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Cymbalta and Insomnia

Clinical studies have shown that up to 16 percent of people taking Cymbalta reported insomnia as a side effect. Some things that can help improve your sleep habits may include keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle and avoiding caffeine four to six hours before bedtime. If you are taking Cymbalta and insomnia occurs, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.

 

Cymbalta and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is one of the most common side effects of Cymbalta® (duloxetine hydrochloride). Studies have shown that up to 16 percent of people reported insomnia as one of Cymbalta's side effects.
 

What Is Insomnia?

People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:
 
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Unrefreshing sleep.
     

Cymbalta and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people taking Cymbalta find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective
 insomnia cure. Some tips for better sleep include:
 
  • Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
     
  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
     
  • Avoiding exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
     
  • Avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime.
     
  • Refraining from taking a nap later than 3 p.m.
     
  • Sleeping in a dark, quiet room at a comfortable temperature.
     
  • Doing a quiet activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes and returning to bed when you're sleepy.
     
  • Winding down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.
     
(Click Good Sleep Habits for more suggestions.)
 
(Cymbalta and Insomnia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;