Cymbalta and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2013

For Depression "I'm writing this review because I'm absolutely shocked by how quickly I began to feel like myself again. After as little as a week, I had an easier time getting out of bed in the morning, I physically felt more energetic, and I had more emotional clarity. My husband is even more delighted in the results than I am. He says I'm more like myself. Even with good insurance, this medicine can be pricey. Very few side effects. I felt a little jittery the first couple of days and had trouble sleeping. Those went away when I adjusted the time I took the medicine. I'm just thankful to feel some relief!"

• Cin...
• March 20, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have taken several depression medicines over the last six years. All with limited results. My entire body started hurting so bad, fatigue, headaches and broken sleep at night. I begged my doctor to try me on Cymbalta because it helped a friend with similar symptoms. My pain was almost gone in a week and completely gone in two. I never realized how bad my pain was until it was gone! I take it at night because I get very sleepy within a few hours. I sleep great and wake up pain-free and fully rested. It has helped my depression but not to the extent it has taken away all my pain. I did feel slightly nauseous on and off for a few weeks. My appetite has diminished which has helped me lose 10 pounds."

• Mon...
• July 16, 2014

For Anxiety "I just started taking this medication last night and ALREADY feel so much better. I've tried Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Buspar, Abilify, and countless others to help with my anxiety and none of them worked. This medication is a miracle in my opinion. I can't believe how quickly it works too. I'm taking this along with Atarax to help anxiety and panic attacks. I like the Atarax too and have not needed to take clonazepam today. Very happy. Only problem was that I couldn't sleep last night. I was physically exhausted and couldn't open my eyes or move but my mind was active. Hopefully this will pass. I've also had an upset stomach today with diarrhea but it beats anxiety any day!"

• Pyj...
• May 27, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I was taking amitriptyline for chronic pelvic pain for 6 years and was frustrated with the morning fatigue and weight gain. It did well to control the pain but was becoming less effective. The gynae changed me to duloxetine to hopefully spark some energy. The first two months later were awful. My pain returned, and I felt like I had a sleeping sickness. I was irritable and nauseated all the time. Pain was decreasing slowly, but I had to rely on strong painkillers. Two months in, I woke up one morning with no pain, feeling good. This feeling came more frequently over the next month until it was daily. The changes compared to amitriptyline are that I’m losing a bit of weight and the pain management is better. My memory is also improved. It seems to be helping more with the depression from the loss of my partner to cancer. I feel generally happier. Sleep problems are worse."

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2008

For Depression "Yes, there are side effects, as with all medications. However, the benefits of taking Cymbalta outweigh the negative side effects by far. This drug has been a lifesaver for me. It is the best antidepressant I have been on. I would rather sweat a little more and sleep a little less than suffer from the debilitating effects of depression."

• Fib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I am 46 and have suffered from depression since I was a teenager and fibromyalgia pain and stiffness since I was 30. Nothing else helped much. I tried gabapentin, Prozac, and other antidepressants. Ibuprofen and tramadol helped a little with the pain but not like Cymbalta! I started on 30 mg and worked up to 90 mg daily. I feel like I am cured! No more morning pain and stiffness, no more aches and pain, and my mood is so much brighter! I haven't felt this happy since I was a kid. I am laughing all the time. I can do things that I haven't been able to do physically for years. I started jogging. Side effects have been a loss of appetite, insomnia, and hot flashes but well worth it!"

• pat...
• October 2, 2007

For Depression "I have been on Cymbalta for about six months. In the last two to three months, I have noticed blurring of vision, agitation, excessive tiredness, change in behavior (also noticed by my husband), insomnia, nightmares, excessive sweating. I am on a blood pressure medication HCTZ, and it states in the side effects that you need to be monitored if on a high blood pressure medication, which I have not been. It does work great for my depression, but the side effects are outweighing the benefits."

• Anonymous
• August 7, 2009

For Depression "I am on 120mg of Cymbalta to treat my chronic depression, PTSD, and anxiety (severe child abuse survivor and adult sexual assault survivor) and chronic pain (spinal disorder required fusing all but one vertebra in my neck and the vertebra in my lower back; plus severe arthritis in my knees, hips, and both AC joints). I have been on 24-hour narcotics, Ativan, and many antidepressants. Of course, narcotics work, but they caused me to have heart problems. Ativan is great, but doctors are reluctant to prescribe long-term. I thought the panic attacks, insomnia, hot flashes, obsessive worry and dread, gloom, weepiness, and loss of interest in everything would be forever. Cymbalta helped me get my life back."

• Twi...
• September 14, 2015

For Chronic Pain "My doctor put me on Cymbalta for chronic pain with fibromyalgia, arthritis, bursitis, and bulging discs. I have been taking it for a week now and can't seem to shake some of the side effects. My pain is almost completely gone and I am so thankful for that. However, my eyes are so dilated all the time that everything is blurry, and I practically live in a cave. In the 6 days I have been taking it, I have lost almost 10 lbs. I am not sleeping well (though they say this will get better), and during the day, I am feeling so tired that it takes everything in me to stay awake at work. My reflexes are lacking as well: I am dropping things, losing my balance, and my reaction time when driving is a little sketchy. But all that aside, my pain is gone :)"

• xxo...
• November 18, 2007

For Anxiety "I'm 29 & been on Cymbalta 1 week, prior to taking, couldn't sleep (4 hrs on average), panic attacks, acne breakouts, hair falling out, highly stressed, now a little disoriented at times, loss of appetite (not a bad thing), great sleep (much needed) and I'm much calmer. The doctor wants to add Wellbutrin in 30 days but I am not going that route. I am very pleased with the direction we are going in now it is just taking some time to adjust to the side effects and new routine of actually resting!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2013

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I'm a Type 1 Diabetic for 39 years. Had VERY painful muscle spasms/seizing and twitching. I tried various supplements which 'should' have helped but no improvement. I started Neurontin at 1,800mg/day and I had terrible swelling plus gained 18 lbs in 6 months (and my eating habits actually got better while on it). The 1,800mg of Neurontin no longer controlled the muscle spasms. I started Cymbalta, 30 mg before bed, and had significant reduction in pain the first morning. I did notice a very strong headache that first day. I had only 3-4 muscle spasms that first day as well...Wow!! Second day...almost NO pain in the morning and only a dull headache with much weaker muscle spasms. Side effects: Crazy dreams, difficulty sleeping, headache."

• Lpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Depression "I started taking Cymbalta 30 mg 9 weeks ago under my primary doctor's recommendation. I had severe anxiety and insomnia and very serious depression. I slept all day and had no motivation and couldn't shake it off no matter what I did. I have tried Prozac 50 mg for depression and expressed that I didn't like that it made me eat all the time (which led to a 50 lb weight gain) and no libido. So she recommended this. I feel very numb (but not high) as if I have no more conscience. I also have a slow reaction time to everything. People will speak to me, and I don't realize until they repeat my name over 3 times. I also cannot sleep still even with all types of OTC sleep medications. I take Cymbalta in the morning, so it has no effect on my sleep. I am going to keep taking this medication as suggested but will make a follow-up appointment. Should there be any secret to make this drug less numbing, I will add another review."

• nan...
• August 20, 2007

For Pain "I used Cymbalta for a year. The first 8 months were great in alleviating my all-over pain, which is why I was taking it. After that, slowly it came back until I asked to be taken off. In the first few days, I had pounding of my heart, which was so bad I never slept all night. My doctor put me on another blood pressure pill, which helped after upping the dosage a couple of times. After weaning off, heart pounding and insomnia started again."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been taking it for 10 days. On the first day, I had an upset stomach. I took it for 2 days at night, but I was having insomnia, getting only 3-5 hours of sleep. I switched to mornings and started getting 6-7 hours of sleep after 1 week. I noticed a big improvement with slight depression within the first few days (I was easily emotional several times a day). My anxiety is not gone, but it seems to be getting better already. I experienced a little dry mouth and decreased appetite (I lost 4 lbs), but that seems to be getting better each day. The first few days can be a little rough, but I'm seeing improvements, and I suggest to people to stay with it, the side effects will improve."

• CDa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2020

For Depression "I had been on this drug for over two years. My doctor never warned me of how my life would change on this drug. I developed extreme insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and I felt like a zombie with no emotions. I have been weaning off this pill for almost a week now, and I have had extreme nausea and extreme mood swings. If I were you, I’d stay far clear of this pill. It has destroyed me from the amount of time I was on it to the time I am weaning it off."

• Tou...
• February 18, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I've been on Cymbalta for about one month. 1st week on 30mg and 2nd week on 60mg. Only side effect for the first 2 weeks was lucid dreams and insomnia. I have really bad nerve problem in the upper and lower back which causes a lot of stress to my shoulder, trapezius, and chest muscle. Cymbalta helps me manage the upper back, shoulder, trapezius, and chest pain well enough, but nothing for the lower back. I noticed the pain reduction in the 2nd week. It's not a miracle pill but it sure helps."

• Din...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 30, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I’ve been on this med for 3 long years for major depressive disorder and severe osteoarthritis. Not by choice, mind you, but because the withdrawal effects were so severe for me I couldn’t get off it even with tapering. It gives me massive brain zaps, increased insomnia and racing thoughts, nausea, the worst dizziness I ever experienced that I just can’t take anymore after 2 days nonstop. I don’t recommend this medication because of how differently it affects people. You could be a statistic like me and suffer hard from this medicine. As for the pain relief, I didn’t feel much of it, I have severe osteoarthritis in many joints, so I don’t really feel much relief from many medications."

• mo1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2013

For Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety problems my whole life, but it was easily managed until I turned 23 (2.5 years ago) when it blew up and every month got much worse. In Dec 2012, I was diagnosed with severe generalized anxiety disorder, moderate panic disorder, and moderate agoraphobia. I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome-D, and combined with anxiety, I always had to be near a bathroom - any time I left the house I had diarrhea. Couldn't go shopping alone, do drive throughs, etc. Started this and almost immediately felt a bit better, minimal side effects (insomnia/headache 1st 3 days, itchy armpits 1st week) and it has taken the edge off lots. Have done many things I couldn't. No weight gain so far, very happy. Only big anxiety triggers bother me a bit, and Imodium use decreased LOTS! No mental fog!"

• Pas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2015

For Depression "I am one of the luckiest ones for sure. Cymbalta is only my second prescription after Mirtazapine, and it did the magic for me. I love Cymbalta because it not only reduced depression but anxiety too. So it's two in one. My depression has reduced a lot in just one week of use. To be honest, this medication affected me after the second day of use. And it's only a start, I haven't even completed 3 weeks yet. I have full hope in Cymbalta that it will make me a happy person soon. Highly recommended for people who have both depression and anxiety. Side effects are slightly annoying, though. It kills my appetite, which is really bad for me as I am too underweight, mild nausea in the morning, constipation, and on top of that insomnia. But it's all worth the result."

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Depression "Cymbalta is horrible stuff! Adverse effects when trying to stop taking Cymbalta. Went from 30 mg to 60 mg over a month-long period but don't bother with this drug as it doesn’t do what it’s prescribed to do (for me anyway, has not lessened anxiety or depression). Trying to stop taking it has worsened my symptoms. No sleep, rapid heartbeat, sweats, headaches, affected work, feeling like absolute shite, etc., the list goes on. I would not recommend this drug at all! Stay away."

• Nat...
• June 1, 2016

For Depression "I've been on Cymbalta for severe depression for about six months now. I tried other depression medications that either made the depression worse or made me way too complacent and had a lot of side effects. With Cymbalta, my depression has gone away with almost no side effects, and I'm back to feeling like an actual human being instead of being consumed by the depression. The only problem I had was that it interfered with my sleep. I would half wake up multiple times a night and would be running my fingers through my hair. Basically, I was moving about in a half-awake state and not getting a proper deep rest. This was able to be resolved by combining this medication with another one I take before bed. Very positive experience, and I'm very grateful."

• Dmh...
• April 23, 2016

For Depression "I would give Cymbalta a 10/10, however, I have not been on it long enough to give it a perfect score. I have tried Prozac as well as Wellbutrin to help cope with my crippling depression, but they just didn't do the job. Before Cymbalta, I was easily agitated, hating the world around me, and contemplating suicide. Now it is like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I'm not irritated by small things anymore. I have more motivation. The only downside I have had is some insomnia, but it should pass. Don't be scared by all the negative reviews. I was until I took it for myself. Everyone is different, however, you will have to try it for yourself to know. I take 30 milligrams once a day in the morning."

• No...
• September 29, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "20 mg reduced my stress, worries, and obsessive thoughts. I've never been able to relax because I thought I wasn't doing enough, but now I enjoy the moment. I'm better at work, chores, getting things done. I'm not at war with myself. I'm finally living in my life instead of being in my head. I started because GAD and PMDD were causing shingles and interstitial cystitis. All better, relationships too. I can also finally fall asleep, which was a part of my struggle. I also run better, fewer pains. After muscle tightness and insomnia disappeared, there are lasting, but manageable, side effects. Libido lower, appetite higher, orgasm slower, constipation common, but patience, coffee, and probiotics help. Alcohol causes headaches, but I don't crave it either."

• Ef1...
• August 27, 2014

For Anxiety "I started taking Cymbalta earlier this year for my anxiety. I found it really helped, but I didn't want to stay on it for long. I had a few side effects while being on Cymbalta such as night sweats, trouble sleeping, and electric pulses through my body. While gradually lowering my doses of Cymbalta, these side effects did get a little worse, however, they have completely gone now. I started lowering my doses in June, and now by the end of August, the night sweats have completely stopped, my sleeping is back to normal, and the electric pulses are very rare. When I think about getting worried or anxious now, I just remember that it's not a big deal and that if I was on Cymbalta, I wouldn't have even thought about it."

• mk2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medicine 5 months ago. Prior to my use of Cymbalta, I was taking 40mg daily of Celexa and interchanging lorazepam and buspirone for 3 years. Cymbalta (duloxetine) has CHANGED MY LIFE. I have struggled with major depressive disorder and anxiety symptoms from chronic OCD for many years, and this medicine has made me feel more alive than anything I have ever tried. I can wake up, I am capable of cognitive thought outside of sadness, and I am able to feel emotions and FINALLY have an orgasm. No medication is perfect, but I have finally felt free of the dullness and numbness that has consumed my life for so many years. Here is what you could expect (using prescription of 60 mg (2) 30 mg cap 2x a day): - light stomach irritation and sensitivity to eating - mild nausea and occasional headaches - more sweat - lowered appetite - real withdrawal! Follow a schedule! - insomnia - drink tea and take simple sleep aids!"