Did duloxetine / Cymbalta raise your blood sugar?

Posted by annewoodmayo @annewoodmayo, Mar 24, 2023

Hi, everybody!
Has anyone had their blood sugars go up from Cymbalta/duloxetine?
If so, what did you and your doctor do about it?

My blood glucose and my A1C have been going higher, even though I lost 15 pounds and started to exercise. I've been on Cymbalta for a few years now.

Hope you all are hanging in there OK. Thanks for your help!

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@annewoodmayo That's a very good question. I have been taking Cymbalta/duloxetine for several years. I had A1C for the first time last year and it was in the normal range. I haven't had a blood glucose test although that may happen this year. My total cholesterol numbers have been edging their way up but that was happening well before I began taking duloxetine. Also, the LDL and triglycerides came down at my last check which was good because I've been more careful about my diet and I'm getting more exercise. I wonder if there is a connection between this medication and blood sugars. Have you asked your doctor this question?

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Hi Helen!
I haven't asked my rheumatologist yet. Appointment in 2 weeks or so.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. And congratulations on the LDL and triclycerides!

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@annewoodmayo

Hi Helen!
I haven't asked my rheumatologist yet. Appointment in 2 weeks or so.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. And congratulations on the LDL and triclycerides!

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@annewoodmayo Thank you for the kind wishes. I'm very curious about what your rheumatologist tells about this. Will you return here and let me know?

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I will try very hard to remember to let you know! 🙂

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@annewoodmayo

I will try very hard to remember to let you know! 🙂

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I will circle back here when the time comes in two weeks and remind you to share if you'd like. How's that?

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A reminder would be great 🙂

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I can't believe it...I forgot to ask her! There was so much else we had to go over. What an idiot I am...I have another appointment in 3 months.

Maybe someone else will post about this, too, before then.

Let's try to keep in touch about this topic? Hope you are well!

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@naturegirl5

@annewoodmayo That's a very good question. I have been taking Cymbalta/duloxetine for several years. I had A1C for the first time last year and it was in the normal range. I haven't had a blood glucose test although that may happen this year. My total cholesterol numbers have been edging their way up but that was happening well before I began taking duloxetine. Also, the LDL and triglycerides came down at my last check which was good because I've been more careful about my diet and I'm getting more exercise. I wonder if there is a connection between this medication and blood sugars. Have you asked your doctor this question?

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I am on my 5th week of Cymbalta. The side effects for the first couple of weeks were awful! I think it is starting to help with the anxiety. What has been your experience?

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@mitfit

I am on my 5th week of Cymbalta. The side effects for the first couple of weeks were awful! I think it is starting to help with the anxiety. What has been your experience?

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@mitfit It’s great that you noticing a change for the better. I know how hard it is to find a medication that works and sometimes you have to try different meds to get to something that is helpful.

By this time of 5 weeks I think you would know if the Cymbalta is working for you and the side effects will have diminished. For me, when I started Cymbalta I noticed that it worked for my anxiety within a week. I’ve been taking Cymbalta for about 8 years and it’s still working for me. I still get anxious on some occasions and then I use my coping skills and can manage. Do you have coping skills you’ve learned to use?

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@annewoodmayo

I can't believe it...I forgot to ask her! There was so much else we had to go over. What an idiot I am...I have another appointment in 3 months.

Maybe someone else will post about this, too, before then.

Let's try to keep in touch about this topic? Hope you are well!

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@annewoodmayo That happens to me too. I get so wrapped up in the primary reason to see my doctors that I forget to look at the questions I brought with me. Does your rheumatologist use the patient portal so you can write her and ask your question?

I will see my doctors on April 21 and I plan to ask your question. My A1C is in a normal range but I’m very curious about that. I will come back here and let you know.

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