Is anyone else on Sertraline and duloxetine?

[Pinkgalinthelakes]

My doctor has recently put me on duloxetine to take along side of sertaline for increased fibro symptoms and to help with deep sleep because my brain has trouble switching off at night so my body doesnt get the proper rest it needs to recover!

[ftorres18]

Hi Pinkgalinthelakes,

It sounds like your doctor is trying to address your symptoms in a thoughtful way, and I hope the changes to your medication help bring some relief. Managing fibromyalgia can be incredibly challenging, especially when lack of quality sleep makes everything feel worse. You’re doing the right thing by seeking solutions, and I hope this new combination helps improve things for you.

Here are a few additional suggestions that might complement your treatment and help with both your fibromyalgia symptoms and sleep:

1. Give the Medication Time: Duloxetine can take a few weeks to show its full benefits, so try to be patient with the process. Keep an open line of communication with your doctor about how it’s working for you, especially if you notice any side effects.

2. Establish a Calming Nighttime Routine: Since your brain has trouble switching off, creating a relaxing pre-sleep routine might help signal your body that it’s time to wind down. Consider gentle activities like reading, listening to calming music, meditating, or doing light stretches before bed.

3. Minimise Stimulation Before Bed: Reduce screen time in the evening, as the blue light from devices can interfere with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep. You could also try dimming lights or using warm, soft lighting to create a soothing environment.

4. Explore Sleep Aids: Beyond medication, there are non-pharmaceutical aids that might help improve your sleep quality. Weighted blankets, for example, can provide a comforting pressure that helps some people relax. White noise machines or calming sleep apps might also assist in quieting your mind.

5. Gentle Physical Activity: While fibromyalgia can make exercise challenging, gentle activities like yoga, tai chi, or walking during the day can help improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms over time. Even a few minutes can make a difference.

6. Track Your Sleep and Symptoms: Keeping a journal to track your sleep patterns and fibromyalgia symptoms might help you identify what works best for you and give your doctor more insight into how your treatments are helping.

7. Explore Therapies for Relaxation: Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or guided breathing exercises can help quiet the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep. If anxiety contributes to your sleeplessness, these methods can be especially helpful.

Fibromyalgia can be such a complex condition to manage, but it’s clear that you’re taking proactive steps to address it. Be kind to yourself during this process, and remember that finding the right balance of treatments often takes time and patience.

Wishing you better rest and relief soon, 👍🙏💪

[PuppyPenny in reply to ftorres18]

I took sertraline, unfortunately it had awful side effects, I honestly could not stand any affection from my husband or even kids. Left me completely cold but I was on the highest dose 200mg. I also gained about 10kg as I just wanted to eat all the time.

I am now on 25mg amitriptyline in the evening,(take it round 7at night) I really sleep so well now, by 10 I'm usually fast asleep. Then in the morning when I wake up I take 60mg Duloxetine. These 2 is really helping for me. I do still experience pain but not as frequent and intense as it was before. When I get really upset then I can have a huge flair up but it doesn't last to long and settles again after a few days of pain meds. Sex and affection is not affected and I don't have this huge non stop appitite like I had on sertraline.

Hope this is helpful🙏, fibromyalgia is just awful. 💞

[Onceabiker]

There has been a great deal on here regarding Duloxetine and I’m, for one, against it. Do a research and get to know the side effects and weigh that up against the benefits. I understand you want to grab hold of anything which can help but please inform yourself of the whole picture..

[LittleDaisy67]

Hi....I've been on Duloxetine for ages now alongside Mirtazapine. I take it on a morning and the Mirtazapine at night about 2 hours before bed. It all works for me. I sleep like a log....xx

[Kat791]

Hello,

I am on sertraline, but not duloxetine. I am honestly quite surprised your doctor has put you on both, as this is not usually recommended. My psychiatrist said that if I wanted to go on duloxetine, that I would have to come off the sertraline first. This is because the two drugs combined can cause serotonin syndrome, which if left untreated can be deadly.

I myself was once prescribed two medicines together that I shouldn't have been, and I ended up with the beginnings of serotonin syndrome. I ended up having extreme mood swings and getting angry and upset over the dumbest little things. Thankfully, I had the smarts to realize that maybe it was my new medication, to look up online if it was safe to take, and then stop taking one of them. After that I got back to normal pretty quickly, but I always, always make sure any medicines I am prescribed can be taken safely together(because doctors are not always careful or mindful when prescribing medicine).

Basically, what I'm trying to say is be careful and watch out for any signs/symptoms of serotonin syndrome. If you do start developing symptoms, then call your doctor immediately for advice on what you should stop taking/do.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello, I take one tablet of Duloxtene a day , Sertraline for me personally didn’t help , there are side effects from a lot of meds some of which I get taking the duloxtene, dry mouth , heady 1st thing in the mornings , I didn’t want too be on meds but it got too the point I needed too get help in order too cope with Fibro ,but I also have CFS Sleep apnea so not the best combination , lack of sleep is not helpful I’ve been there so I have empathy for you , I still get broken sleep and struggling at times with my mask I wear for sleep apnea. Differently a warm bath and non caffeine hot drink before bed help s me .

[Alibaba66]

Very strange tbh... as sertraline is an SSRI & Duloxetine is an SNRI !! So if taking Duloxetine the Sertraline is not required! I'm on 120mgbof Duloxetine [ max dose] stopped my previous SSRI when swapped over.. i would double ck this with your primary care pharmacist at the GP practice Also Have you ever tried low dose Amitriptyline? Taken at night It helps with nerve pain & sleep!! Look it up Good luck hun x