My depression has returned after weening myself off of Celexa. I really just don't want to take antidepressants anymore but I can't keep feeling like I am feeling. My doctor wants me to try Cymbalta. He gave me some samples today but I'm afraid of the side effects. MedlinePlus has a long list of side effects. The Cymbalta list is longer than the Celexa list of side effects. I just want to know how Cymbalta has effected some of you all both positive or negative. Thanks!
Who has taken Cymbalta, did it work for you?
Question posted by rvnew on 23 Nov 2011
Last updated on 18 November 2020
Added 23 Nov 2011:
Thank you to everybody for your responses. They have all been very helpful. I tried 30mg Cymbalta last night and it was awful! I had little, tiny pains in unusual areas of my body, strange feeling in my head, ringing sounds, and difficulty getting to sleep. Today I have no appitite but I have to eat so I dont' feel worse. I'll be glad when it all worn off so I can go back to Celexa. I guess I'll have to use something and Celexa never caused me any side effects. I just hated the idea of continuing to use an SSRI drug because of the "brain zaps" I would have when ever I got off of them. No more Cymbalta for me, I done. Thanks again.
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50 Answers Page 4
Inactive
23 Nov 2011
rvnew, i think most of us dont want to take medications, but sometimes we have too. i take prozac 40 mgs a day. so far it works, but i do have my ups and downs. ive heard great stuff about cymbalta, but as for me i had horrible side affects, my dr also gave me samples and when i took it my skin felt like it was crawling and i had the worse case of insomnia. i felt just awfull, but then again everyone is different. if you have to take medication please do, this is an illness just as much as cancer, diabetes or any other sickness. so please, help yourself. take care and know that we here at dc, is your family and want to help you. leanne
alcon1502
4 Jan 2012
hi, yours comments about ivnew i agrred with you. We have to take medications some times for the rest of our life and wainting for new ones in nearest future. ... Alcon
Inactive
23 Nov 2011
Hello rvnew. I was on cymbalta for just about under two years. 60mg, a short period on 90mg. I ended up having a very late reaction to it, and had to stop taking it. While on it, I had very little in regards to side effects. The main culprit, was fatique. Almost always feeling run down. Don't be shy to try it, you'll be surprised how well you might yourself doing on it. Very best of wishes,
katstew
23 Nov 2011
Hi there! I took Cymbalta for 2.5 years for depression, after trying quite a few others. My Effexor had just stopped working after 5 years.
Cymbalta worked wonderfully with minimal side effects. It did take away my appetite for a while, but everyone is different. I wasn't drowsy at all - but then I have a high tolerance in that regard.
A word of caution: Missing a day on Cymbalta is NOT an option: you can get extremely dizzy and nauseous. Weaning off this drug is also very tough, so consider that too. You will find many many posts on that subject! It was very good while it worked,though. Maybe discuss other options with your doc? All the best!
deesjava
23 Nov 2011
Hi..my 5 year experience with cymbalta I thought was great for fibro pain... but it did not do much for the drepression and it was pure hell detoxing from this drug... believe medlineplus and use your own judgement, not just your Dr.s
LiverLips
23 Nov 2011
I've taken Cymbalta for a while now for chronic pain. I take 120 mg daily (actually nightly). I've just started splitting my dose this week since I am thinking of switching in January to something else for daily pain. I think I've maxxed out at present. This is the highest prescribed dosage although 90 mg is more common than this dose.
My side effects were minimal in my opinion considering that this is really an anti-depressant. I sometimes had nausea & dry mouth. I bought MouthKote spray for the dry mouth which was usually worse upon awakening. My dreams seemed a bit different & when I woke up it would take 10-20 minutes to feel less fuzzy-headed. I don't feel very hungry & I believe this med is suppressing my appetite somewhat.
When I upped my dosage from 60 mg to 120 mg, I felt quite a bit of improvement during the following week. It was amazing! But, it was also short-lived. It plateaued at a more realistic though manageable level. Please try to take your Cymbalta at the same time every day, rvnew. I took mine at 11 P.M. & this worked well for me. You may feel drowsy for a short time at the start of this med. When it's time to stop Cymbalta, it's advisable to wean off of it using a tapering plan. Cymbalta has one of the highest users' reviews on this website. Look at the comparison chart here to see what other meds are comparable. It's great that you're doing some research about these drugs. Good luck with your fact finding mission. :)
All the best to you, rvnew!
Inactive
19 March 2012
Hey Mrs. Liver Lips! How you doing? Haven't seen you lately. Has that new hubby been (ahem) keeping you busy? hehe... Mary
Metalween
10 Sep 2012
I know it has been a while since you posted this, but Cymbalta really is worth it!. Your doctor put you on too much to start with. You really should try the 15 mg capsules first and then work your way up. I had the same problem with the 30, so the dr lowered my dosage. I suffer from anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post tramatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder. Trust me, Cymbalta works wonders!
mhelcl
10 March 2013
Have you done the switch yet ? How did it go ?
Roxy7000
30 April 2013
I take the same amount and have for awhile . I haven't noticed any side effects and it helped my depression.
moninja7
15 July 2013
I was also on the max 120mg per day, one 60mg in morning one at night. Sure did help with the fibro though Ugh...
Related topics
cymbalta, depression, doctor, antidepressant
Further information
- Cymbalta uses and safety info
- Cymbalta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cymbalta (detailed)
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