Side Effect of Cymbalta - HELP

I started taking Cymbalta a week ago (exactly 7 days).  I have gone through different side effects each day but the two that seem the most severe are sleepiness and nausea.  I have been taking it in the morning and start feeling more sleepy as the morning progresses.  It gets worse in the afternoons because that is when the nausea will appear.  My brain feels like it's swollen (I know - weird)... 

I don't have the nausea every day.  But the drowsiness can get pretty severe sometimes.  It is 10:00 a.m. here now.  I was supposed to be at work at 8:00 and I have just woke up (and I took the medication YESTERDAY morning).  I worked out yesterday, ran errands, went to work - just tried to be normal and this is what happens.

How long do these side effects last?  I can't function this way?  I am taking the Cymbalta because I am having a bout with depression and also have fibromialgia.  However, I don't know whether to continue or not.  This is worse than the depression because I can't function.  I also have a job that requires socializing at events.  Can I even have a glass of wine or would I just pass out?  I also have a to drive - and that is very hard right now.  I can't concentrate because I am so sleepy.

HELP!!!!

ticki4

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Also taking Phenobarbital and Klonopin (for epilepsy).  Was taking Prozac (15mg) for depression but it was not working anymore.  I am very sensitive to drugs.

Thanks!!!

Hi Trinia,
I am only taking 30 mgs in the morning. Sorry I should have included that but the brain fog is horrible this morning... as usual. I am really trying to be positive about this medication but the more I read the more I am concerned. I have called my internist this morning and my neurologist to see what they say. I hate that I can't drink at all. I know that sounds silly but my job involves a lot of social events and I enjoy having a glass of wine. My husband and I also enjoy going to winerys and do so frequently. This is so frustrating.

Thanks for the advice. I just took my dose and we'll see what happens today. I've already slept 10 hours and feel like I want to crawl back in the bed already. Oh - and I take my Cymbalta with breakfast. Should I take still eat the yogurt too? Do you think that would help?

Thanks so much for replying. I am so very frustrated and am just about to go back on the Prozac and see if I can work this out my way (with exercise and eating better)....

Terri

Ticki

I would ask your Doc about Buspar instead of Prozac, seems to work better and gentler for me. Just a suggestion.

As for the alcohol, well, I know how you feel, however it is something you will get use to. Club soda with a twist or gingerale and most people don't know your not drinking.

Think of it this way, social event for work, on medication, drinking, say something inappropriate, loose job. Is it worth the risk.

I would take the cymbalta at night, ask the doc. IF not depending on what you are eating for breakfast, yes I would eat the yogurt. You want to coat the stomach.

Hi there...

I usually post on the Chronic pain and Fibromyalgia board but this thread caught my eye as I was on Cymbalta for years..

It is funny how we respond differently to medications as for me the Cymbalta caused almost a hyper feeling...so much so that I had to take it in the evening so that by about 8 hours it would be ok waking up in the am. When I first started taking it in the am...I could not fall asleep..

**The main reason I am posting is that I STRONGLY urge you to not drink at all..not one drop being on any type of seizure medication.

It is a well known fact that alcohol can make the medication ineffective which can then cause major issues...

Sadly my niece's husband was on seizure medication and had two beers the night previous and was driving to get coffee the following morning. He ran through a red light and ended up killing two people!. He is now in jail and being charged with manslaughter because he drank while using the medication and it caused him to have a seizure.

They call this "deliberate" because he knew the risks of drinking while on this type of medication and the law in many states say that you are ok to drive with seizure issues as long as you are seizure free and taking medication daily/on schedule.

It is a tragic situation all around for the loss of two lives.

I can't imagine wine or drinking is worth possibly risking your life, others, or your job by mixing alcohol with your seizure medication as well as the other meds you take.

In regards to the Cymbalta, as mentioned by others, most Drs. will say to stay on a medication for at least a month or so as this is when many side effects will abate.

BnotAfraid,
I thought about taking it at night. However, take this morning for example... I took 30 mg of Cymbalta YESTERDAY morning and I still had an extremely hard time getting up and getting ready for work. Actually was 2 hours late. I feel like my brain is swollen :( I'm worried if I take it at night I won't be able to get out of bed.

Am waiting on my internist to call back. Thinking I might just switch back to my Prozac and try working through this. Have found a great physical therapist to help with the fibromyalgia. Maybe I am looking at this the wrong way and drugs are not my way out.

So confused...

I think it is a lot of things. Got married in May (after being previously married for 19 yrs), inherited 2 stepchildren (one in college and one in high school), moved to another state after living in the same one for 26 years thus leaving all my friends. A lot going on.

I gained 10 lbs in the 4 months we have lived here which is really bothering me. My fibro is in full swing which can also be contributing to my depression. I have not been exercising like I should. I really enjoy wine - it's not just the drinking it's the whole experience. It's a way of life that I have always enjoyed and somewhat of a hobby. THAT is depressing to think about giving it up...

I've taken the Cymbalta today and will wait for my internist to call back. I'm not so worried about the alcohol effects as I am the current side effects and whether they will wear off in time for my work trips. I'm also worried that if I do drink I could be destroying my liver. And I know everyone must think I am an alcoholic at this point. But when I say drink I am talking about a glass of wine with dinner, or going to a winery and having wine tastings.

Thanks for all your help and yes - I know all too well how the fibro affects everything! Plus the stress could be causing my weight gain. It all circles around - I just need to get through it. :)

Lifestyle changes are hard especially at this time in my life. Seems like everything has changed in the past 6 years. Some days I don't even know who I am LOL

I'm so glad I found this Board and will come back frequently.

HUGS to all!
Terri

Karen,
Thanks. I'm 53 too. :) I was diagnosed back in the 90's before it was very well known. I learned over the years that I had to stay active and keep my stress levels down and I was able to manage it that way pretty well. I actually went zip lining on my honey moon. It was so much fun. I have found that swimming helps a lot but have not been able to find an indoor pool since we moved to GA.

Take care - today has not been too bad - just a lot of brain fog... (and still waiting for the dr. to call back)

Terri