Are These Normal Cymbalta Side Effects?

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I've been on Cymbalta 60mg for my Rheumatoid Arthritis and chronic back pain. It took a few weeks to get over the initial side effects and then I did fine. The last few months I've been having weird symptoms that neither of my Drs can figure out.
I have these days where it seems like hard labor just trying to breath. My pulmonologist says there is nothing wrong with my lungs but I have to be on oxygen at night and often in the afternoons. The fatigue is overwhelming. Then there are the waking dreams. If I fight to stay awake I will sort of halucinate. These aren't side effects of other drugs. I take very little pain meds as they don't do much good. The incidents aren't associated to any other meds.

Then there are the sweats. I'll be freezing cold and sweating. I can almost set my watch to when I'll start getting cold. I live in KS and it will be 110 out and I'm in an 80 degree room under a blanket.

I'm used to muscle spasms and cramps but the twitching is a little upsetting and wakes me up at night. I've always had insomnia so I can't blame my inability to sleep on the cymbalta.

I guess I just want to know if others of you out there who are taking Cymbalta for pain who seem to be having difficulty breathing and overwhelming fatigue.

Should I ask my Dr to wean me off or look for another Dr to figure out the symptoms?

8 Replies

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1

Have you had any issues with your blood pressure?

Have you suddenly gained any weight or showed any signs of edema?

The reason I'm asking is because this type of breathing issue may also be caused by fluid build up that could be causing congestive heart failure and that wouldn't show in your lungs.

Learn more heart failure details here.

It can also cause fatigue.

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2

Thank you for asking Verwon, but no. My blood pressure is staying normal to low. I had a pseudomonas infection in my lungs this winter into the spring and have a lot of heart and lung studies done....all fine. Thankfully. I'm seeing another specialist later this week and we'll see if he has any more ideas.

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3

On cymbalta 30 mg, I have had no edema. Where I had edema before. So it cured it. Works for me

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4

I have R. Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Raynauds and Lupus. It sounds like you may have fibromyalgia. Your symptoms are indicative of that disease As well as Raynolds disease. I can be sweating one minute and 10 minutes later be freezing and there seems to be no happy medium. You might have your doctor investigate these diseases. The Cymbalta is good for Fibro. BTW, I lived in Kansas City for 10 years. The Midwest is a very difficult place to live with these kind of diseases including arthritis. I can understand and feel your pain. I hope this helps.

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5

Breathing problems, fatigue and nightmares are side effects from this drug. Do u have any blistering in your mouth or on your skin, any blurred vision or dizziness. This drug should really be prescribed by an psychiatrist or neurologist. It should also be taken prior to your first meal. Do not take late evening or at night. Even though u are taking for pain as I am u may want to ask for medication for depression or anxiety along with an sleeping aide. I take trazadone at night and vistareal or clonidine for anxiety as needed. Vistareal also helps sleep at night. Personally, if my Doctor didn't have time to research side effects of my medications, I would switch Doctors.

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6

Have you been checked for alpha one anti trypsin deficiency?

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7

i have been on cymbalta for a week now for depression. Has this med worked for anyone?

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8

I was put on cymbalta a little over a month ago for RA and fibromyalgia. 60mg - it helped immediately with the pain. First time in a long time I could get out of bed without pain. The only problem in the beginning was my migraines increased to 4 or 5 per week. I discussed with dr and decided to reduce down to 30 mg to see if it helps reduce migraines. Less migraines now but have recently experienced itchy blistering sores on my feet that peel instantly and are not healing and looks like they are going to scar! I'm afraid I'm going to have to quit taking it due to these side effects. The only problem is that it has been my only relief from the pain. This past month I have had more relief from pain then I've had over the past 5 yrs.

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