I can't sleep when taking Cymbalta: What else can I do for pain?

Hi @popolopo that must be frustrating that you haven't been able to sleep while on Cymbalta.

I wanted to introduce you to fellow Connect members @jeanne51 @elwooodsdad and @petangelkat1as they have experience with Cymbalta and may be able to provide support.

Here is a discussion you may find helpful on Cymbalta withdrawal: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-the-symptoms-of-cymbalta-withdrawal/?pg=1#comment-294858

Back to you @popolopo how long have you been on Cymbalta?

I was on it for 5 days and felt awful so I quit. I tried it again 2 weeks later and lasted one day. It will not let me sleep.

I had the same issue with Cymbalta. So on a weekend when I didn’t have to work ,I took in the morning and had no problems and now I can sleep again! Plus the Cymbalta has helped so much with depression and pain,

Has anyone experienced sleeplessness from Cymbalta ? I feel some pain relief but I can not sleep. Only taking 30mg a day . I am very sensitive to meds.

Hello @boo55 -- I know it must be frustrating not being able to sleep. I'm tagging our moderator @ethanmcconkey to see if we should combine your post into the following discussion where @popolopo is asking the same question and you can meet @coralbells1 @jeanne51 @elwooodsdad and @petangelkat1 who also have discussed Cymbalta in a post.

> Groups > Chronic Pain > Cymbalta
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cymbalta-2/

Has your doctor offered any suggestions to help with the sleep?

No,she thinks I gave up too soon. I take Zopiclone to sleep,it works.

I don’t know if this is appropriate or not but I will mention it and you can delete it if you want. If anyone is on Facebook there is a group called “Cymbalta Hurts Worse.” It is a group that helps people get off Cymbalta and encourages not using it for pain or depression. Use your own discretion but I have been on antidepressants most of my adult life, 30+ years. I have never had such a negative effect from any antidepressant and there are thousands like me. I have had many side effects on Cymbalta and getting off of it. I am still going through withdrawal. It needs to be tapered very slowly. Just a FYI.

@jeanne51 I wasn't on it for depression but fibromyalgia and I lasted one dose on it .I started forgetting things I didn't like the way I felt so stopped it .

Hi, @boo55 - how are things going with the sleeplessness you were experiencing from the duloxetine (Cymbalta)?

I TOOK CYMBALTA FOR 1 DAY. I HAVE HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS. FOR YEARS DUE TO MY MEDICAL CONDITION CALLED "CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC URTICARIA" IT HAD HIVES SO SEVERE I WOUND UP IN THE ER UNTIL FINALLY SENT TO A DR, IN S.C. GAVE ME SOMETHING THAT IS ALSO USED FOR TRANSPLANT PATIENTS, HIVES WERE GONE FOR YEARS UNTUL !!! I TOOK CYMBALTA, HIVES WORSE THAN EVER. WENT TO AN IMMUNOLOGIST GAVE ME INJECTIONS CALLED XOLAIR. HIVES WERE GONE IN 7 MONTHS!! I HOPE NO FLAIR UPS IN THE FUTURE!!