Seems like many people experience some sleep problems. Would it be best to take this drug mid-day with lunch - to offset the nausea issue and perhaps the sleep distrubance issue?
When is the best time of day to take cymbalta?
Question posted by falltex on 2 Nov 2011
Last updated on 1 June 2018
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4 Answers
Bamagirl78
4 April 2017
I take mine in the morning but still feel sleepy for awhile. Good thing I'm on ssi and can't work.Ive been on it for years for anxiety. Wears off about 2 pm
Inactive
4 Nov 2011
my dr and i was changing over from prozac to cymbalta being i heard its good and wanted to give it a try, worst move, it made my skin crawl and was just horrid, i was up for 3 days, so i went back to prozac and just took 40 mg dose instead of the 20 i use to, you may want to consider something else
LiverLips
3 Nov 2011
Hi falltex. I take Cymbalta 120 mg at 11 P.M. It's easy for me to remember that time plus I'd be home at that time too.
from Wendy :)
falltex
3 Nov 2011
Thank you Wendy. Are you happy with the results of taking it? I'm not sure what dosage I'll eventually get up to, but I started with just 20mg. I've noticed some swelling in my legs, but it may be the Lyrica - which I am also taking for pain.
LiverLips
5 Nov 2011
Hello again falltex. I'll probably stay on this until the new year. I'm investigating my next choice of drug. The Cymbalta does seem to affect my pain but if my husband touches my back, for instance, then I'm saying "Owww! I didn't even realize I'm that sore!". I'm getting other tests completed soon plus my Dave has health issues as well. I'm hoping that the new year will be kinder to me with less stress aimed my way. LOL (Are you listening 2012?)
This gives me approximately 2 months to determine which prescription might be best for me now. I also use Tramacet for my breakthrough pain. (I live in Canada where this med is available).
Another option that I might try is to split my pills by taking 1 pill at night & then the other 12 hours later. This is what I'll probably start doing. It'll be a good basis for when I start to taper.
Good luck! from Wendy :)
My kind of crazy
2 June 2018
You're on a hundred and 20 mg of Cymbalta or 60 mg twice a day? Because if you're taking them together you're not going to get a full 24-hour effect from them they only last 12 hours a piece so taking them together you're only going to get a 12-hour effect!
Inactive
2 Nov 2011
Hello falltex. I was on cymbalta for just over a year and a half. I took it in in the morning, upon awakening with a glass of water. The nausea should begin to leave you, once your body has accepted the drug. I'd say whatever you're most comfortable with. Everyones system is different, as you know. Just try taking your dose at one time, try not to split it, for the drug won't be working at its full potency.best to you and I hope you do well on it.
falltex
2 Nov 2011
Thank you for the response. I just started on it and I noticed that I was not sleeping well. I thought perhaps taking it at mid-day my tummy would be more tollerant. Nausea has not been my problem yet - but I wake up feeling like I've been on a 3-day drunk (not that I've ever done that :). Did Cymbalta help you? Assume so if you were on it that long.
Inactive
2 Nov 2011
Yes it did a fairly good job. What happened was that I stopped taking it because it made me tired. My anxiety levels increased and I went back on it, then had a very late (late is the word) severe reaction, where my forehead broke out into a rash, and my throat felt as if it was closing up on me. Difficulty swallowing. Scared me, I stopped it and from that point on, began on paxil and of course, side effect is also fatique, but my anxiety levels are managable. Otherwise, you'll find most people who are on cymbalta are fairly satisfied, happy so to speak taking it. A lot of people from this site are also on it.
falltex
2 Nov 2011
I hope it helps too. Thanks for the suggestion to take it all at once and not split the dose - I may have tried that to avoid some side affects. I hope you continue to improve.
My kind of crazy
2 June 2018
It has a 12-hour time release on it so if you take two tablets at one time you're only going to get 12 hours worth of its potency! Your doctor should have told you that that is definitely false info to be giving people
Related topics
cymbalta, nausea/vomiting, sleep disorders, sleep
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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