Cymbalta and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2018

For Back Pain "I’m on day 5, still feel so sick, dizzy, and foggy, had to be off work. Haven’t felt able to drive since taking it. Pain is getting better, but I need my brain back! Does it stop after a while?"

• Fib...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "After battling and dealing with pain for many years, I was prescribed Cymbalta. This drug works for pain. It kinda blocks it. That said, it was a rough start: dizziness, nausea, sweating. This fades, and then you feel better. Pain reduced in all areas. I could go about my day-to-day without pain stopping me. Then, after 2 years, it just stopped working. I don’t like pain meds, etc. As I knew all good things end, I decided to try and get off this med instead of increasing the dose. Well, let me warn the consumer, the patient: it was very, very, extremely difficult to reduce and withdraw from. I have a medical background, and a friend warned me. It was bad: vomiting violently (I don’t vomit ever), then in bed with headaches and chest palpitations that were scary. Finished withdrawal and reduced medications in general. Be careful with this medicine if you choose to access it for medical treatment."

• Tex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed this for depression and chronic pain. The first time I took it was at night as instructed by the physician. I was given 30 mg. I honestly thought I was going to die. I laid down after taking it, and within 30 minutes, I was feeling sick to my stomach. I went to get up to get to the restroom to vomit but felt as if I was going to pass out. I finally made it to the bathroom, thinking, 'What is wrong with me? I've never had any drug do this to me.' I checked my sugar level, it was 59, which is low, and I'm not a diabetic. I only did this for taking care of both parents, which were and knowing their symptoms. I had to drink juice and eat a peanut butter sandwich to bring my sugar level up. I vomited, had a high heart rate, almost passed out, felt so dizzy and weak due to it dropping my sugar count. I figured it had to be that medication, so I threw it away and have not taken it again. I have not felt like that since, so it didn't work for me, sadly."

• 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."

• Lou...
• July 15, 2018

For Anxiety "I've had 2 occasions on antidepressants. In 2010, on Cymbalta 60mg for GAD. Weaned off after a year. Last Friday, bad anxiety after drinking. The doctor gave me .25mg Xanax 3 times a day & 30mg Duloxetine once a day. The doctor said I could start with 60, but I felt that was too high to start. I've only taken 1 dose of the Xanax Friday. On Saturday, the 30mg Duloxetine. Xanax helped for 4-5 hours & tapered off. I'm told quicker because I smoke cigarettes. Saturday, feeling anxiety in waves, so I took 30mg Duloxetine at 2:30 PM. I had a slight dry mouth & some slight dizziness by 8:30 PM. But I actually feel pretty good. At a tolerable anxiety level. Is it possible that 1 dose of Cymbalta actually made my anxiety start to dissipate already? Or maybe my body just eventually kicks out the anxiety like it has in the past & I don't need meds. Did I jump the gun taking that 1 dose of Duloxetine? I wish I knew because I don't know what to do now with the meds. I really hate taking them if I don't really need them."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Please do not take this medication! I took my first tablet, 30 mg of Cymbalta, yesterday at about 11 a.m. All was fine until about 6 p.m. that night while I was sitting at the dinner table, about to eat dinner. I felt very dizzy, my eyes went very blurry, couldn’t see properly, couldn’t eat, couldn’t speak, was vomiting constantly, shaking, had the worst headache, didn’t sleep all night, still feeling some of these symptoms today. This drug is terrible, and I don’t know how doctors can prescribe this to anyone!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 7, 2018

For Depression "Coming off of Cymbalta was absolutely terrible! My doctor tapered me off the drug, and I followed his instructions. I became very sick the first day I was completely off. I was dizzy, throwing up, etc., etc. I could hardly get out of bed for around 7 days. About a month later, I started getting sick again. After months of wondering what was going on, I found out my gallbladder was only functioning at 9%. I have read several instances where people have had gallbladder issues after they stopped taking Cymbalta. That could just be a coincidence, but you never know. If you are currently battling withdrawal symptoms, hang in there. I am not going to lie, it is not fun at all, but it does get better."

• Mar...
• October 13, 2017

For Depression "Took Cymbalta for depression for about 6 months, first 30 mg, which my doctor increased little by little until it got to 90 mg. She increased it because the medication seemed to work, but after a while, the symptoms were present again. I went on vacation, and when I returned, couldn't get the prescription on time, that was the beginning of the nightmare. Symptoms of withdrawal were going from vomiting, electric zaps, severe nausea, severe dizziness sensation that I am falling down, head pain, and so on for more than two months. I didn't stop taking the medication, it was only a gap in treatment that put me in that situation. Since that day, I asked my doctor to help me discontinue it, even following her directions, it is so bad that I don't recommend it ever."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2017

For Depression "Ok, so I'm a 19 y/o female, and after a month and a half of super minor side effects (groggy, dizzy, no appetite), Cymbalta started to work really well. However, about a couple of months ago, I began experiencing mood swings more and more gradually. Now I have days where I'm in a completely crabby mood (I don't want to do anything), or I'm in an okay mood (I'll go out and try to do a couple of things to build confidence), or I'm totally pissy and mean all day, and I cry and flip out (like literally cry and threaten to leave him for nothing). My poor boyfriend, who doesn't even understand the medicine (who tries to because he respects my choices). I plan on changing my medicine at my next doctor's visit because the mood swings are making it hard to get a job."

• Sug...
• March 9, 2017

For Depression "I took it for 5 days, 30 mg, and have never felt so sick. The first day, I was crippled with diarrhea and a headache, which continued to the following day. I then got a tightness in my throat and couldn't stop yawning. I stopped eating due to the nausea. The headache didn't go away, and by day 3, it was joined by an earache and sweating. Yesterday was the worst. All of a sudden, my vision became blurry, and I couldn't talk properly. It was terrifying. Like my brain stopped working. I couldn't drive and was so dizzy I kept falling over. I stopped immediately and now have to wait 3 days for it to leave my system. I still feel horrendous, and I still can't see properly."

• 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."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2017

For Anxiety "By the third dose, I had experienced chest tightness, dry mouth, dilated pupils, dizziness, and a loss of emotions. The most interference in my life was the dizziness. I did not want to drive the 25 miles to work and back due to feeling dizzy. The side effect that bothered me the most was the lack of feeling emotions. I felt very detached from any emotion and was unable to cry, laugh, or feel love. I discontinued the drug after the third dose. This was not the way I wanted to feel while dealing with moderate anxiety. I'll look for herbal remedies and remain in therapist-guided talk therapy. I don't want to be a dizzy emotional zombie. I am also scared to death, from what I've read, to discontinue this drug due to horrendous bad side effects."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 33-year-old female recently prescribed 20 mg 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."

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2016

For Depression "I had/having a horrible time with this medication. Currently trying to wean off with my MD's help. I've had every listed side effect and subsequent health problems that required expensive work-ups. Most dramatically, I developed vertigo and severe headaches after being on the med for about 3-4 months. Vertigo was debilitating and required time off of work and multiple doctor appointments to rule out other conditions. I also had electrical zings and numbness and tingling down my body. The weaning has been the most problematic, causing these awful side effects to worsen. I'm a registered nurse, and I would never recommend this drug to anybody. I did not feel any benefits for my depression."

• ItW...
• October 14, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have GAD and mild depression. I initially had side effects such as insomnia, no appetite, and nausea, but they went away after a few days. This has helped my anxiety tremendously! It is not without side effects, though. If I forget to take it, I will get nausea, headaches, and dizziness. I did gain weight and some diarrhea, but it has had no bad sexual side effects. I have been taking this for a year now. I am finding that the depression is now increasing, so maybe time for a dosage change. Just keep in mind everyone is different, and sometimes the benefits outweigh the effects."

• Eil...
• September 19, 2016

For Depression "I had moderate depression, crushing anxiety, and probably fibromyalgia. (I've never pursued fibromyalgia testing due to no health insurance.) One week ago, I just could not go on. Depression, anxiety, and all-over aches and stiffness stopped me in my tracks. One day on 30 mg Cymbalta and it all cleared up. I could not believe it. It is a miracle for me. I've been on it for one full week and am now over the slight nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth. Yay! :-)"

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking Cymbalta Time Release (for Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety) before bedtime at 11 p.m., 2 nights ago. I felt fine that night, until the next morning. I started feeling very nauseous and sick (which I have a severe phobia of vomiting). I started sweating, chills, a dizzy feeling, which threw me into a severe panic attack, which made me feel even more nauseous, which made my panic attack last longer. I couldn't calm myself down. I felt like I was in a nightmare! I didn't start feeling any better until about 8 p.m. that evening. It's been 2 days since I've taken Cymbalta, and I'm still experiencing major panic attacks 3-4 times a day with nausea and vomiting. I wish I had never taken that medicine now!"

• the...
• August 8, 2016

For Chronic Pain "I started out on 30 mg for one week, then moved up to 60 mg. Since starting the larger dose, I am having frequent dizzy spells, headaches, and fatigue. I am planning to give it more time, this Rx, so far, has been the only Rx that has lowered my pain due to chemotherapy. Hopefully, these side effects will stop soon."

• Has...
• August 5, 2016

For Depression "It didn't help depression or low-grade chronic pain at all. I had better depression relief from Celexa and Wellbutrin. But the biggest reason I caution against Cymbalta is because of the extreme withdrawal symptoms I experienced. I followed the doctor-recommended protocol to wean off. Weaning seems to mean prolonging misery. The nausea and dizziness I have endured for the last 5+ weeks with no end in sight is debilitating. I urge you to please research your options thoroughly before even trying Cymbalta."

• mr ...
• June 15, 2016

For Chronic Pain "I have taken Cymbalta for 5 days now, worked a bit to take some sharp pains away, but side effects outweighed the good. I started 30 mg, dizzy, headaches, very upset stomach, very gassy, burping, and farting. I had a lot of pain along the beltline from my belly button all the way to the left side of my hip. Today I passed bright red blood with clots 3 separate times. I had one other time months ago with severe pain in the same location and passed blood then too. Both times I was on Cymbalta, so today I got googly and found that Cymbalta can cause abnormal bleeding in intestines, stomach, etc., and mixing drugs such as aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. It reads bleeding can get as bad as having a life-threatening hemorrhage. rxlist.com is 1 source."

• DoN...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2016

For Depression "The worst decision I have ever made was agreeing to go on this drug. I had no idea about SSRIs and the effects they can have on you and your life. For the first year, I would have recommended it to anyone dealing with depression and anxiety like myself, but that was at a time when I mistook the numbness for satisfaction. Just over 2 years down the line and I am falling apart. This drug has ruined my life. First, I realized the fog I was in. Then came the vertigo and confusion. My memory has deteriorated. Zero sex drive since day one. My depression has worsened, and I no longer recognize who I am anymore. My personality has changed drastically, and my anxiety is worse than it's ever been. I am now weaning off it, but the damage has been done."