Cymbalta for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Missy...
• April 7, 2019

"I started taking cymbalta 60 mg daily in 2010 after taking natural therapies that just didn’t work. I had severe depression and anxiety. First started on 30mg first month, then increased to 60mg. Side effects were yawning, tight jaw. But I found the Cymbalta that had helped me immensely, with my dark thoughts, sadness, hopelessness had disappeared. I did try going off it a few years ago very gradually, as I thought I was well again, but everyday was such an effort, seratonin was so low. Depression returned and I just thought this is crazy, go back on it. I have so many friends that are so anti prescribed drugs. So I just don’t enter into discussions as it only upsets me because I need this medication. I find I’m happy, healthy in mind. My libido is quite low but I’m active in sport and the community which helps me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2020

"HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!! I was on Cymbalta for almost a year, it hardly helped with my depression and did NOT help with anxiety, and intrusive thoughts came back. I tried every dose, but it just made me worse. I was constantly crying, and panicking over things that I thought were going to happen. And let me tell you, it’s absolutely sickening how horrible the withdrawal is. Cymbalta isn’t for everyone, but it messed me up."

• Kelly
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2020

"Do not take Cymbalta if you want to keep any of your current relationships alive. Despite being majorly depressed with social avoidance disorders before taking this medication, I actually cared about my family and my loving boyfriend. Now, after only a month, I cannot kiss my boyfriend without feeling like I want to vomit, nor can I look at him without feeling this gut-wrenching repulsion. Not to mention my sister called me telling me our youngest sister was about to commit suicide, and I literally did not care. I didn't even try to speak to any of my family because I literally did not care. I feel like I really don't like everyone I used to love because of cymbalta. I don't feel less depressed either, in fact I've been having anger filled meltdowns almost daily complete with suicidal thoughts. Would not recommend; has ruined my life."

• Thomas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2019

"While Cymbalta took care of my major depressive disorder AND my chronic pain, I feel as though I've been chemically castrated from this medication. Not only can I not achieve an erection, but my desire to have sex has virtually disappeared. I decided to quit cold turkey, and man, it's tough. I've had crazy dreams, lots of dizziness, and nausea, but what's great is that my sex drive has exploded. I won't go back on it. Especially since neither my chronic pain, nor any symptoms of my major depressive disorder have returned. Stay off this stuff if you can. I won't go back on it. Not for anything."

• Loving...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2020

"I switched to Cymbalta because my previous med combination (2 meds) wasn't helping my anxiety whatsoever, and I hate taking more pills than absolutely necessary. For the first time in my life (50s), both my anxiety AND major depression are under control. The first few months, this drug knocked me out cold, best taken at night. After being on it for three years, the only side effect I have is major lag in orgasm (I'm a woman)--I'm looking at reducing my dosage if possible to see if that changes things, as enjoying sex is important to me. (no change in libido!). I truly hope this med continues to work for me forever."

• Joano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2020

"I've been on Cymbalta for about a year now and just recently increased dosage from 60mg to 90mg because of depressive episodes during quarantine. I've not had problems with the drug until now. I recently have started having trouble staying asleep, although falling asleep hasn't been an issue. I've also wet the bed which is extremely unusual as I haven't done that since I was a child. Overall, it has helped relieve suicidal thoughts and anxiety attacks, but the higher dosage side effects are really making me consider going back down to 60mg."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2016

"Cymbalta was a real game changer for me after a lot of trial and error with other antidepressants. It was prescribed to me in 2006 during a major depressive episode in my early twenties that required inpatient hospitalization. The results were remarkable. In a span of 24 hours, I had much greater mood regulation and was not ruminating on negative thoughts. Cymbalta was also helpful in developing healthy eating patterns after a period of binge eating. The appetite suppressing effect made it easier for me to modify portions and lose the weight I'd gained. I took Cymbalta for two years. The only lasting side effect was afternoon and evening tiredness. Titrating off the medication went well except for some nausea that eventually resided."

• Just_...
• July 17, 2015

"I have been depressed and have anxiety for years since i was 6. im 55 now. No one new anything back then why I was a nut case out of control thoughts actions major moods swings and instant anger. no remorse no empathy nothing just hate and pure panic. I have tried all kinds of different meds for the last 15 years and some were OK but nothing like these. My god I do 60mg twice a day. no side effects, no anger, no mood swings, no depression or anything, its all gone everything. you have no idea the great feeling it is to think normal act normal be polite and thoughtful, caring understanding, just incredible difference. I was taken off them for 5 weeks to try something else to see if it was me or the meds. back to the old me instantly. lifer.."

• Ccs
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2023

"Didn't help much with depression, but I did notice it helped with pain. Sad, but not in crippling pain all the time. Beware though, withdrawal is terrible. Unfortunately, I've been on a lot of anti-depressants and withdrawal was one of the worst."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2016

"I am a 33 year old female recently prescribed 20mg of Cymbalta for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. This medication has rapidly stabilized my condition and greatly contributed to better mood regulation. In less than a week, Cymbalta alleviated suicidal thoughts and my level of distress in response to triggers. Intrusive memories and fearfulness have been very minimal. Daily crying episodes are significantly reduced. Short term side effects included nausea, sharp decrease in appetite, and fatigue. Ongoing side effects are dizziness, afternoon drowsiness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Dizziness is manageable if I drink water throughout the day. No sexual side effects experienced while on this drug."

• ohios...
• June 26, 2014

"I have been taking Cymbalta for several years now. It works great for me. If I don't take it I cry. I take 60mg/day. It helps with my fibromyalgia also. I had tried many other medicines like Lexapro and nothing else worked for me."

• Tali
• September 5, 2019

"I was prescribed Cymbalta 60mg daily by my psychiatrist after a rapid downslide in my bipolar depression. The first day was very rough for me - headache & severe nausea. The next couple of days I was feeling slightly "high" & couldn't stop clenching my jaw or rushing my words. Thankfully all of that has passed (5 weeks in) now constipation is my only complaint. It has changed my outlook completely & I'm so thankful. Hopefully it doesn't change because it's been a life saver!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2017

"I was prescribed Cymbalta in August 2016. I was told it was one of the antidepressants that had little side effects. This drug made me extremely tired, almost lethargic, & I gained 20 lbs a matter of 8 months, despite eating healthy. I am a very health conscious person. I lost a lot of hair. My husband actually asked me if I was pulling my hair out. If I missed a dose of this medicine, I literally felt like I had the worst flu ever. I had the chills, diarrhea, achey, etc. I just got off this medicine but am extremely depressed from all of the effects of it. I am now larger than I have been since being pregnant & my hair is thinning. I warn people to avoid Cymbalta at all costs!!!!"

• Mary...
• April 16, 2018

"Cymbalta worked quickly to reduce depressive symptoms, ie. Deep sadness, lack of motivation, adheadonia,etc in that I would rate it a 10. I had been on it about 1.5 yrs & was taking 120 mg /day when my Dr didn't call in my Rx for a week. I had no idea why I felt so icky. I called my neighbor and he diagnosed me with cymbalta withdrawal via the Internet .Nobody told me that this drug has physically addictive properties. The symptoms abated once I took 60 mg. So I stuck with 60 mg a day & called my Dr for a taper. It is awful ! To all those that have just started Cymbalta know this - you have @ least a 50/50 chance of having " discontinuation syndrome " on dose reduction. Read the site on Eli Lilly's hx with Cymbalta lawsuits. Read everything you can before you take your next dose The world is so unpredictable. Do you want to carry the burden of addiction &withdrawal in a time of crisis, insurance changes, medical illness or injury ? I don't."

• Mandy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2021

"I had tried prozac, zoloft, and before cymbalta, lexapro. None had worked so my doctor prescribed me cymbalta to see if I just needed to be on another type of antidepressant. Cymbalta sent me into the worst suicidal episode I ever had in my life and It became so bad that I was sent to the psych hospital. I got prescribed anxiety meds and wellbutrin, but even after a few weeks of that, I was still stuck in the episode that cymbalta triggered. I've had my wellbutrin dose increased to 300mg and am taking buspar and I finally feel normal. If you are like me and have multiple serious mental disorders, please be cautious with this medication :("

• mommy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2018

"In the last couple of months since starting this med, I've noticed I've felt and acted a lot better. My caregiver has remarked how much better I'm doing. I'm even thinking about leaving the house, which is very unusual for me. No side effects that I've noticed but I rarely have any. So far so good. Hope it will work for me for a long time."

• Happy...
• January 8, 2015

"I have been taking 120mg of Cymbalta, daily, since it was first introduced & I couldn't be more satisfied with its results. I was diagnosed with severe, clinical, depression, approximately 15 years ago & all antidepressants prescribed to me, prior to Cymbalta, worked for a year, before they completely stopped working for me. I've tried every SSRI available & the same thing would happen, every time, UNTIL Cymbalta became available. I have no negative side effects, never have, & Im so very grateful for them."

• GinaB...
• February 3, 2017

"I was diagnosed with depression when I was 18 (now 31). I began taking Prozac, which was effective at first, but then it plateaued. My doctor prescribed me 60mg of Cymbalta back then, and that dose has been effective ever since. For a short time, my doctor lowered it to 30mg, and I became severely depressed. Once it was raised back to 60mg, I was a whole new person again. I highly recommend this miracle drug!"

• SusanF
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2014

"I use Cymbalta 60mg at night. I sleep better, eat better, and feel better. Doctor diagnosed me with major depression disorder and placed me on Cymbalta and counseling. My life is 90% better! I am so thankful! Oh, and I had my thyroid checked: low thyroid. I take Synthroid 50mcg in the morning."

• Gymguy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2020

"I started this medication Cymbalta about 5 weeks ago after a suicide attempt. Seems to be working great thus far. Uplift in mood and slight "zippy" feeling, almost like a very light dose of Adderall which I used to be prescribed. Only 2 major side effects: trouble initiating sleep (but once I do get to sleep I do so with less frequent interruptions than before, and its easier to fall back asleep after a bathroom trip) and increased sweating (but I actually like leaving puddles at the gym so this is a bonus for me). 8/10. Any higher of a rating and I would be tempted to abuse this drug."

• Jujubee
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 19, 2018

"I’ve been on this med for 4 years (I’ve been on every dose but I’m now on 60mg) and have tried a number of other medicines including: Lexapro, Paxil, Wellbutrin, amitriptyline, and Abilify just to make a few. I was diagnosed with MDD, GAD, and Panic Disorder in 2011 (when I was 18). I’ve been on a lot of drugs and this one has been the best one for me so far. I mean of course I’m not cured or anything but it makes life much easier and it doesn’t make me as pessimistic and gloomy about life. I still have bad days and I’m still struggling with apathy and things like cleaning and showering but I do it and my life isn’t as bad as it could be so I really can’t complain.* *disclaimer: I’ve been in outpatient treatment twice and go to therapy once a month so that plays a roll as well I think."

• Josh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2017

"For the past year and half I have been on Cymbalta. This medicine has made a significant amount of difference. It helps a lot with depression and nerve pain. Working with a dedicated nurse practitioner and medical team they make a difference. She is a pleasure to work with and provides options for her patients. The Cymbalta reduces the nerve pain. It helps with depression and anxiety. Thank you for the awesome recommendation and support."

• cjano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 23, 2019

"I am 64 years old. Cymbalta helped my MDD initially but over time my doctor added bupropion. I've been taking it for 14 years now. I still very much struggle with depression; not helping is a less than great home situation & a job that has gotten less tolerable. However, my doctor recently told me that he thinks I've developed a "drug-resistant depression". As those of you taking this know, coming off Cymbalta is not favorable after taking it this long which really bothers me."

• Anony...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2024

"I would give this a full 10/10. However, getting off this medicine is terrible and the withdrawal symptoms are worse than that of benzodiazepines. Antidepressants work and do promote neurogenesis, just you'd have to find the one that works for you."

• Lover...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 29, 2015

"Positive experience! I have SAD, GAD, Social Anxiety and Depression. I have been taking 90 mg for 10 years now. I had tried Effexor, Paxil, Wellbutrin and Celexa. These had each worked for about a year and then didn't work anymore. I have one side effect that I deal with. I have hot flashes. But this has been ok to deal with because my head finally felt right. I was able to go off of my anti-anxiety medication some years ago. After all this time on Cymbalta I have gone through some major life changes in the last year and my anxiety has come back. My depression has been sneaking back as well. I am trying CBT with a little success. I think I may need an increased dose or may have to try something new, which I dread."