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Duloxetine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka

Duloxetine has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 2,458 reviews on Drugs.com. 52% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 31% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Duloxetine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • September 15, 2009

For Depression "Cymbalta is the best thing that I have ever tried and for more than just depression. I also suffered from debilitating anxiety. Both have all but disappeared. Before I started taking it about 4 months ago, I literally hoped I would just fade away. I wanted to die so badly, it's all I thought about. I have lost 45 pounds along with my compulsive overeating disorder and have gained more peace and happiness than I ever knew could exist for me. It saved my life (and helped me be a much better mother, wife, daughter - everything). I will deal with the super sweatiness and a few extra yawns during my day in order to have a life. Viva la Cymbalta!"

10 / 10
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  • jul...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 5, 2020

For Depression "I took a 30mg Cymbalta capsule at 9 am. At 9:30 am, it was like someone threw a brick at my head. Then I started to get brain zaps. I thought it would wear off, but I started to get cramps, became very thirsty, vomited, became uncoordinated, and then called an ambulance. My sodium level dropped to 118, and I got hyponatremia. They took me straight to the emergency department and gave me a brain scan and a salty drink. I stayed in the emergency ward for 4 days, and they said never to have Cymbalta again or I could have a stroke or worse. I am a 58-year-old healthy female. I would be very cautious taking this drug and definitely have someone with you who can take you to the hospital if things go wrong as they did with me. I was lucky I still was thinking straight enough to call an ambulance. That saved my life."

1 / 10
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  • Cal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 15, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I have been on Cymbalta for 3 weeks and feel great — free of spine pain and aches that follow surgeries. No longer am I taking pain meds or high doses of aspirin. Keep pinching myself that this is real!"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • San...
  • July 21, 2016

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed 20 mg of Cymbalta three days ago. The agonizing pain in my knees is virtually gone. Not kidding! All the negative posts almost made me quit. Don't give up. I was offended that my doctor prescribed this medication as it is an antidepressant. I convinced myself I wasn't suffering depression, I was suffering from chronic pain. Come on, people! Who, if you are in chronic pain, isn't depressed? I couldn't do anything anymore. I couldn't get out in the garden, couldn't cook for my family, couldn't walk up or down stairs without leaning on the rails. I know it's too soon to tell, but I know it is doing whatever it's supposed to do in my brain to cut out the pain."

8 / 10
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  • Jan...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 21, 2024

For Fibromyalgia "I've been taking Cymbalta 30mg a day for 1 year. After 17 years of fibromyalgia and having explored every alternative therapy under the sun... most recently hyperbaric chamber use & infra-red light... I found myself back in a desperate place once again where any small effort to exercise resulted in a worsening of my condition. Walking any distance was challenging and I had pain all over my body - everything feeling stiff, clicking, cracking, and muscles generally fatigued. Mentally, I felt drained with the constant effort and anxiety of a worsening condition at age 52. Having taken antidepressants when diagnosed and found little effect (except help with sleep), I kept refusing the offer of Cymbalta. For a year now, I have had the energy I had when I was 30. It also seems like my body's soft tissue is improving. I can exercise, feel much more resilient, balanced, stable, and my anxiety is greatly improved. I have not tried to come off it at all. It has made a huge improvement to my life."

10 / 10
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  • dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 2, 2014

For Anxiety "I was quick to anger, severe mood swings would yell at my kids for the slightest things. I was ready to punch anybody that would make me mad and (it didn't take much!) I started with Cymbalta 30mg and I noticed a slight difference. I was increased to 60 mg and I felt the change right away. I'm so calm, and I'm back to being a happy mom. I take it at night because it would get me sleepy during the day if I take it in the morning. Some of the side effects I've experienced have been dry mouth, lack of appetite, hot flashes, tiredness! I love this medicine, it has changed my life. The relationship with my children is much, much better too. I no longer have crying spells, and I'm a much nicer person. Try Cymbalta."

9 / 10
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  • Jam...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 20, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I started taking Cymbalta for fibromyalgia in July of 2017. Prior to this, I was already taking Prozac for anxiety and depression, so making the switch seemed logical. The Cymbalta would help with those symptoms, while also combating the pain and fatigue I was experiencing from fibromyalgia. Honestly, it's been life-changing for me. I feel like my old self again. I'm relatively pain-free, and my energy levels are up. Prior to starting Cymbalta, the pain was so bad that I wanted to die. I even told my husband to divorce me because I didn't want him to be saddled with taking care of me. I was sleeping my life away, missing out on dinner and time with my family. I wore my hair in a bun every day because I didn't have the energy to even hold the blow dryer. It was really bad. I'm 95% back to who I was before fibro entered my life. I would highly recommend Cymbalta to any other fibro fighters out there."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • jim...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 21, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I've been on Cymbalta 20 mg for about 5 weeks, which was prescribed for chronic hip/lower back pain. Day 2 into the medication, the hip/lower back pain was gone! Doc upped the dosage to 40 mg... day 1 after taking 40 mg, the arthritis on both hands/fingers was gone also. Very minimal side effects."

10 / 10
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  • Bro...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 10, 2018

For Depression "Cymbalta has literally changed my life. My brain was always in this constant fog, I could never think straight about anything, and intrusive thoughts about suicide would pop into my mind constantly. I didn’t care about anything and struggled to find my motivation. Now I’m thriving in work, taking pride in my appearance, and being a much nicer person. I’m brighter, happier, and just a much better person to be around. My colleagues and family have all noticed the change. Before I started taking it, I'd read so many bad things about it, I almost didn’t try it. I’m so glad I did. I feel like the person I always dreamed I could be. I can think clearly, and I’m not riddled with anxiety anymore."

10 / 10
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  • Der...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 20, 2021

For Chronic Pain "I began Cymbalta about a month ago after telling my new MD that I had aches/pains everywhere and was not sleeping because of it. She began me on 60mg, and after a month, I am now not having the pain that I had before. I have had 3 nights in a row of getting into bed and being comfortable and can rest and sleep! I read all of the reviews I could, and saw all of the negative ones. Everyone is different, please don't think because someone else had a bad experience that you will too."

9 / 10
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  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 18, 2020

For Depression "I’ve been taking Cymbalta at a dose of 40 mg for 1 week now. I feel lightheaded. Not really depressed or having anxiety, but I can’t sleep and I have no appetite. I’m already underweight. Feeling stoned all day. My stomach also churns all night. I think there must be something more tolerable for me. I can’t function. Any suggestions?"

4 / 10
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  • Cla...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 4, 2014

For Depression "Cymbalta literally saved my life. After going through 6 psychiatrists and countless other antidepressant attempts, this is the one that finally worked. I promise that if you hold on and keep fighting, something will work for you and you can heal. Depression is never permanent."

10 / 10
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  • Muc...
  • April 30, 2014

For Depression "I had mild anxiety and intermittent depression. I always pushed through and never thought of medicines. My girlfriend suggested I speak to a psych and I started Cymbalta. In 10 days, I had no more intrusive thoughts talking me down, making me stressed, guilty. After 9 weeks, I'm a new man. Small things don't worry me. I am patient and calm driving. I don't wake up for the toilet then stay awake worrying. My relationship is closer. I'm nicer to be with. Con? My libido decreased, and climax is harder to achieve (but more intense). The medicine felt strange (out-of-body) at first, but I got used to that. I drink more water. I yawn in the afternoons. I grind my jaw a bit. I get breathless. I have mild headaches some days. But my life is much better with this medicine."

9 / 10
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  • Amo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 13, 2018

For Anxiety "Cymbalta changed my life. I was going through the worst life experience I could imagine. Thoughts of suicide dominated my life and panic attacks were often. Then I started taking Cymbalta and everything changed. I started having the ability to see a hopeful future and my panic attacks disappeared. The days I forget to take it look grey until I take it and hope returns. I'm too fearful to exist drug-free in my later years. I've never experienced any side effects, just positive ones. I wish I had started taking something like this when I was young. To me, it's a miracle drug."

10 / 10
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  • Ban...
  • August 19, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I started on 30mg Cymbalta 3 weeks ago, mainly for Fibromyalgia and anxiety. Initially, I experienced extreme nausea, apathy, sleepiness, and brain fog. I read reviews which said, stick with it, so I did! My first night of taking it, my head was buzzing, I was awake all through. So I decided to take it in the morning, but I slept most of the day. No good! I reverted back to taking it at 7:30 in the evening, with food. Over the last 3 weeks, I stopped noticing any side effects and I slept like a log! Fabulous! My pain is now less, I feel really motivated, and my brain is now as it was years ago! I actually feel that I have more wisdom and intelligence! I am more outgoing and sociable, and life is worth living! Give it a chance!"

9 / 10
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  • Mis...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 17, 2019

For Anxiety "Cymbalta worked to save my life after perimenopause made my already existent depression increase tenfold. My depression was so dark, I felt like I was being held down in a dark abyss. If I didn't seek medical help, I honestly believe I would have taken my own life. 60mg of Cymbalta daily, and I could get out of bed, live my life, and function as a loving single parent who could provide for her family. Now, ten years later, I will discuss the increasing anxiety I am feeling. Will my Cymbalta dosage increase? I don't know. But I do know for those 10 years, I was not just surviving, I was living. Thanks to Cymbalta."

10 / 10
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  • Sco...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 19, 2024

For Anxiety "I was put on this as my mother is 55 only, and I was told a few months back she only has 8 to 14 months left to live. My life quickly took a major hit. I am self-employed, and before taking these, I was skeptical because I've tried loads of different types of antidepressants, the last one being Lexapro. After a few months, I was completely numb, couldn't be happy, just a zombie, really. I've been on these for about 4 months, and so far, so good. Hopefully, keep working the way they are. I take them at night, and I fall asleep quite quickly after taking them. My mom was the glue that held the family together, and without these, I would be really struggling. Now I'm just trying to enjoy my last few months with her. I still feel sadness, which is good, and I can still go to the gym to help my mental health while on these. Any Christians out there, keep my mom in prayer. Thanks."

8 / 10
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  • Bet...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 13, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "One year Cymbalta honest review. I started Cymbalta about a year ago as I have struggled all my life with social anxiety and general anxiety. About a month before I started taking it, I started getting really bad anxiety attacks every day and had my first ever panic attack (which prompted the doctor's visit for help). The first week was OK. I had no appetite and felt anxious all the time for no reason. Then, suddenly, my whole mood changed, and I became a lot more cheerful and talkative person. I actually wanted to do things, instead of staying at home. Note to everyone with bad reviews: this doesn't work overnight. It takes time for the chemicals in your brain to balance. I would say it takes 2 weeks to see some effects take place, and at least a month or two to experience the full positive effects. But, it is so worth it! I highly recommend Cymbalta to those struggling with depressive thoughts or anxiety disorders! I have only had ONE anxiety attack since taking it, and no panic attacks."

9 / 10
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  • Eri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 12, 2019

For Depression "I am 35 and have had depression and anxiety for many years. Over the years, I have tried different SSRIs-Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro. They did nothing for me. I felt like I was taking a placebo. After a bad breakup about a year ago, I experienced severe depression, and my anxiety was through the roof. I went to see a doctor and told him SSRIs don't work for me! He said just give Cymbalta a shot. If it doesn’t work in a month or two, we will try something different. I thought, what do I have to lose? Within a couple of weeks, I could tell a difference in my mood. I was shocked because, like I said, these drugs have never worked for me. Within a month, I felt totally back to my normal self. No more depression, and my anxiety has been drastically reduced! This drug has been awesome for me."

9 / 10
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  • kaz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 4, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I don't usually leave reviews for anything, and I researched this drug and saw so many negative comments about it, so I thought I would leave a positive one. People seem to try this for 1 - 3 days and give up, how is this giving the drug a good chance at working? I have had chronic musculoskeletal lower back pain for just over a year now without any opiates working long term, so my doctor prescribed Cymbalta 30mgs to start with. Yes, I did have side effects... nausea, insomnia, lack of concentration, fainting, headaches, etc., but when you are desperate for pain relief, you try anything and I stuck it out for the 2 weeks. All the side effects have gone, and I now have gone up to 60mgs, and I feel this is kicking in quite nicely. I don't need my pain patches anymore, etc."

8 / 10
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  • Joh...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 6, 2014

For Depression "Tried most antidepressants, and I was ready to give up. I was tired of trying antidepressants, getting sick while I waited for the positives, only to find out it didn't really help. I've tried Prozac, Paxil (good but stopped working for me), Zoloft (allergic to it), Effexor, Citalopram (worst of all). I don't know what made me ask my doctor for Cymbalta, but I did. It started working the second day I took it! I have been slowly recovering from depression and getting my life back. I hope the same for the people who read this. Never give up hope!"

9 / 10
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  • Pop...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I don't usually comment on things like this but I felt I needed to. I've been suffering from pain for as long as I can remember, along with chronic fatigue, stiffness, depression, and a general loss of zest for life. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few months ago and started this medication (30mg for a month then upped to 60mg). I have to say it's been a miracle! I knew I was in pain, but I didn't realize how much of me was in constant pain until it was taken away. My fatigue levels have improved drastically - I still need to nap in the day, but it's not the crippling fatigue I suffered with before. I'm happy, mobile, pain-free, and full of energy thanks to this medication. I have also lost weight, which is a great side effect!"

9 / 10
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  • Avi...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 16, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "Just want everyone to know that I have been on Cymbalta (Duloxetine) for 5 years. It has been a lifesaver for me. I had a ruptured disc and sciatic nerve pain going down my buttock and leg. This seemed to affect my nervous system. For lack of a better definition, I referred to this as fibromyalgia. I had all over body pain. Cymbalta helped with the pain almost immediately. Beware, and your health care provider should warn you about this, it will make you sick to your stomach the first 2 to 3 days. I used a lot of Pepto Bismol."

9 / 10
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  • jas...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 26, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've had Major Depressive Disorder for years, and Cymbalta genuinely gave me my life back. I had tried so many medications, therapies. I had been hospitalized 4 times, and nothing worked. Until I started Cymbalta. I remember being afraid of how happy I was. I didn't know I could enjoy life like I was. I have experienced no side effects, and I thank God for this drug every day."

10 / 10
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  • for...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 22, 2024

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed Cymbalta and sat on the prescription almost a month before I started it. I was in a panic about the side effects and that everyone said it was hard to get off. After a particularly hard night with back and knee pain, I decided to try it (30 mg). After 3 days, all my pain was gone and I had much more energy. After going up to 60 mg daily and being on it for 3 months, all my arthritis and nerve pain are gone. I can actually say it was a miracle for me. I do have side effects - less of an appetite, weird yawning even when not tired, thirst, and dry mouth. But I'd much rather deal with that than limping and horrible pain (especially at night). This drug must be taken as prescribed, and even though it worked very fast for pain in my case, given a month or two to settle in. I can't imagine how many quit or didn't start because of bad reviews. I'm sure Cymbalta has helped far more people than the reviews show. The problem is that when something works, most people don't leave reviews."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.