Duloxetine

Hi everyone. I have just started Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia. Do side effects (restless legs, hardly sleeping & bit of a headache) calm down? Its really helped the horrendous pain in my back and shoulders already. So I don't want to stop but I can't cope with such poor sleep. I was offered Pregabalin but after having them previously with awful side effects and a nightmare few months coming off them I declined them. Should I give it a couple of weeks?

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to our community. Here you will find information support friendship and laughter too. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our main website fmauk.org

Couldn't tolerate duloxetine due to side effects ... But had to ask about your name - are you a DD fan?

[Hidden in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Haha yep. But I chose mrslebon instead of mrsrhodes 🤣. I'm giving it a week before I give up on it.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Hidden]

Mrs Taylor for me 🤣😂🤣

[Hidden in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

He'll definitely do! 😜

[Don_in_midlands]

Hello!How long have you been taking the duloxetine so far? It normally takes approx 6 weeks to settle down, so I would try to keep going with them for at least that period of time.

I’ve been on duloxetine for many years & the only side effect that I’m now aware of is a dry mouth.

I hope they continue to help you!

Best wishes x

[Hidden in reply to Don_in_midlands]

Thanks! I'm only on 20mg. I take Venlafaxine 75mg a day too. GP said not to stop it. When I go back in 16 days I imagine the Duloxetine will be increased and Venlafaxine reduced or stopped. After a few days its calmed down and I feel happy with it. Except I'm too hot. I detest summer and humidity anyway, but at least I don't need a jumper on 😉. My mouth is a bit dry as are my eyes, bit cloudy and blurry at times. But I can get eye drops and dry mouth spray. I don't expect a miracle cure but improvement without awful side effects is great. x

[557755]

Can I ask what dose you’re on? I started on 30 for about 3 months and had some side effects which gradually went away. I was gradually increased to 60, then 90 and yesterday my doctor has increased me to 120 as this is the dose recommended for fibromyalgia. When I increase a dose I get some return to side effects - restless legs and dry mouth mostly - but they go away quite quickly and are nothing like when i first started taking it. I always struggle with sleep and take melatonin so I didn’t notice any difference in my sleep patterns. I always sleep well with melatonin! I hope it works out for you - the Duloxetine has made the difference of not being able to function and managing to sustain a full time teaching job!

[Hidden in reply to 557755]

Hi I'm only on 20mg as I take Venlafaxine 75mg a day. He told me to take both and see him 6th Jan. I presume he will increase the D and reduce or stop the V. Today is day 3 and the headache and restless legs have gone. Sleep was a little better. Fingers crossed. Thanks for replying to me x

[Hidden in reply to 557755]

Thanks for the reply. I feel hopeful as after these few days I definitely feel able to carry on with them. The headache has gone and I slept better last night. My 11 yr old son has melatonin each night. He has autism and adhd and its been a godsend for the last 7 years. (His 21 yr old brother has autism and adhd too, but could sleep for Britain.)

[Dogs51]

I’ve been on duloxetine for four years now. My side effects are so minimal now. I get the odd nights with restless leg. I get headaches but I’m sure it’ stress related. I’ve slept quite well on it too. I would suggest you give it a good 6 months and maybe keep a diary and check your symptoms regularly. Good luck and gentle hugs 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Dogs51]

Thanks u too. After a few days the headaches have gone and my sleep is improving. The back and shoulder pain is quite a bit better. So I intend to carry on. I feel hotter tho. (Temperature wise lol)

[Georgebailey]

Hi, I have had pregabalin and feel so much better, and actually from the beginning. Not noticed any side effects and sleeping really well. I take one in the morning without fail and the evening if necessary. I do take co- codamol as well. Hope this helps

[Hidden in reply to Georgebailey]

Thanks. I take cocodamol too. For arthritis in lower back. I tried Pregabalin a few years back for symptoms (still bloody undiagnosed) and it made me dizzy and ill. I came off it which took months due to side effects. So for me, it didn't work. I know it does for others. I tried!

[Sugarhobbit]

Hi there

I have been on Duloxetine for five or six weeks now. I have restless legs regularly anyway. At first I had an upset tummy then for nearly 2 weeks sleepiness and drowsiness and more problems sleeping. I was put on it for nerve pain and chronic pain. The side will subside. Definitely agree the medication is helping and mine will be increased in the new year. Taking codine nightly until then and other meds paracetamol and anti inflammatory medication as well. Keep persevering if it is helping you xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Sugarhobbit]

Thanks for the reply. I feel happy to keep taking it as the goods outweighing the bad now. Can't take anti-inflammatories unfortunately but I have cocodamol Zapain every day. Xxx

[Sugarhobbit in reply to Hidden]

Hi there

Your very welcome. That is good news. What dose are you taking. I am taking 30mgs but my gp will increase it in the new year xx

[Hidden in reply to Sugarhobbit]

20mg but I'm on 75mg of Venlafaxine too, have been for years, but I think they will be reduced or stopped for a larger dose of Duloxetine xx

[Sugarhobbit in reply to Hidden]

OK thanks for your reply. I have codine on a night and that is not a long-term drug so will stay on over Christmas then gp will increase Duloxetine mid January. Its doing something not sure what? It has helped with pain at rest but not if you do activities a tiny bit more but I do pace myself xx

[Hidden in reply to Sugarhobbit]

Same here. Instead of hurting constantly its only if I do stuff. Its hard to pace yourself. I struggle with it, but try my best xx

[Sugarhobbit in reply to Hidden]

💕 That's all we can do is our best xxx