Cymbalta and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Gle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 20, 2019

For Chronic Pain "This is the only med that has helped my nerve pain/neuropathy. Lyrica & Neurontin didn’t work. One made me dizzy, the other made my nerve pain worse. I was scared to try Cymbalta after hearing some people say they hated it. Honestly, it’s been a godsend for me. I still have other kinds of pain, but the pins & needles, tingling, and burning are no longer there. I take a narcotic a few times a day, but 1/2 what I did before Cymbalta. I may have had some weight gain from it, but I don’t know if it’s this or just my age & diet mostly. I can’t get off the Cymbalta for now as it helps too much. I also used to have some anxiety/panic attacks & I don’t have them on this. I’m able to stop myself thank god. I have a happy sex life with my husband & no negative side effects (except possibly a few pounds). I also have low back pain less frequently. You don’t know til you try it how it might work for you. I take 60mg/night for about 4-5 years. I’m 45 years old."

• Anonymous
• August 12, 2008

For Depression "The Cymbalta took about three weeks to kick in. The side effects started out really strong: dizziness, sweating, no appetite, sleepiness, dry mouth. Now I've been on it for one month and all of my side effects are gone. I don't have any sexual side effects. As far as treating my depression, it's amazing. It's like the light has been turned on again and I can see the good in life. Advice: if you're prescribed this medication, give it a good try - the side effects do diminish. From what I see here, it seems like this works for a lot of people."

• 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."

• Off...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2014

For Anxiety "This medication was a lifesaver for me as it helped me to overcome anxiety at work and allowed me to regain my focus. This also helped a lot with my irritable bowel syndrome issues! Only downfall was the first few weeks where I lost a lot of weight due to having no desire to eat, and I had to switch to taking it at night because when I took it in the morning, it made me dizzy and tired all day. I am taking 30mg once a day and have been on this for about 8 months. Hang in there if you just started the medication because it takes about a month to really kick in."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

For Chronic Pain "Cymbalta has helped me so much for chronic pain. Initially, I felt dizzy and weird for about a month on 30mg a day. And, I didn't think it helped my pain. My doctor increased the dose to 60mg a day and said that is the standard dose for fibromyalgia. Since the dosage increased, my pain has been helped 70 to 80%. I am glad I stuck with it. I haven't gained weight, and my appetite has decreased a little, which is good."

• Mr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was hesitant to start the drug with all the horror stories, but I guess that's with any drug that's not right for that individual. I had a horrible experience with Prozac. I suffer from GAD, fatigue, and was dealing with back and neck pain. The drug started to work pretty quickly. My doc switched me from Zoloft to Cymbalta when Zoloft stopped working after a year. I had some dizziness and felt off for a couple of weeks, but nothing like Prozac. I started out at 30mg during the transition but jumped up to 60mg after 2 weeks when I stopped Zoloft. The drug has worked well so far. I can see a significant reduction in anxiety, which has given me the energy to start exercising again. It's also put me in a good mood and reduced pain by 80%. I'm on week 2 of 60mg so I hope it continues to improve."

• spe...
• August 21, 2013

For Anxiety "I was started on Cymbalta 30mg about 6 months ago. I was increasingly anxious and irritable and quick to start arguments. My presenting complaint was, however, tinnitus due to jaw clenching! Cymbalta almost immediately calmed me down. I feel less guilt feelings about everything. I can walk away from arguments unless really pushed - and then just watch out! My spouse thinks I am better for it. However, I do feel rather fatigued and now find it difficult to exercise, but once I start I have no problem. I can focus and work with a less antagonistic attitude. Sleep is better. Sex is better. No weight problem. I do drink very moderately with no problem. Missing doses is a major problem: headaches, dizziness, nightmares."

• Kat...
• December 28, 2007

For Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta for 8 weeks. I suffer from medical anxiety. I have not felt this good in years. The first 2 weeks, I did have a lot of side effects: sweating, dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach, but after that, I started feeling better. I have lost 20 lbs because I no longer feel hungry all the time. I feel like I did 20 years ago, so much happier. I can't rave enough about it."

• one...
• April 2, 2009

For Depression "I feel the need to warn people about the withdrawal symptoms of getting off of this drug. I am home right now because I feel nauseated, my coordination is way off. I have severe head shock, and can't sleep. Look for these types of stories before taking these types of medicines."

• Hap...
• January 18, 2013

For Depression "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."

• LJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2018

For Anxiety "Dealing with severe anxiety and OCD my whole life, I decided to try medication when I turned 20. While my first few days on Cymbalta (10mg) were torturous, probably partly due to mental reservations about taking a pill every day (I experienced vomiting, headaches, dizzy spells, nausea, inability to sleep, and complete loss of appetite), I'm SO glad I stuck with the drug. Now I am on 80mg, and without sounding completely corny, I feel like I'm finally the person I'm meant to be. Since starting the pill, I've started rock climbing, learned to drive, and just become a much happier, friendlier, and more confident person. My friends and family have all noticed a huge shift in my personality and I'm so thrilled I went on Cymbalta."

• Shu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2017

For Anxiety "Started on Cymbalta 30mg in Aug 2017. I do suffer from anxiety, and in addition to that, I have herniated discs and problems in my neck. This medicine has been the greatest thing I have ever taken. Finally, I can go to grocery stores alone and not have panic attacks in the middle of Walmart. So my anxiety has greatly improved. The tingling and dizziness I would get in my head and arms are gone. My neck pain has improved, but it could get even better if I could increase my dose to 60 mg. But my blood pressure is at times too high. Once this is under control, they will increase Cymbalta. I have had no side effects at all on this medication and feel like I can live again. My mood has improved, and I feel like myself again."

• Hip...
• March 5, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I suffer with arthritis in hands, knees, elbows, and hips. In 2013, I underwent a total left hip replacement and worked hard in rehab to become active again. However, as time progresses, my joints continue to 'talk' to me loudly. In the mornings, I look like a crone hobbling around until from moving, they begin to become fluid. Ridiculous! My doctor put me on Cymbalta back in December of 2014. Wow. What a difference. I did have some struggles on learning when to take it without suffering from nausea, dizziness, etc. For me, the morning time seems to be the ticket. Midday or evening caused stomach and head issues. I am on a lower dose compared to what I have read, but I give this an A+. Within 15 minutes of taking my dose, I am fine."

• Lan...
• November 12, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I was on Cymbalta for almost 2 years. I stopped taking it because I thought it was the reason why I was gaining weight (10 lbs over 1 year). 30 mg first year, then 60 mg, then 30 mg again. Pros: It treated my fibro! Not just temporary effect, 80% of the pain went away! I stopped taking it 1.5 years ago and the no-pain effect is still here. Pretty happy about that. Cons: the adjusting period (about 2 weeks) IS a nightmare, worst vertigo and nausea ever. Overall, highly recommended to people with fibromyalgia."

• you...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "So... after now being on these for the second time, I can review them properly. As someone who struggles with mental health issues and fibromyalgia, these tablets worked a treat for both my pain and emotional regulation BUT be prepared for around a month of side effects before you fully notice a difference and can't function. Sickness, constantly sleeping all day; no appetite, rash, dizziness, nausea, constant headaches, not sleeping at all at night, and struggling to move are just to name a few, but once you get past that, they’re better than any pain killer. Despite struggling to feel emotions, the positives outweigh the negatives."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2019

For Depression "So I was on Lexapro for 5 years, it stopped working. The doctor suggested Cymbalta. I was scared to try it with all the bad reviews. But I started on 30 mg for 2 weeks, then up to 60 mg after 2 weeks. The side effects were dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness. However, the side effects have gotten better, and this is working. No more crying spells or moodiness. Also, it has helped my back and neck pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 7, 2012

For Depression "Cymbalta saved my life. I have tried dozens of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, you name it. At 19, to treat anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, I was finally given Cymbalta. I had very few side effects, maybe a few days being a bit dizzy. And then, after a week or so, I realized I wanted to get up in the morning. I no longer regretted having to breathe. A few months in, I no longer needed anxiety medication. I could sleep all night. I was normal and happy. I would not have lived if Cymbalta didn't exist. The only drawback is if for any reason you have to go a few days or longer without it, the withdrawal will be bad."

• My...
• March 24, 2014

For Depression "After 2 weeks (60mg/day) I am pleased with this. I had constant dysthymia, black periods lasting a few days, breaking into tears for no reason, not coping, couldn't see a way out, hopelessness. I couldn't tell my partner everything: she needs me to be strong. She knew anyway. The medicine leveled it all out. Only 2 weeks but the depression is gone. I even felt briefly euphoric today. I am easier to be around. Calmer. Negatives: a strange dissociative feeling, sort of out-of-body, as if hearing myself talk slowly, dizziness, an itchy rash on my hand, dry mouth, general tiredness, lethargy in bed in the mornings, no erectile problems, but problem reaching orgasm. If these moderate in time, then my 7/10 score will increase."

• 7ru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 2, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been on this medication for almost 12 months now (60 mg), previously being on Lexapro. I have had weight gain, but I really can't blame this all on the meds. My symptoms of anxiety, depression, and OCD are very much under control, and I didn't experience any serious side effects, only the occasional dizziness and some fatigue. I found duloxetine more effective than Lexapro for me."

• Cal...
• April 10, 2015

For Anxiety "I have GAD, tried Celexa, worked for a while, mental fog. I then tried Lexapro which worked but I decided to try Cymbalta for its chronic low back pain effectiveness. I have a bulged disc, arthritis from home care for many years. I will not even consider narcotics for pain... Cymbalta has been a lifesaver, I too have dry mouth, night sweats, increased weight of 10 lbs. But I feel calmer, I started off on 30 mg for 2 wks then increased the dose per my HCP. I can tell when I don't take it. Chronic low back pain, dizziness as well, and anxiety symptoms return... I am a nurse and I hate taking medicine but this is one medicine I don't mind taking. The benefits outweigh everything else."

• Twi...
• September 14, 2015

For Chronic Pain "My doctor put me on Cymbalta for chronic pain with fibromyalgia, arthritis, bursitis, and bulging discs. I have been taking it for a week now and can't seem to shake some of the side effects. My pain is almost completely gone and I am so thankful for that. However, my eyes are so dilated all the time that everything is blurry, and I practically live in a cave. In the 6 days I have been taking it, I have lost almost 10 lbs. I am not sleeping well (though they say this will get better), and during the day, I am feeling so tired that it takes everything in me to stay awake at work. My reflexes are lacking as well: I am dropping things, losing my balance, and my reaction time when driving is a little sketchy. But all that aside, my pain is gone :)"

• LT1...
• December 4, 2015

For Anxiety "I have used Prozac (gained a lot of weight). Now I am on a combination of Wellbutrin and Cymbalta. What a difference! No foggy brain. My emotions are back. Don't feel like a zombie anymore. Feel a little dizzy at times, but the benefits outweigh the side effects. I lost 10 kg!!! Look and feel great. Will stay on this combination. Great for depression."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Excellent for controlling anxiety that, for me, can spiral into major depression. I feel more like myself on Cymbalta than I did on Zoloft. It has been excellent at relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalta benefits do come at a cost, financially and physically. The most annoying physical symptom is profuse sweating. I never sweated much, even on hot days. With Cymbalta, it can be cold outside, and I'm in my car AC on, face dripping with sweat. I can easily tell this from a menopausal hot flash. The two sometimes occur together. Cymbalta can give me bad morning headaches, and I can't use Motrin while on it. Once you're on Cymbalta, you can't just stop it without getting severe withdrawal symptoms, especially dizziness."

• mrd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 23, 2019

For Depression "Was put on this 5 years ago. It works well, but there is one thing they won't tell you. The withdrawal symptoms are horrendous. I will probably never be able to stop taking this. If I miss only one day, I get vertigo and brain zaps. Read up on it, and it turns out they lied to the FDA about how many people had withdrawal symptoms. It's 70 percent! Some people experience withdrawal symptoms that last a year! So what does the FDA do? A little fine and a class action lawsuit that already expired by the time I realized how bad the withdrawal symptoms are. Eli Lilly should have been sued out of existence, but of course, big pharma has the FDA in their pocket. Really read up on the documentation in the FDA report and what it says about how they fudged things. It's unbelievable. I wish I had never been put on this."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2019

For Depression "Absolutely terrible. I was prescribed 20 mg Cymbalta to replace Prozac, which didn’t help my depression at all. The first few weeks, there were no changes, so we increased it to 30 mg, then 60 mg. I lost the ability to feel emotions at all. I was numb. I couldn’t make myself eat. I lost 5% of my weight. I had started self-harming just to feel something and felt suicidal. For some reason, I told myself to go to the doc one last time. It’s recommended that Cymbalta should be tapered off slowly, but there’s almost no way to do that from 60 mg to 30 mg as it is a big jump and the capsules shouldn’t be opened. The doc said I should quit cold turkey since I was in such a dark place. The withdrawal was torture. I couldn’t leave the house for two weeks because of vertigo, “brain zaps,” headaches, and confusion. I’m on Wellbutrin now, and it’s a hundred times better in my experience."