Questions about Cymbalta

Medications
1

I have a friend who is sza, bipolar type and she is normally in a mixed state of both depression and hypomania even while on an AD and an AP. Her pdoc recently put her on an AD med called Cymbalta and she says that this has made her very, very sleepy (she sleeps night and day), and it also takes away all of her motivation and energy. (It is also responsible for her quitting smoking, quitting of her Pepsi habit, and the end of her irritability, severe depression and severe anxiety.)

While she loves all the benefits of the medication, she bemoans her lack of motivation and sleepiness. Is anyone here familiar with Cymbalta and know if the medications amotivation and drowsiness side effects go away with time? I appreciate any responses.

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I’m sza bipolar type. I take Saphris, Rexulti, Topamax and Cymbalta. I sleep about 4-8 hours a day with the occasional nap for good measure. I do have low motivation. But I still manage to tend to my hygiene, chores, drs appointments and shopping. And I work out some. I haven’t had a mixed state since I started Saphris. Maybe she should try that, stuff is golden for bipolar.

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@Leaf, my friend says to tell you thank you for the advice. Especially about Saphris. Cheers.

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Tell your friend I said you are very welcome.

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5

It’s been a really long time since I started it, but I pretty much don’t have any side effects from the cymbalta. I love it. I would guess after a month or three she’ll start feeling better.

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@LED, my friend says to tell you that’s wonderful information and exactly what she wanted to hear. Thank you!!!

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7

I take a high dose of cymbalta, and I’ve never had any low motivation from it. I also don’t get enough sleep while also on a couple of other meds for sleep.

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8

I would say there is pro-cons in any meds.Years ago I was taking abilify,it gave me more motivation but gave me restless leg and insomnia

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9

I was on 60mg of Cymbalta, but I didn’t like it cuz it messed with your noradrenaline levels.

It’s a good anti depressant med though, ita really helpful with those who suffer constant muscle pain and headaches.

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10

I took Cymbalta. Nothing knocks me out. It worked. I forget why they took me off of it.

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Update: After a week on Cymbalta, my friend’s sleepiness has worn off. She still has no motivation though.