How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?
Not being able to sleep (also called insomnia) is one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Cymbalta. In some people, this side effect improves after a couple of weeks of taking Cymbalta, but difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can persist in others. Here are some ways you can improve sleep while taking Cymbalta:
- Take your dose of Cymbalta in the morning. Cymbalta may be given once a day or twice a day but for those people experiencing insomnia, it should be taken just once a day in the morning
- Swallow Cymbalta capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open up the capsules and sprinkle them on food because this may cause Cymbalta to be absorbed more quickly than intended, increasing the risk of side effects such as insomnia
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Cymbalta
- If you miss a dose of Cymbalta, never take 2 tablets at once to make up for the missed dose because the drug has a long half-life and side effects are more likely at high plasma levels
- Do not stop Cymbalta suddenly. If you want to stop taking Cymbalta, talk with your doctor who will help you to lower the dose slowly. If Cymbalta is stopped too quickly it can cause a discontinuation (or withdrawal) syndrome, and symptoms include insomnia, irritability, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and paresthesia (a burning or prickling sensation in the hands and feet)
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medications that can interact with Cymbalta. Some other medications also release serotonin (as does Cymbalta) and too much serotonin can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening and also impact sleep. Examples of medicines that also release serotonin include opioids, lithium, and tramadol
- Try to keep strict sleep hygiene practices; for example, keep to a fixed sleep and wake up schedule, remain active during the day, avoid daytime naps, limit or stop caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake, and avoid large meals or beverages close to bedtime
- Cognitive behavior therapy strategies such as stimulus control therapy, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, therapeutic sleep restriction, and light therapy, may also help with sleep
Always let your doctor know if you find it difficult to sleep while taking Cymbalta. Sleep disturbances can also occur if Cymbalta is stopped too quickly, even if it is tapered down slowly; as well as if you take too much Cymbalta or take Cymbalta with interacting medications.
Related questions
- 8 Cymbalta Side Effects: Should I be Concerned?
- What helps with Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms?
- Does Cymbalta cause weight gain?
References
- Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride). Updated 09/2021. Eli Lilly and Company https://www.drugs.com/pro/cymbalta.html
- Gonçalves R, Guimaraes S. Drug-induced sleepiness and insomnia: an update http://www.sleepscience.org.br/details/35/en-US/drug-induced-sleepiness-and-insomnia--an-update
Read next
How long does it take for Cymbalta to work?
It may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for the full effects of Cymbalta to be seen, although some improvement in symptoms, such as sleep, energy, or appetite may show an improvement in 1-2 weeks. Symptoms such as depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may take the full 6-8 weeks to resolve. When Cymbalta is used for pain, it generally improves within two weeks. Continue reading
What do Cymbalta brain zaps feel like?
People have reported feeling electric shock-like sensations or “brain zaps” when starting Cymbalta (duloxetine) treatment, during treatment, and also when discontinuing it. Most report feeling these in the brain although some report them in other parts of the body. They have been described as feeling like a short, low voltage, electric shock. Continue reading
How do you manage neuropathy from chemo?
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent and often distressing side effect of cancer treatment that affects the nerves. Common symptoms of CIPN are numbness, tingling, burning pain, and muscle weakness, which often occur in the hands and feet.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Can I take Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Trintellix (vortioxetine) together?
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- Which medications make you sleepy?
- Panic attack vs Anxiety attack - What's difference between them?
- Valium vs Xanax: Which is better?
- How long does it take for magnesium supplements to work?
- How long do venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms last?
- How long does Xanax last for / stay in your system?
- Can you take hydroxyzine for anxiety and sleep?
- Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?
- Why does Lexapro cause weight gain? Complete Patient Guide
- Lorazepam vs Xanax: What is the difference?
- When is the best time to take Lexapro? Morning vs Night Dosing
- Lexapro vs Zoloft: How do they compare?
- CBD Oil: What are 9 Proven or Possible Health Benefits?
- What are the rules for controlled drug refills?
- How long does it take for Lexapro to work?
- Does Xanax help you sleep?
- How does Xanax make you feel?
- Ativan vs Xanax - What is the difference?
- How quickly does propranolol work?
- What is bromazepam used for?
- Does Adderall help with anxiety and depression?
- How long does it take for Ativan to work?
- Should gabapentin be taken with food?
- Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
- Is it better to take lamotrigine at night?
- Xanax vs Ambien: How do they compare?
- Prozac vs Xanax: How do they compare?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Cymbalta (313 questions, 1,874 members)
- Duloxetine (88 questions, 211 members)
- Anxiety (3,052 questions, 10,949 members)
- Depression (2,256 questions, 8,794 members)
- Back Pain (416 questions, 3,295 members)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (1,503 questions, 4,882 members)
- Major Depressive Disorder (540 questions, 1,392 members)
- Chronic Pain (305 questions, 3,369 members)
- Osteoarthritis (220 questions, 880 members)
- Fibromyalgia (327 questions, 2,904 members)
- Diabetic Neuropathy (51 questions, 161 members)