Can Cymbalta make me sleepy?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Reviewer bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
In this brief article, we will discuss the inquiry regarding whether Cymbalta can cause sleepiness, as well as we will discuss whether it is a cause for concern. In addition, we will explore what to do if sleepiness induced by Cymbalta persists, examine research studies on Cymbalta-induced sleepiness/tiredness, and touch upon the possibility of withdrawal symptoms and side effects associated with Cymbalta.
Yes, Cymbalta (Duloxetine) can make you feel sleepy (1,2). Actually, Cymbalta can cause both sleepiness or insomnia, and it is impossible to predict these side effects before actually taking the medication (3,4,5).
It is absolutely normal to feel tired and sleepy during the first few weeks of your treatment. You don’t need to worry (2,3,4).
If you don’t experience improvement within a couple of weeks, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare provider. In such cases, the doctor will likely adjust your treatment.
It is important to know that Cymbalta can cause withdrawal symptoms and, in addition to sleep disturbances, can also cause other adverse effects (1,4).
If you experience any unusual or concerning issues while taking this medication, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
Can Cymbalta make me sleepy?
Yes, Cymbalta can make you feel sleepy.
In fact, this is considered one of the commonly reported side effects of this antidepressant, especially during the early course of your treatment.
However, Cymbalta can also cause insomnia and make it extremely hard for some people to fall asleep. Not only this, but this antidepressant can also increase nighttime wakefulness and can affect overall sleep quality (1,2,3).
So, Cymbalta can cause both sleepiness and insomnia, and it is impossible to predict these side effects before actually taking the medication.
Should you be concerned about Cymbalta-induced sleepiness?
If you’re a new Cymbalta user or you’re new to antidepressants generally, it is absolutely normal to feel tired and sleepy during the first few weeks of your treatment.
These side effects usually stay until your body struggles to adjust to the medication. Once it is adjusted, these side effects begin to fade away.
Now, some people may recover earlier from these side effects as their overall physiological makeup can be different from others (2,3,4).
However, if your sleepiness and/or tiredness lingers and you feel that your productivity is significantly affected, talk to your healthcare provider.
What to do if Cymbalta-induced sleepiness does not go away?
If you don’t feel better within a couple of weeks, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider.
In these cases, your doctor may suggest adjusting the timing of your Cymbalta intake.
If changing the timing of Cymbalta doesn’t effectively address the issue in your case, your doctor may consider reducing the dosage, especially if you’re a new user or if your Cymbalta dose has recently been increased.
Furthermore, switching to an alternative treatment may also be an option.
That’s why it’s important to discuss with your doctor so they can identify the most appropriate therapeutic approach for your case (1,4).
It is also important to make sure that you’re not pairing Cymbalta with a
Central Nervous System depressant, like alcohol, which could make it a lot more difficult for you to recover from the side effects (1,4).
What do research studies say about Cymbalta-induced sleepiness/tiredness?
There are a number of research studies indicating different outcomes of treatment with Cymbalta, in terms of side effects. One research study indicated that Cymbalta may cause sleepiness in patients suffering from major depressive disorder (2).
In fact, the study concluded that this effect of the drug actually helped some people who also had sleep issues.
On the other hand, one clinical study observed the long-term effects of Cymbalta on people. Data was taken from more than 500 patients who had been taking Cymbalta for a year or so. The study concluded that both drowsiness and insomnia were included among the long-term side effects (3).
It is important to note that Cymbalta may cause sleepiness in some people and sleep disturbances in others. It depends on the individual’s response to this antidepressant, or what symptoms of depression these people generally have.
According to basic clinical data, sleepiness and tiredness are listed as common side effects of Cymbalta, which may start to fade away during the early course of the treatment (4,5).
Can Cymbalta cause withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are common among individuals who abruptly stop using this medication. The symptoms may include (4):
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Pain
- Burning
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sweating
- Nightmares
If Cymbalta needs to be discontinued, your doctor will suggest an appropriate taper schedule for you to ensure a safe withdrawal.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when your dose of Cymbalta is decreased.
What are the adverse effects associated with Cymbalta?
Cymbalta may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms persistently or if they are bothersome, it is important to inform your doctor (1,4):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Weight changes
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Sweating or night sweats
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weight changes
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Sexual problems in males; decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent release
- Sexual problems in females; decreased sex drive, or delayed climax or unable to have a climax
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
There are other potential serious side effects associated with Cymbalta. If you experience any unusual or concerning issues while taking this medication, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we discussed whether Cymbalta can cause sleepiness and addressed whether it is a cause for concern. Additionally, we explored what to do if sleepiness induced by Cymbalta persists, examined research studies on Cymbalta-induced sleepiness/tiredness, and briefly mentioned the possibility of withdrawal symptoms and side effects associated with Cymbalta.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
CYMBALTA® (duloxetine). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 4859878 [Internet] [updated 2021 Jul; cited 2023 Jul 05]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/021427s056lbl.pdf#page=38.
2.-
Brecht S, Kajdasz D, Ball S, Thase ME. Clinical impact of duloxetine treatment on sleep in patients with major depressive disorder. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008;23(6):317-24.
3.-
Raskin J, Goldstein DJ, Mallinckrodt CH, Ferguson MB. Duloxetine in the long-term treatment of major depressive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2003;64(10):1237-44.
4.-
MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Clopidogrel; [updated 2022 Mar 15; cited 2023 Jul 06]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604030.html.
5.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. 2023 Feb 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747213. Bookshelf ID: NBK549806. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549806/
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