Does Cymbalta cause night sweats? (5+ tips)

This article will explore the topic of night sweats caused by Cymbalta (duloxetine). It will discuss the reasons behind Cymbalta-induced night sweats, the factors that can influence their occurrence, and the potential management strategies that may help manage this side effect.

Does Cymbalta cause night sweats?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) can cause night sweats in some people, particularly those who are just starting the medication or antidepressants in general. Sweating is a common side effect of Cymbalta, and those who take it at night may be more prone to experiencing night sweats if they often experience sweating as a side effect of Cymbalta.

Typically, Cymbalta-induced sweating is considered an early side effect that usually resolves within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. However, individual responses to the drug can vary, and not everyone may see a decrease in night sweats after a few weeks.

If Cymbalta-induced night sweats are interfering with your sleep and causing insomnia, or if they persist for a long time, it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.

How can Cymbalta cause night sweats?

Duloxetine, as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin can affect the hypothalamus, which in turn can increase sweat production [1].

Additionally, norepinephrine is involved in the activation of sympathetic neurons that innervate certain sweat glands, leading to increased sweating [1].

The combination of increased serotonin and norepinephrine levels can therefore lead to an increase in thermoregulatory sweating.

Furthermore, norepinephrine also plays a role in activating adrenergic sympathetic innervation to the apocrine sweat glands, which are involved in emotional sweating due to stress, fear, pain, and sexual stimulation [1,2].

This mechanism of action explains how duloxetine can cause night sweats as a side effect. Other SNRIs, like Effexor and Pristiq, may also cause night sweats.

What does research suggest?

There isn’t much research on night sweats that are specifically caused by Cymbalta. However, some studies investigate night sweats as a side effect of other antidepressants.

For instance, researchers have investigated the occurrence of night sweats with multiple drugs and found that selective serotonin antidepressants alone caused 23.6% of the reported night sweats [3].

Cymbalta, like SSRIs, can also increase serotonin levels in the brain. Therefore, the studies investigating night sweats as a side effect of other antidepressants may apply to the case of Cymbalta-related night sweats.

What factors influence Cymbalta-induced night sweats?

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of Cymbalta-related night sweats occurring. Firstly, the risk of night sweats may increase with higher doses of Cymbalta. Jumping to a high dose without applying proper dose escalation can also increase this side effect.

Furthermore, younger people and women, especially postmenopausal women, are more likely to experience Cymbalta-induced night sweats.

Concurrent medications

Night sweats are also side effects of other drugs, and taking any of these drugs alongside Cymbalta can increase the occurrence of night sweats. Sweat-inducing medications include [1]:

• Hypertension medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• Fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics

• Corticosteroids
• Beta-blockers
• Anti-estrogen drugs

• Progesterone supplements, testosterone supplements, and thyroid supplements

• SSRIs like sertraline, Paxil, Lexapro, and fluoxetine.

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents
• Calcitonin
• Proton pump inhibitors

Diseases

Certain diseases or conditions can also increase the likelihood of suffering from night sweats while taking Cymbalta. For instance, people who have a fever or experience a panic attack at night are more likely to suffer from Cymbalta-related night sweats.

Other diseases include hyperthyroidism, anxiety, alcohol dependence, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, certain infections, and certain malignancies.

What to do if Cymbalta causes night sweats?

If you experience night sweats related to Cymbalta, there are several management strategies that you can consider.

First, consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action. They may consider adjusting the dosage of Cymbalta to help manage the night sweats. Additionally, taking Cymbalta earlier in the morning rather than later may reduce the likelihood of increased sweating at night.

Additionally, when you go to sleep, ensure that your bedroom is slightly cool and well-ventilated. It is also advisable to avoid wearing layered clothing or fabrics that cause warmth.

Opting for lightweight clothes when going to bed can help prevent sweating while sleeping. Keeping a cool bottle or glass of water beside you may also be helpful.

Using aluminum chloride-containing antiperspirants before going to sleep is highly advisable. If night sweats persist despite using them, your doctor may consider prescribing an anticholinergic drug such as oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate to reduce your sweating [4].

Lastly, if other factors are contributing to these night sweats, it’s important to address them. For example, postmenopausal women experiencing night sweats may benefit from taking estrogen hormone replacement therapies. However, it is crucial to do this under the guidance of a doctor.

Based on my research, I found that Cymbalta can cause night sweats as a side effect, especially in individuals who are new to the medication or have a history of sweating as a side effect. However, these sweats typically subside within a few weeks, but some individuals may continue to experience them.

To manage Cymbalta-induced night sweats, I recommend consulting with your doctor. They may consider adjusting the dosage or changing the time of intake.

Moreover, I believe that creating a cool and well-ventilated sleep environment, wearing lightweight clothing, and using aluminum chloride-containing antiperspirants before bed can also help reduce night sweats.

Based on my knowledge, in cases where night sweats persist despite these measures, your doctor may consider prescribing medications such as oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate to alleviate sweating.

From my perspective, it is important to address any underlying factors, such as concurrent medications or medical conditions, that may contribute to night sweats.

References