How To Sleep While Taking Cymbalta - Wapomu

How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?

People who have trouble going to sleep, remaining asleep, waking up too early, or waking up feeling unrefreshed are diagnosed with insomnia. Unfortunately, insomnia is a common side effect experienced by some people who take Cymbalta.

And so, if you are taking Cymbalta you may be finding it difficult to sleep. In this article, you will learn tips on how to sleep while taking Cymbalta.

Cymbalta

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) is a prescription drug that can help with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain issues. Cymbalta belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. SNRIs function by altering neurotransmitters, which are substances in the brain.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that can assist control mood, stress, and even pain perception. Cymbalta is also known as a dual reuptake inhibitor or dual-acting antidepressant since it operates by affecting two different neurotransmitters.

Sleep and Cymbalta

Sleep is a necessary function that helps your body and mind to replenish, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and alert. Healthy sleep also aids in the body’s wellness and illness prevention.

The brain cannot function correctly if it does not get adequate sleep. This can make it difficult to concentrate, think clearly, or remember things.

The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Children and teenagers, especially those under the age of five, require significantly more sleep. Medications like Cymbalta, on the other hand, can prevent us from getting adequate sleep.

One of the most common side effects of Cymbalta is insomnia. Clinical trials have found that:

  • Insomnia was reported by 9% of Cymbalta users.
  • Insomnia affected 5% of those who took a placebo.

You may have difficulty getting asleep or staying asleep if you suffer from insomnia. You may find yourself waking up too early as a result of it. Consult your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping while taking Cymbalta.

What does Cymbalta treat?

Major depressive disorder, or MDD, is commonly treated with Cymbalta.

It can also be used to treat the following conditions: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), fibromyalgia, arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy (examples of chronic pain).

Cymbalta might take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to start working.

Nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, dry mouth, and insomnia are some of the moderate side symptoms that can occur during this time.

Many, but not all, of these adverse effects will go away on their own. Take Cymbalta exactly as advised by your pharmacist to reduce the risk of adverse effects as much as possible.

Do not use Cymbalta for longer or shorter periods of time than prescribed by your doctor, and do not double up on doses. Don’t adjust your Cymbalta dose on your own if you think you need to. Before making any changes, consult your doctor.

How to sleep while taking Cymbalta

One of the most prevalent side effects reported by Cymbalta users is inability to sleep (also known as insomnia). This adverse effect diminishes in some people after a few weeks of taking Cymbalta, but in others, difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep can linger. While taking Cymbalta, there are a few things you can do to help your sleep:

  • Take your Cymbalta dose first thing in the morning. Cymbalta can be taken once or twice a day, but it should only be used once a day in the morning if you are suffering from insomnia.
  • Cymbalta capsules should be swallowed whole, not crushed, chewed, or opened and sprinkled on food, since this may cause Cymbalta to be absorbed faster than intended, raising the risk of adverse effects like sleeplessness.
  • If you’re taking Cymbalta, don’t consume any alcohol.
  • Because Cymbalta has a long half-life and side effects are more likely at high plasma levels, never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dosage.
  • Do not abruptly stop using Cymbalta. If you wish to discontinue taking Cymbalta, talk to your doctor about gradually reducing your dose. Symptoms of discontinuation (or withdrawal) syndrome include insomnia, irritability, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, nightmares, headaches, and paresthesia if Cymbalta is stopped too abruptly (a burning or prickling sensation in the hands and feet).
  • Before using any other medications that may interact with Cymbalta, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Some other drugs, including Cymbalta, release serotonin, and too much serotonin can produce serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening and disrupt sleep. Opioids, lithium, and tramadol are examples of drugs that release serotonin.
  • Keep stringent sleep hygiene habits in place, such as sticking to a set sleep and get up routine, being active during the day, avoiding daytime naps, limiting or eliminating caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption, and avoiding large meals or beverages close to bedtime.
  • Stimulus control treatment, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, therapeutic sleep restriction, and light therapy are all examples of cognitive behavior therapy strategies that may aid with sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping while taking Cymbalta, tell your doctor right away. Sleep disruptions can also occur if you stop taking Cymbalta too abruptly, even if you taper it down carefully, or if you take too much Cymbalta or combine it with other drugs.

Side effects of Cymbalta

Side effects with Cymbalta can range from moderate to severe.

Here are some of the mild side effects of Cymbalta

  • exhaustion (lack of energy)
  • sleepiness
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • reduced appetite
  • insomnia
  • constipation
  • erectile dysfunction

The majority of these side effects should subside within a few days or weeks. However, if they worsen or don’t go away, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Cymbalta adverse effects are uncommon, although they can happen. If you experience any major side effects, contact your doctor straight away.

The following are examples of serious side effects and associated symptoms:

  • Orthostatic hypotension (changes in blood pressure when standing up too quickly).
  • Liver damage
  • Severe skin reactions such as hides
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Eye problems
  • Difficulty in urinating
  • Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Allergic reactions
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Is it true that Cymbalta makes it difficult to sleep?

Yes. When using Cymbalta, insomnia (difficulty sleeping) is a typical adverse effect. As your body adjusts to taking the drug, insomnia may resolve on its own for some people.

Can I take a sleeping pill while taking Cymbalta?

While melatonin can help you sleep when using Cymbalta, some medicines, such as St. John’s wort, should be avoided while taking the antidepressant. Before adding any OTC sleep aid or supplement to your routine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it won’t interact negatively with Cymbalta.

Can you take Cymbalta before going to bed?

Although many people prefer to take Cymbalta first thing in the morning, it can make some people sleepy. If you’re experiencing drowsiness as a side effect from Cymbalta, talk to your doctor about taking it in the evening.

Is insomnia a common side effect of Cymbalta?

When taking Cymbalta, insomnia is fairly prevalent. Insomnia was reported as a side effect by more than 10% of patients using the medicine.

Summary

Tell your doctor straight away if you’re having difficulties sleeping while taking Cymbalta. Sleep disturbances can also occur if you stop taking Cymbalta too quickly, even if you taper it down slowly, or if you take too much or combine it with other medications.

WRITTEN AND EDITED RESPECTIVELY BY:

About the author Related posts
Michael Sarfo
Content Creator at Wapomu

Michael Sarfo is a graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon. He is a content creator for enochkabange.com and a writer for Wapomu

Dr. Ehoneah Obed (Pharmacist)
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Dr. Ehoneah Obed is a registered pharmacist and a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. He has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and has experience working in a Tertiary hospital as well as various community pharmacies. He is also a software engineer interested in healthcare technologies.

His love for helping others motivates him to create content on an array of topics mostly relating to the health of people and also software engineering content.

He is knowledgeable in digital marketing, content marketing, and a host of other skills that make him versatile enough to uplift any team he joins.

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