Cymbalta and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 5)

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I broke my hip the day before July 4th. I had surgery and was in the hospital for a week, then in a nursing rehab home for a month. I can't take opioids, so I took ibuprofen for the pain. I am 67 years old and also have afib. I was getting around fine when I came home. Then in September, I had pain all over my body. It would jump around. I had extremely bad insomnia and restless leg syndrome. My legs felt heavy, like they were filled with cement. I went to my MD, and she ran blood tests, especially looking for rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis is fibromyalgia. She had me take steroids, one tablet a day for four days, and Cymbalta 30 mg twice a day. I had no bad side effects. I slept better, and the pain is very bearable, just mild hip pain."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm 10 days into my treatment, the hospital started me on 30 mg, then told me to increase the dose to 60 mg after 7 days. So far, so good. I have to say that I'm getting on well with the drug, but I'm experiencing some insomnia and so take Valium for that (around 10 mg). I hope that as time goes on and my dose of Cymbalta increases, this drug continues to work and I feel even more of its benefits, as I want to start reducing the Valium at some point in the future. I'm in the UK, and so do not pay for this drug, and as my doctor has certified me as being unfit for work, I don't have to pay for any medication at all."

• Wor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2016

For Depression "Then everything went haywire. The psychiatrist kept me going until I was at 120 mg a day. Depression worsened, experienced disassociative episodes (foggy memory while on these episodes where I do not remember certain events), increased headaches, insomnia, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. I'm appalled that my psychiatrist thought it was okay to keep increasing the dose until it was more than double what I was taking initially (20 mg), despite symptoms getting much worse. During this time, I also had 0 access to adequate talk therapies, whether in a group setting or 1-1 with a trained counselor. I am absolutely sickened that these dangerous drugs are promoted as a band-aid fix-all solution when talk therapies are completely disregarded."

• GBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I understand we all react differently to medications. Effexor was working well, but due to severe scoliosis, my psych switched me to Cymbalta. It had the opposite effect in every way. I became angry, irritable, suicidal, anxious, had insomnia, sleep paralysis, nightmares, and my pain worsened. After 6 weeks, I switched back to Effexor on my own until I got in to see my psych to do the same. These side effects are hit or miss, and I always recommend giving all new meds at least 3 weeks, so take this review with discernment, but if you encounter these effects, they will likely stay. Effexor may be harder on the liver, but the difference is night and day, and adding Rexulti finally broke through a decade-long wall."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took the first 30 mg dose of Cymbalta and had bad side effects almost immediately. I felt dizzy and felt like I was passing out. I only took the one dose but have had insomnia for the past 48 hours. Lying awake, feeling agitated and anxious."

• Rya...
• December 20, 2016

For Depression "Please be cautious before taking Cymbalta. I took Cymbalta for 20 months, then decided to quit after changing my lifestyle. After discontinuing my prescription of 60 mg a day, I endured brain zaps, insomnia, and eye pain for 3 weeks."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 20, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was put on this after 5 days of no sleep with anxiety. It took a week or two to kick in, but has saved me. I am much more level and less anxious, no sleepless nights, although I do take Phenergan (antihistamine) to help with that."

• Hey...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

For Depression "Cymbalta is helping me with my depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, delusions, involuntary utterances, body pain. It's been a world of difference from where I was two weeks ago-I could barely speak to anyone and cried all day long. I had no energy and was hysterical. Now I have hope that things can get better because I can think clearer and am not suffering so badly both physically and emotionally. The side effects that I have experienced include nausea/upset stomach that has not really been that problematic. But I have also been having so many wild, vivid dreams that I wake up repeatedly throughout the night. Three to four dreams per week have been nightmares. I have had trouble staying and getting back to sleep. At this point, the side effects have been worth it because my every waking moment was a nightmare before I started taking this medicine, but it has only been two weeks. I hope the dreams and tummy issues subside while the good effects keep working for me."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "The side effects at the beginning were just awful, but my body has gotten used to it, and this is simply an amazing drug for the pain. I'm taking 60 mg, and the pain is almost completely gone. I find, though, that it does give me insomnia if I take it at night."

• 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?"

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2010

For Depression "I started taking Cymbalta a year ago. Side effects: nausea and pain in the stomach. This was with 30 mg. The doctor recommended 60 mg. It really worked, but after about 4 months, I just could not afford it, so my doctor prescribed Celexa. I used that for several months. I noticed that my usual mild lower back pain returned. (I suffered no withdrawal symptoms.) I got back on Cymbalta 2 months ago. I felt no real side effects, and I even went up to 60 mg. It controls my 'emotional roller coaster' very well. No insomnia, but for a few nights, I did not sleep as deeply as usual. Sometimes I still have a little anxiety. But I don't feel like a raving lunatic as I did before I started this medication. Slight weight gain."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2009

For Anxiety "I have been taking Cymbalta for two months. It works great for my anxiety and chronic pain. I feel great, like a new person. The only side effect for me is insomnia. I will be checking back with the doctor on that."

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2011

For Anxiety "I started taking this at 30 mg a week ago. I have been on so many different medicines, none of them worked, but after only a couple of days, I was feeling much better. I drove my car for an hour last night for the first time. Two years ago, I got electrocuted on 440, and I started getting the worst panic attacks. I could not get out of bed most days. I have been on every medicine they make for this. None of them worked, but in a week on Cymbalta, I feel like I'm almost my old self again. I just turned 25, and I have a 2-year-old son. So thank you, Cymbalta. The only side effect is I cannot sleep at all. Maybe an hour here or there, but I have not been tired."

• mbr...
• December 22, 2008

For Anxiety "I have just started taking the medication and have noticed a considerable change in my mood. I am not jumpy anymore. The only thing that I don't like about it is the bad taste I get in my mouth and some insomnia."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Cymbalta worked for my neuropathy for about 6 weeks, then suddenly stopped working. I was very sad that it stopped. I did experience very bad insomnia, but other than that, I didn't have any major side effects."

• fri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2022

For Chronic Pain "Cymbalta was a nightmare. I told my new doctor that I had bad reactions to SSRIs and SNRIs and preferred to avoid them. He agreed and said he wouldn't prescribe any, but instead would prescribe Duloxetine. I previously studied to be a pharmacist, so I immediately knew he was lying. I tried it anyway, thinking I knew what the likely side effects would be and once I was at my follow-up, I could stop them and redirect focus on finding the source of the problem. Mistake. Summary: brain fog, insomnia, brain zaps typical when weaning off these types of meds, restless leg syndrome reactivated which had been dormant for years, dizziness, lethargy, and couldn't get out of bed --- I needed help to get from bed to toilet. No, thank you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2012

For Pain "I had to stop taking Cymbalta after the first pill (30 mg) caused side effects for me. Nausea, chills and hot flashes, cold sweats, no appetite, insomnia. Too much for me, but I know this medicine has worked great for others, just not for me."

• hem...
• April 6, 2009

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Cymbalta has been a lifesaver for my diabetic neuropathy. In just a few days, the pain and discomfort went away. The only problem I am facing with Cymbalta is insomnia, even in combination with Xanax 4 mg and Vistaril 150 mg."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2021

For Anxiety "This completely cured the anxiety disorder that had been crippling me for 5 years. I went from waking up with that feel of dread in the pit of my stomach to being completely calm in less than a month. This medication has saved my life. During the first week, I experienced terrible nausea, insomnia, and headaches. These all went away by the end of week 2. Now the only side effect I experience is occasional headaches and trouble climaxing. I can work around the sexual dysfunction by timing when I have intercourse. I've found that if you have sex around 20-24 hours after taking your last dose, it is much easier to achieve orgasm."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2009

For Depression "I was on Cymbalta for 9 months, and from an overall mood perspective, it was incredible. I did suffer 2 noticeable side effects. I had some insomnia, as well as difficulty with an orgasm (I am male). I then went to Wellbutrin, and that did nothing. A year later, I am back on Cymbalta, and the much better mood is worth it. The withdrawals of stopping were absolutely horrible (nausea, dizziness), but only lasted a couple of weeks as I lowered my dosage. I will deal with those when I stop the next time."

• Pat...
• May 24, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "Prescribed by rheumatologist for fibromyalgia (30 mg/day); have been on for just over two weeks, take it at night. Cymbalta has helped lessen my pain and has dramatically improved my mood-happier and much more relaxed. Two side effects so far: constipation and trouble sleeping. Hardly slept at all the first night or two, still only sleeping about 5 hours-waking up very early. I like the positive effects enough to weather the cons-at least for now."

• JPi...
• October 7, 2010

For Depression "I have just started taking it, and I wanted to give a viewpoint from the beginning. I have been on this for 4 days now. The first day was really bad, but it is getting better. My appetite is coming back now, and I am not snapping at my family like I was before I started Cymbalta. I am still quite tired and nauseated during the day, and am still having some trouble sleeping. Before this, I used to drink a lot, and this has helped me lose the desire to drink, which in my case is a good thing. I am going to stick with it, and hopefully, the rest of the side effects will go away slowly. I already feel more positive, and my family has even noticed a difference already."

• Mot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "Took 30 mg/day for 2 months and no noticeable reduction of pain. Increased to 60 mg/day for 2 more months and still no relief of fibromyalgia at all. Killed my libido entirely and had difficulty sleeping regardless of taking it morning or night. Luckily, no side effects weaning off (half dose for 2 weeks, then every other day for 2 more weeks)."

• Was...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 9, 2016

For Depression "Many failed attempts on depression meds and lapsed into severe depression, suicidal thoughts, head-to-toe severe pain. The psychiatrist put me on 120 mg of Cymbalta a day. Boom, the pain and depression were gone. Instant relief, it was a godsend, but I very quickly realized that the depression was not actually gone. It had shifted into my anger/frustration emotion controllers, which for the most part I could deal with, but after a few years, the side effects add up. I have the horrible next few months of coming off this drug, but need to as I now have insomnia, chaotic dreams, extreme lethargy, and suicidal thoughts, which you don't feel like acting on but still have. It does work, but it is not a long-term solution, and I should have changed years ago."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2011

For Peripheral Neuropathy "It worked great; pain was totally gone. But the side effects were awful: couldn't sleep (for days), sweating lots (just sitting still in the air conditioning), bowel movements were so dry it was like passing glass. ETC, ETC."