Duloxetine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• JoN...
• October 27, 2009

Duloxetine for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Cymbalta was the first drug that actually improved the diabetic neuropathy pain I was experiencing in my legs, feet, arms, and hands. For the first time, I was able to sleep through the night without waking in tears from the pain. I was so happy my doctor put me on this drug in conjunction with Neurontin. The pain almost disappeared! Approximately 6-8 weeks later, I noticed that the neuropathy pain started back up again despite continuing on the medicines. I too had insomnia, making it difficult, at best, to be alert, focused, or have any energy the following day. To this day, I still have some insomnia and an increase in the neuropathy symptoms; BUT Cymbalta 60 mg and Neurontin 600 mg are the best drugs so far in lessening the pain."

• Nec...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2019

Duloxetine for Depression "I've taken Cymbalta for about 10 years. 90 mg and lower. Helped at first, then started getting agitated, no sleep, constipation. Horrible. Don't recommend this drug. Had a mini-stroke 6 months ago. Dreading the tapering."

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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2019

For Anxiety "I was suffering from extreme anxiety, brought on by a bad reaction to an antibiotic. It lasted a year until I started taking duloxetine. Things improved almost immediately. I had some insomnia for a few days. Things continued to improve. Now, after two months, my anxiety is gone, and I feel like my old self again. I have no side effects I am aware of, and am sleeping very well. I was afraid to take it due to many negative reviews. I am sure these bad reviews are valid, as every individual reacts differently. My advice would be to try it, but be very careful. If it seems to work, great, if not, consult with your doctor and, if advised, stop. My experience has been great, others have been terrible, so step carefully. It is giving me my life back."

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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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."

• Cym...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I don't usually write a review, but I found something that is working and hope I can help someone who's in my same shoes. I'm highly sensitive to anything and everything. I have generalized anxiety disorder, OCD intrusive thoughts, and some depression. I started this medication a week ago. I had some side effects like dizziness, a little nausea, lightheadedness, hot flashes, and insomnia for a couple of days, then they went away, and I'm doing good. I have been on nine different meds (Zoloft, Luvox, Lexapro, Prozac, Ativan, Gabapentin, Hydroxyzine, Buspirone, and Celexa)-all bad experiences-and made me feel weird, sick, or have bad thoughts, and others, and didn't work. I even tried natural supplements-nothing. I was in a bad place, then my doctor said to try duloxetine 20 mg. I was so scared of starting a new med again, so I waited a couple of days until I started, and even when I started, I was anxious because I was like, this one's not gonna work either, I was very defeated. I'm actually glad I gave it a chance to work, it saved my life."

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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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."