Cymbalta and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I have just started on Cymbalta 30 mg. It's working wonders for my chronic pain, but the side effects are horrible, such as chest pains, dizziness, muscle weakness in arms and sometimes legs, drowsiness, mental confusion, insomnia, increased anxiety, nausea, and it feels like my throat is a bit tight, plus heart palpitations. It's also difficult to urinate - it seems I have to really push. I plan on taking Cymbalta 30 mg for the rest of my life because it helps with the chronic pain that I'm in and works well. But I could definitely go without the yucky side effects... bleh. I'm 21 years old. I have Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)... So yeah, I'm in constant pain."

• Car...
• September 16, 2019

For Depression "I have summer SAD (seasonal affective disorder) (yes, it's a thing). My insomnia was made worse by this drug, Cymbalta, but it did take away my anxiety, and I may have lost some pounds on it. After a couple of weeks, I dropped down to 20 mg every other day so I could sleep better. It was toward the end of summer, and I started to wean myself off. I haven't had one in 2 or 3 weeks, and I am still getting dizzy here and there. Did not experience zaps like others, but I have to agree the withdrawal is quite lengthy for someone taking only 20 mg and for a very short time. Withdrawal symptoms included dizziness and daytime sleepiness - I only took this drug for maybe 6 weeks, and not every day."

• Doc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I have chronic pain from degenerative arthritis in the LS spine. I also have had 2 surgeries for spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis. I tried Cymbalta about a year ago, and it did diminish the pain, but side effects forced me to stop. I had severe insomnia, and after two weeks of only sleeping 2 hours a night, I was coming apart. It was also very difficult to void my bladder and caused impotence at the same time. I tapered off and had auditory hallucinations, like lightsaber sounds. If I could have tolerated the side effects, I would have continued since it did help the pain."

• Ali...
• August 9, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on again off again taking Cymbalta for about 5 years. The longest amount I have stayed on it consistently being 2 years. Unlike most of the reviews I’ve read and experiences I’ve heard, Cymbalta actually gives me insomnia for the first week or two that I take it, it also suppresses my appetite a lot and makes my mind feel fuzzy. But Cymbalta also works immensely for me in terms of my depression, which has been severe since childhood, making it feel manageable. The withdrawals do suck, I get insomnia again, restless legs, and brain zaps. If you can stay on this medication consistently or long term, it’s a good option for depression/anxiety. But if you are not, then I don’t recommend it, the side effects at the beginning and end are rough."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2019

For Depression "Took Cymbalta for 10 days, only have severe nausea and insomnia, hoping it goes away soon. Can’t sleep or eat at all."

• daw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "When I began this med for fibromyalgia I thought it was going to work out for me. I felt good enough to start swimming (the only exercise that doesn't hurt me) after a week of being on Cymbalta. I couldn't take the pill on an empty stomach--stomach ache, I couldn't take the pill at night--insomnia, and I had to take it with lunch in order to not have adverse effects. I felt like my pain stopped lessening after 6ish months of 60mgs a day so I stopped taking it. Another bad side effect was the total destruction of my sex drive. When I stopped taking it, my doctor told me to slowly wean off of it due to terrible side effects, but I had already stopped taking it before I saw her, and I didn't have any adverse effects of quitting cold turkey."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2019

For Depression "Had tried 4 different meds before Cymbalta in various doses for GAD/depression. Had quit them due to side effects, usually 'brain fog', increased anxiety or depressive symptoms, etc. Psych doctor put me on Cymbalta 30 mg, morning/30 mg night. At first, I had some improvement with just mild brain fog. Kept on it for a total of 4 months, hoping this could be the one. However, slowly turned into a zombie. Tired, unable to think clearly, trouble processing. Dr. switched me to Vibryyd 20 mg and tapered me with 30 mg of Cymbalta at night for 7 days. She said the new med should help counter withdrawal effects. Well, during the first 7 days, I had mild vertigo, insomnia, heart palpitations, etc., and was dealing with it. The next 7 days without any Cymbalta have been the worst. Vertigo, confusion, agitation, severe vertigo, mood swings, sweats, loss of appetite, tinnitus, headaches, forgetfulness, etc. I pray I am not one of those people who have withdrawal for months."

• g0l...
• November 16, 2018

For Anxiety "I had a large but benign brain tumor removed a year and a half ago. After my recovery, I had depression and anxiety, which I had never really experienced before. After dealing with it for over a year, I started generic Cymbalta three months ago. For the first two months, I took 30 mg a day. I experienced some initial insomnia, one day of upset stomach, and loss of appetite (lost 8 lbs) for about three weeks. It helped immediately with depression, while anxiety issues took about five weeks to improve. After two months, my doctor increased the dosage to 60 mg a day, which I've been taking for four weeks now. My anxiety has significantly improved, I feel it coming on now and then, but it doesn't last. I've regained the lost weight but nothing extra. I'm sleeping for 6-7 hours a night, which is about average for me. This medication has really helped me, I don't take anything else with it. I'm sorry to hear it affects some people so negatively, but please try to stay on it until your body can get used to the side effects. This drug has greatly improved my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "After years of chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, intermittent depression, and anxiety, I did my research on fibromyalgia and had a conversation with my doctor. I had read about Cymbalta, and my doctor agreed to prescribe it and see if it would help my multiple issues. I felt better after the first day of 30 mg of Cymbalta. The only side effects I had were insomnia and daily headaches the first week. My side effects were tolerable, and the benefits outweighed the side effects. I stuck with it and have now been on Cymbalta for 4 weeks. I'm so thankful for this medication and feel I have my life back! I took high-dose Xanax for years, I couldn't fall asleep without it. I have been able to wean off Xanax as well, something I had been unable to do before. I see my doctor again this week and can't wait to tell her how well Cymbalta helps me."

• kaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I don't usually leave reviews for anything, and I researched this drug and saw so many negative comments about it, so I thought I would leave a positive one. People seem to try this for 1 - 3 days and give up, how is this giving the drug a good chance at working? I have had chronic musculoskeletal lower back pain for just over a year now without any opiates working long term, so my doctor prescribed Cymbalta 30mgs to start with. Yes, I did have side effects... nausea, insomnia, lack of concentration, fainting, headaches, etc., but when you are desperate for pain relief, you try anything and I stuck it out for the 2 weeks. All the side effects have gone, and I now have gone up to 60mgs, and I feel this is kicking in quite nicely. I don't need my pain patches anymore, etc."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2018

For Anxiety "Cymbalta was really hard to take at first. I felt very out of it the first day. The second and third days, the nausea was unbearable. I had terrible stomach cramps, but the worst was the insomnia (but I had that before I started taking Cymbalta). I was advised to try to stick to it and not give up because the benefits were coming. After 6 days, I was so happy that all the side effects disappeared. I'm sleeping on my own without insomnia meds. I feel like myself again, and the terrible panic and depersonalization I was having are gone. I know I still have some time to go until it's in full effect. I'm only in my second week, but I'm excited to know that it's going to be even better. Yes! Side effects suck, and you feel you can't take it! BUT I think about the quality of life I was having without it, and I'm grateful because it was so bad I was thinking of doing 'anything' to stop it. Cymbalta is giving me the opportunity to enjoy life again. If you are struggling with side effects, just hang in there. It will get better."

• 121...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2018

For Depression "Switched from Lexapro to Cymbalta. First week was at 30 mg, followed by 60 mg. I had side effects almost from the start: insomnia, anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite. Stayed at 60 mg for 4 weeks. Dr. decreased to 40 mg and prescribed Sonata to help with sleep. Zero effect from the Sonata. It's been about two months since starting the Cymbalta, and I'm ready to get off of it due to the side effects. Not looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Others may have had success with this med, but I have not. I would not recommend."

• LJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2018

For Anxiety "Dealing with severe anxiety and OCD my whole life, I decided to try medication when I turned 20. While my first few days on Cymbalta (10mg) were torturous, probably partly due to mental reservations about taking a pill every day (I experienced vomiting, headaches, dizzy spells, nausea, inability to sleep, and complete loss of appetite), I'm SO glad I stuck with the drug. Now I am on 80mg, and without sounding completely corny, I feel like I'm finally the person I'm meant to be. Since starting the pill, I've started rock climbing, learned to drive, and just become a much happier, friendlier, and more confident person. My friends and family have all noticed a huge shift in my personality and I'm so thrilled I went on Cymbalta."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2018

For Depression "Started Cymbalta 30 mg/day. After 3 doses, I became horribly ill. Severe abdominal pain, headache, nausea (could not even keep sips of water down), palpitations, weakness, extreme fatigue, insomnia, foggy cognition. Flat on my back for 60 hours. Could not sleep, just lay in misery. I am better now but still not 100%. This is a dangerous drug. The pharmacist said my reaction is rare, even so, I would recommend against it."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2018

For Chronic Pain "Recently, I was put on Cymbalta for fibromyalgia. It was the worst experience of my life. I had explosive diarrhea, could not even leave the house, anxiety went through the roof. Felt manic, and my heart rate went up sky high, and I already suffer from insomnia, and this made it totally impossible to sleep. I felt angry and jittery. I would not recommend this drug, it was a horrible experience."

• 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."

• mis...
• April 29, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I was on Cymbalta for nearly 4 years. I was on the 60 mg, and just after I turned 40, I began the drug, not realizing I was heading for the most horrific experience of my life. After stopping it, I had it all... the vomiting, nausea, headaches (migraines), insomnia, brain zaps, nightmares, fever, loss of appetite... flu. It all came gushing at once. It was 9 days of hell so far, but each day it’s getting better. I have never craved to go back on it and threw it all down the sink. No doctor helped me go off it. I made the choice. It was the best decision. I had attributed my night sweats and hot flushes and weight gain to me turning 40 even though the doctors had done the tests, and it said I was not premenopausal. To think I decided to stop it because I couldn’t deal with the weight gain even though I had tried yoga, meditation, exercise, and eating healthy. I gained about 18 pounds. Please think twice before going on this drug. The coming off doesn’t outweigh the lesser pain."

• myo...
• April 29, 2018

For Depression "I started on 30 mg and am currently on 60 mg - first few days on it were awful, with bad insomnia, nausea/headache, fatigue. However, after ~5-6 days, most symptoms subsided (except the insomnia, which I use melatonin for). It's been about 2 months and I have to say this medication has been life-changing for me in terms of my mood/thoughts. I used to have such dark thoughts and a negative outlook on life, assuming the worst in people and hating everything about myself. That has completely changed and I can say for the first time in YEARS that I feel truly, completely, happy. This happiness is different because it persists even when not-so-great things happen in my life. I will say that the anxiety still lingers but honestly its effects on my depression make the anxiety super tolerable. I hope this medication works for others the way it worked for me - time will tell as far as how long this will last."

• Ext...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I had two major strokes 4 years ago that caused permanent central nervous system damage, severe depression, and anxiety. I had RLS, 'needles and pins' pain, sharp stabbing pains, shaking, quivering, lack of motor control, and more. My neurologist and surgeon suggested I take 30mgs of Cymbalta (Duloxetine) once before bed for pain. Since I started it two years ago, I am now about 80% pain-free. The spasms and intense nerve pain only come when I am very fatigued. The only side effect has been some hot flashes and insomnia, but I take Melatonin to sleep. Originally, my doctors suggested OxyContin, but I'd heard it was addictive so I tried the Duloxetine for pain and it works."

• sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2018

For Anxiety "After my first dose of the generic version of Cymbalta yesterday evening for major anxiety and minor depression. I was surprised to feel a difference within a few hours. My mood lifted, and I had more energy. I still felt slightly anxious. Initial side effects: quite bad insomnia, slight jitteriness, slight diarrhea, very slight confusion at times, and nausea for the first 12 hours after taking it. After 2 weeks, I now have zero side effects and have changed to taking it in the mornings. It is a miracle drug for my depression! The constant dark feeling of sadness has lifted completely. It has also helped my anxiety quite a lot, however, I still have periods of anxiousness. I am definitely going to stay on this medication as it has drastically improved the quality of my life."

• Zae...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medicine gave me nothing but brain zaps and nausea. This medicine has a very short half-life, so make sure to take your meds within 20 hours or you will feel sick all day long. Getting off this medicine was worse than getting on. It took me months to get the nausea, brain zaps, insomnia, and headaches to stop."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2018

For Back Pain "I was on 150 mg of imipramine for 30 years, but it was not working anymore, so I was switched to Cymbalta and suffered with the sweats and sleepless nights. It eventually all went away, but it wasn't easy. I still don't seem to have much energy, and daily life seems forced, so not sure if I should increase from 60 mg to 90 mg. I am still having severe lower back pain, going for laser treatments and chiropractor. Any suggestions?"

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried so many medications for my depression and anxiety, and nothing had worked. I was hospitalized as I was feeling suicidal, and the doctor thought right away that Cymbalta would work for me. It did! I also suffer from migraines, which have improved as well. Starting up on the medication was okay, but after four weeks, I developed insomnia that lasted six months and finally went away. The medication also makes me crave sweets in the evenings, and I never had a sweet tooth before. I’ve heard other similar stories. My anxiety has also improved, and I am currently tapering off of Clonazepam. I continue to get healthier on this medication. It offered me the crutch I needed to take care of myself, practice coping techniques learned in therapy, and get better."