Cymbalta and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Lyn...
• November 13, 2020

For Back Pain "Doc prescribed Cymbalta for nerve pain resembling shingles. Entire right torso, front and back, feels like I had been dragged on asphalt behind a truck! I also have severe diabetic neuropathy in my feet and hands. 1st day on Cymbalta, I was a little nauseous with a noticeable headache. Had trouble sleeping. I didn't hear the alarm, so I overslept. 2nd day (today), still can't sleep. Even with Ambien. No change in pain levels yet. Going to try taking it before bed tonight. Hoping it will work for me. Would like to get off gabapentin. Taking 2400 mg per day, which can't be good for me! Thanks for listening."

• Des...
• May 10, 2016

For Depression "I had started with Prozac (20 mg) about 4 months ago, but it wasn't steadily effective, and I felt worse the week before my period. It would also make me tired during the day. The doctor switched me to Cymbalta while weaning me off Prozac as such: - week 1: take 20 mg capsule of Prozac with 30 mg capsule of Cymbalta a day - week 2: take 30 mg capsule of Cymbalta a day - week 3: take 60 mg capsule of Cymbalta a day. Going forth, I felt great with Cymbalta just in my first week: more energy, felt kind of high like on E, but in a good way... just happy. I experienced a few days of insomnia my first week, which I battled with Melatonin an hour before bed (10 mg). I experienced headaches for a few days, but that also went away. Feel great!!"

• Cow...
• September 28, 2009

For Anxiety "I suffer from medical anxiety. I first tried Paxil - itched like crazy. Then Lexapro - shook all the time. Cymbalta has changed my life. I feel so much better now and almost back to 'normal' after 5 weeks on the medication. I have a little insomnia and have lost a few pounds, but other than that I feel like I'm 30 again instead of 50!"

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2010

For Depression "I have taken this medication before and ran out because I don't have insurance and had to go through one of the drug help agencies to get back on it. I started back on the medicine (30 mg capsules) and have had severe eye problems, on the edge of my seat, tremors, OCD issues such as twisting my hair, and constantly walking the floor. I can't sleep when I take this medication, and the night sweats and low-grade fever are miserable. I have also had a constant headache while taking this medication along with a low-grade fever. I have no sex drive at all, and I am in school, my mind goes blank. I feel like my head is sometimes floating above my body."

• Lot...
• October 17, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Helped the fibro pain completely. But my sleep is totally messed up, and I am tired all the time. Also, I feel emotionally flat. No motivation at all. For now, I'll keep on it, as having total body pain 24/7 was hell on earth."

• ki_...
• June 11, 2009

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have been experiencing chronic fatigue (inability to muster up energy for anything) for as long as I can recall. My doctor gave me a trial for Cymbalta for approximately two months, and I noticed an improvement. My mom had a stroke, and I was away for a few weeks, and unfortunately, I ran out of my medication, so I thought I would be okay without it. I was wrong! I experienced major withdrawals after about two weeks. I was easily agitated. I did not leave my apartment. I could not sleep. Some nights I was up until 4:00 AM. Earlier in the week, I went back on it, and things seem to be slowly getting back on track."

• hig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have dealt with generalized anxiety disorder since my early 20s and have tried many SSRIs. The results were typically lukewarm or ended with increased migraines. In the early 2000s, I was put on Effexor (SSNI), and it worked. This was pre-time release formula. Although I titrated off, as directed, I still suffered significant withdrawal. Fast forward to 2013, and my doctor suggests I try it again. This time it's the extended-release. It was 3 days of hell. Nauseous, confused, and couldn't eat or sleep. Ended up in urgent care with instructions to stop immediately. The current psychiatrist decided to push Cymbalta (duloxetine) for a few months. I argued because I had such a hard time with Effexor. But after a few months of arguing, I agreed to start at a low 20 mg dose. He wanted me to double the dosage every week for 3 weeks. Side effects were worse than Effexor. Visual disturbances, could not eat or sleep, my heart rate slowed to 40 bpm, and I couldn't regulate my temp. Immediately stopped taking it."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2010

For Depression "I have been on Cymbalta for about 6 months. In this time, I lost my libido completely, suffered night sweats, and couldn't work out if I was hot or cold during the day. I constantly felt sick, both in my head and my stomach, and suffered a general loss of energy, probably due to the crazy dreams and loss of sleep. I decided to quit Cymbalta cold turkey and suffered major brain zaps and a general feeling of unwellness. The worst thing was, I didn't realize this is why I felt so sick, and it was impossible to find a doctor who would take my symptoms seriously. None of them knew anything about the drug either. I had to work it out for myself. I've lost several months trying to work out why I always feel sick."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2015

For Anxiety "Started on Cymbalta for anxiety and depression fall 2014. It was the first antidepressant that I'd ever tried (aside from St. John's Wort). Side effects during the first week of taking it were so terrible that I had to stop. I was constantly dizzy. I couldn't focus on anything. It made my body so tense, I'd catch myself clenching my teeth and fists. Insomnia was terrible; I'd wake up about 5 times per night. I work in healthcare, and I felt like I couldn't do my job with all of these side effects, so I stopped. The side effects were really worse than my anxiety and depression. I have no doubt that they would have eventually decreased, but I couldn't wait for that to happen. Obviously, the side effects will be different for everybody, but that's my story."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2010

For Depression "I started Cymbalta two months ago (60mg/day) for moderate depression and anxiety. It has been a roller coaster ride, and I am now stepping off, luckily. I have experienced many of the side effects after 3 weeks, including blurred vision, tremors, itching, cold hands, night sweats, no appetite, no libido, and horrible insomnia. I began sleeping all day with a detached feeling and no desire to see friends or family. It initially helped with my depression, so I was optimistic since I have never had any positive experience with any antidepressants. However, it took me into a whirlwind of nervous energy at week three to a flat, washed-out feeling two weeks ago. Two days ago, I stopped cold turkey. I feel better already."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2021

For Chronic Pain "Started taking this for pain, over a four-month period, with gradual increases up to 120 mg. It gave me severe, severe depression and made me feel like I wasn’t myself at all. I also had brain fog and almost 10 lbs weight gain even though it got rid of my appetite. A lot of water retention, especially around my lower abdomen. It also gave me poor sleep and terrifying nightmares. Weaning off now with a schedule from my doctor. I would not only not recommend this drug, but if it must be tried, talk to your doctor weekly about your moods and feelings in case you start to feel depressed, or worse."

• Amy...
• November 14, 2019

For Depression "Awful. Was given the lowest dosage of Cymbalta for work-related stress/mild depression. Made me have night sweats and insomnia. Also made me extremely agitated, especially at night - no matter what time I had taken the medication. Also, my blood pressure rose quite a bit during the couple of months of taking the medication."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2012

For Pain "Been on 30 mg Cymbalta for 2 weeks. Started getting relief by the 2nd day. Am a 58-year-old male with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondy. The plan was to go to 60 mg, but I am getting enough relief at 30 mg. I believe I will try to stay on that dose to minimize side effects. Some constipation, difficulty reaching orgasm, some night sweats, and minor headaches. Oh, insomnia if I took it at night. I had samples of this medicine for 6 months but delayed starting it because of horror stories on the internet. Pain was ruining my life, so this medicine seems to be the best option."

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2025

For Fibromyalgia "Cymbalta for fibromyalgia. Pros: After a week at 30 mg, I noticed a small reduction in pain. After two weeks (now at 60 mg), I noticed even more improvement. After four weeks, my pain was drastically reduced. Cons: Night one was bad nausea and unable to sleep. Night two felt better but still hard to sleep. Night three, all of the symptoms disappeared. After two weeks, I started to get diarrhea after every meal and throughout the day. I could hardly eat and was dehydrated despite drinking loads of water. I had to stop taking Cymbalta after six weeks as the side effect was terrible."

• 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."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Problems are panic attacks, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder as a result of early menopause. First, I tried Effexor 75 mg, horrible blood pressure skyrocketed up to 170/101. Then I tried Fetzima for 5 days and couldn't tolerate a high heart rate. Resting heart rate 96 and while I was walking 110 to 125. Not good, always felt like I was climbing a hill, otherwise no other side effects except goosebumps and feeling cold. So then I started Cymbalta 13 days ago, the first 3-4 days very anxious, unable to sleep majorly. My body was tired, but my mind was not. Every time I would try to sleep, my jaw would clench, and my body would jerk (myoclonic jerks) and wake me up. I took a small dose of Ativan to help me sleep. Also, the first 4 days became hypoglycemic."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2022

For Anxiety "Pray you never have to wean off this drug!!! If it works for you, great, but I promise you that discontinuing is a complete nightmare that lasts for weeks or months. The Good: Helped with chronic knee pain and anxiety. The Bad: None of the good is worth the bad! Helped anxiety but felt like doing nothing but stare at a wall on the lowest dose. Insomnia, constant headache, decreased libido, unable to focus, out-of-body feeling. These did not improve with time. After 3 months, I decided it wasn’t worth it and started to wean off. Without a doubt, the worst experience of my life, and it is still going on. 24/7 headaches, nightmares that are so real, I wake up believing they happened, unable to focus, severe vision changes, a feeling that I am not me. The doctor said these effects can last a week or many months. Obviously, I’m going to be on the wrong end of this. For those it helps, I’m very happy for you, but coming off (pray you don't) will be a nightmare that seems to never end."

• Lit...
• September 23, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medicine helped, at first. Then the dose had to be increased often. I didn't realize the brain fog, the chronic tiredness, and the inability to sleep at night were from this medicine. My agitation level also increased. I am tapering off of it now, and I am in hell."

• cut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on 30 mg for GAD and insomnia. After a month or so, I became so hyper, and my insomnia went from only sleeping a few hours every day to having days of no sleep. Ativan, which had always helped me sleep, no longer worked. My thoughts were scattered, often terrifying, so it was good they were brief, I guess (it 'cured' the anxiety, as I couldn't worry about something before the thought of it was just gone). I couldn't focus, became unable to work at all. I was weaned off about two weeks ago, still can't function at all. I am a bit better now than when on it, but far worse than I was before. I wish I never touched this stuff, I feel like I will never get my life back again, certainly never my career."

• bil...
• March 12, 2013

For Back Pain "I started with a 30 mg dosage and was increased to 60 mg daily. It was helpful with the constant burning in my feet that is secondary to peripheral neuropathy. My dosage was increased after a couple of months to 60 mg twice daily. I didn't last a week! This medication has always given me increased sweating, especially night sweats! My doctor prescribed Hytrin (mostly used for hypertension and benign prostate hyperplasia) to combat the sweating, and it seemed to help because the incidents of night sweats decreased. That all changed when my dosage was bumped up. I was having night sweats EVERY night and had a major increase in insomnia. I am getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night (or day because I work at night). I went back to 60 mg daily and see my doctor tomorrow."

• Bec...
• July 3, 2011

For Pain "I started taking Cymbalta in April 2011, and when I first started out on it, I experienced extreme tiredness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, hot flashes, strange dreams. I still get very odd, sometimes disturbing dreams, but I think a lot of it has to do with recent stresses in my life (grandma having a stroke, work stress), and I still experience constipation, hot flashes, and night sweats, but it's not the end of the world. It has so far been the only antidepressant medication that has really helped me, and I have been on lots of different SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. I have good and bad days like anyone does, but if I do get sad and cry, it doesn't seem to last long. So in my opinion, the benefits outweigh the side effects."

• 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."