the newspaper while we're trying to find an answer to your question. Pick and Choose to what appeals to you, and throw the other part out. It's just what we do. Some of it's pretty cool. So, here goes, my friend:
•Before prescribing Cymbalta for depression, your healthcare provider should make sure that you do not have bipolar disorder (instead of depression). Sometimes, the symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression are very similar, and Cymbalta can cause problems in people with bipolar disorder.
•Antidepressants can cause a group of dangerous symptoms known as serotonin syndrome. Taking Cymbalta with other medications that affect serotonin can increase your risk of this condition. These other medications include other antidepressants, triptans (migraine medications), and several other medications (see Cymbalta Drug Interactions for more information). Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any possible symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including:
◦Confusion
◦Seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations)
◦A fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
◦Feeling faint
◦Fever
◦Sweating
◦Muscle spasms
◦Difficulty walking
◦Diarrhea.
•This medication has been reported to cause liver problems, including hepatitis. Cymbalta is not recommended for people who have liver problems or who drink large amounts of alcohol regularly, due to an increased risk of liver damage.
•Cymbalta can cause low blood pressure (hypotension). This may be more common if you are also taking other medications, especially high blood pressure medication. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of low blood pressure, including lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
•In studies, this drug was shown to slightly increase blood pressure and heart rate. Your healthcare provider should monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking Cymbalta.
•If you have a seizure disorder, there is a possibility that taking Cymbalta may cause seizures. Talk to your healthcare professional before taking Cymbalta if you have seizures.
•Cymbalta can cause changes in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood sugar more closely and may suggest adjusting your dose of diabetes medications.
•If you are stopping treatment with this medication, you should be monitored by a healthcare professional for withdrawal symptoms. If you do develop any symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal, such as irritability, anxiety, confusion, headaches, or insomnia, your healthcare provider may slow down the rate at which you are being weaned off Cymbalta (see Cymbalta Withdrawal).
•If you are elderly or taking a diuretic, Cymbalta could cause low salt levels in the blood (hyponatremia). This generally returns to "normal" when Cymbalta is discontinued.
•Cymbalta can make narrow-angle glaucoma worse. If your glaucoma is under control, your healthcare provider should monitor your glaucoma to make sure it is not getting worse. If your glaucoma is not under control, you should not take Cymbalta.
•This drug is not recommended for people with severe kidney problems, such as kidney failure (renal failure).
•Cymbalta can cause difficulty passing urine. It may worsen some bladder conditions.
•The medication may affect your ability to perform complex tasks requiring mental and motor skills. Therefore, it is recommended that you become accustomed to its effect on you before becoming involved in activities requiring mental or motor concentration (such as driving a car or operating machinery). Taking Cymbalta with alcohol or other medications that cause drowsiness can increase this effect.
Thanks so much for the info. Strangely my shrink that speacializes in Bi polar put me on this. I take lamictal to help my mood swings. But when I don't take a antidepressant I get so down I become suicidal.
Hi v. Why would you stop taking your antidepressant? I'm concerned. You know v, a year and a half ago I developed a plan for mania and depression, and all those effects that encompass being bipolar. I don't like to talk about this too much because a lot of our friends have heard this before, however, it's necessary to share a little of my experience because maybe in some way it will make us think about our symptoms. Six years ago I had my first "manic episode." I was homeless for six months. I was a mad woman. I did everything wrong. I lost my home, my boyfriend, my family and all down the way down to no one. Everyone hated me. I hurt everyone I knew. I knew my kids loved me. They couldn't control my behavior. I saw all the changes of the seasons in mania. I was in jail three times. It was so cold in the jail cell, that I did jumping jacks to keep warm. And I was robbed ten times, and beat up three. I went bankrupt.
I lost my furniture, linens, kitchen ware etc. I was on hold for 3 days in three different hospitals. I have 2 major traffic violations, and both of them I could have killed someone, and one of cars had six people in it. I quit driving. My car was towed three times and the third time I had no money to get it out of impound. I'm unable to see my 89 year old mother without supervision. I have an eviction notice on my record. Many other things happened but it would take years to tell you. I ended up asking to go to a psych ward, but I didn't know until I went into the court room in a blue suit and shackles, that I was being court ordered for one year. I was in the psych ward for six weeks and a foster home home for nine mos. I became so depressed that I couldn't understand what I was doing on this earth. When I was fourteen, I witnessed a suicide. I thought he was going to go to hell because we don't make the decision to live or die. I realized he killed himself because the pain was so great that death was less painful than life. I'm not suicidal, but I will always remember that. Once again it would take a long time to get into this, so I'll just skip it. I know I wouldn't want to be the mother who found her son dead, though. It's strange, but it's been six years since I've had depression, but it hit me real strong the last month. The one thing that has saved me is Gods love for me and our wonderful friends from drugs.com. They comforted me, and still are. I hate depression. It takes joy away from my life. I'll send you a short plan for depression when I can. I have a Drs. appt, so I'll be back later.
Take care,v,
Love,
Anna
Hi v. I bet you thought you got rid of me. No way! Hey, can you give me a little info on your last message? If you don't I'm gonna find you and kick your hiney. Love and Peace, Anna
Hi, vbk! All the anti-depressants can affect glucose levels, so just be sure to test frequently and watch for a pattern. The side-effects you're experiencing usually subside over a few days to a week or so. Best wishes,
Thanks so much for the info. I really appreciate it. vbk
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, headache, nausea/vomiting, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.