Cymbalta for Chronic Pain User Reviews (Page 3)

• deba
• June 18, 2016

"i was skeptical. Other meds had not worked for pain. The pain from spinal stenosis and other arthritis and nerve pain was decreased the day after I started taking it. The effectiveness diminished after a month so the dose was increased and it is working well . I have decreased other pain meds, can walk better and am able to do much more"

• Cissi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2018

"I have had fibromyalgia for 30. yrs. My M.D was supportive, - resorted to hydrocodone. It worked, but I hated taking opiates. Then my husband died. My doctor upped my hydrocodone to 4, 10mg a day. My Fibro was worse. Went to a pain clinic. Awful. I went to a psychiatrist. He put me on a low dose of xanax, for crying nightly. Still Pain! I returned to the psychiatrist. I was on Cymbalta, 60 mg., for depression, but still had Fibro without opiates. Psychiatrist told me to take 60 more mg of Cymbalta. Next day I was a new person! No pain, wonderful mood.Everyone is different. I am off opiates, and down to 0.5 xanax."

• rusty...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2013

"My rheumatologist had me on a very high dosage, so much that I had to pay for two seperate scripts at the pharmacy. I guess so many people do have a positive response to this med, my doctor thought increasing the med mg would result in symptom improvement, however that wasn't the case. I hated (that's a strong word for me) Cymbalta. I was told I acted like another person while on it and not in a good way. Even though I strictly followed my pharmacist and doctors directions when tapering off if this med, I still had severe withdrawal during and after reducing the mg. I even called the doctor and pharmacy because I was so concerned; I all but went to the emergency room in the beginning stages since I had never had withdrawal symptoms before."

• PainO...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2018

"I was prescribed Cymbalta 90mg for nerve pain. Previously, I tried gabapentin, & Lyrica with significant side effects. However, with the Cymbalta, I noticed a huge difference within 24 hours after I started taking it. I did recently miss a couple days, and there is a noticeable withdrawal, mostly headaches. After missing the couple days, it has taken longer this time to kick back in. This tiny little pill has actually allowed me to lower my pain meds significantly and is treating my depression. I was able to stop both Prozac and Fentanyl (75mcg/48hrs). I do think, because of the possible withdrawal symptoms that one should first try gabapentin or Lyrica. For me, Cymbalta was a life changer; my miracle medicine!"

• Swampy
• October 6, 2019

"I was given duloxetine to help with depression and pain after I revealed to my psych that I feel random aches and pains nearly all the time. First day taking it was hard - terrible stomach pain and diarrhea. But, after that my tummy settled. I am at 90mg and I no longer notice these random pains that I got for no reason. It's great to be comfortable. I cannot comment as to whether it helps with my depression as I take a few different meds for that."

• Twister
• September 14, 2015

"My doctor put me on Cymbalta for chronic pain with Fribro/Arthritis/Bursitis/Bulging discs. I have been taking it for a week now and cant seem to shake some of the side effects. My pain is almost completely gone and I am so thankful for that. However, my eyes are so dilated all the time that everything is blurry and I practically live in a cave. In the 6 days I have been taking it I have lost almost 10 lbs, I am not sleeping (though they say this will get better) and during the day I am having so tired it takes everything in me to stay awake at work. My reflexes are lacking as well: I am dropping things, losing my balance and my reaction time when driving is a little sketchy. But all that aside, my pain is gone :)"

• Izzle
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2019

"I gave it a 2 because it helped with my pain and I saw a very quick change in my anxiety. But I've lost so much sleep over the last year due to insomnia and severe night sweats, my Dr told me take it in the morning instead but since I needed help sleeping this was already doing the opposite. if I miss a single dose I get severe electric shocks starting in my head going to my feet. Burning head but freezing extremities, shakes, nausea and that's the physical symptoms. Mentally I would be wailing and almost hitting my head against a wall begging whatever was going on to stop. I tried going off it cold turkey after a year on 60mg and the physical and mental pain is what I'd imagine heroin withdrawal to be. Now my dosage is halved my chronic pain is back with a vengeance so it was working for my pain but I feel pushing through the pain from the get go would have been easier than going through the side effects of this medication for a year. Be warned this drug is for life."

• LJnDC
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

"I was prescribed Cymbalta 20mg @1/day, first thing in the morning for severe sciatic pain. After about 3 days I experienced considerable relief in my pain and stays away until around 8-8:30 PM. What I don't like is the constant sweating. I can be sitting still and start to sweat. It's all facial sweating and it can last for hours. I spoke with my doctor about it and she prescribed Wellbutrin to be taken with the Cymbalta. I tried it for a few days and that gave me diarrhea so I opted to deal with the sweats. Other side effect is muscle or involuntary jerking. Especially when I'm lying still in bed. I just wish big pharma could invent a pill that doesn't have so many side effects and just do what it's designed to do."

• Alley...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2017

"I was in an accident 3 months ago. I had extreme pain and finally I found a doctor who listened to me. After my accident and my lower buttocks legs and heels I could hardly move not including all the neck problems I had the first wee.k I felt some flu symptoms however one day I woke up and I have to say it made me 75% better I just got increased from 30 to 60 it seems like I might have some of the side effects. I first had my body a little flu like feeling, in my mind a little foggy, however if you're really taking this for nerve pain I would suggest this to anyone it has helped me more than anything. Starting next month I'm going to wean off of the narcotic pain pill I've taken 3 months all the bad reviews on most scared me from me but I tried"

• Belva...
• July 13, 2014

"The first pill very strong so waited till in bed and when the severe pain from shingles hit I took 2nd pill..instant relief. I was so glad I had the medicine and still have the bottle of pills as I never needed another. One pill got me through the worst pain I had with shingles. I would not have a need for any now but saved in case shingles returned. I think it a tad bit too strong for most pain that could be treated with a lessor degree of strength. 2 pills used out of whole bottle. It was expensive but actually just one pill did the job."

• 6...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2017

"It works in subtle ways. It was supposed to help with RA pain but it has actually helped my outlook on my daily life as well. I feel hope and have extra energy. This relief of pain has helped me be able to draw better boundaries around situations I was allowing to happen in my life. The side effects are mild. I also like that I am not gaining weight. Subtle changes, but works great and in ways I did not expect. It has not taken away my RA pain, but has muted it a bit."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2020

"Not good. Try to change your situation without using cymbalta. If you cannot exercise to relieve your pain then try deep breathing and relaxing music, books or walking. If you are bed ridden, pray and use mindful thinking. It requires time and dedication. Learn stretches with deep breaths but be careful to not break or injure yourself."

• Tough...
• February 18, 2014

"I've been on Cmybalta for about one month. 1st week on 30mg and 2nd week on 60mg. Only side effect for the first 2 weeks was lucid dreams and insomnia. I have really bad nerve problem in the upper and lower back which causes a lot of stress to my shoulder trapezius and chest muscle. Cymbalta helps me manage the upper back, shoulder, trapezius and chest pain well enough, but nothing for the lower back. I noticed the pain reduction in the 2nd week. It's not a miracle pill but it sure helps."

• davinci...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2013

"I started taking Cymbalta approx. 4 weeks ago. Its a miracle far as I'm concerned. I have low back pain, fibromyalgia and increasing anxiety disorder. Within 4 days I felt immediate relief from pain all over. I haven't felt this good in years. I am also on Lyrica and am going to see if I can lower my dose or even discontinue it and see if I'm still pain free. My anxiety is starting to lessen now as well. I don't have many side effects, mostly more tired so I will take it at night. Definitely try it. It's worth it!"

• austm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2017

"I have had three back surgeries the latest was back fusion I now suffer from nerve pain especially in my right thigh and knee At times I can hardly walk due to the pain and weakness in my leg Xrays and MRI show the fusion is in the correct position but the Specialist have said I may always have this nerve pain They prescribed Cymbalta and oh what a calamity I only took this medication for 3 days and that was 3 too many I was not warned about possible side effects these are numerous Massive increase in pain Massive increase in weakness in the leg (had to use a walker) Chest pain Headaches Nausea Stomach pain Mood swings like anger suicidal thoughts Nightmares Hot and cold flushes Sweating for no reason list goes on"

• Losin...
• November 10, 2015

"I have had fibro, Depression, anxiety, chronic horrible pain. Cymbalta does nothing at all. I don't even know why I take it. If you stop it's worse than stopping anything else I have ever tried to except maybe Xanax. I am so happy for all you that it works for. Life is depressing and miserable. Pain meds were the only thing that has helped for pain but I have been on them so long I want to try something else. So sick of people who think pain meds cause the problem. Of course I am on a higher dose than someone who just started. It's been ten years. I wish cymbalta helped as much as you guys."

• Nana
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2019

"Cymbalta was very helpful for my fibromyalgia pain. My pain was reduced by 80%. It was also very helpful in reducing my anxiety. There was one side effect I could not tolerate any longer after 3 years, PROFUSE head sweating. I cold be sitting in an air conditioned house and break out in a horrible sweat. Once I realized it was the Cymbalta I had my doctor wean me off. Please don't stop this medication cold turkey, that can be dangerous."

• suzis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2014

"Almost 2 months on just 20 mg pain mgmt narcotics for chronic pain, many procedures little help, also CPTSD, GAD, pos. bipolar, depression. MY BACK PAIN AND SCIATIC GONE after 5 days on a low dose. Reserving judgement on the rest. Increase dose to 60 mg. I expect to get a hint in the next week. May have overactive mind/severe difficulty sleeping tho. Higher dose may help. But the pain relief - wouldn't have believed it if someone told me. So have to weigh pain vs insomnia or other side effect I might get. Good luck with this medicine! Insanely expensive and I know from girlfriends experience withdrawal can be bad."

• nessa...
• March 1, 2016

"My husband took this drug for 1 month. He started losing his hair and that was a deal-breaker for him. Not enough of a trial to know effectiveness of the drug- but this bad rating was given because of the WITHDRAWALS. Brain zaps, nightmares, anger, vomiting and nausea. We started reading up online concerning the dependency called "Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome" ...um WTF?? Please look it up- people are staying on the drug ONLY because the withdrawal symptoms are so bad and can last longer than the time you were taking the drug. My husband could be suffering for a year- we are newlyweds! Please do not start this drug if you haven't already!!!"

• Grandma...
• March 27, 2016

"The relief of pain was almost immediate. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis as well. The meds localize the pain to a tolerable condition. I take the pill first thing in the mornings and it leaves me light-headed and fatigued until late afternoon. I wonder if these symptoms go away after a few months? Will my body get used to it?"

• KeithMG
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2012

"I have had chronic pain/numbness/tingling sensations in the left side of my face for over 15 years. It was slight when it first started, but turned really bad around 2005. I have been on a Vicodin, Tramadol, Fioricets "cocktail" for 8 years. I tried Neurontin for 5 months but it made me sluggish, lazy, and depressed. Neurontin didn't solve anything. Last week a Neuroligist strongly suggested I try Cymbalta, and ease off all other presciption/non prescription pain killers. Within 24 hours I noticed a significant easing of pain sensations in the area of concern, and I have reduced my pain killer intake by 50%, and will cut it down to zero in another week to ten days. This happened in only five days of one 30mg pill a day. A miracle for me."

• mare
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 24, 2016

"Taking since 2005 for a numbness, icy, electric zapping feeling in my thigh. Started mild and escalated to unbearable over 15 yrs. Kaiser had ignored it for years & I finally consulted an outside doctor who prescribed Cymbalta. No side effects at all. Within weeks the unbearable electric zapping begin lessening. Over time a multitude of issues I thought were untreatable went away. I quit falling down (I am no longer afraid of stairs), I could tap my toe in time to music (previously my reflexes couldn't keep up), the almost constant neuralgia that made my teeth hurt went away. At $350 per month, it was worth twice the price. Now I can no longer afford Cymbalta & the generic makes me so nauseous I cannot take it."

• DebMRN
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 4, 2017

"I had a patient attack me back in 1997 resulting in L shoulder ligament tears, which required surgery. Months after the surgery my L arm was very painful, cold, the skin hurt to touch it. I would cry with the pain daily. After seeing the orthopedic again just before surgery I asked what are you going to do about the cold temperature in my arm. To this point I had only seen physician assistance. The MD took one look at my arm, cancelled the surgery for the next day and sent me immediately to see another Dr in Jacksonville, FL. This Dr took one look at my arm and knew that moment what it was, RSD reflex sympathetic dystrophy. They tried several medications and he sent me to a pain specialists. He stared me on Cymbalta 120 mg daily."

• FibroC
• April 22, 2019

"I was prescribed Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and depression. I was taking it for over 3 years but I developed a tolerance for it because it stopped working. While I was on it, it worked really well. It took some time to take effect, like 15 days, but when it did it worked very well. I was able to continue working 50 hour weeks. The only horrible thing was when it finally stopped working so I had to resign from my job and subsequently lost my health insurance. I couldn't afford the Rx so I stopped taking it cold turkey. The side effects were horrendous! I was shaking, nauseous, had really bad headaches, dizzy. I finally had to borrow money to get the med back and then weaned off slowly."

• Leonela
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2019

"I have been on Cymbalta 20mg for the last 3 months for my neck pain. I am developing a skin rash in my neck. It’s itching and red. Also, little blisters too. Also, my appetite has decreased to the point that I have lost 10 pounds. My pain still the same."