Cymbalta and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Smi...
• October 23, 2019

For Depression "Cymbalta is good for depression and did help my relative for 10 years, 60 mg every day, but my relative wanted to be free from using antidepressants and so stopped it slowly, reducing the dose, which later worked and they felt relieved but got the worst depression and even attempted suicide. I am here to warn everyone not to try to stop taking Cymbalta if it is working for you, just stick to it - the withdrawal was a horror and after withdrawing, it gave them 2 months of peace, and the third month a very bad depression that they have never experienced came back that they attempted suicide. They then had to put my relative to bed rest for 7 months, every medication failed to work, so they were switched back on Cymbalta but it was also not helping even after increasing the dose, so finally at the dose of 90 mg, it didn't help until Aripiprazole was added, that's when it helped with depression but caused bad anxiety, which we stopped with 0.5 g lorazepam morning and evening."

• Nee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 9, 2019

For Chronic Pain "This drug made me so depressed to the point of having suicidal thoughts. When I finally realized that it was causing this, the withdrawal symptoms are worse than anything I've ever experienced. Anxiety, extreme nausea, intense vertigo, muscle spasms. Do not take this drug, there are so many better options."

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I have just started on Cymbalta 30 mg. It's working wonders for my chronic pain, but the side effects are horrible, such as chest pains, dizziness, muscle weakness in arms and sometimes legs, drowsiness, mental confusion, insomnia, increased anxiety, nausea, and it feels like my throat is a bit tight, plus heart palpitations. It's also difficult to urinate - it seems I have to really push. I plan on taking Cymbalta 30 mg for the rest of my life because it helps with the chronic pain that I'm in and works well. But I could definitely go without the yucky side effects... bleh. I'm 21 years old. I have Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)... So yeah, I'm in constant pain."

• Flo...
• September 12, 2019

For Depression "I had been taking Lexapro for years with no problems. Extreme fatigue had my doctor suggesting I change to Cymbalta. Immediately, the anxiety, fuzzy head, vertigo, hangover feeling started with nausea, diarrhea, unquenchable thirst, weakness, you name the side effect, and I had it. Within 3 weeks, I don't know how I was literally able to function. Very happy to be going back on Lexapro."

• Doe...
• September 1, 2019

For Anxiety "A heart specialist changed me from Effexor to Cymbalta. I stayed on a 37.5 mg dose of Effexor and started 60 mg Cymbalta. This med is not for me. After 3 weeks, I felt like I was falling apart. Severe anxiety like never before. I thought I was having a heart attack! So much tightness and pain. Called 911. Lots of tests later, it wasn't a heart attack at all. That was after 2 weeks on it. I was so deeply sad, severe nausea and vomiting, nightmares, sweats, biting down on my dentures constantly, itching all over. Dizziness, bad vision. My muscles ached. I've had serotonin syndrome before, and this terrified me. I could not eat. I'm diabetic, so I have to eat, but food made me sick. Headaches, dark thoughts. Could not take it anymore and switched back to Effexor 4 days ago, off the Cymbalta. Today I feel great! I had a spell of nausea and an overall feeling of so awful, lasted 20 minutes or so. I also had pain in my right side and abdomen, which is still tender but better. So glad to be feeling better."

• DMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I took one dose of this medicine, 20 mg, and with an hour had severe diarrhea, a horrible headache, and then panic and anxiety set in. It was so bad that I had to leave work 2 hours into my shift. On my way home, I actually stopped at the ER and sat in the parking lot debating on whether to go in. Luckily, I was able to reach my doctor's office, who gave me the go-ahead to take a Xanax to counteract these side effects and didn't have to go to the ER. It was so bad that I even had my husband leave work because I was too scared to be home alone. I would rather suffer through pain than have to do that again."

• Nic...
• July 5, 2019

For Depression "I had been on eight different antidepressants for 12 years. I tried Cymbalta and had been on it for 14 years. I tried to get off of it and it took eight months, but I completely went off. Withdrawals were horrific. All of my depression and anxiety came back, but worse than ever. I’m so glad to be back on it. Cymbalta is a lifesaver."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2019

For Back Pain "My doctor prescribed Cymbalta to me for my back pain. After 4 days, the awfulness started. This med is terrible! Dizziness, nausea, messing with my brain, anxiety, loopy. I don't recognize myself. I didn't have this before. Can't take it anymore because I feel like it will cause mental illness. Horrible."

• 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."

• Ken...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Diagnosed with GAD and MDD last year, and I was put on this Cymbalta along with Mirtazapine. Was on 60 mg Cymbalta initially and had severe anxiety because of it, I believe I had serotonin syndrome on one occasion. Additionally, this medication made me feel completely numb. Weaned myself off after only 5 weeks on it, and it was tough, can't imagine what it's like weaning off after using for a longer period."

• Aku...
• June 8, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have dealt with major depressive disorder, GAD, PTSD, and a whole lot of sensory issues, with no medication giving me relief. Normally, too much noise or any loud noises could send me off the rails, everything always felt dull and grey, and I would spend days or weeks obsessing over things that gave me anxiety. I lost job after job, and finally, I decided to try again and get rid of this once and for all, and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I tried Cymbalta. Cymbalta is the ONLY medication EVER to help with my noise sensitivity. I feel like I am not so agitated all the time anymore, and I feel like I am finally able to focus. I have had a few side effects, like diarrhea, a little bit of brain fog here and there, and felt jittery after drinking coffee with it, but they were all fixable or livable side effects. I haven't felt this normal in years...I finally feel like I have a chance at a meaningful life and not like I'm just existing and struggling through it all."

• Lyn...
• May 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed Cymbalta for my bipolar, BPD, and PTSD depression episodes. I was on this medication for one week, and I will explain why. At first, this medication did affect my energy level, and I felt more productive and positive, waking up in the morning looking forward to the day. The downside as to why I stopped taking this medication is because Cymbalta began to give me side effects of horrible anxiety. My heart felt like it was in my throat, and not even Ativan I was prescribed would help. The anxiety drove me into madness, intrusive and racing thoughts coming back. The anxiety made me depressed because it was disabling, feeling like my life came to a standstill because the anxiety prevented me from doing hardly anything. I gave this medication a three-star review because I do know people who are taking it, and it works wonders for them, and they get no anxiety-related symptoms. Everyone is different, but for me personally, it wasn't a good experience."

• chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Depression "Just by taking 30 mg, I had an acute sensation of depersonalization, extreme heart stabbing pain, anxiety, extreme depression, and overall extreme mental agony, and a wish to just cease existing to not have to feel these horrible effects. I cannot tolerate another day of agony taking this drug. Whatever horrible depression I was suffering from before is nothing compared to how I feel now. It may just be me who tolerates SSRI/SNRI type of drugs horribly, but anyway, I cannot recommend this to anyone based on my experience and also knowing that these types of drugs pretty much always induce sexual dysfunction."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "It did okay for my depression, reduced my headaches, improved my concentration and my sleep, and reduced my anxiety, but it did almost nothing for social anxiety. I switched from Cymbalta to Effexor, and I immediately found that Effexor was far superior in almost everything. I would recommend Cymbalta as your second choice SNRI if Effexor won’t work for you."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2019

For Depression "The first time I used it, I could finally stop crying. The effects were very subtle. However, it did nothing for my anxiety. I stopped taking it after some positive life events occurred, and I thought I didn’t need it anymore. But I became depressed again and decided to take a pill from the stash I had saved a year ago for emergencies-when I no longer wanted to die or cry! Cymbalta saved my life; I'm not sure if I'd still be here today without it. But this time, it has helped a little with anxiety. Cured depression 10/10; anxiety 3.5/10."

• Boo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 6, 2019

For Anxiety "Don’t let the negative comments on here scare you. The truth is, Cymbalta works beautifully for some people and some people hate it. But that’s true with ANY antidepressant! Cymbalta saved me from extreme, constant anxiety and panic attacks. But I have tried other drugs - Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, etc. Figured out I cannot take ANY SSRI. They cause my anxiety to go through the roof! Cymbalta is a SNRI. Works differently. I could not only tolerate it - it saved me. So, no - the medication shouldn’t be banned. It works wonders for some of us. If it didn’t work for you, accept it and try something else. But don’t scare other people away from trying something that could change their life in a positive way. They affect everyone differently, they all have side effects that differ for everyone and they are all difficult to quit taking."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2019

For Depression "Had tried 4 different meds before Cymbalta in various doses for GAD/depression. Had quit them due to side effects, usually 'brain fog', increased anxiety or depressive symptoms, etc. Psych doctor put me on Cymbalta 30 mg, morning/30 mg night. At first, I had some improvement with just mild brain fog. Kept on it for a total of 4 months, hoping this could be the one. However, slowly turned into a zombie. Tired, unable to think clearly, trouble processing. Dr. switched me to Vibryyd 20 mg and tapered me with 30 mg of Cymbalta at night for 7 days. She said the new med should help counter withdrawal effects. Well, during the first 7 days, I had mild vertigo, insomnia, heart palpitations, etc., and was dealing with it. The next 7 days without any Cymbalta have been the worst. Vertigo, confusion, agitation, severe vertigo, mood swings, sweats, loss of appetite, tinnitus, headaches, forgetfulness, etc. I pray I am not one of those people who have withdrawal for months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Back Pain "I took my first pill at 9:30 a.m. It’s 1:48 a.m. now, and I can’t sleep. I am very anxious and fatigued. I’ve noticed that I yawned several times today and felt super uneasy. Never taking the drug again. I’m trying to flush my body with water to get rid of it. Terrible side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Back Pain "I took my first pill at 9:30 a.m. It’s 1:48 a.m. now, and I can’t sleep. I am very anxious and fatigued. I’ve noticed that I yawned several times today and felt super uneasy. Never taking the drug again. I’m trying to flush my body with water to get rid of it. Terrible side effects."

• 121...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2018

For Depression "Switched from Lexapro to Cymbalta. First week was at 30 mg, followed by 60 mg. I had side effects almost from the start: insomnia, anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite. Stayed at 60 mg for 4 weeks. Dr. decreased to 40 mg and prescribed Sonata to help with sleep. Zero effect from the Sonata. It's been about two months since starting the Cymbalta, and I'm ready to get off of it due to the side effects. Not looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Others may have had success with this med, but I have not. I would not recommend."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2018

For Chronic Pain "Recently, I was put on Cymbalta for fibromyalgia. It was the worst experience of my life. I had explosive diarrhea, could not even leave the house, anxiety went through the roof. Felt manic, and my heart rate went up sky high, and I already suffer from insomnia, and this made it totally impossible to sleep. I felt angry and jittery. I would not recommend this drug, it was a horrible experience."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2018

For Chronic Pain "Recently, I was put on Cymbalta for fibromyalgia. It was the worst experience of my life. I had explosive diarrhea, could not even leave the house, anxiety went through the roof. Felt manic, and my heart rate went up sky high, and I already suffer from insomnia, and this made it totally impossible to sleep. I felt angry and jittery. I would not recommend this drug, it was a horrible experience."

• Ela...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 2, 2018

For Depression "I've been on Cymbalta 60 mg for about 5 years. It was working fine for me, I thought - until people started telling me that I was snappy. But I had a lot of trials in life happening all at once. Anyhow, I decided to switch, and what a nightmare it has been. The new psychiatrist tried me on Lamictal for a bit, that made me hyper and jittery, so I thought I'd try Zoloft since my sister has been on it. Sometimes meds can work the same, but, yikes, not for me. I'm in an awful depression and working on getting back on Cymbalta, what I hope will work for me. I guess the old saying goes, 'if it's not broken, why fix it?' I will keep you all in my prayers and hope you will do the same."

• myo...
• April 29, 2018

For Depression "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."