... brain. Start up patient. 1 week 30 mg. 2nd week 60 mg. Still nausea and horrible headaches. Very Very tired. Wake in the night. Whirlybird brain. How long before this stops and the nerve pain starts to subside? Help Just started week 3. Depression better but, this is where I was when I bailed out the first the because of the side effects. I'm not sure if it is worth it if this doesn't end soon. Any thoughts?
How long do the initial side effects of Cymbalta last? The headaches,nausea, fatigue, whirlybird...
Question posted by 4725 on 2 Jan 2010
Last updated on 18 May 2022
30 Answers Page 2
Pargat13
18 Sep 2017
I can understand your situation,just try to drink water as much as u can.This is only and the best way to keep away headaches ,nausea and fatigue.Best wishes for you
J_M_J_C
20 July 2019
But you have to be careful with that too because a side effect of this medication is lowering your sodium levels so if you drink more water, you dilute those levels. Hyponatremia (low sodium) has landed me in the ER a couple times already.
Johnny_B
14 Sep 2017
Got migraine first day along with list of other side-efects, don't know how or why anyone would take something that makes them feel worse. I didn't take another dose after just the one, sorry I can't be more helpful to anyone :/
Venus2302
5 Aug 2018
I took 1 30mg dose yesterday morning. I threw the bottle out the window on the highway. I am wondering if you experienced any horrible side affects after your one dose? When u stopped that one dose anything bad happen to you?
Johnny_B
4 Oct 2018
My side effects were gone within 24 hrs. afterwards, luckily I only took the one dose. Besides the migraine I also had severe chest tension, high anxiety, irritability, trouble swallowing. My mental state was also very unpleasant, hard to put in words. I was legitimately afraid to take another dose after that.
V30magna
23 March 2017
Very first day week drowsy head loopy low energy drive professionals no way could I go to work hips ache I'm not very good with power drugs will take four more days while off work if still the same I'm done
donalddm
14 Dec 2016
I started about a month ago, 1st week 30mg, 2nd week 60mg. The second week I was hit with fatigue pretty bad mid day, I would go to sleep as soon as I got home from work. 3rd week fatigue wore off but the only side effect I have been experiencing from the beginning is trouble having an orgasm or maintaining an erection the entire time. That's my only complaint, my depression has been under control I've started. Anyone else having the same issue?
Buddhistmaster
10 Nov 2017
I have heard about this. Cymbalta has estrogen in it. So it will effact your hormones. I'm female but have hormone issues and Cymbalta messed with my period and my sexual appetite.
snails01
12 Oct 2016
On my initial dose of 60mg I had none of these side effects but just transitioned to 90 and am going up to 120mg today and the diarrhea started with my transition. I goggled this because I didn't know if it was the antibiotics or cymbalta. Anyhow I took effector on and off for about 10 years and the side effects went away within the first couple of weeks, the same with Celexa. Other than this one thing, my depression and anxiety are subsiding wonderfully so it's gonna be really disappointing if this diarrhea doesn't go away!
WildcatVet
12 Oct 2016
Have you tried Imodium to get through the transition period? It worked perfectly for me.
Bull2152
22 Sep 2018
Most people have a major diarrhea side effect from antibiotics. Question. Did you have any diarrhea issues with Cymbalta before you increased to 120mg ? If you didn’t or if you did but it only lasted a week or so I’d say the antibiotics where to blame.
J_M_J_C
20 July 2019
Imodium is a synthetic opioid so I think it would be wise to check first with a knowledgeable pharmacist before taking the two together.
WildcatVet
20 July 2019
"Loperamide is a peripherally acting opioid agonist ... CSA Schedule*
Not a controlled drug"
"Drug Interaction Report
This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:
duloxetine
loperamide
Interactions between your drugs
No results found in our database - however, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist."
Anyone with common sense would always consult with a professional before combining ANY medications... and this includes ALL prescription, OTC, herbal, and "natural" remedies.
I wouldn't have given that advice unless I had already been told by my psychiatrist and pharmacist that it is a safe combination.
WildcatVet
21 July 2019
https://www.drugs.com/duloxetine.html
and the package insert that is included with your prescription.
Anyone with common sense would use materials easily available to acquaint themselves with a medication, it's uses, potential side effects, user reviews, etc. BEFORE they begin their treatment.
Professional, factual information rather than social media opinions.
Windchimes123
19 Sep 2016
I'll research your questions because of so much data from unhappy customers .
I am reading where other Meds were given to decrease the withdrawal symptoms.
Were you offered any other Meds ?
bonnecaze
19 Sep 2016
Hello... I am new in this group. This is my first answer to any question, however, I feel it necessary to respond. I am presently transitioning off of cymbalta back to celexa. Cymbalta worked opposite on me. It actually gave me more pain. Also, my depression did not get any better. My ocd got out of control and I was very, very indecisive. Needless to say, I felt that this needed to be shared. It can work opposite on some. Thanks.
DDPTURNER
10 June 2018
I have been on Cymbalta 30 mg for one month and Cymbalta 60 mg for one week. I take it in the evening . I am also on meloxicam 7.5 mg two times a day . My aches and pains are worse than before taking any of these meds. I feel tired and lethargic all day. I have no energy. Does Cymbalta sometime take this long to start working?
SpeakingOut
19 Sep 2016
I have been taking Cymbalta for major depression for maybe ten years now? With each increase in dosage to 120 mgs., the side-effects grew worse. The worst side-effects are the tremors that appear throughout my body and severe joint pain. The tremors in my hands are so bad I have difficulty eating and I can no longer even write my name. The pain in my joints is unbearable at times (knees, hips elbows, wrists and with my last increase in Cymbalta ALL the joints in my fingers as well).
And I CANNOT discontinue this horrible drug because with the slightest decrease in the dose, I cry for hours and become severely suicidal. In addition, had I known about the terrible withdrawal you must go through to stop this drug, I NEVER would have started taking it at all! When a drug flyer says, "Taper off slowly... " they are WARNING you about "WITHDRAWAL" just like a "junkie." (I did go through a terrible withdrawal from LYRICA and it is NOT something you want to experience!) I am STUCK taking Cymbalta because I can't bear to go through another withdrawal nor experience the suicidal ideations.
I am NOT looking for sympathy. This is my life now. HOWEVER, I write this to WARN others to thoroughly check out medications and their side-effects BEFORE you start taking them!!! Ten years ago I didn't and I was NEVER WARNED by my doctor nor my psychologist! PLEASE don't take anything without checking it out THOROUGHLY on this website because your doctors might not know or even tell you about the withdrawal.
YourMom42
14 Sep 2017
Tremors are NOT a normal side effect of this medication, especially not the severe tremors you are describing! Neither is joint pain! Dear god, have you talked to your doctor about this? You have something else wrong with you, and I think it's a mistake to say cymbalta is a "horrible drug," because there is NO WAY it's causing your tremors and joint pain.
Coonan357
17 Dec 2017
Tremors ARE a listed side effect of Cymbalta. I have just started on 60mg once a day for depression and chronic nerve pain. I am getting tremors, lockjaw, stomach problems and nausea, along with the usual lack of libido etc.
How long does it take to get used to the drug and have these unpleasant side effects wane?
Nevertake
7 July 2018
I wish never took it. Have joint pain that has never went away. Took only three weeks. Had reaction . Took almost year ago still horrible joint pain. Didn't have joint pain before it.
cindy-59
25 Aug 2018
I have been taking Cymbalta for 8-9 years and it changed my life for the worst! It caused me to have horrible tremors and joint pain too. I didn't have problems with either before taking this drug. I am tapering off this drug very slow and I am down to 15 mg. now. The tremors and the joint pain are both gone. I was dizzy, confused, forgetful and so tired all the time. I was losing my hair, my eyesight and my hearing. I was having either weird or scary dreams and they were so real. I would wake up still in the dream. I put on over 80 pounds and I was miserable. My whole body was swelling up; especially my hands and feet. My stomach was so swollen that I looked like I was 7-8 months pregnant. I had a hard time to urinate and when I finally did go I had a hard time to empty my bladder. I was constipated too. All of these side effects are gone now except I am still tired and I still have to lose the weight that I put on while I was on this horrible drug.
Yes; I am saying this is a very 'horrible' drug! It is hard being on it and it is hard getting off it. I hope to be off this poison (imo) soon so I can be 'me' again. Please; everyone do your research on this drug and others like it before taking them. I wish someone would have warned me. Take care. Cindy
tattoo2012
12 May 2013
It should be called... Cym battle.. Its a up a down battle. ive been on it for going on eight years. 60MG twice a day. its ok for awhile then the problems start like for me... the pharmcies never want to give you more than the perscription like its some kind of gold... now let me clarify that. when your susposed to get it on the first you cant get it here at my stores the day before. now im sure alot of you people work and dont have time to run all over the place to get a run around for your script. NEITHER do i. so i run out weeks at a time.Then the fun of cymbattle starts. the tics. the ill mood swings. losing or gaining weight. depression. Some people ask. why do you keep taking it. i keep going back to it because it has a hold. and the dr. and chemist know this. i would tell anybody if your not on it. walk away from it before it gets You next. if you want to have the tics. zaps . and everything smells like trash. no sleep. and a constant game with the dr and drug store.
And the emotional roller coaster of feeling like the world is against you. and have tears for no reasons. THEN BY ALL MEANS.have fun !. i have been on morphine percs and other meds. plus smoking. Cym Battle is by far the worse thing ige ever dealt with in my life. ASK yourself next time you take it. why is cymbattle legal but weed is not. ive tried weed in the past. it does make me have these side effects. it makes you eat lol so get fat. because the Cymbalta is here to ruin our lives . They drs feed us this bull everyday and get you hooked then want to expermint. so they give you more. then your hook. Ive never got hooked on percs or weed like Cymbalta. Ive never had the side effects like cymbalta. I fight it everyday and will keep fighting it til i can pull myself away from it. Good luck to everyone on it. and please try to get off of it asap. it will ruin your life. Before i go i want to stand up for myself and let you know why i take this stuff. i hurt my back and had four surgeries. it started there. i had pain so they fed me pain meds... then i lost my wife and kids because i couldnt work anymore. so i got depressed. so feed me cymbalta. and since the pain worsend. i need blood pressure meds. and since i got cymbalta my anxiety levels went through the roof so they give me zanax. ALL of those side effects into one package every month so the drs and drug stores can play me like a yoyo... i honestly think i should smoke weed. but thats a bad thing in the world of drs and drugstores and law. but what they feed you everyday is good... just deal with the sideeffects. if you cant ... im sure the dr will feed you something new.lol i hate to sound mean but this is the way it is.. good luck everybody
Mclang
8 Jan 2017
God Bless you! Thank you for your post . It has saved me from continuing on this.
Mclang
8 Jan 2017
Thank you and God Bless you for posting your comments. After reading your post I decided not to switch medication. All the best to you!
tattoo2012
8 Jan 2017
I'm glad if I stopped one person from the hell of cymbalta. Don't get me wrong it works but if you get on it don't STOP. THE HELL WILL KICK IN GOOD .
I see these drs saying there's other stuff. Yup sure is. Just like I said in my post back then. If you can't handle it I'm sure there is another pill we can cram down your throat lol but I'm glad to have helped.
YourMom42
14 Sep 2017
You didn't lose your wife and kids because you hurt your back. You lost them because you lack intelligence and any sense of responsibility for your own actions. Did your doctor and "chemist" (?!) force you to take a whole bunch of different drugs, or did you choose to take them? Your grammar indicates to me that you didn't finish elementary school, so you must have missed the basic lessons about making choices and dealing with their consequences.
Yvonne3384
24 Jan 2018
This post is so accurate! I wish I would have read this sooner. Thank you for your honesty. This comment will help many who come across it.
Bull2152
22 Sep 2018
First off.. 95% of pharmacys are open until 8pm or later and most open between 7-8am, so if you can’t make it to pick up your Rx then that’s on you. Second you should seriously consider finding a new Dr,,, Xanax combined with Cymbalta together can increase the the side effects from Cymbalta. That would explain some of your issues. You can research the meds you take and any drug interactions that might happen when you add a new one by looking them up on the interweb. That is something everyone should be looking up when your on more then one Rx. Some times the meds prescribed can have bad interactions with what your already on. You should be telling you Dr your having such severe side effects especially after 8 yrs. If you have truly been refilling it for 8yrs I’m sure that most adults would figure out how to make the trip to the pharmacy monthly to get the rx on time there is no excuse for running out weeks at a time. You mentioned you can not work.
If that’s the case there defiantly is absolutely no reason to run out for weeks at a time. If your truly having problems with the medication your dr would have weened you off if it by now... especially after 8 yrs. Thats just bad form on your part to allow this to keep going on in your life. You need to find a new dr and get a second opinion about the meds. This is just ridiculous that you have allowed this to continue for 8yrs.
Sorry for sounding rude but I’ve been living in severe chronic pain for almost 20 yrs and never have I ran into a issue with meds that a dr wouldn’t listen to and make the needed changes.
So to truely stand up for your self and do something about the situation your in by contacting your dr and explaining what you told everyone on here,, if he won’t or doesn’t help. Simply ask for a second opinion by a Dr. of your choosing. Nothing is stopping you but yourself. I makes no sence to stay on meds for 8yrs that do that to you.
Please, I hope you get the help you need and you find a dr that will help you. Just baffling you choose to live this way.
Stand up and take control of your life. Yes it might take a couple dr visits but it’s better then suffering for almost a decade. You have to try and make an effort to better yourself . From the way you sounded your simply content with this current rut your in.
To all the grammar police.. I know I have grammar and punctuation issues but I don’t care.
renrad51
21 Feb 2019
My doctor up me from 20 mg to 12p mg and didn't know it. I thought it was raised from 20 to 40 mg. No... I already vomited alot, have headaches but thats subsided. Memory loss, weak feeling. No way am I going to take 120 mg. 60 bid no I can't take 40 mg without going to sleep, I mean knock out. I dont need 120 mg and I know that.
Sleepie
23 April 2013
My thoughts were exactly the same as bbass - that is far too quick to increase Cymbalta! If after like 2 months of taking it you are still unhappy then I would also suggest you change sooner rather than later - Equinox is right, once Cymbalta gets hold of your body it doesn't want to let go! I've been on it for over 5 yrs now and am really battling to ween down! I suffer from chronic headaches & migraines now and only recently realised that they are from the Cymbalta! The med works really well for my Bipolar (II) but the headaches are so debilitating and have affected my life so badly! I don't know what to do because I started suffering from such anxiety when I tried to go down just from 90mg to 60mg! :-(
I really hope you come right soon. 0:-)
bbass123
22 April 2013
That's a really fast ramp up. The headache and dizziness are common in beginning and with increased dosage. Before you agree to increasing dosage again, be sure your dizziness has averted. The headache should abate right along with the dizziness. If not, then Cymbalta may not be for you.
Richens1
28 June 2017
I started this drug today and already have massive migraines
J_M_J_C
20 July 2019
Same here and on the lowest dose.
Femaleprofessional
4 Jan 2010
I wouldn't bail out just yet but that's my opinion. For me it took an extra week -4 weeks for things to start to subside. But you also have to consider you never mentioned how many mg they have you on. They used a titrate system on me, I was told if you need more than 60mg and aren't feeling at least somewhat better emotionally by the 3 rd week then yeah it's time to look into another med, but I was also told don't quit them cold turkey it's like horrible detox and the side effects can be dangerous. I would consult your Dr. They might refer you to a pyschiartrist if they are unable to perscribe higher doses of psych meds. However, once people start feeling good is when they stop taking it then they crash and burn - my friend and a Dr. Told me that either way tell your Dr. You might be sensitive to it or need an eval to switch. Everyones bodys reacts differently. My friend said she tried six times before she found one for her. Hang in there. God speed.
CHICCO
28 Feb 2010
Yes,i took cymbalta for at least 3 months, sick all the time with upset stomach. So I stopped taking it. Just cold turkey. Mabe some people cant do that but I coulent stand being sick all the time. So I think sometimes we can use our on knowledge for certain things. Good luck, chicco
Raven5
7 April 2018
I quit Cymbalta after only 3 days.I couldn't stand feeling worse than I did before taking it.The nausea,the dizziness,the just feeling not well was worse to me than the reason it was prescribed...
which was for the pain from fibromyalgia & perhaps to help me sleep better,as oft with fibro comes chronic fatigue syndrome.When I started it this time,it was at lowest dose,as Id tried it a few yrs ago & tho it seemed to help with pain I slept a lot & at some point suffered 1 of the bad side effects- which is it oft causes a person to be unable to urinate after taking for an extended time.<- this info IS provided on all the warnings for Cymbalta.Actually the side effects this time,with the lowest dose seemed worse for me.I don't understand how the high dose(60mg) cause me to only sleep a lot in beginning then months later the other issue but this time around on lowest dose I was so ill.It makes no sense that a high dose wouldn't cause me to be nauseated & light-headed while the lowest dose would. I probably would've tried it for longer if not for these side effects,because I sure did enjoy catching up on sleep. Which my issues I only sleep about 2-3 hrs in 24,and its always for only 1/2 hr intervals.When you have family that needs you you simply cant be always feeling nauseated & light-headed.But oft can muddle through the pain & sleep issues. So for now, I endure the pain & sleep issues-somewhat... as I do confess to smoking marijuana to aid me with those issues as well as eating. I have a medical marijuana card but in my state they don't allow the smoking,just the liquid,as my silly governor equates smoking marijuana with smoking cigarettes... so tho I risk getting into trouble for using 'non-medical' MJ,its well worth the risk,as I know the worst trouble would be a small $ fine.Actually my dr told me Cymbalta was the closest thing to medical marijuana as far as helping me,but warned me the side effects may make it intolerable.
SharR
4 Jan 2010
Mine never went away. If these side effects bother you for over two weeks, then you have a sensitivity to it. I started getting nerve tics that lasted months after I quit taking it. I only took it for about 2 months and the side effects were so uncomfortable I had to stop.
barbles2413
3 Jan 2010
In my 7th week now. I have none of the symptoms you are having but the little bit of depression and anxiety in the am for which I take ativan. I used to take effor xr and was fine then after I thought I was cured LOL I stopped taking it three months later went on cymbalta and I can't say that I feel great or even like the person I used to be and it really scares me to be honest. I want me back the person who had passion for life and interest in working out and other things but according to the doctor I may never be that person again that you loose some of who you used to be and friends and family have told me about the changes they see in me. I am so sorry to vent when I am supposed to be giving you information but if you have any of these feelings please let me know. I also do have the waking up in the middle of the night I don't know about you but I watch rerun after rerun of fox news.
Good Luck and please give me any feed back you have maybe we can figure out if whatwe are feeling is normal. Hope this helps Barb I will add you as a friend in case you want to exchange symptoms
FrankDPJr1833
22 May 2018
What kind of doctor says such a thing?
That statement hurts to read because how detrimental and flawed it is to say, especially to someone who needs that "self" ,or at least a new/altered but recognizable and acceptable identity.
To share, I felt the same/similar way (like an emptied shell filled with air and just a faint whiff of who I was for nearly 30 years). The meds I was on, which had always worked previously, just kept me moving and existing... but not living. In my case, in the end I found out that I was suffering from a stalled process of grief and a mental burnout I didn't recognize after my mother died. Meds alone weren't going to "fix" me. I had to couple it with counseling and all it's "approaches"
I have always likened the process and feeling to this analogy (hopefully it won't confuse and simply elicit a,"Huh?".
Just because a train engine runs off it's track doesn't mean it's no longer a train and now has to settle or resign to be something else - nor does it mean that it can't run on the same track again... Some of the cars it was pulling might need to be removed (perhaps one or two is what caused the train to derail) and the engine will need work, but in the end, it all can return to running back on the "right" track.
Regaining that self, that identity isn't easy... but I learned that its still there, maybe just boxed up in the attic waiting to be reopened and released... box by box. It's just a damn shame it takes work to get back.
If there's anything you can share about how you lost "you" perhaps there's an answer in both the medication aspect BUT coupled with therapy or counseling or faith even meditation.
Victory0421
28 Oct 2018
Hi, I have been off Cymbalta for almost a year, I still feel like crap, Depressed now...
No Real Interest in much lately, I was given Cymbalta for back pain and anxiety according to APRN that prescribed me this Horrific Drug, Every Day is a challenge, I have no support from Facility that co-signs this Awful Event that has took place in this chapter of my life, Prayer And Family Support is All I have, at this point! I can only state how this Nasty Medicine has effected me, After , Reading some of All comments, Its sickening to know How Many of Us have been Effected by this Drug, and The fact that the people we rely on to safeguard our health, have no real knowledge of the effects has caused Most of us, Loss of jobs, loss of trusts, loss of the determination to live a better life, I am not well and blame these feelings on Cymbalta, the APRN, and Eli and Lily, May God have Mercy on their Souls, Damaging and Ripping People lives apart by prescribing this Drug, And not Truly being Honest with The Dangers of it, Longevity outcomes, How come, They don’t tell u this, BEFOREHAND, Before poisoning Innocent People!!! I haven’t been myself since...
mitjason
2 Jan 2010
I would think the side effects would go away within a month or so. If not they may just be a side effects that will be there forever while taking this medication. I would talk to your doctor and see what he or she suggests. If it doesn't go away within a few more weeks I wouldn't think it would go away ever. You can always take something else for the side effects but then you end up taking 10 medications just for side effects and it ruins your life. I would give it time. If it doesn't go away tell your doctor and get on something else like Effexor XR. Hope this helps a little. Good Luck!
equinox14
20 July 2011
I am hugely anti-Cymbalta due to the side effects i had and now having weaned off it. I feel like i am dying. Remember though that everyone is different.
marybee
5 Sep 2011
I started Cymbalta 20mg three days ago. I was nauseated and felt like I would have diarrhea all night. Today my muscles feel like lead and it takes great effort to even move. Is this normal and how long will it last.
equinox14
5 Sep 2011
Miti gives good advice. You usually have to tolerate a few weeks of side effects as your body gets used to the new drug. If things seem intolerable, however, tell your doctor immediately and find a different one. Once Cymbalta gets a hold if your body, it doesn't want to let go, so if you decide its not right for you, change as soon as possible. Best of luck.
Jesuschrist666
17 Oct 2018
It’s giving me mania , I can’t stop moving and talking
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, headache, pain, nausea/vomiting, side effect
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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