and Dosage
| Key to ratings for cymbalta: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 5 | Depression Back Pain and Knee Pain | When I started treatment for depression I remember being a bit tired for 2 or 3 weeks. It has since passed and I have had no other side effects. I love the impact this has had on my life! | Being put on this medication for depression and having the pain reduction has changed my life. I am now able to do things that my pain was keeping me from doing. I am getting two products for the price of one. | M | 25 | 2 years | 12/3/2008 | 5 | neuropathic pain | Initially, I experienced anhedonia, but it passed with time. | Excellent results, minimal and bearable side effects. Noticable difference in pain level by mid-afternoon if I forget the morning dose. | F | 55 | 2 years | 11/25/2008 | 5 | Depression | None - maybe more tired | Simply put all AD's work - If you have the patience to hang in there through the adjustment period you will improve and get better. I have been on this for two weeks and little things each day improve. The problem for me and most people is we quit to soon. You ahve to be on them quite awhile to get them to work! | M | 37 | 2 weeks | 11/23/2008 | 5 | depression | On 60 mg, took away depression, took away anger 'Lizzie Borden' complex. On 120 mg 11 months later, depression has lifted and general anxiety has decreased overall, but I feel like I am always 'shaking' and 'cannot breathe', and I cannot sleep any longer than 3 hours per night. | I have been taking Cymbalta (60 mg once a day) since late December 2007. I was amazed at how quickly it began to lift my mood. It also greatly lessened what I have heard called the 'Lizzy Borden' complex ( extreme anger and outbursts). I am bi-polar, and have also taken Lamictal 100 mg once per day on and off in the past. In the past two weeks however, my mood really dropped, and I was feeling suicidal. The doctor then put me back on Lamictal and told me to stay on it, and raised my Cymbalta level to 120 mg. I started taking the higher dose this past Monday (11-3-08). Today is Sunday, 11-9-08. In the past three nights, I have been experiencing insomnia. I am really, really shaky, nervous, a bit tense and I feel like I am having heart palpitations. The other night I had a very strange dream that my husband was married to my mother and he was 'dating' me, although he wasn't supposed to. I was also pregnant in the dream! Kind of freaked me out. | F | 39 | 11 months | 11/9/2008 | 5 | depression and anxiety | No side effects which is just awesome! | Finally an anti-depressant that helps my depression. I was always so suicidal before I started Cymbalta. I have been on over 40 different psych meds and this is the one that has helped me the most. Thanks Cymbalta! | F | 11 months | 11/7/2008 | 5 | Major Depressive Disorder/OCD | Very vidid dreams, including some erotic dreams. These dreams are so real and intense that I have a hard time waking myself up in the morning. Otherwise, the drug has helped me tremendously. In the past, I have been on Prozac, Effexor, and Paxil. The first two caused terrible headaches and anxiety. Paxil was Ok, but I gained a lot of weight. Since being on Cymbalta (about 1 month) I have already lost 4 pounds. NEVER take it on an empty stomach. | Has anyone else experienced wild dreams? | M | 59 | 1 months | 11/6/2008 | 5 | depression fibromialgia hot flashes | Wonderful less pain less flashes less depression. Not all medcine works for everyone don't give up try something else. I also use suplements. Balance is the key. | F | 56 | 3 months | 10/15/2008 | 5 | Anxiety | Always sick to my stomach. Very tired. That could be from working third shift to. | I started feeling better with in a couple days except for the side effect. I have to take my medicine in the pm or I cant sleep good. I feel like I have more energy to do thing with my family. I am really happy to be feeling like my old self . | F | 29 | 2.5 weeks | 10/7/2008 | 5 | Severe Anxiety/Depression | Extremely tired all the time, migrane headaches, loss of appetite, constipation | I had taken cymbalta a few years ago and it worked great for me. Despite the first few weeks of side effects it really is a great help. I lost my medical insurance and moved out of the area I was living in so I had to quit cold turkey when my prescription ran out. I would NOT recommend doing this. I was super dizzy for weeks, didn't feel right, always felt like I was going to pass out, fuzzy headed, I didn't feel right for a long time. However, if I had gradually been able to reduce dosage I think it would have been better. I am finally back on cymbalta and just started 60mgs today after taking 30mgs for a week. Exhausted and not hungry at all but already starting to feel like a "normal" person. Anxiety has dissapated greatly and less attacks. | F | 24 | | 10/3/2008 | 5 | Painful Sensory Neuropathy | During the settling in period I was very sleepy, had nausea, and felt "stoned." But all that went away and now I feel really great. No terrible pain in my fingers and feet and no sexual side effects. I take 120 mg per day. I think that is the highest dose allowed but is common for nerve pain. | I think this is a great drug if it fits with your physiology and you can tough it out the first 2 to 3 weeks. | F | 50 | 6 months | 9/30/2008 | 5 | fibromyalgia/depression | First week, a little sleepy, mild and short episodes of dizziness, resolved after a few weeks. Started with the 30mg. dose for 1 week and then progressed to 60 mg. once daily. | Had been taking Prozac for about 20 years, but it just seemed to stop working. Became depressed from dealing with daily pain of fibromyalgia and realized I needed help. Doctor suggested I try Cymbalta because it had been used to treat the pain of fibro and has been effective in about 50% of the women who have tried it. I am one of the lucky ones!!! After a week on the meds, my pain is GONE, my energy level is great and my mood has greatly improved. None of the feared sexual side-effects. No problems and very thankful. | F | 51 | 30 days | 9/22/2008 | 5 | Depression/anxiety | Insomnia, decreased appetite (though that's a good thing in my case; the depression had me overeating). | Cymbalta has changed my life. I didn't realize how bad my depression was until looking back on it--I wasn't motivated to do anything, had paranoid delusions, was always achy and unwell, and was just generally unhappy. I started Cymbalta after finally dragging myself to the doctor at my mother's insistence, beginning on 30mg for one week and moving up to 60mg. I noticed a difference within the first week. Now, it's an incredible change; I feel like I'm a *person* again. I have been experiencing insomnia due to it, but with 25mg of Trazodone, that's evened out wonderfully. I'm so happy with this medicine! | F | 24 | 4 months | 9/15/2008 | 5 | sleep difficulties/fibromyalgia | dizziness went away; still have "withdrawal" nausea after naps | I take low-dosage, a.m. only, and it regulates my sleep patterns very well. I ACTUALLY REACH DEEP SLEEP, and in less time. I know that because I finally stretch (revitalized muscles) upon wakening, and I remember dreams again | F | 44 | 1 years | 9/7/2008 | 5 | Mild Bipolar/more severe depression | Don't really remember any side effects except maybe some nausea | I've taken Cymbalta at 80mgs. a day for over a year. Before this I've tried Lexapro, Effexor XR, and years ago Desyrel. This is the only medication that has made me feel like a normal human being. I still have mood swings, but I never sink into the severe depression that I used to live with. Before Cymbalta I was suicidal at times, cried daily, and rarely left my bed. I'm back to teaching elementary school and I feel great. I realize this is not for everyone, but it has definitely helped me. | M | 51 | 1 years | 9/5/2008 | 5 | Fibromyalgia and depression | Dry mouth, reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm, night sweats, weight gain, and hot flashes | Cymbalta has eliminated chronic fibromyalgia pain and muscle stiffness. I have been on multiple drugs in the past, but the best before Cymbalta was Trazazone - but it only reduced the pain and stiffness. The pain relief is worth all the side effects. | F | 63 | 10 months | 8/31/2008 | 5 | Very severe depression. | Headache, severe dizziness, which went away after taking the medication for a couple of weeks gradually increasing the dosage. | This medication saved my life. Literally. The depression was so bad that I couldn't go on much longer. I was taking Wellbutrin and I must have built up a tolerance to it or something. | F | 55 | 6 months | 8/29/2008 | 5 | Pain/Depression | First week... Nausea, sleepiness, and a disconnected feeling. | All people react differently to all medications. I decided to try Cymbalta after suffering from chronic pain, which has caused insomnia for many years. The lack of sleep began to affect my day to day mood and life. I was severely depressed and tired all the time. I roughly saw 2-3 hours of sleep a night while taking Ambien to sleep. Since I started Cymbalta, I have had one night of no sleep. The remaining nights have been 6 - 8 hours of restful sleep, even with two nightly trips to restroom. It's amazing how important sleep is to your mood. I became a much happier person in life and to be with. This drug has not stopped my pain, but it is much easier to deal with pain when I'm rested and have a positive outlook. To explain the side effects, the first week I was very nauseated and sleepy. I had a sort of fog surrounding me that went away as I got used to the medication. Remember you will not experience the side effects repeatedly if you remember to take the dose at the same t | F | 37 | 2 months | 8/28/2008 | 5 | Depression | Some night sweats, initial nausea-only lasted a few days. | This drug has changed my life, and the turnaround was immediate. I went from years of depression and had tried Paxil, Wellbutrin, and a number of other drugs that I simply could not tolerate. My doctor augments this with 25 mg of Traozodone for sleep. I sleep for the first time in 30 years and wake up feeling great. I am positive, optomistic and am never "Blue". I can have a sad moment over something that is truly sad. I don't ever sweat the small stuff and am doing great. I highly recommend this. For the first time I am living, loving, and enjoying life--not just sitting at the sidelines watching it go by. | F | 45 | 6 months | 8/24/2008 | 5 | Fibromyalgia | extreme sweating from morning to night; blurred vision at times. Either jittery feeling or tired feeling depending on time of day taken. Taken in a.m., hungry after six hours; taken in p.m. appetite depressed next day, so usually try and take in p.m. | I am one of the extremely lucky ones, I guess: I can still cry at sad things and I have much STRONGER orgasms! No loss of libido. The main thing is after only about five days the pain from fibromyalgia--toes, feet, neck--ALL GONE! I only take 30 mg a day and sometime only every other day. | F | 57 | 3 months | 8/23/2008 | 5 | depression/anxiety | Sweating, nausea at first, headaches if I missed a dose | I've read all the negative and positive. Cymbalta, like other antidepressants, does not work for everyone but I have had a great experience. I was on it for about 3 months and had to go off. Had NO difficulty with discontinuing the med other than headaches the first few days. I feel more able to focus, less anxiety, and increased sense of wellbeing when taking it. I restarted the med a few months ago and other than a few days of nausea, had no adjustment problems. I would highly recommend Cymbalta. Positive benefit - decreased appetite helped me lose and keep off 15 pounds. | F | 39 | 9 months | 8/18/2008 | 5 | Major Depression | Night sweats -- especially during my period. Itchy palms. Occasional dizziness. No other side effects to speak of. | I have taken Cymbalta now for three years and it's changed my life. I've had fantastic results. I can navigate challenges professionally and personally that I could not have managed nearly as well before due to chronic depression. Other than some uncomfortable night sweats during my period, side effects for me have been negligible. I had previously used Prozac and Wellbutrin. The former killed my libido. The latter simply did not work. With Cymbalta, I am liberated from depression for the first time in my life -- in my 40s. I feel very lucky to have found it. | F | 47 | 3 years | 8/17/2008 | 5 | Depression & Anxiety | None I can pinpoint to the drug. | I read a lot before agreeing to take Cymbalta. I held off for several months because of experiences like many mentioned here. I finally felt dealing with the depression was worth the risk. I started on 30mg and have increased to 60mg. Within days I felt the drug work. It has been tremendously helpful with no side effects of any consequence. Maybe some mild neausea, but I'm not even sure the meds was the cause. I do worry about withdrawing. I take other meds that have horror stories (benzos & prozac). But, I'm not sure of the alternative. So far these meds have saved my life, and so far (knock on wood) none have had bad side effects. I didn't go into this lightly, I've done talk therapy as well for many years. I've have good psychiatrists not just GP's. Without the meds I would be house bound at best. Instead I am a CEO of a company. I believe all the horror stories and it's awful. But I think it's important to know that on the other hand, for some of us this | F | 41 | 3 months | 8/14/2008 | 5 | for depression and anxiety attacks | Some fatigue about an hour after taking it definitely take with food a lot of sweating in the beginnig but went away | I feel great at work very happy more optimistic | F | 37 | 1 months | 8/14/2008 | 5 | Irritable bowel syndrome/depression | NONE!!! | My doctor prescribed Cymbalta at first for my extreme Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I found it to be a life-saver!! I went from being able to eat practically nothing without horrible pain to anything, including raw veggies, beans, etc. with NO PAIN! I then noticed that I was able to focus on my work much better (also have been diagnosed with ADHD, but was treating previously non-medically with just exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep, etc.) About 9 months after starting the Cymbalta my father passed away and I became very depressed, so my doctor increased my dosage, which helped in just a couple of weeks. I now stay at 60 mg, b/c it makes me feel so much better. CYMBALTA IS A WONDERFUL Rx TO ME - A LIFESAVER! | F | 36 | 2 years | 8/13/2008 | 5 | GAD, Panic | My stomach was a bit queezy for the first couple days but that's it. | After reading all the negative comments I was hesitant to try Cymbalta, in fact I almost didn't take it. But after quite a lot of convincing, I started to take it. I am glad I did because it's really helped me without making me feel less like myself. | F | 28 | 2 years | 8/7/2008 | 5 | depression/anxiety | dry mouth, constipation, weight loss then gained weight back (only 10 lbs), blurrred vision, eratic sleep patterns, sweating at night, vivid dreams, very increased sexual drive- but hard to climax, sometimes very sleepy | Other than all the side effects- which I have learned to overlook- I find that they change around-I feel great. I still have some bad days now and then- but I know that they will become less. I don't worry about things like I used to. In fact sometimes I don't give a shit anymore on things that used to drive me crazy with worry. My sex drive increased but the climaxing is so hard if I am able to. I have more energy. I feel much differnet and my advice is to deal with the side effects and see how you feel over all. I wake up a lot at night and have bad sweating...but when I lost my job due to a layoff and did not worry about my future. I knew that this medicine was working. I am much calmer and laugh like I have never before. So give this medicine a shot. It may not be for everyone. Back in the 90's I tried everything and NOTHING worked. So I gave up and dealt with the depresion and anxiety on my own. I was okay unitl my divorce (he was a party dude- not a family man) and then I went d | F | 40 | 4 months | 8/2/2008 | 5 | depression & anxiety | When first starting... Goosebumps and chills intermittently, fatigue and sleepiness, slight intermittent feeling of dizziness, urinary hesitancy, decreased appetite with slight weight loss. | I started taking Cymbalta in March "08". It has been a success story for me. I feel very well and am enjoying life. My experiences with side effects are minimal and were only when first starting and adjusting to it. Goosebumps and chills intermittently, fatigue and sleepiness, slight intermittent feeling of dizziness, urinary hesitancy, decreased appetite with slight weight loss. None of these symptoms were distressing and abated after about 6-8 weeks. Now it's just a daily med I take and is no big deal. I have missed a dose occasionally and have not had any problems but I never would allow myself to miss two days doses as I know what paxil did to me with that experience. It has helped me so much that I don't contemplate going off of it. It doesn't make me feel addicted like paxil did. Why try stopping what has made such a positive difference to my health and well-being?...just to be miserable? Blessings to all of you. | F | 52 | | 7/25/2008 | 5 | Anxiety | For the first few weeks I had constipation, sweating and dry mouth | I happen to be a Psych NP and have terrible anxiety, have been on Lexapro for years, but had terrible fatigue. After the initial side effects weaned off, I have had tons of energy, it has been easier to loss weight, I have had a major increase in sex drive and my anxiety symptoms are practically non-existent. I would suggest anyone who reads this to understand that everyone's body works different with medication and although these blogs provide some comfort in knowing others are going through what you are experiencing, know that everyone's experience is a little different and the main goal is weighing the benefits from the negative side effects and together with your health care provider decide what is working for you! | F | 27 | 3 months | 7/21/2008 | 5 | bipolar/anxiety/depression | 60 mg at bedtime. Thankfully no sexual side effects, no weight gain, some teeth grinding which I wouldn't have even mentioned or thought was from this med, but saw someone else listed it too. | I take this along with 100mg lamictal for bipolar /depression/anxiety. I am very pleased with that med combination. I started at 30mg, but 60mg works better. My doctor suggested taking it at nite to subdue any feeling of tiredness. I feel clear and alert for the most part. I have a more positive attitude towards life. I am not constantly worrying and the "mouse on the wheel in my brain" seems to have slowed down a bit. It is difficult to compare yourself to others when you read these because we are all different, but if you are not happy with what you are taking, I would suggest giving it a try. I may never feel like a "normal" person, but I am very content right now. | F | 41 | 9 months | 7/5/2008 | 5 | back pain and depression | Sweating,night sweats and crazy dreams | I feel that this medication helped me tremendously as I have had depression for 50 years, I am a new and happy lady. | F | 65 | 15 months | 6/22/2008 | 5 | Migraines, mild anxiety, | Nausea the fist day, and after doubleing doses. Extreme drowsiness1-2hours after taking it. climax more difficult, waking up after 6 hours of sleep, constipation 1st 3 weeks-better with fiber foods, weight loss forst 3 weeks-appetite back to normal after that. Increased threshhold for pain(good thing) | Week 1 improvement, after 3rd week felt great. No more migraines, except self induced(too much wine), anxiety still not completely gone but sooo much better. I have motivation again and more self confidence. I feel like I'm back to the old me....before i had any problems-emotional and migraines. I recommend trying it for migraines- it has changed my life. i was having 3-4 migraines a week, now none/very rare. | F | 30 | 7 weeks | 6/19/2008 | 5 | depression anxiety | sweating, constipation | F | 46 | 3 days | 5/21/2008 | 5 | anxiety and depression | gas, nausea, libido slightly down, climax difficult | I have been on at least 8 anti-depression meds in the last 10 plus years and this is the first one that really helped with the anxiety, I had to quite smoking for the nausea to go away, but now that is has I feel a positive outlook on life again. | M | 38 | 3 months | 5/10/2008 | 5 | Anxiety and Depression | For the first two weeks, I experienced light nausea and dizziness for 2-4 hours after I took my 30mg pill each morning. I also found myself getting sleepy about 4-6 hours after each pill, especially if I was sitting still (watching TV, at my desk, etc). Three weeks after taking Cymbalta those side effects went away but were replaced by an increased difficulty having an orgasm (can still have one about 75% of the time but it takes longer) and occasional frequent night wakings (but still getting 6-7 hours of sleep per night). | Cymbalta has turned my life around. I suddenly developed panic/anxiety disorder after over 30 years of being symptom-free, and during my first month before Cymbalta I was a wreck. I no longer have anxiety attacks and therefore I'm off the daily Ativan doses I was taking. The first two weeks of side effects were annoying but definitely worth it. | M | 34 | 4 weeks | 4/26/2008 | 5 | anxiety, migraines, depression | happiness | I loved it. I no longer had a negative outlook on life and actually looked forward to socializing with people (which used to make me slightly nervous).PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS SITE IS BIASED! READING REVIEWS HERE SHOULD NOT DISCOURAGE YOU FROM TAKING A DRUG, JUST PREPARE YOU FOR THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS! | F | 18 | 1 years | 4/25/2008 | 5 | chronic depression | Mood swings....maybe once a week on average. | Since I've suffered from Chronic Depression for 18 years, I can deal with the mood swings by talking myself out of them....or riding them out by taking a nap or being alone. I know they are temporary. Combined with monthly cognitive behavioral therapy every 4-6 weeks (or as needed), regular exercise, healthy eating, and writing in my diary, Cymbalta has improved my mood and outlook and life! | F | 36 | 5 months | 4/19/2008 | 5 | Severe depression | Extremely gassy, drowsy, vivid/violent dreams, awake while asleep. | I've been on Cymbalta for over six months now, besides being overly gassy, tired all the time, odd sleeping pattern, and vivid/violent dreams, I really don't have any side effects. On my first dose, I got sick to my stomach, but the sickness could have been from something I ate, since by day three, I felt much better. For the first few weeks, I'd have muscle spasms that would go away if I ate salt, these have since gone away. The most major complaint I have, is that on it's own, Cymbalta causes me to be awake when I'm asleep. However, with 25 mg of Tradozone, this is solved. I was diagnosed with depression at five years old, and have been on three other medications besides Cymbalta. It's really the only one that has worked for me. The first I was on (can't remember the name), gave me bad nightmares. Zoloft, didn't really work, but I also couldn't go past the initial starting dosage without going manic. The 10 mg of Prozac didn't do much for me, but when I was upped to 20, I went | F | 20 | 6 months | 4/18/2008 | 5 | depression | Hard to say becasue I take quite a bit of medication. | I had to quit taking my Cymbalta when I got pregnant and never experienced any of the withdrawl people talk about here. It has done wonders for me and within hours of having the baby I asked to be put back on it. Depending on your chemical imbalance, this may not be the drug for you. It is for me becasue none of the other worked quite as effectively. I am more than wiling to make that $50 co-pay each month for the peace of mind that I will not suffer a major relapse into depression | F | 31 | 3 years | 4/14/2008 | 5 | ocd, anxiety, mild depression | First three days nausea, mild trembling feeling, no appetite. After about five days all of these completely disappeared. | I have been on every anti-anxiety drug available over the last 12 years and I NEVER stay on them because I usually always gain A LOT of weight within a couple of months, and two, I am unable to orgasm. I workout 4 - 5 times a week hard, watch my diet, and every other drug has always made me gain. Paxcil was the worst. Cymbalta has been literally a miracle drug for me. For the first two weeks I had to take xanax every now and then until the cymbalta built up in my system to fight the anxiety. I have been on it now for five weeks and feel great. My mood is better, the anxiety is gone. I have my appetite back, but have not gained any weight at all. For the first two weeks I could not orgasm, but that has also gone away. I could not be happier. I am on a drug that makes me feel great, my moods are evened out, no weight gain, and I can enjoy sex! Good luck to you all! | F | 36 | 6 weeks | 3/28/2008 | 5 | Intractible Depression | Dry mouth | Was finally prescribed this after many years of depression. In that time I had been prescribed: Seroxat, Efexor, Prosac, Prothiadin, and another whose's name I no longer recall. For me this had the lowest side effect profile of any medication I have ever had. I realize this will not be the same for everyone, but it has worked very effectivley for me for some years now. | M | 36 | 3 years | 3/25/2008 | 5 | Peripheral Neuropathy | Initial side effect were "racing thoughts," restless legs, vivid dreams (no nightmares) and frequent urination. All side effects completely resolved in 2 or 3 weeks! | This med is the only med that relieves the pain & numbness of neuropathy for me. I've tried Trileptal, Elavil, Lyrica, Neurontin & a couple others which never helped me at all. It's a really expensive med (over $300.00 a month), but I purchase Cymbalta overseas for a lot less & write it off as a deduction on my taxes at the end of the year. I'm sorry to hear so many folks have such a problem with this med....it's been a Godsend to me! | F | 60 | 4 months | 3/25/2008 | 5 | Depression | Less appetite, but unfortunately that side effect subsided after about 1 year. | I love this med! My depression is fairly mild overall, but it allows me to function while not becoming an emotional drone. Just wish it wasn't so expensive...can't wait for a generic to come out. | F | 35 | 2 years | 3/21/2008 | 5 | depression | I take cymbalta in combination with wellbutrin. I had insomnia only when I was taking cymbalta in the evening before bed. I later switched to mornings and then I no longer suffered from insomnia. After one year of cymbalta I started having regular severe constipation (5-8 days). I endured for most of a year and tried lots of things that didn't help on a consistent basis, only temporary relief. However, now my family doctor suggested I try a combination of stool softener AND fiber supplement together and this combination seems to work. Taken on their own was not helping. The only side effect that I haven't been able to change is the sexual side effect. Orgasms just don't happen. The desire is there but no physical arrousal. There doesn't seem to be any engorgement of my clitoris and it doesn't care to be touched. It's even smaller (less engorgement). These side effects were not so present at the beginning of taking cymbalta. It took about 8-12 months to really interfere. How | After 5-6 months this medicine really helped my depression AND helped my other physical symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, and muscle spasms/over-tightning to responses that I had suffered at different levels for many years. I had no idea at the time that this medicine has been known to help these kinds of symptoms. I told my doctor the big change I experienced in these symptoms and he said that it was probably because of cymbalta. For the first 5 months or so I took cymbalta at night. I had lots of new insomnia at that time. My doctor then had me change and to take the cymbalta and wellbutrin in the morning. After doing that for a 4 weeks, that is when all the positive effects started happening. When changing doses, do it very gradually and don't have alot of other stressful things going on. I know this from experience. I found it took a while to smooth things out (like a month or more) after altering. | M | 40 | 3 years | 3/20/2008 | 5 | depression | was very sick at the beginging, it kicked in after 14 days,started on 30mgs I upped it to 60mg after 1.5 years... Gave me back my life.was on it 3 years.I came off it cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant, had a miscarriage..took 8 weeks to get back to normal came down with a bang. Lost weight on this drug | F | 40 | 3 days | 3/15/2008 | 5 | MDD/depression due to chronic pain | flatulence, loose stools, and a really good reaction in evey day life. | it rocks. check out the BLTC Good Drug Guide. it is a blockbuster that will need augmentation with a stronger DRI in order to reach its fullest potential with my unique chemistry. bottom line is--- it works with at least 4 weeks to get used to the new blueprint... i highly recommend it if you are in chronic pain or EVEN- feeding off of the exogenous opoid. Love. | M | 36 | 10 weeks | 3/15/2008 | 5 | depression anxiety | minor headaches, extreme horniness, weight loss, happiness , clear thoughts, motivation. | helping me tremendously. I recommend trying it and staying on it. | F | 37 | 90 days | 3/14/2008 | 5 | depression. ADD. OCD | none | horribly expensive. MY copay was $400.00 after ins. for 90days. Having to quit it for the cost too much now that pay percentage not small copay | F | 59 | 3 years | 3/10/2008 | 5 | anxiety | I have had night sweats horribly, but I have read on alot of sites that they subside!!!! | It has helped me a great deal. I have only been taking it for a month. This is the 3rd differnt med. I am on. I took lexapro, then effexor and this seems to be helping out much better. I was on 30mg for a week and now I am on 60 mg. | M | 25 | 4 weeks | 3/3/2008 | 5 | Depression and pain | Little nauseaus first couple of days. I already had all the gastro symptoms and hot flashes others have mentioned. Unfortunately, those symptoms have not improved. I am experiencing hair loss and am wondering what the cause may be-could be Cymbalta, could be my age/hormones, a vitamin I might need, winter. | 30 mg worked initially then abruptly seemed to stop working after about 6 weeks/now on 60 mg. I am happy to say I have not felt this good for years and years. Fibro pain greatly reduced, energy up, sleep and dreaming wonderful after many years of not much of either. I am very enthused and interested in my life again. Coming off Cymbalta does sound scary, but I am trying to just enjoy feeling well for now, will cross that bridge down the road. I am trying some different approaches to the thinning hair and hope I can solve it. | F | 61 | 3 months | 2/29/2008 | 5 | FIBROMYALGIA | I DID NOT HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS UNTIL I MISSED 3 DAYS OF MEDS. THEN I BECAME HIGHLY IRRITATED AND IRATE BUT ONCE I STARTED THE MED BACK I FEEL GREAT. | I REALLLY LIKE THIS MEDICATION IT SUPRESSES MY APPETITE AND HELPS WITH MY FIBROMYALGIA PAIN AND DEPRESSION. GREAT MED. I JUST WITH IT DID NOT COST SO MUCH. | F | 42 | 1.5 days | 2/28/2008 | 5 | Depression, Fybromyalgia | First two weeks headache, dizzy, nausea, no appetite....switched to taking it at bedtime and most side effects went away. (Because I slept through them.) A little foggy at times; yawning. | I was hesitant to take this med because of some of the negative things I read about. I do not take any other meds. I knew there would be a period of adjustment and some side effects and was prepared for the worst. I was on Lexapro a few years ago and the adjustment period was a painful 7 or 8 weeks. Within 2 weeks on Cymbalta, I feel better than I ever really expected. The side effects were initially uncomfortable but experimenting with the time I took the dose helped tons! I don't think I'll need a stronger dose than the 30mg. I can understand why a higher dose could make you feel whacked-out. The number of people who try it for a few days and give up are suprising. I recently learned that consuming more than a a few cocktails while on it can cause some pain. Two glasses of wine are probably my maximum from this point forward. I am motivated to get back to the gym and work out....which can only help me further. I wish everyone the best who needs to take an anti-depressant.....don't be | F | 34 | 6 weeks | 2/28/2008 | 5 | Depression | Some nausea (occasionally at the beginning) and difficulty to reach orgasm (first four weeks or so). These all went away completely after about a month on Cymbalta. | Fantastic. It has been a great medicine for me. Only problem has been weaning off it as the abstinence effects are quite uncomfortable. I've been on a reduction mode for about 18 months. Currently take 30mg 3 times a week down from 60mg daily. | M | 35 | 2.5 years | 2/27/2008 | 5 | depression | none | I have been taking Cymbalta for almost four and a half years. It has saved my life. | M | 38 | 4.5 years | 2/27/2008 | 5 | Depression, anxiety, panic | Very vivid dreams, if I miss a dose I have these weird sparks in my brain, dry mouth sometimes. | I have tried effexor XR and lexapro these drugs changed me for the worst! Quit them over 3 years ago refused to take anything. My depression got really bad so my Dr. had me try Cymbalta 30mg. It worked for about a month.then i felt it quit working went up to 60 mg. 60mg makes me sleepy so, I take my dose before bed and the next day things are great! My sex drive is also good. The only bad thing I have experienced is if i forget a dose the night before the next day my brain has these weird sparks! i love Cymbalta but after reading comments i am very affraid to come off! | F | 29 | 4 months | 2/21/2008 | 5 | Neuropathy | Diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite | My neurologist prescribed this for my neuropathy in my feet after I tried various other drugs and none of them helped. The first time I took cymbalta, I had severe diarrhea and nausea and for about a week with same side effects. AFter going off of it for about a week, I realized how much it had helped me the short time I was on it as the severe pain in my toes returned. I tried it again after my dr. encouraged me to stick with it 2 weeks. After just about 2 weeks the side effects disappeared and I haven't felt this good in a long time. It has helped me tremendously and all side effects have gone. | F | 61 | 30 days | 2/12/2008 | 5 | Not of any significants. | I you are having problems with insomnia have your Dr. prescribe some Trazadone. It's available on the $4.00 prescription plan at most pharmacies. | M | 58 | 3 months | 2/12/2008 | 5 | Depression/GAD | Sad all the time. No interest in anything no motivation | I have been this way for as long as I can remember. I just thought it was my personality. But as my marriage has been getting worse partly because of the depresion I looked for answers. I tried prozac & Zoloft nothing happened. Then I went to a new Shrink and he wanted me to do a clinical trial of Cymbalta at 120 mg the first two days were very hard but I think It was because I was coming off pain killers. I now feel great very upbeat playing with my kids like I never did before. I am enjoying my life. I am scared that it won't last but I will take this feeling for as long as I can. The trial is for 1 year I will try to keep you informed on how it's going. | M | 32 | 7 days | 2/11/2008 | 5 | Depression | A little tiredness at first but went away eventually. | I have been on Zoloft then Paxil for about 4 years. My doctor told me about Cymbalta and I decided to try it. I really like it. It makes any worry go away where you basically "Don't Care." Where some things used to bother me I now say..."So What!" I noticed this as a few weeks went by on Cymbalta. If you decide to try Cymbalta give it a little time to work. It is a powerful med more so than Zoloft or Paxil. I am looking to be on Cymbalta for a long time. It's one medication that I actually could tell it was working correctly. | M | 34 | 2 months | 2/2/2008 | 5 | depression | was on this before and had weight loss | i was on cymbalta a couple of years ago and thought i could live without it boy was i wrong. my moods changed i didn't care if i ever got out of bed and i was down right miserable! if you stop taking this the withdrawal is awful. my doctor decided to put me on lexapro because when i get feeling better i think that i don't need anything and lexapro didn't have withdrawal effects, but i gained 35 pounds on it. when i was on cymbalta before i was able to lose weight and not feel hungry all the time. i don't think i will ever stop using cymbalta again. looking back when i was on cymbalta before it was the happiest i have been in about 10 years. in the past i have been on several medications and nothing worked as well as cymbalta | F | 43 | 2 days | 2/1/2008 | 5 | severe depression | Dizziness/disorientation when I missed a dose. | It helped me a great deal along with a number of lifestyle changes, and I (thankfully) had very few or no side effects. I'm glad I took it. | M | 21 | 13 months | 1/27/2008 | 5 | Bi-Polar rapid cycling; Severe Depr | Upper ab cramps; weight gain; wake up 3 times per night | I am a psychologist. I started taking anti-Depressants in the 1980's. The psychiatrist (#4) finally said all the anti-Depressants that I had taken made me become bi-polar. What I have noticed through my work as a psychologist and my history of taking this type of medication: is that psychiatrists want you to take the "normal Therapeutic" dose (e.g., 60mg of Cymbalta) right away. Caution: I recommend to everyone that when starting a new medication – Start Slow; increase slowly over a long period of time; and when it comes time to decrease or discontinue, Decrease slowly over a long period of time. Start at a very low dose (e.g., 20mg or 30mg of Cymbalta) for several months; access the effects; then increase the dose a little at a time. It took me 3 years to get to my current dose of DEPAKOTE ER. The 1st small dose (30mg) of Cymbalta: I could feel my brain actually change. I increased the dose to 40mg 5 months later. Then I increased the dose to Cy | F | 48 | 8 months | 1/23/2008 | 5 | muscle/joint pain/fibromyalgia | Lightheadedness for the first few days. Moved from 30 to 60 mg after one week. On 60 mg for 1+ months now | Very worried about comments concerning withdrawal. Until I read these, I was thrilled to be able to get up and move in the morning without terrible pain. This is the best I've felt--MUCH less pain--than I have for years. I thought it was a godsend until reading the withdrawal symptoms. Now I'm worried. | F | 49 | 1 months | 1/16/2008 | 5 | Moderate Depression | 1st week major insomnia, nausea and vertigo, since then night sweats, vivid dreams, trouble waking up, loss of appetite | If you can make it through the first week then keep with this! The major side effects rapidly diminish after week 1, and are mostly gone by week 3. This is the first medication to truly work for my depression. I can actually go to class, read and work on my hobbies, as opposed to watching TV for hours on end. The vivid dreams were interesting to begin with, but do get tiring. After about two months they diminish slightly. The night sweating is really annoying, I have to change my sheets often and febreeze heavily inbetween. The loss of appetite comes and goes, so don't buy much in the way of fresh produce because each day is up in the air as to whether or not you'l want to eat. | F | 20 | 3 months | 1/15/2008 | 5 | anxiety/depression/lower back pain | dry mouth, some jitteriness | i have taken cymbalta for the past one week. it has really helped me with my depression and anxiety. it has also helped to alleviate the lower back pain that i was having constantly due to nerve pain. i would definitely give cymbalta a try and when it is time to ween yourself off you just have to reduce your dosage yourself over a period of time..... | F | 29 | 7 days | 1/15/2008 | 5 | Anxiety | Severe nausea for the first 2 weeks (totally subsided after that), very vivid and long dreams, some stomach discomfort (does not happen very often), extreme night sweats for the first 2 months, cold sweats | I have been very anxious about different aspects of mine and my families lives. I always wondered "what if something happens?" I eventually became moody and would get upset with my hubby and kids for no reason at all. I was moody, picked arguments, was angry and just so tense, nothing like myself at all. I started feeling relief after 3 days of taking the meds. I started on 30 mg/day and worked up to 60 mg/day. This has helped me immensely and the effects that it has had on my life were worth the side-effects for the first couple of months. Now, I only experience cold sweats every now and then and something I can only describe as a hot flash. I am back to my old self, which is fabulous. I'm happy and not the "worry wart" that drove my very optimistic husband crazy. I have much more patience with people, especially with my kids. My back pain has mostly subsided as I am no longer always tensed up. I feel that it really depends on the person in which effects y | F | 30 | 3 months | 1/15/2008 | 5 | back pain, minor depression | Urination difficult: weak flow, frequent stops. Often quite cold on one side of my body. (Only I can feel it.) | After taking this drug for over one year, it continues to be extremely helpful for both chronic pain and minor depression. | M | 62 | 1 years | 1/14/2008 | 5 | Depression, anxiety, self harm | For first two weeks dry mouth, restless legs, yawning that I couldn't control, feeling sedated but unable to sleep, blurry/jumpy vision, tingling feeling over skin. Now I yawn a lot and feel a bit drugged up and constipated, sleeping isn't so easy but I'm ok. | This has helped all of my symptoms lots, I've found myself feeling clearer headed despite being a bit sedated, and in a way I'm grateful for feeling a bit sedated as I need to calm down. I feel optomistic and happy, plus I wake up in the morning and don't have an overarching sense of misery. | F | 27 | 26 days | 1/13/2008 | 5 | Unexplained pain and anxiety | The only side effect is decreased libido when taken in the morning. I began taking it at night which caused extreme sleepiness during the day, so I switched to taking it in the morning and all is well :) | After having several MRIs and being in physical therapy for two years, the cymbalta cured my unexplained back pain within a few days of starting it. Switching from zoloft was an easy transition and I have more energy than with the zoloft. It seems a lot of what people experience with this is patient-specific as it works well for some and not for others...there are also many psychosomatic issues to consider as well when reading these comments. | F | 35 | 2 years | 1/10/2008 | 5 | Severe depression | mild nausea, insomnia, lack of concentration. | Compared to the horrible darkness of deep depression, this medication and even with the side effects is a lifesaver. I am able to get out of bed and function. I am no longer angry and I have been able to do things around that house that only a few months ago seemed hopeless. I still have to push myself every day to not go back to bed but I know Cymbalta has made a very significant difference and I will not stop taking it any time soon. One other comment- this is a very potent drug. I have read postings where people state they are taking it for mild pain or stress....this strikes me as odd. why does a M.D. prescribe this for anything other than severe depression? I would advise people not to take it for anything else - it is a very potent drug. Any side effects for me are better than the blackness of depression. | F | 42 | 2 months | 1/2/2008 | 5 | Pain/Anxiety/Depression | Excessive Yawning & Sleeplessness (at 1st) - Weight Loss - Constipation/Diarrhea - Vivid Dreams - Food doesn't have much taste | AMAZING!!! I didn't know i could ever feel so good again. Just days after starting the medicine, I could tell a difference in my anxiety & patience levels. However, i considered getting off due to excessive yawning & sleeplessness. After reading this website, i decided to try to work through those side effects. I'm SOOO glad I did. I am happier than I have been in a long time. I spent a lot of time in prayer over taking any type of antidepressant - i'm grateful God made people smart enough to make such a drug, and had my dr prescribe it. I use to go to the bathroom 15-20 times a day because of anxiety - now i can go an hour or more without having to go. I feel like i actually have my life back! Try to work through any side effects you are having (3-4 wks) it will be well worth it - besides i was more afraid of the side effects for coming off. Good luck | F | 35 | 10 weeks | 1/2/2008 | 5 | pain and depression because of it | constipation taken care of with proper diet sleep disorders | I have tken numerus medications and therapies before but none has helped me this much | F | 50 | 4 months | 12/29/2007 | 5 | Bipolar Dissorder | Good concertation | You have to take them every 4 hours. | M | 24 | 4 months | 12/28/2007 | 5 | Depression ,Anxiety,ADD | None | I've been on about every SSRI available over the last 11 years with Zolft and Wellbutrin being my favorites until I started taking Cymbalta a week ago. So Far I really haven't had an real side effects to speak of. I'll update this post in the future if their are any changes. | M | 59 | 8 days | 12/5/2007 | 5 | Severe, Recurrent Depression | Weight Gain | Switched to Cymbalta from Effexor XR & now I have energy, spirit, and just feel GOOD. I also take Wellbutrin & Adderall to supplement. | F | 26 | 2 years | 12/2/2007 | 5 | at the end, although i'm not 100 percent sure that this is because of the cymbalta and not the depakote or seroquel, VERY erratic behavior, perhaps what was the start of my first mixed bipolar episode. either way, my depression was killed. i cannot overemphasize how elated i feel to have no depression since it was sooo incredibly deep. i had previously tried effexor XR, wellbutrin, lexapro, and celexa to NO AVAIL whatsoever. cymbalta kicks tail. | M | 20 | 9 months | 11/27/2007 | 5 | GAD and depression | none | M | 57 | 30 days | 11/23/2007 | 5 | Depression & anxiety | Tummy hurt for the first day but none since then. | When my doc first recommended Cymbalta I read a lot of mixed reviews, most coming from this site. I was terrified to try it but basically at the end of my rope. My depression and anxiety were making life hell for both my husband and me, and after trying or being on several anti-depressants in the past, I decided to give Cymbalta a try DESPITE the reviews I read. I first took 30 mg and felt better but began having side effects (no orgasm). Doc decreased dosage to 20 mg a day and it has changed my life! I am finally back to ME, the real me, 100%. Absolutely no depression, no anxiety, no panic attacks. I went from being a pessimist to an optimist in two weeks. My husband and I haven't had an argument since I started taking it. I feel great! Just 20 mg has made such a difference in my life I felt I needed to come back onto this board and share my story. Any time someone comments on how I've changed, I'm never shy to say, "Thanks Cymbalta!" It's great to be happy and l | F | 37 | 7 months | 11/22/2007 | 5 | Depression and hypomania. Bi-polar | Tired, wich could come from my depression. | I hade a depression and was on SSRI and Lithium when I suddenly got hypomanic. My MD changed the SSRI and started me on cymbalta and increased xanor. It took me 5-6 days to come down from my hypomania. This is an observation from someone who only used the medicin one week. | F | 43 | 7 days | 11/14/2007 | 5 | anxiety | Initially because I was very anxious before my treatment started it made me feel extremely anxious for 7-8 days. But I am so glad I stuck it out because I am now calm and feel "normal" for the first time in a long time. | F | 45 | 64 days | 11/9/2007 | 5 | anxiety/depression | weight loss, insomnia (all went away after two weeks) | I have tried about fiver other anit-depressants and they all made me CRAZY. I couldn't handle the side effects. After just a couple of days on 30mg of Cymbalta I notice a difference. I felt human again, although I had to reduce dosage to 20mg. I had trouble sleeping but not with the 20mg. My doctor told me I can even open the pill and split the 20mg in half which I'm cosnidering. I haven't had a single panic or anxiety attack or bouts with deperession in over a month since taking it. It is a life saver for me. | F | 43 | 2 months | 11/9/2007 | 5 | Chronic Depression, OCD, Anxiety | The first week I had flu-like symptoms and felt somewhat detached from myself. Symptoms improved each day. | I have tried them all. This medicine is a blessing for me. It's the best I have felt since grade school. I am enjoying life again. I have energy and motivation. Since I have chronic depression, I will not go off EVER! I'm ok with that since I feel so good. | F | 39 | 2 years | 11/8/2007 | 5 | leg pain, insomnia, depression | mild nausea, loss of appetite, rare occasions of slight dizziness, clenching of teeth & related headaches, sleeplessness at first | I LOVE Cymbalta! Within an hour of taking the very first pill, I felt 1000 times better! Since then I've started dieting and exercising which I'd never cared to do before - resulting in weight loss of 10 lbs so far. I'm much more able to deal with my emotions, and can communicate more effectively. I'm able to put things into perspective better, and have really seen a difference in myself lately. I don't know how I ever lived without this drug - it's amazing! | F | 28 | 6 weeks | 11/7/2007 | 5 | PTSD, Major Depression, Anxiety | Moderate to severe dry mouth and dry eyes, occasional constipation or gastric symptoms. No longer to enjoy the occasional glass of wine or champagne (can't tolerate any alcohol since starting Cymbalta) b/c it makes me too drowsy. | After discussing this drug at great length with my Pdoc, reviewing the research, looking at brain scans etc, we decided this was my best option for managing PTSD symptoms associated with childhood s*xual abuse. I'd been on Effexor for 2 years with decent depression management, however it exacerbated my anxiety, caused sleeplessness & foggy-headedness. Since switching to Cymbalta, my depression & anxiety are very well managed. I do not feel drugged or cloudy. I just feel like my self (something I never expected to return fully). I'm skeptical of some online reviews of withdrawal & SE's. The research done for med is better than most by far! Talk to your doc. In my experience, missing a dose has not caused any major issues other than headache or dizziness. I take 60 mg per day. My main SE is fairly intense dry mouth & dry eyes. I don't like it. But overall, I'm so happy with Cymbalta, that I simply treat those SE's and deal with it. Every so often I get a bout of consti | F | 39 | 2.5 years | 11/2/2007 | 5 | depression and anxiety | initially I could not sleep while taking it. After the first week though, I improved in this area. It has raised my blood pressure, but because it helps so much it is worth taking another pill to control the bp. | If you can get through the first week on it, it is worth it. | F | 52 | 8 weeks | 11/2/2007 | 5 | Major Depression, Anxiety | Dry mouth (at my optimal dosage). | I tweak my dosage to get the optimal results. 20 mg leaves me feeling too fatigued in the morning, while 30 mg has me tapping my feet with excess nervous energy and with less than optimum concentration and mental focus. To reduce the dosage, I twist open a 30 mg capsule and remove about a dozen of the time-release pellets, then re-assemble the capsule to leave just the right dose for me. It's amazing that just a few milligrams can make such a difference, but it does for me. I'm very happy with Cymbalta. | M | 49 | 8 months | 10/23/2007 | 5 | RA and CHRONIC myofacial pain | I took 30 mg first day, felt wierd and didn't sleep much. Now take 15 mg (sprinkled over applesauce)in morning. Doing great. Pain is minimal, mood is great!! Fatigue is gone!! | So far this has completely changed my life. I have suffered pain and fatigue from my autoimmune disorders for 2 years. Nothing has worked. I first refused anti-depressents but, now I wish I had been on this sooner. I love my life again. I feel like my old "MEGA-MOM" self again!! | M | 40 | 2 weeks | 10/18/2007 | 5 | Anxiety, Depression, OCD | none. | I switched from another anti depressant to this one and it was wonderful from the very beginning. i felt more like myself. | F | 17 | 1 years | 10/10/2007 | 5 | Major depression, anxiety, and BPD | I didn't have any side effects while taking this drug. Although, out of all of the medicines I have taken, this one was the worst to come off of. I couldn't speak as well and I had HORRIBLE brain zaps. I am now back on the medicine. | Out of all of the psychotrophic drugs that I have taken (and there has been A LOT of them) this one has been the most beneficial. I would highly reccomend this one! | F | 23 | 3 years | 10/4/2007 | 5 | depression | I have not noticed any. | I have been depressed for a long time; I have tried every anti-depresant. Usually I could only take one pill and my blood pressure would shoot up, teeth grind, and all my nerves seemed on end. I quit taking them (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexipro, Paxcil, Others) but was unable to sleep for several days after. Finally and with trepidation I tried cymbalta 30mg. I could tell after the first pill that it was going to make my life worth living again and this is important as I am stage IV breast cancer and don't want to waste any more time being depressed. I am going to try increasing to a higher dosage. Thank you! | F | 55 | 20 days | 9/27/2007 | 5 | Depression | None worth mentioning | I had tried multiple ADs with no benefit... this one has been a lifesaver. | F | 43 | 3 years | 9/22/2007 | 5 | Severe depression-anxiety-stress | At first, starting with the 30 mg, the side effects were awful. Severe dizziness, diarrhea, so bad I went to the ER. After a few days staying on the medicine, these went away. Then graduated to the 60 mg. the effects came back less severe for a couple days. Now if I miss one pill, I get foggy headed, ringing in my ears, light headed, but after I take my missed dose, about 2 hours and these go away. | After a bout with severe chest pains, causing me to have a arteriogram, my doctor put me on Cymbalta for the severe depression, anxiety and stress. So far, I have had to stop taking it 1 time and that is when the real problematic side effects kicked in. Major crying, of course the depression, anxiety came back. My doctor put me back on it immediately. My friends at work even stated that if I can't afford to get it refilled, let them know and they would be glad to pay for it. They don't like me when I don't have my Cymbalta. (My HAPPY PILL) This is a wonder drug for me. It hasn't solved all my problems, but it has helped me tremendously!! | F | 41 | 2.5 years | 9/20/2007 | 5 | Major depression and anxiety | Dry mouth, night sweats, nausea, waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep. | The benefits from taking Cymbalta greatly outweigh the yucky side effects. For sleeping issues I am taking Trazodone which is helping a lot. The nausea is steadily decreasing. Mentally I feel better than I have in a long time. I do not have crying spells, my anxiety is gone, I am not feeling hopeless, motivation is back and best of all I feel happy. This drug may not be for everyone but I definitely have benefited from it. | F | 33 | 3 weeks | 9/20/2007 | 5 | Anxity | weight loss, loss of appitite,& increased sweating | overall I feel much better and do not let things bother me as much. | F | 38 | 6 months | 9/17/2007 | 5 | Moderate to Severe Depression | During first two weeks of use only: 1)Nausea: I experienced a dull nausea almost constantly and had very little appetite (which led to small weight loss) 2)Feeling of being extra alert with a touch of jittery-ness (like having an extra cup of coffee) 3)Slight and occasional dizziness 4)Reduced sex drive | I began Cymbalta about 2.5 years ago after weaning myself off of Zoloft, which I had taken for 1.5 years with some success and significant weight gain. As mentioned, I initially experienced typical side effects, especially the nausea. This was difficult at first and really cut my appetite. But after two weeks, the nausea and the other side effects (even the sexual ones!) were all but gone. Fast foward 1.5 years: Cymbalta (60 mg daily) worked very well in alleviating my depression and anxiety, and I felt more like "myself" that I had on the Zoloft. Zoloft sometimes made me feel disconnected from the world and my emtions, as if there was a film or fog between me & my sense of reality. Cymbalta, for whatever reason, did not have this effect. It also kept my mood much more stable. This is not to say I did not have lows, but they were more manageable; it was like I was able to pause on the way down, reevaluate, and often pull myself back up. Now: About 9 months ago, I chang | 25 | 2.5 years | 9/11/2007 | 5 | Depression, Anxiety | First week - Nausea, dizziness, no appetite. First month - sleeplessness. After that, just teeth grinding. I take a low dose of klonapin for that. Sexually, I'm stronger then ever. | I know there are a lot of nay sayers out there. I work with my doctor and trust him very much. I've suffered from GAD for quite a long time, and this drug works wonders. Things that I would obsess over before no longer are a concern. The only issues I have, not really side effects, is that its a little harder to get out of bed in the morning, and some constipation. They are not side effects that ruin my life or change it in anyway, so I didn't mention them. | M | 24 | 1 years | 9/6/2007 | 5 | moderate depression & anxiety | the first 2 weeks I was fatigued & constipated. | Less sexual side effects than effexor or zoloft and I feel great! Less mood swings. | F | 49 | 30 days | 9/4/2007 | 5 | Depression, GAD | nausea, diarrhea, constipation, agitation, sexual side effects (only the first 3 weeks) | Immediately after I took the first dose I noticed that this is a STRONG drug. I tried many antidepressants (SSRIs, tricyclics, NaSSA, MAOI) but none of them killed the depression and especially the anxiety like Cymbalta did. After 10 years of suffering, I am free of any anxiety finally! I experience life like I did before I got the illness. I feel JOY again in my everyday tasks. But I understand why this drug has so many negative ratings. That’s due to its potency. I dosed in VERY slowly, by opening 60mg capsules and splitting the pellets in six parts, being careful not to damage the pellets. Even with 10mg I needed a sleep aid for the initial 3 days. Starting with 60mg is definately too hard in side effects concerns. That's too much in the beginning. Now after 30 days I am at my final dose of 60mg, feeling so good like I never did before and side effects free. They subsided pretty fast. | M | 30 | 30 days | 9/2/2007 | 5 | Depression, Panic, Fibromyalgia | small amount of nausea, sweating, weight loss, loss of appetite | After years of Paxil this drug has done wonders for my depression, panic and somewhat helpful with fibro. I am currently taking 90 mg. Have had horrible withdrawls from trying to stop Paxil before but was able to just "switch" to Cymbalta with no problems at all. It is amazing to me. I also take Depakote which causes weight "gain" so the Cymbalta evens out that problem. Doc suggest I go up to 120 mg. I dont see anyone here taking such a high dose?? I have had very little side effects and no problems with sleep disturbance or anxiety at ALL. I love this drug and dont intend to stop taking it! | F | 37 | 4 months | 8/29/2007 | 5 | Depression | Absolutely None!! But I am loosing weight.. | The first night that I took the 30mg I was very sick...but I had to do something. I didn't take another dose for two days. I am now taking 60mg and things are great. It seemed like everything was unraveling quickly and I had to make a change fast. It worked..I feel like I can deal with stress; I can focus and concentrate again. I am also loosing weight!! | F | 37 | 2 months | 8/26/2007 | 5 | Fibro | Constipation, but since I have IBS, better than the alternative! Brain Zaps if I forget to take it | Had been in pain for 15 years prior to drug trial and I have never felt better in my life. my only problem is the high cost of the medication | F | 38 | 2 years | 8/25/2007 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |