I have been taking Cymbalta about 4 years now and I have had a lot of falls. Last year I fell and broke my shoulder. There was nothing on the sidewalk to cause me to fall. I felt I was falling and looked down and it was like I could not control my feet.
Yes, Cymbalta (duloxetine) can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
Reasons for increased fall risk
Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Cymbalta can cause dizziness, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dosage.
Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls.
Sedation: Cymbalta can cause drowsiness and fatigue, which may affect alertness and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels in the blood, a potential side effect of Cymbalta, can cause confusion, dizziness, and muscle weakness, all of which contribute to fall risk, according to Mayo Clinic.
I would discuss balance issues, which are so common to us elders, with doc and ask for a PT consult.
Be certain if you wish to take a trial off this med, that you stop it very slowly and with MD supervision.