Madams: Duloxetine taper insomnia

[Madams]

Hello - my psychiatrist  had me reduce my Duloxetine dosage from 120 to 90.  I had been on 120 for over a year.  I have experienced trouble falling asleep for the last 4 months since the taper.  I have no prior history of insomnia except for when I went off pristiq years ago.   My doctor has not acknowledged this could be the problem.  I wanted feedback to see if others have experienced insomnia from such a small reduction in dose?

Edited October 9, 2023 by Emonda
Added name to title

[Emonda]

Welcome to S.A. @Madams

Please add your drug signature by following these instructions so the moderators can best advise. 

 

It would be helpful to see the rate at which you reduced your dose for both medications you mentioned.

 

Insomnia is a common side effect of reducing these sorts of meds. Alcohol and caffeine can also contribute to poor sleep.

 

There is some good information here on sleep: 

Emonda.

 

 

 

[Madams]

Thank you - I added my signature.  In late may, I wanted to reduce my 120mg of cymbalta down to 90 so I started taking 60 and 120 mgs every other day for 2 weeks.  This first caused the insomnia.  Then I went to my doctor who prescribed a 30 and 60mg dose so I could get down to 90 without alternating.  The insomnia has persisted since late May and has not resolved itself.  I have to use ambien or gabapentin to sleep now.  I am wondering if the insomnia is chemically induced at this point since it started after going down to 90mg per day.  I have not had insomnia much before even during stressful times.

 

Also to note, during this time I have alternated between gabapentin and ambien.  I try to use gabapentin only, but sometimes it does not work.

 

Thank you!

[Emonda]

Thanks for the additional information, Madams.

 

S.A. recommends tapering ADs by no more than 10% per month. You've dropped by 25% and initially did this by alternating doses (60mg one day and 120mg the next). I'd expect both of these variables to have contributed to your insomnia.

 

Many of us here struggle with insomnia. Time and stability will help. Be careful with the sleeping tablets; you can become addicted very quickly.

 

Is your goal to taper off ADs?  We are a site dedicated to helping people with this goal.

 

Emonda.

Edited October 10, 2023 by Emonda
typo

[Madams]

Thanks - this is my feeling also.   I was also told by my naturopath that my cortisol has changed from the last testing where I am low all day and spike in the evening.   I am glad time will help. 

 

I eventually would like to get off Cymbalta.  Right now is not the right time but my goal is to get down to 60mg.  My doctor wants me primarily using gabapentin instead of ambien.  My goal is to wean off ambien once I complete CBT I.  Any advice for weaning off Gabapentin? 

 

Thanks again.