I've been on Cymbalta 8 mths now, started out on 20 mg, was increased to 30mg, and then a couple of weeks ago my DR increased it to 60mg. I have one side affect that is very frustrating, and it started when I began taking the 60 mg dose. I am having a VERY hard time having an orgasm(which was never a problem for me before). Is this something I just have to live with if I continue w/ Cymbalta, or will it go away when my body adjusts to the medicine?
If you are having problems w/ orgasms while taking Cymbalta, is this temporary, or permanent?
Question posted by fine4fifty on 1 Sep 2010
Last updated on 23 November 2018 by cindy-59
4 Answers
cindy-59
24 Nov 2018
Hi fine4fifty. I have been taking Cymbalta for 10 years. I noticed my problem with having an orgasm shortly after my doctor prescribed it to me. My husband and I tried everything but nothing helped. Personally I do not believe that trying to relax, trying to not think about it or not looking at a clock is even close to an answer in this case. Cymbalta and other medications like it ‘numbs’ our nerves so naturally it will affect our bodies in the ability to have an orgasm. Cymbalta even numbs our emotions over time. These types of medications play havoc with our brains and bodies. That’s my opinion. I started slowly tapering off in June of last year and I’m down from 60 mg to 10 mg. Sadly I am divorced now; (Cymbalta played a big part in it) so I still don’t know if the orgasm problem has changed but I am 100% convinced that when I’m completely off Cymbalta everything will be back to normal. Almost every other horrible side effect is gone now and I can’t wait to take that last bead and start living my life again. Cindy
ZebradocMD
23 Nov 2018
I’ve been on cymbalta for depression and/or pain for almost all of the last 10 years. I have had a noticeable and sometimes problematic issue w orgasm while taking it. there are some differences as I’m a woman... but the one thing I have found that helps mitigate some of those effects is coenzyme q10.
Also fwiw zonegran - which I tried for migraine prophylaxis - completely took away my libido at 200mg. Like... I always joke my drug of choice is testosterone, but i had no sex drive whatsoever. I was 35 at the time and i couldn’t imagine continuing life w no libido. Helped some for headaches, but then when I lowered dose to 100mg I had no relief and libido a bit better but still markedly reduced. Stopped that and have had better migraine control w feverfew, butterbur, and regular caffeine intake. Also w skelaxin at bedtime bc a lot of mine start w jaw clenching and neck tightness.
subzero58
1 Sep 2010
hi fine4fifty,oh yea.suboxone&amitriptyline and just about any opiates are causing the same problem.not that my girlfriend is complaining about it. maso is absolutely correct in saying try to relax. oh yea,and don't look at a clock...
Inactive
1 Sep 2010
Good one my friend!
Jim talley
2 April 2017
OK, here goes. I do not know where this is going, but I am a open and straight forward person. That is I do not sort of talk arond a problem ... I bring it home. I am on Cymbalta. was 60mg. once a day now 30mg. twice a day. I have problems with erections and ejaculating. Eve when I masterbate. Yes, I am tired of it. Sure I can stop the medication but that is not my objective. My objective is erections and ejaculation. So now what? IS there a medication or diet of sorts that can help me . I am well aware of enviromental, stimuation etc. are so I think. I have no interest in stopping my meds. but here I am want sexual stuff or take my medication. VERY HARD QUESTION TO ADDRESS for myself. Before medication no problem with erection or ejacutaion. Feel free to respond. I do not check this site on a rugular basis... hopefully a response will come to myy e--mail. Thak you
Inactive
1 Sep 2010
While you are on it , you will, regretfully have to live with it.
I am experiencing what you are with a different medication.-
Take care
melissab(twilightfan85)
1 Sep 2010
that is just horrible. is there nothing else that works for you guys? sometimes i have that problem. but im on so many medicines, idk which one is causing it. im thinking its more than likely the muscle relaxer. it kinda seems more logical to me. you guys are really missing out tho. i wouldnt see the point of having sex if i couldnt climax. i hope it gets better for you both... although if maso doubts it, its not likely. best wishes to u 2
Inactive
1 Sep 2010
It is very frustrating, but one must relax and not think so much about it (the more one thinks about it while having intercourse, the harder it gets) and try to enjoy it, at least sometimes it works for me, nut yes it´s terrible.
Take care.
fine4fifty
5 Sep 2010
A nurse friend suggested I might want to try something like Zestra, an essential arousal oil, before sex. She said it works to make your personal area very sensitive, and it could very well help with my problem. I don't guess it could hurt, huh? I'm getting to the point of desperation, so I'm game. Thanks for your comments though, it helps a lot just talking to someone other than your spouse or DR about this!
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Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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