I am wondering if Cymbalta has the side effect of weight Gain , I suffer with Anxiety I only take 30 mg and don't feel good at all on this dose , I was told maybe the dose is not high enough, but I am worried if I increase I will put weight on , I was on Zoloft and Effexor and gained weight
Do all Antidepressant tablets make you gain weight . Thanks
Cymbalta and Weight Gain?
Question posted by Missybon on 8 Oct 2013
Last updated on 4 March 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
40 Answers Page 2
Spendor
15 April 2018
Don’t worry , you’ll lose some weight most likely in the first 6-8 months. Thereafter, you may have to keep all carbs and sweets down ; unless you sweat each day a bit. If not, you may gain some weight. Watch everything you eat strictly
Animal_Lover
15 April 2018
Cymbalta actually helps us to lose weight & quickly for the first month or longer, for some people. Its the best Antidepressant I have taken ever taken. It was prescribed by my Phyd Doctor for, anxiety/depression, due to chronic pain & Advanced Osteoarthritis. I will stay on it for the rest of my life if necessary, as its totally safe, with no nasty side effects, like other I have taken, in the past.
Sincerely
Animal_Lover :)
DonnaSil
2 March 2018
Within about 3 weeks I felt great being on Cymbalta 60 mg- and I lost weight in the beginning - been on it for about 4 years now- but over time I started gaining weight and always hungry - maybe long term affects . I started to eat 6 small meals a day and now I am losing again-. Only problem I ever had on it. I would never just stop though -
Twinlett
25 Feb 2018
I am 67 years old and was put on cymbalta for pain control for neuropathy associated with MS. The dose was 60 mg taken at night. It helped with the pain but I went from 120 lbs to 160 in less than 2 years.
Inactive
7 Sep 2017
Hi I know its a very delayed response but im sure someone will google this just like me. Im 25 and have been on major depressive medication since i was 12. Unfortunately weight gain has been a big issue for me even though i hardly eat. Not by choice but by my body. I was previously on 250mg of zoloft.
I am currently on numerous amounts of medication for various diseases. I have
Major depression, graves disease, diabetes, benign essential tremor disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome.
3 months ago i started Duomine to help with weight loss. I am 163cm tall and am 87 kg. Unfortunately i have gained weight from my lowest at 19 being 55kg.
It is a hard decision however it is either be depressed and unhappy without duloxetine or get off it which i have tried before and be unhappy and loose weight.
This is where it is a hard decision and i realised i can not cope without medication. My strategies for coping without it.
Inactive
5 May 2017
I was on Cymbalta 30mg for 10 months. Then started working out at the gym 3 hours a day, 4 days a week from a meniscus tear in my knee that left me with hardly any cartilage. Was using the elliptical. I have lost 65 pounds so far and STILL going strong. Only need to loose 18 more pounds. Then I stopped the Cymbalta about a month ago. Withdrawals were so bad, so I went back on it. I had initially stopped it under my doctors supervision because I thought it was causing hair loss. Nope, Cymbalta was not the reason. Has anyone gained weight after only being on for a few days? I have worked so hard at the gym and I was bummin this morning. Burned 1,100 calories yesterday and weighed in this morning and gained almost a pound. I am watching my calorie intake, no breads, fruits late at night etc etc... doing everything like clock work just like I had previously. I just want to know if you can gain weight within a few days of taking this medication.
This medicine really works for me. Ps. When I started my exercise regimen I did not weight myself at all until 4 months into it, so I would not know if I was gaining in the beginning. Please please help! :-)
June Alice Juneau
18 June 2017
I have learned that burning calories causes one to gain muscle mass which weighs more than fat mass.
Perhaps you are gaining weight through your vigorous work outs and are changing your muscle mass.
I have been prescribed cymbalta for chronic pain in my back. Just after two days I have noticed that the pain in my lower back seems to be masked, ie. has a bridge over the sore area. I hope I don't gain weight as I have been told that weight gain contributes to my lack of get up and go, plus adds more pain to my back area. I had been on Zoloft, and it put me in the hospital. My manic depression was off the charts. I went on effexor and gained the weight. Was on it for a good fifteen years until I told the Dr. I needed a medication that hit the sore area, and not just dulled the pain and provided a state of euphoria. We are trying the cymbalta with the hopes that it does help.
zionfrost
25 April 2017
Yes, I have gained 8 pounds since I started Cymbalta six months ago. To me, because of much lower anxiety, the weight gain is well worth it. I'm 70+ and weigh 187 pounds. Since I started Cymbalta just at the beginning of the 'stay inside' months, the 8 pounds may even dissolve. I started on 30 mg/day for a month and then I've been on 60 mg/day for five months.
Inactive
25 April 2017
The other down side for this particular medication, besides weight gain, is discontinuation syndrome. It is a hard antidepressant to wean off of. Good luck with that.
Spendor
17 April 2017
30 mg should not affect your weight; drastically. At 60 mg it very well might. Here is the story. FIRST..you may LOSE weight first 3 months or so. Then .. if you keep using it, the initial loss will return. After that..you can MAINTAIN your weight if you stay away from most STARCHES, candy, cakes BREAD! and the like and excersise (sweat) twice a week. You may even lose a few pounds if you do the above. Without excersise, eat PROTEIN and not late at night. You will maintain weight.
LOSING WEIGHT: maybe a few pounds with above diet AND EXCERSISE. But.. much harder even with above to lose your initial weight or if you did not follow above and gained a few pounds(5 or 6) .
BOTTOM LINE: To keep your same wight:
NO BREAD ( hardly) RICE , & STARCH. Keep caloric intake at or less than 1200 calories a day and a bit of EXCERSISE.
PS The LONGER you stay on medication the harder to lose any weight.
Inactive
25 April 2017
These are all good suggestions. But with these types of medications, avoiding these foods that you suggested, along with exercise, won't do you a bit of good. These types of medications can affect metabolism and cause metabolic syndrome. All the exercise and dieting in the world won't change the effects caused by these particular medications, much to your disappointment. It's just the way they work. It's just how it works for many people, regardless if you went on a strict diet and totally avoided carbs, you will gain weight. Sorry.
Mkmollo
12 Aug 2017
Are you speaking from experience?
Inactive
12 Aug 2017
Mkmollo: Partially yes, and also from many of the comments from other members and participants in these support groups. The worst offender for me was lexapro. I gained 22 pounds in just a few months on it. That's what the SSRIs do to me. My body doesn't metabolize normally when I am taking an SSRI antidepressant. I do not have that problem when taking an NDRI, such as wellbutrin sr. Instead of working on the serotonin neurotransmitters, wellbutrin works on the dopamine and norepinephrine receptors. I guess that makes the difference in causing weight
gain, food cravings, carb cravings. IDK
Do you have a different kind of experience to share here?
quackyduck
6 March 2018
I have been on Cymbalta for 7 years and it really worked for my back pain morso than my depression, Which I take Lamictal. 200mg. for.
I needed to gain weight but went from 95 pds. to 105 pds. in 2 years. Yes, it does cause weight gain, I am on 120 mgs. I don't mind the weight gain because I am feeling much better at 105. But, I don't want to gain anymore weight. Can't seem to loose even a pound (feel my best at 104). Thank you Splendor, I couldn't have said it better. I don't know it is the Cymbalta, or the fact my back pain is so controlled that I ate more!
NurseDD
17 April 2017
I've been taking Cymbalta for about 9 months now for depression associated with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Depression. I started at 30mg 1 X per day then at 5 months was increased to 60 mg a day then a month ago increased to 120mg day. That seems to work great for me and did not cause weight gain. I personally feel anxiety can cause weight gain and definitely depression if that's a problem for you. You should talk to your Dr about this too.
FumbleBee
24 March 2017
I have gained 64lbs in 1 year on Cymbalta! After lowering my dose of Gabapentin and discontinuing Nortriptyline I gained 14 more pounds, causing my PMD to suspect the Cymbalta. I can't explain the depression the weight gain has caused. I have noting to wear and I am truly ashamed of being in public but am adjusting. I am unable to exercise due to my injuries so my PCP has told me to go on a severe calorie restriction diet. The thing is, I don't eat much and cannot convince the PCP of my healthy eating habits, because every time I see him I am heavier. I was switched to Wellbutrin and I am really hoping that it does not cause more weight gain. Has anyone else taken Wellbutrin? What was your experience
Mkmollo
1 Aug 2017
I have been on wellbutrin for 6 months and I have gained 5 pounds. I also take gabapentin and that makes me heavier. I am 53 yrs old. In the past I took wellbutrin and lost weight. I think age and hormones play a big part. My doc just put me on cymbalta and i hope it helps with my,chronic pain. I have fibromyalgia and am depressed. I think wellbutrin will not make you gain much,however it does increase appetite.
MomOfMatt1210
23 Nov 2016
I know this is an older thread, but still wanted to post my experience on Cymbalta. First off, I truly do believe there is something to the increase in sweets--especially at night/middle of the night. Even as a kid I never really craved sweets. But this has changed all within the timeframe I've been on Cymbalta. I, too have had a significant weight gain especially the past few years. My dosage has been up to 90mg but currently I'm back at 60mg.
Prior to taking Cymbalta I had bad migraines. My migraines decreased dramatically on this. That's a plus!! But I also suffer from SI joint pain & I haven't noticed any improvement in regard to pain management there.
When I first started Cymbalta, I felt incredible! That had never happened to me previously when beginning/taking any antidepressants the past 20-ish years I've been being treated for depression/anxiety. But then one day it just stopped working for me. I hung in there for a while then worked with my doctor to change meds.
While weaning off Cymbalta, my doctor started me on Fetzima. OMG. I've had withdrawal before but this was unbelievable! At one point I figured my husband is going to have to commit me because I was an emotional mess. I was so sick with these constant brain zaps & couldn't work or really function. Just lay in the bed and cry. We went back up on the Cymbalta again & haven't changed since. I've searched the web & found a good deal of folks have suffered similarly when trying to wean off Cymbalta. It also doesn't help that it's only manufactured in 20, 30 or 60mg capsules. I found other info related to actually counting crystals to wean off a little easier. I did ask my doctor about this & he said we can try this after the holidays if I want.
Another observation I made is that I don't find Cymbalta effective at all for treating my anxiety. Does anyone else feel this way? I take Klonopin at night but not exactly the best fit for me, either. Also during this "Cymbalta period" I've had trouble with my heart rate too high. I'm now always being turned down to donate blood. Finally was sent to a Cardiologist who told me that this is a result of the meds I take for depression, anxiety & ADHD (Adderall). Now I take yet another medication to control the tachycardia!!!
Sorry this is so lengthy!! I wanted to share my experiences as well hoping to help others, too. Hoping everyone is able to find something that works for them!
Missybon
26 Nov 2016
Thank you so much for your feedback
Anxiety and depression is such a terrible thing to have, and unless you have been through it, it is hard to understand
I am sure you post will help people
Thank you again
dianecrumbley
17 Dec 2016
I have been on Cymbalta for over a year. I am now down to 20 mg a day from 60. I have gained 30 pounds in that year. Hope to be off it soon and lose some weight. It's a scary thing getting off this drug. I was given it for back pain and depression. It did nothing to help with the pain and is so so for the depression. I hope the depression doesn't worsen when I'm completely off the med. Any comments? Also, when should Cymbalta taken. Am or Pm? I've always taken it at night.
DonnaSil
24 Nov 2017
I have been on Cymbalta for 5 years and when first on it I lost weight - within the last 2 years I have gained ,, well the last few months I make sure I eat 3 good meals a day and I am back to losing :: I started to get hungry all the time so I know I had to make changes - I am on 60
quackyduck
2 March 2018
I am on Cymbalta for chronic back pain and depression. I take 2 60 mg., and noticed weight gain from 95 to 105. I am at my ideal weight but would like to lose a few pounds to fit into some of my older clothes. I drink nutritional meal drinks to replace my evening meal, or just eat smaller portions, do yoga and do the treadmill, am a vegetarian too. Weight doesn't budge. I think it keeps my anxiety/depression issues at bay, my pain too, but what is up with this horrible night cravings for sweets. I had to stop buying ice-cream b/c I would eat the whole gallon in one day!
I also am having stress with my mom in a nursing home, and have been taking Lamictal for years, no weight gain. I also take Abilify, 2.5 milligrams. Any ideal where the weight is coming from? .
cindy-59
2 March 2018
Hi quackyduck. How long have you been taking Cymbalta? I think 120 mg. is a high dose. Did your doctor mention that to you? I have heard many times that any dosage after 60 mg. does not make any difference in helping patient.
I’ve been on 60 mg. of Cymbalta for about 8-9 years and I’ve gained over 80 pounds. I used to be a tiny woman and it was so hard for me to go to a size 16. I am tapering off now and I’m down to about 25 mg. I have started to lose weight and I realized some of it was water retention. It’s been a long hard road for me; but I’m hoping to be off this poison (imo) by summer. Take care and best wishes.
Cindy59
Connie9122
11 May 2020
I have been on cymbalta for at least 4 years. I have always worked out 4-6 times a.week. Cardio and weight training. Im 51. I have done everything i can think of to lose the 20+ pounds i have gained. I thought it was my metabolism/thyroid. Blood Work is fine. I eat about 1200 calories per day. There's no excuse for this. I take it for depression and pain. This weight gain has put me in a major depression. Im embarrassed and very self conscious. After reading all the comments, im stopping the cymbalta. I don't care about the side effects. Im sick of being a pig. My dr is a liar and i cant stand her anyway.
Minion_p_78
29 Oct 2016
I was on Cymbalta 30mg for a month and gained 10kg ,I'm now trying Zoloft .
Madisonbro
28 Sep 2016
Well I just came home with my first prescription of Cymbalta. I'm reading these comments and quite frankly I'm a little nervous! Weight gain is certainly something I don't want as I've gained quite a few pounds (nearly 30) over he past 5 years. And although I work out 4-6 days a week for 60-90 mins and I for the very most part, make wise food decisions. But what most worries me is what is being said about getting off the med and the horrible withdrawal effects! It scares me to even start if stopping is going to be such a nightmare! My question is, has this medication helped with your pain and symptoms at all?
carly2599
27 Feb 2017
Cymbals 60 mg has helped considerably with my chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. I had gained about 20 pounds at first when I went from 30 mg to 60mg. But as soon as I realized what was happening I got better control of those nighttime eating habits. I also was able to cut back from 900 mg of Neuronton to 600 mg daily since the Cymbalta was giving e such good pain control!
Good luck to you!
TiredOfFighting
13 May 2016
I was diagnosed with PMDD and was prescribed Fluoxetine. I was on that for 6 months and gained almost 30 lbs. My other symptoms were better; my hormones were leveling out, but my cravings were taking over. My Dr switched me to Wellbutrin. Within the first week I was motivated to do things I could not find motivation for, such as exercise. I finally had more energy. Unfortunately, I was also very irritable and worst of all, I had horrible nightmares. I couldn't take it, even if I had potential to lose weight. Today, I will be starting Cymbalta. I pray I'm one of the few that losses my appetite... but we'll see.
MeggieGirl
13 May 2016
I'm so sorry for what you've been through, and what you're still fighting past! I know that the Wellbutrin was awful for you, but I'm just curious ... how long did you give it a try (as horrible as it was).
FYI - The energy, etc. is understandable - Wellbutrin is a known stimulant. That's why I have to take it in the morning. I have terrible morning grogginess, and it helps bring me out of it - and if I took it at night, God forbid ...
TiredOfFighting
13 May 2016
thank you. I only took the Wellbutrin for a week. Because I did actually feel better, I fought past the nausea, and tried to find a way to cope with the irritability. I loved having the extra energy and motivation, and I actually exercised TWICE a day! lol However, as soon as the nightmares started it sparked my anxiety, something I struggled with as a child and teen. It was always related to death, a fear of a loved one dying, pushing me to my limits emotionally and mentally. I got to the point of understanding, through my faith, that death is okay. I could talk about my loved ones passing without sobbing, and I mean talking about them hypothetically passing. Just the thought of it would debilitate me. Well, like I said, I got "over" that as I grew up and matured in my faith. Then I started the Wellbutrin and it all flooded back. I had a nightmare about my one of my sons passing, I saw his autopsy photo and held his lifeless body.
I woke up unable to breath, like a plug was put in my throat. I couldn't talk about the nightmare without feeling a pain in my chest and tears streaming down my face. Honestly, I've had dreams like that, but not being able to shake it was the new issue. I couldn't get myself to snap that it was just a dream. That, I couldn't deal with.
MeggieGirl
13 May 2016
I have heard of people having hallucinations (meaning: they're having these visions but are still AWAKE!) when they've taken the immediate release version, but they did fine on the extended release. I understand how an experience like yours would simply make the medication not worth it.
In fairness to any medication that you might take. You might want to prepare self to have offputting symptoms for the first week or two that might resolve themselves over time, unless you're showing signs of an actual allergic reaction.
The difference between immediate release an extended release is night & day for a lot of different medications. One medication I take works the opposite way. I take the immediate release, and my doctor wanted me to try the extended release. After being on it for three or four weeks, I reported that I was having dark thoughts and was feeling extremely angry and full of anxiety. She literally told me "don't even just put that bottle in the back of your cabinet. Throw it away. Now." So, don't feel completely lost if one medication doesn't work perfectly for you or if you experience symptoms, because there are different formulations and doses of the same drug that will make a large difference to you. With each adjustment, it takes 3 to 4 weeks before the medication really settles in and you begin to get the full effects. I understand that your symptoms were bad, just try to give your meds more than a week. WB seems to be an exception to that rule b/c it was completely flipping you out. Which, hello, that would be me too!
TiredOfFighting
13 May 2016
Thank you, I'm trying to keep that in mind with the Cymbalta. My Dr did advise me to give the WB a week to settle, then a month; but like I said, after the nightmares started, it was just too much. If I have issues with the Cymbalta, I will ask for different release options of different medications. I haven't talked to extensively about this with my Dr. It's just been me explaining my symptoms and she recommends a different medication to try.
MeggieGirl
13 May 2016
I think we would all understand. They say "walk a mile... " Nobody can be in your shoes but you, though we sure can empathize.
Let us know how the Cymbalta works for you? I have high hopes for you on this. :)
Meg
TiredOfFighting
13 May 2016
Thanks, so much! I sure will!
Trasy
9 June 2016
Your story just hit so right on as mine. Since a child I always was so mentally freaked out that I was going to lose a loved one myself. Idky? Was never traumatized nor loss anyone. I begin having anxiety around 4 yrs old, always the same time of the day as well. Strange I never heard anyone have this phobic until now, keep faith. GOD will never give us more than we can handle
Trasy
9 June 2016
Your story just hit so right on as mine. Since a child I always was so mentally freaked out that I was going to lose a loved one myself. Idky? Was never traumatized nor loss anyone. I begin having anxiety around 4 yrs old, always the same time of the day as well. Strange I never heard anyone have this phobic until now, keep faith. GOD will never give us more than we can handle
TiredOfFighting
9 June 2016
yes, absolutely! honestly, my faith was what pulled me from the anxiety. so, when it came to the PPMD, I battled it with my faith first, and just got exhausted. it wasn't until my husband reminded me that God has brought people into our lives to help us along our way, and it's more than okay to ask for help. then, off to the dr I went!
**Update on the meds** Cymbalta has been pretty great for me so far. I started taking it in the morning, but switched to evenings as I would get really sleepy at work. I feel more irritable and nauseated than when I was taking fluoxetine, but I can deal with that. It helped curb my appetite, and my jeans feel a bit better around the waist! so either, I've lost weight or just lost the bloating. I'll find out next week at my 4 week check-up and let you all know!
bambi3551
12 Jan 2016
I am going to ask my doctor to start me on Cymbalta and I am also concerned about gaining weight. I just came off of Trokendi for my migraines and gained 18lbs in less than 3 months. My anxiety level and depression is off the charts!!!
Suggestions anyone???
Rhonda
Missybon
12 Jan 2016
I was told that Cymbalta does not put on weight, hopefully it does not for you, please let us posted on how you go
Thanks
MeggieGirl
12 Jan 2016
Hi Missy,
Cymbalta is classified as a "weight-neutral" drug, which means that people don't gain OR lose weight. I, however, gained a tremendous amount of weight during the five year period I was taking it, and got into many arguments with my doctor about it being the source of my gain. My doctor finally relented after I was up close to seventy pounds, and agreed to switch me to Well... and all the weight I had gained dropped from me in about 7 or 8 months, and hasn't come back. I have since learned that it makes people (like me) ravenous for sweets in the late-night hours. And it couldn't be more true. I would wake up at two in the morning to go to the bathroom and on my way back, I'd grab an ice cream bar and watch some TV until I was finished. My personal, work, social, EVERYTHING life suffered. Doctors don't think it's true because the pharmaceutical manufacturers have said it isn't.
Yet there are thousands of zombie candy eaters out there that immediately stop that behavior when they discontinue the med. I think that says something.
Missybon
12 Jan 2016
Hi MeggieGirl do you mind if I ask you what medication you are on now that made you loose your weight, and is it good for Anxiety
I also get upset when doctors say they don't put weight on, as I think they do
Thanks a lot for your comment
MeggieGirl
12 Jan 2016
Hi there! I don't mind one single bit. :-) The one I switched to is Wellbutrin, and it is the FIRST antidepressant that has ever worked for me. After being on it for many years, though, it seemed like the effect bottomed out, so we increased the dose beyond the three hundred (you can technically go up to four fifty). I deal with really REALLY severe depression, though, and my doctors have to fight for me. I don't have a stitch of bipolar in me, but we added a very low dose of Lamictal, and that seemed to be the perfect balancing point. With me, it's a matter of constantly reevaluating, and tweaking once or twice a year. The anxiety is the part I can't seem to get a grip on. But this combo is the furthest I've gone towards being a fully-actualized, healthy, happy, balanced, human being who does the dishes, gets out of bed on the weekends, is starting to have an interest in spending time with people again, etc. Cymbalta was just terrible to me.
And it didn't help my pain at all. I don't have fibromyalgia, but my doctor prescribed Savella to take place of the pain part that Cymbalta was supposed to help, and just during the ramp-up cycle, I knew it was changing my life. So I have to take a lot of prescriptions, but I don't resent it; I'm thankful to have finally found a combination that let me live again.
Inactive
13 May 2016
Hi Meggiegirl!
I am the poster child for quitting my meds (in the past), shortly after they start working! I would start to feel better and tell myself I don't really need to take anything. Oh DEAR! I think I finally learned my lesson, and nowadays I faithfully stick to my daily regimen of wellbutrin + buspar. Keeps me on track. My husband does not want me to quit taking these meds. He sees such a difference that these meds have made in my daily life. Sometimes our loved ones can appreciate the improvement in us when we take effective medication even when we can't see the improvement ourselves.
I tried several generic brands of wellbutrin SR, as well as generic brands of wellbutrin XL. Had huge side effects on the XL versions. The one I have had so much success with is Bupropion SR by Mylan pharmaceuticals. My doctor added buspar to it about a year ago and it alleviates any anxiety that might have hung around. It's great for anxiety and doesn't have the side effects as benzos have.
When I quit lexapro and started taking wellbutrin, I lost 23 pounds (that I had gained while taking lexapro).
I believe that wellbutrin is in a class known as NDRI: Norepinephrine/Dopamine/Reuptake/Inhibitor wellbutrin is great!
"G"
Eag
2 June 2018
I agree with meggiegirl. I have binge eating/overeating disorder and I gained 10 lbs in 3 months when I was hoping I would lose weight.
Related topics
cymbalta, weight loss (obesity/overweight), anxiety, side effect, weight
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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