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Cymbalta for Depression User Reviews (Page 3)

Cymbalta has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 582 reviews for the treatment of Depression. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 29% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Cymbalta

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 1, 2020

"I was diagnosed with PMDD and was prescribed Cymbalta. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so sick in my life. Nauseous, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and all of this after one dose. Never again."

1 / 10
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68 Report
  • Stop...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 21, 2015

"Cymbalta has been amazing for me. I started taking 60 mg a year ago for serve depression, I felt improvement in my mood after just 3 days, it took about 3 weeks to fully kick in. I felt amazing for the first time in about 10 years. After I began feeling better I was amazed to think about how long I had been depressed. Food tasted better, the sun shone brighter and I had tons of energy. I am still on cymbalta 60 mg a day and have noticed a drop in energy in the last couple of months so I am going to talk to my doctor but I have no depression and love this medicine it saved my life."

10 / 10
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120 Report
  • Someone
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 11, 2020

"I had been diagnosed with depression. I started with Cymbalta 30mg for about 20 days and then switched to 60mg for 6 months. This month I switched to 90mg for more results. The change in my life was absolute. I feel a different man. I can do simple things (that I couldn't like to go for shopping or having a haircut). My efficiency in my work is upgrading etc. Thank you cymbalta. You saved my live. Negative effects : I have a little pain sometimes, and I have problems to ejaculate with my woman. Additionally, I eat more because I do more... 9.5/10(9) for me."

9 / 10
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63 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • oneia...
  • July 21, 2019

"I started Cymbalta for my depression as Zoloft wasn't able to keep up. I also have myofasial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, bursitis, sciatica, SI joint Dysfunction, osteoarthritis in my left knee/right hip. Cymbalta pulled me out of the horrible depressive spell but it really calmed my fibro and myofasial pain. Like 85% better. Worse in the summer so I'm experiencing it still helping me but a pain flare-up trying to fight thru. I'm susceptible to migraines, cymbalta has not given me headaches. When I first took it it really knocked me out made me feel gross so I learned to only take it at night and it really helps me sleep. Only two bad things that have happened is - forgetting to take it the next day I'm pretty miserable and feel slightly out of it. The other is stay sitting up after taking it to make sure it does not dissolve in my esophagus or I get severe pain and diahrrea. I'm on 60mg since February and I still feel good. I've never had anything help my chronic major depression like this has."

9 / 10
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78 Report
  • Aim
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 30, 2018

"Took Cymbalta for two years due to severe depression. Couldn’t function hardly at all before the med. Once I started taking Cymbalta I was able to go to work and function normally again. No major side effects. Came off it for a couple months, reducing my dose down slowly, no bad withdrawal symptoms. However once I was off of it the depression and anxiety returned tenfold. And I’m going back on it."

10 / 10
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87 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • R X
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 30, 2018

"Cymbalta is the only antidepressant that works for my depression & anxiety. With it I feel calm and can think clearly and logically. I don’t catastrophise. I don’t get dark thoughts. Essentially no side effects. This drug radically changed my life for the better. A wonder drug."

10 / 10
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  • JDhom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 25, 2016

"My outstanding physician and another member of the team recommended Cymbalta. I switched over from Zoloft and this medicaton works quite well. I suffer from Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and severe nerve pains. The side effects have been quite minimal. I'm more involved in the community through volunteer activities, working, and accomplishing my goals. I'm more social and interactive. My depression and anxiety have decreased by at least 60 percent. My body pain has decreased. I'm more physically active, eating healthier and just more up beat. A special thanks goes out to my physician, his team and a fantastic representative who also recommended Cymbalta. Thank you for reading my review."

10 / 10
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107 Report

More FAQ

  • Hutto
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 30, 2017

"Good drug not many side effects was the only one that worked for me and I reckon I've tried every antidepressant on the market. Took 60mg for 2 years didn't find it to hard to come off was a bit grumpy for a couple weeks thats it. Also helped with my neck and nerve pain."

8 / 10
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  • myopi...
  • April 29, 2018

"I started on 30 mg and am currently on 60 mg - first few days on it were awful, with bad insomnia, nausea/headache, fatigue. However, after ~5-6 days, most symptoms subsided (except the insomnia, which I use melatonin for). It's been about 2 months and I have to say this medication has been life changing for me in terms of my mood/thoughts. I used to have such dark thoughts and a negative outlook on life, assuming the worst in people and hating everything about myself. That has completely changed and I can say for the first time in YEARS that I feel truly, completely, happy. This happiness is different, because it persists even when not-so-great things happen in my life. I will say that the anxiety still lingers but honestly its effects on my depression make the anxiety super tolerable. I hope this medication works for others the way it worked for me - time will tell as far as how long this will last."

9 / 10
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  • Happy...
  • January 18, 2013

"I've been on Cymbalta 3.5 months for depression and I am very pleased to report that I feel even better now than I did the first 2.5 months. I had some gastro distress, dizziness, brain fogginess, and fatigue. All of my negative thoughts are gone, except near my menstrual cycle, I can laugh and cry again and am much better equipped to handle the stresses of life. I feel like I am finally back to normal. I'm posting for those of you just getting started on this medication. Give this medication some time, the side effects improve every month and it wasn't until I hit the three month mark that I really felt better."

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  • Cal
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 6, 2023

"I have been on Cymbalta for well over 10 years and have had excellent results. I am a retired physician, but when I practiced, I prescribed a lot of Cymbalta, and my patients loved it. It also helped my fibromyalgia patients. I still believe after all these years that it is still a great medication."

10 / 10
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  • Fab
  • February 16, 2019

"I am on day 3 and I am feeling better than I have in years. My Mom died in 2016 from breast cancer and my brother died in 2017 in a motor cycle wreck. My brother in law had a heart attack in 2018 (they bypassed him and he’s ok!)and his mom passed away from brain cancer this year. Also a family friend just the other day. I have been convincing myself I could do this without help but it became to much. (I have a teenage daughter) :) I decided I had to try something. I know it’s only 3 days but if I feel this good now I know it will get better! Thank you Cymbalta!!"

10 / 10
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73 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 28, 2014

"I was on this medication earlier this year and had to stop it because of cost and insurance. I have since been approved for medical assistance and my doctor has once again prescribed cymbalta for my anxiety and depression. I had no side effects like I did with just about every other antidepressant under the sun. This has saved my life."

10 / 10
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  • Danig...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 16, 2015

"I've been taking Cymbalta for about 3 months now, and I can tell a drastic change in my overall mood, stress levels, pain levels and energy. I started out on the 30mg, but requested an increase to 60mg after talking to my doctor. It was a great decision and I'm finally beginning to feel the effects. I wake up smiling. Something I never thought I would do! And the good mood continues throughout the day. I also have chronic pain in my back, and I have noticed that the pain which was a level 7 out of 10, is now about a 3. Amazing! That in itself is enough to keep me in a good mood. It was a bit difficult the first 2 months with the side effects and finding a good dose, but it is worth it in the end for sure."

10 / 10
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102 Report
  • K55
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 4, 2020

"I have "anxious depression" and I have been taking this drug about one month. I had started at 30mg for a week and then switched to 60mg until now. The first days were horrible when I had been sleeping about 12 hours per day had the feeling nausea, but finally after few days everything was fine. Anxiety is totally gone and I don't feel exhausted from my mood. I feel more powerful and my mood is much better but in any case ok I am not happy. I also, sleep very good. I will stick on this medicine. I recommend to follow doctors prescriptions."

9 / 10
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  • JB82
  • April 22, 2008

"Cymbalta I felt more like myself (Unlike Welbutrin)and it made me FOCUS more at school/work. The cons to the drug,(had to wait 3 days to fill my prescription)thus if you quit cold-turkey, you could have severe brain zaps (it feels like an electrical current running through your brain and it occurs a few times per hour when the withdrawals begin). Also it didn't give me a burst of energy like Wellbutrin did, but Cymbalta made me feel more emotional towards others(rather than being numb to world)"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 18, 2016

"Over the years, I have tried a lot of different antidepressants. Some have been absolutely terrible for me and others have been alright, but Cymbalta has been life changing. I was initially very worried about taking Cymbalta after all of the horror stories, but it has worked wonders for me. It really is an amazing drug!"

10 / 10
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95 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 9, 2008

"I've taken Cymbalta for almost a year and it was great for depression. After finally getting to a place in my life that I did not believe I needed the anti-depressants anymore, I decided to go cold turkey. This day marks the 7th day of not taking anything and I must say the detox is horrible. Talk to your Docotr before going off this medication, as it has some terrible effects when coming off of it suddenly. "

8 / 10
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154 Report
  • Depre...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 9, 2023

"I've been taking Cymbalta now for 34 months and am about to totally stop taking it 20 days from now. Started with 90mg, then took 60 mg, with 30 mg for the last 3 months. I had a great experience with this medicine following middle depression with high anxiety. I started enjoying my life, lost weight, improved relationships, got completely rid of panic attacks, and more. My absolute advice to anyone experiencing mental health issues is to find doctors you trust, work with your Psychiatrist and Psychologist openly and closely, listen to them, and stick to the plan. I've done everything they suggested. Please do so. Some drugs might not work for you - Escilatopram didn't work for me for example. Then let your doctor know so she/he can change. One will work for sure. Please don't underestimate the Therapie sessions. These work more than medicines in the long run. Wish you all a good recovery!!"

10 / 10
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  • Kimbe...
  • August 31, 2019

"This medication has really helped with my depression and anxiety. I was skeptical due to negative reviews, but I’m glad I tried it and have stuck with it. I’ve been on it for about 4 months and it took about 6 weeks for me to really feel the effects. My thoughts of suicide have reduced greatly, and my overall anxiety has gotten better too. I have had these issues most of my adult life as a result of a traumatic childhood. I have previously tried Prozac but it makes me gain too much weight. Effexor helped in the past, but I can’t stand the brain zaps when you miss a dose. With Cymbalta, I’m more calm, less anxious, less depressed, and I don’t get as irritated with my husband and young daughter as I used to. I’m going to stick with it for as long as it’s working. The main side effects for me have been constipation and zero sex drive. But I’d rather deal with those things than think about suicide and cry every day."

8 / 10
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61 Report
  • Lpano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 27, 2020

"I started taking Cymbalta 30mg 9 weeks ago under my primary doctor's recommendation. I had severe anxiety and insomnia and very serious depression. I slept all day and had no motivation and couldn't shake it off no matter what I did. I have tried Prozac 50mg for depression and expressed I didn't like that it made me eat all the time (which lead to 50lb weight gain) and no libido. So she recommended this. I feel very numb (but not high) as if I have no more conscience. I also have a slow reaction time to everything. People will speak to me and I don't realize until they repeat my name over 3 times. I also cannot sleep still even with all types of otc sleep medications. I take Cymbalta in the morning so it has no effect on my sleep. I am going to keep taking this medication as suggested but make a follow up appointment. Should there by any secret to make this drug less numbing I will add another review."

7 / 10
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  • Diffe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 14, 2015

"My gosh...I can't say enough about this medication. I suffered through a series of traumatic events one three years ago, and felt that my dulled emotions were simply situational. Eventually, it got to the point where I couldn't maintain a clean house, missed deadlines, isolated myself from friends and others, and would pray that I wouldn't wake up some mornings. This is the first antidepressant I've tried, 30mg dose. Aside from slight appetite suppression, I've experienced no side effects. I've been on it almost a week, and I notice I awaken without that heavy depressive weight on my chest. The feelings of failure, the crying jags, and the crippling anxiety are diminishing already."

10 / 10
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100 Report
  • tlw
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 16, 2013

"I love Cymbalta! I take it with 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. I am on 30mg at this time and in another week my Dr. wants me to up it to 60mg. I finally feel happy and have lots of energy. Combined with the Wellbutrin I have not gained any weight. Life is finally good again."

10 / 10
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  • Shelly
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 26, 2019

"I was on Cymbalta for three years for lower back pain and depression / anxiety. I have to say it helped a lot. I didn't have any major side effects but increased sweating. I felt it was time to go off of it and slowly weaned myself. This is key. NEVER go off suddenly. The withdrawal wasn't as bad as a feared. I was off of it for about 7 months and my pain worsened and the depression and anxiety came back. I tried some alternative methods but they didn't work very well. I'm now back on Cymbalta and I feel so much better. I'm thankful for it."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2019

"I was terrified by all the comments to even try this drug, but I'm so glad I did. I've had none of the side effects (except maybe the constipation) that sound so horrible, and feel so much better. Way less of the negative thinking and ruminating negative self-talk, almost non-existent. I can have a negative thought but it won't be intrusive and all-consuming like it was before. And I've been on the medicine for less than 2 weeks! I've been tapering off of Wellbutrin since it didn't do anything for my depression, and the only drawback I can describe is that I'm still tired and have a hard time getting out of bed, which I was hoping the Cymbalta would fix (but I think it's a withdrawal symptom of coming off the Wellbutrin). Only time will tell! But so far the experience has been overwhelmingly good."

9 / 10
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64 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.