I am very scared of side effects and am afraid to start. It has been in cupboard for 2 weeks. 20mg which is lowest dose. I have GAD & panic attacks. Was on it for 4 years until July 2013. Tried to restart in Feb 2014 and doc switched my doses all around for 3 weeks until I quit because of side effects. It worked so well from 2010 to 2013. I should have stayed on but of course thought I didn't need it. No other AD was tolerable for me
Do the majority of people take Cymbalta at night or morning?
Question posted by ljs1281 on 10 June 2014
Last updated on 5 November 2018
24 Answers Page 2
I was just prescribed cymbalta for fibromyalgia, 60mg is what my dr started me on (first dose in am) is that high to be starting on? I have been seeing that a lot of you were started on 20. Kind of nervous
My Dr started me on 60mg yesterday. Are you so taking cymbalta?
I think that a little high. My doc started me on 30mg. You should be started on a small dose and gradually go up
Just started Cymbalta today; remaining hopefully that it works. I've been on meds 17yrs now. I seem to fall in the criteria so here's hoping. I've always taken my meds at HS so I started Cymbalta with the same regime. I've had a huge break in my mental health.. I feel awful but im anticipating within a few weeks I'll start feeling more like me again
Did U?
I feel great! Dr. Increased me to 60mg morning and night, along with 100mg lamotrigine twice daily as well. I haven't relapsed since starting in 2015.
I will keep you in my thoughts. Please don’t give up! :)
I feel your pain; and was so happy to know there was someone out there EXACTLY like me. Hope you get this note; I'm interested in how you're doing. I was taking Celexa for 7-8 yrs and decided I no longer needed it because I felt I didn't have fibromyalgia any longer. I phased myself off of it correctly, but I guess my body was so used to it after that long, that when I was off of it for a year, I started having ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. It didn't work to go back on it either. Now a different dr wants to start me on Cymbalta and I have the same anxiety about starting something with potential side effects. Just glad to know there's someone else out there like me with the reservations about these meds.
I'm having the same problem. A little nervous about taking the Cymbalta especially since my doctor started me on 60mg. Have been having problems with anxiety and body pains/aches for almost a year now. I'm just nervous about taking this medicine and the possible side effects. Feel much better after seeing I'm not alone with this. I'm going to start it on a weekend to see when will be the best time for me to take it.
Hi there. I've just been prescribed Cymbalta for aches and joint pains, low energy due to Chronic Fatigue. I was started on 60mg. I am nervous to take it. I'm not sure I want to. I read a side effect is tiredness- what?! That's something I want to combat! What have your side effects been? I would love to hear your outcome this far. Thanks!
Hi, Guys -- Just thought I'd check in. I've been taking 20mg now for a couple months; I'm supposed to go back after 3 mos for a checkup with the doc. This has done wonders for my fibro pain, especially the aching legs I would get in the evening where I'd have to use a heating pad to calm them down... I haven't had to do that at all since taking this. Also, my disposition is greatly improved (I guess because I'm not in the same daily pain). I'm still stiff when I don't move around much. I have gained a few pounds (not happy about that) and I'm still dizzy so I have to pause before getting up from laying down. I also talk in my sleep a lot when I'm on these drugs. I noticed it when I was on Celexa and now after 2 mos I've started up again with the Cymbalta. I take my capsule at night and most nights I'll sleep all the way through with no discomfort. Overall, I'm happy with it...
wish I didn't have to take it, but it appears that if I want to feel quasi-normal, I guess I have to. Hope you all are doing well. Oh, BTW, I'm only taking one other med (levothyroxine) so I'm not having any conflicts with other meds, which I think others might have. Hope this helps someone!
RMGN... new to this site and just read your post. Wasn't sure if you were aware, but you'd mentioned weight gain while on cymbalta, but you were also taking levothyroxine. I can tell you... it's not the cymbalta causing that. It's the hormones from the thyroid medication. I've been on cymbalta for years with no problems. Started levothyroxine and immediately stayed gaining weight. I eventually stopped it because I felt horrible physically with the weight on my body... and I did lose it and got back to my healthier weight. I only took cymbalta for chronic pain. My doc recently thought Prozac would be better. NOT. I've noticed it causes stomach "issues" and as i didn't have side effects from cymbalta, I'm restarting it. ☺
I have been on cymbalta 8 months now. I have in the past 30 years been on every drug known to man. Was on cymbalta many years before now. I feel, for me, it has been the least invasive anti depressant anti anxiety med I have been on thus far. All drugs have side effects that are unwarranted for most of us. I could give you nightmare stories about all the drugs I have been put on. My 60 mg cymbalta I take in the morning because makes me energetic. I mentally feel much better. The only reason I quit it years ago was because it was not generic and I could afford it no longer. I have learned not to be afraid. Why? Because I now research all drugs before I go on them. Knowledge can be power. Good luck and stay healthy!!
HI I am switching from fetzima to Cymbalta. Just wondering if while I am tapering off fetzima if i should take them together till I'm done with fetzima or at different times
I started taking Cymbalta about 2 years ago, it was increased to 120mg a day, i needed to take in morning as it kept me up all night, it was given to me for depression (BipolarII), i was not aware i could not take Tramadol with the Cymbalta as they both increase Seritonin, i went into Seritonin overload and ended up with huge sweats and chills at the same time, it sent me to the ER, but i happen by the Grace of God had some Periactin which reduces the seritonin overload, ER had no clue how to treat this, i attempted to totally get off Cymbalta but had tremendous agitation and pain back from Fibromyalgia, so am now on 30mg dose, i am very careful not to take Tramadol, i don't believe i could get off Cymbalta, and have read others whom have ended up in the hospital trying to get off of Cymbalta, it has extreme withdrawal effects, i had no idea how much it helps with the pain until i miss a dose, then omgsh, it totally helps with the aching pain of Fibromyalgia,
depakote is what truly helps me with depression. I have a Good Dr. Who has worked with me for several years to get it right. But i try to stay on the lowest dose of Cymbalta possible, when i tried to completely stop i was so angry/mood swing i cut off several relationships over several weeks, told people just what i thought, no holding back , not too good lol! If i had it to do over again would i have ever started Cymbalta?? it's the only one i have ever had success with... so i think so... i just don't like a medication having such a hold on me, i have it with the depakote to tho, i do not go to that dark abyss of depression, Thank you Good Lord, it's a First in my Life, but i am dependent on B/p meds to keep that low, Lipitor to help Cholestrol, so really how is that any different. Take care all of you and please remember NO TRAMADOL with Cymbalta--- God Bless
Cymbalta ( Duloxetine ) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means that in a week to four weeks the brain levels of serotonin and norepinephrine are increasing. One needs to give this two or more months to have the best effect. ( if effective ) Serotonin tends to " calm" the brain. Norepinephrine tends to stimulate and focus the brain. Effexor,Prestiq, Cymbalta, and a recent " arrival" Fetzima are SNRI's. Prozac , Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, and others, including the " new" arrival Brintellix are SSRI's ( increase Serotonin reuptake. Wellbutrin regular release and extended release increase Norepinephrine and some Dopamine ( reuptake inhibition )
This medication tends to excite and " motivate " the brain. This medication is helpful in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, reducing smoking, and has some effect in treating ADHD. Increasing Serotonin in some individuals may result in a sense of indifference, or decreased motivation, or decrease in " passion" This decrease in emotional experience needs to be distinguished from depression. The SSRI and the SNRI medications may result in sexual side effects. Wellbutrin does not have sexual side effects. Many medications including OTC's are metabolized in the liver. Some individuals have a large amount of these enzymes, some an intermediate amount, an others a small amount. ( CPY 450 and subtypes ) Thus, one person may be a slow metabolizer, a small amount of enzyme ( a little bit goes a long way ) another person may be a fast metabolizer , a large amount of enzyme ( a high dose is needed to have an effect ) Then some people are in between.
Thus, ( given other variables such as drug-drug interactions ) different doses may be required to obtain the desired clinical effect. Bear in mind that generic medications may have a different " filler" and a dose range of 80 to 120 % of the branded medication. I have seen a number of patients do poorly on generic Cymbalta. Do not stop these medications abruptly. One may experience discontinuation symptoms. A gradual weaning is in order. Should you have any questions about your medications or possible drug-drug interaction ask your doctor or pharmacist. I might add, genetic testing of liver enzyme profiles are available. This is obtained with a mouth swab. Of course, there is a cost. I hope some of this lengthy comment is helpful.
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I started take it about 3 weeks ago and I'm on the lowest dose. I take it in the morning.
Any side effects?
No
That's great that you have no side effects. I worry about dizziness and high or low blood pressure which is what causes my anxiety anyway. I have 20mg in cupboard that doctor wants me to start. Maybe I will try it
Well I talked to my doctor today and she is giving me brand name cymbalta not generic. I did well on brand name for 4 yrs. When I tried to restart they gave me generic. I will be taking 20mg tonight. Hope it works and I can bear side effects. My wife says just take it and forget about it.
Oh that's good, what I do everyday is try to clear my mind and be open to everything around me. I also remind myself to live in this moment right now like what's happening right now, that's helps me stay calm and I also deep breathe. Well I really hope the new med works for u
I start taking last Thursday and boy does it give me the worst dry mouth as I started taking it in the morning, I also noticed decrees in appetite. So, I'm going to take it at night and hopefully this side effect will get under control within the 4 weeks period. Because I can't stand the dry mouth. Has anyone experience that side effect and has it subsided once you've been on it for a while.
I taking in the night but I can't sleep well. But I have a lot of energy during the day. I don't know if switch for mornings or leaving in the night. Any recommendations???
I tried taking it both in the morning and switching to night time. I found it was better to take at night for me. I have the same problem as you and starting medication scares me. I know its weird. We need the help, we want the help but then we are afraid of the help. I think it took about a week for me to work up the courage to take it. Having been on Cymbalta for a long time, I can say that 20 mgs. is a good low dose to start. Just remember that you have taken it before and you didn't die or go crazy. It will take some time to work its way back up to where you feel good like you did awhile back. Just be patient with yourself.
Remember to take with food. Do not crush or open the tab. Just swallow it with a glass of water after you have eaten some food. If you feel like you are too drowsy and you are taking it in the morning, try taking the dose at night. If you find you cannot sleep and you took it at night, try taking it in the morning. Maybe start on a weekend when someone can be with you to help ease the anxiety of starting it again.
What were your common start up effects and willing build on just 20mg do you think?
My common side effects were upset stomach or light diarrhea. I was anxious with the first two doses but I think that was just nervousness about trying a new medicine. When I went up to 40mgs, my side effects were the same. Slight stomach upset and light diarrhea. The reason I went off of Cymbalta was because I felt lazy. I just didn't feel like cooking, cleaning, going to the store, etc. I wasn't anxious or panicking but I was lazy and had no drive to do anything.
Thanks for your help. It's nice to hear others experience. I never had laziness on it. I actually can't even recall side effects until I went off and tried to restart. Did you have dizziness or lightheadedness or blood pressure changes? What was your starting dose? Did side effects go away quickly?
I started at 20mgs and moved to 40 mgs in about 2 months. At one point I was up to 60mgs but I had very loose stools and diarrhea with stomach pain. I went back to the 40 and it eased up. The gastrointestinal issues at the starting dose of 20 and the dose of 40mgs. did subside after about 4-6 weeks once my body adjusted. However, if I took the dose without food, the gastro issues returned for the next 24 hours. It was never anything terrible to the point where I couldn't leave the house or go to work. It was just mildly uncomfortable and annoying at the 20 and 40mgs. The 60 mgs was too much on my gut regardless of whether I ate a meal and it didn't subside in time. I decreased back to 40mgs.
I do recall that I had a lower blood pressure readings but nothing worrisome to my doctor and I saw him bi-weekly. I occasionally had lightheaded sensations if I stood up too quickly. I think the worst lightheaded case I had was during a time when I squatted down to a bottom shelf at the grocery. I stood up quickly after I grabbed the item I wanted. I had a severe bout of dizziness but it lasted only a few moments. I would recommend rising slowly when going from sitting to standing or bending to standing. When you wake up, rise slowly from bed. You won't have the dizziness. I never had dizziness once I was standing or sitting.
Also during this time, I had a hysterectomy so I don't know if that contributed to my possible intestinal issues.
I would go very slowly on the 20mgs and take with food. Maybe start on a weekend when you know you won't have to go anywhere or you can have someone with you for support. If you are really worried, maybe a mild tranquilizer will help. I use Xanax sparingly when I'm making a medication switch just to take the edge of anxiety off.
Hey, guys I'm getting ready to start cymbal tea and I really needed to hear what u all had to say about it! How about weight, do u gain loose or etc?
Did the laziness subside as u continued or etc?
Just started 30 mg dose of Cymbalta. Felt drowsy and loopy all day. No motivation to do anything. Anyone else have this experience? I did read one other persons helpful comment who had a similar experience but would like to know about others experiences as well. Thank you.
Chuck, thanks for the information. This has been going on since march. I don't have depression. ..just bad anxiety and health/social anxiety. Over reactive fight or flight response. My doc thinks bc anxiety was so high in February when I tried to restart cymbalta I really didn't have side effects but rather anxiety attacks of that makes any sense. Also she said her mistake was trying to up dose too fast then kept dropping it and upping it until finally after 3 weeks I quit taking. I'd love to go back on it bc from 2010 to 2014 it worked for anxiety at 60mg. Do you think 20mg is going to cause bad side effects? I also take a very low dose blood pressure pill. Thanks
I have been on Lamictal for the last 6 weeks. I think it is helping my anxiety. I was still feeling depressed so I thought I would start Cymbalta. I think that it increased my anxiety. I stopped taking it and am going to try just taking the Lamictal.
ljs Chuck again here is some infor i copied and paste..that may help you remember never open and sprinkle capsule this is timed release swallow whole as it says here but this is some of the most importints stuff to remember okay here is the copy and past plese start YOUR MEDS TODAY.OR CHECK BACK WITH DOCTOR chuck1957************Advise patient to take prescribed dose without regard to meals, but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.
Advise patient to swallow capsule whole, and not to crush or chew the capsule. Caution patient not to open capsule and sprinkle contents on food or mix with liquids.
Inform patient that it may take 1 to 4 wk to note improvement in symptoms and to continue with prescribed therapy once improvement has been noted.
Instruct patient to notify health care provider if symptoms do not appear to be getting better or are getting worse, or if bothersome adverse reactions (eg, changes in sexual function, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, unusual sweating) occur.
ljs PLEASE you know how bad you feel and it worked at one time it is going to do no good in the cupboard there is no reason to suffer with these problems now days and yes you may have side effects when you first start it again..But the subside after continued use..Please start your med..this is a very good one for what you say and you are starting with the lowest dose... I have been on medications for 20 years and finally can do just about anything now with cymbalta it is a very effective medicaton and replaces serotinin that your brain makes this suppliments it..Anyway Please if you work try and start this on your first day off so you don't have to worry about if it makes you very tired or what ever... you know it does nogood in the cupboard you must start it asap..Now for your queston about when it works different for some people so start it in the morning because sometimes it can make it so its hard to sleep for some people so i would say take in in the am...
you can always change it later if it makes you tired change it to night time..it has no special time so please go with the flow dear and know thereare lots of us here and we do care..you are not helping yourself by not taking it andiam not trying to be mean.if you have more questions pleasepost it..we care.Chuck1957 medically retired pharmacy technician Cpht...
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, side effect, dosage
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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