Cymbalta and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• par...
• August 26, 2015

For Anxiety "At 25, I started taking Celexa. When I became pregnant less than a year later, I noticed it not working anymore. Then after my daughter was born, I noticed a huge difference. My doctor prescribed me Cymbalta, starting at 30mg and finally leveling out at 90mg. This is the best I have ever felt and I have now been taking it for almost 5 years. A year ago, I tried to lower my dosage (through my doctor of course) and within the week, noticed a huge difference. I was more irritable, less patient, and more anxious. And when I don't take it for a few days, my head pounds, I feel nauseous, and not like myself at all. At the end of the day, the good outweighs the bad. Although I do wish they were not so expensive, how can you put a price on feeling normal?"

• abn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2015

For Chronic Pain "Was given 30 mg Cymbalta for pain in hip as well as depression due to chronic pain. It's been 2 months, after about 3 weeks of many side effects: diarrhea, nausea, headache. The pharmacy told me to stick with it, they will pass. They have, except I've gained about 5 lbs. The depression is better, the pain isn't any better, in fact, it seems to be getting worse. I don't think the Cymbalta is making the pain worse, I think my hip is just getting worse. But not happy about the weight gain since I was fighting my weight before I took it. And being heavier can't be good for a bad hip."

• Dan...
• July 23, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I have fibromyalgia as well, and I stopped taking Cymbalta because my pains improved a great deal, but I had extreme nausea and exhaustion (especially in the AM). Now my pains have come back to kick my behind. Day 2 of Cymbalta. Seems as if it makes me light sensitive, which gives me a headache and dizziness. Like my eyes are heavy and my skin was clammy. I will continue. I'll get back to you in a few weeks."

• M76...
• May 26, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Been on Cymbalta now for approximately 1 year. My moods are stable, less pain, generally feel better. However, one side effect is unacceptable. On this medication, I feel like I am no longer male. Less desire, followed by greatly reduced sensitivity, as well as inability to maintain an erection longer than a minute, make married life most difficult. I tried to come off the drug. It is extremely difficult. Dizziness, light sensitivity, horrible headaches, and extreme irritability."

• add...
• May 24, 2015

For Chronic Pain "Instead of helping my headaches, Cymbalta made them worse. With each dose increase, the severity of the pain increased, and so did my weight. In the year that I was on Cymbalta, I gained sixty pounds. When I passed my pregnancy weight at nine months, I had finally had enough and took myself off. Never again!"

• Fae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I was put on Cymbalta to combat the mood and pain problems associated with fibromyalgia. It dilated my eyes, which led to light sensitivity and headaches. I also grew steadily more and more exhausted and confused and foggy. I was depressed. The doctors insisted that the side effects would abate after about six weeks, but they were so debilitating I had to seek out disability accommodations at school and drop one of my classes. After about a month, I woke up one morning feeling very strange, and a few hours later had a seizure and sprained my jaw and have had jaw pain ever since. At the emergency room, they told me that the Cymbalta was the likely culprit. Essentially, this drug made my life unbearable."

• Fin...
• May 9, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Cymbalta for over 3 weeks now. I have to say it has helped with my depression. I have been suffering from depression for 2 years now and decided to get help. I am starting to feel like myself again, except for some minor side effects: constipation, nausea, and headaches. Hopefully, these side effects will disappear in time."

• Muc...
• April 30, 2014

For Depression "I had mild anxiety and intermittent depression. I always pushed through and never thought of medicines. My girlfriend suggested I speak to a psych and I started Cymbalta. In 10 days, I had no more intrusive thoughts talking me down, making me stressed, guilty. After 9 weeks, I'm a new man. Small things don't worry me. I am patient and calm driving. I don't wake up for the toilet then stay awake worrying. My relationship is closer. I'm nicer to be with. Con? My libido decreased, and climax is harder to achieve (but more intense). The medicine felt strange (out-of-body) at first, but I got used to that. I drink more water. I yawn in the afternoons. I grind my jaw a bit. I get breathless. I have mild headaches some days. But my life is much better with this medicine."

• Sie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "This was great for pain relief for the two months I was taking it. The problems I had far outweighed any benefits. I was suffering from blackouts where I would do things and not remember doing them. The depression, nausea, and headaches were unbearable too. I have been off it for 2 months now and am just starting to feel better. I'll live with the on-average 8 pain."

• emg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2013

For Chronic Pain "Felt only side effects. Extremely tired, erectile dysfunction, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, cold sweats."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2013

For Depression "I don't feel like this made too much of a difference and was prescribed to replace Zoloft, which I believe was better but made me gain a lot of weight. Getting off of Cymbalta was very hard, although I followed my doctor's instructions and decreased very gradually. By the end, I had to start taking motion sickness pills due to the dizziness and nausea I experienced from the withdrawals. I also experienced headaches and felt like my eyes would cross every time I took a step. Getting onto it was super easy. I went from 60 mg to 120 mg pretty quickly, and I lowered it from 120 to 90 to 60 to 30 over the course of about 2 months and still dealt with these withdrawal effects."

• 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."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2013

For Depression "I suffer from mild depression and back pain associated with scoliosis. I hoped Cymbalta could help. It did not help me. Initially (first few days), it was positive mentally, despite side effects: headache, nausea, then bad anxiety. As I took it more, I just started to feel not like myself, lethargic and weak. I almost felt too calm and didn't care. I can see how this might be helpful to those that are severely depressed. I am not. I'm sharing my experience because if you only suffer from minor blues, I would not recommend a strong antidepressant. I told my doctor it was minor, yet he prescribed me 60 mg immediately. I gave it a month and felt worse each day."

• Tas...
• July 25, 2013

For Depression "Have been on 30 mgs Cymbalta for about 3 months to treat major depression and fibromyalgia. Have previously taken just about every antidepressant on the market with no real difference to my mood. Have tried to come off antidepressants but without success. My experience with Cymbalta is it has been highly effective in treating joint and back pain, but the side effects I am experiencing are so bad that I am seeing my GP today to request help in switching to something else. Side effects include: sweats for the first few weeks, nausea for the first few weeks, increased energy levels, headaches/migraines on waking, dry skin, dry eyes and sharp pain in eyes, itchy palms and feet, constant phantom smell of strong, cloying perfume, severe constipation."

• mo1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2013

For Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety problems my whole life, but it was easily managed until I turned 23 (2.5 years ago) when it blew up and every month got much worse. In Dec 2012, I was diagnosed with severe generalized anxiety disorder, moderate panic disorder, and moderate agoraphobia. I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome-D, and combined with anxiety, I always had to be near a bathroom - any time I left the house I had diarrhea. Couldn't go shopping alone, do drive throughs, etc. Started this and almost immediately felt a bit better, minimal side effects (insomnia/headache 1st 3 days, itchy armpits 1st week) and it has taken the edge off lots. Have done many things I couldn't. No weight gain so far, very happy. Only big anxiety triggers bother me a bit, and Imodium use decreased LOTS! No mental fog!"

• Jal...
• June 20, 2013

For Depression "I have only been on this for 2 weeks but I can seriously notice a difference. I am 21 and for about 6 years (after a traumatic event) I have been suffering from 'severe depression'. I have always had pain and always been too tired to do anything but lay in bed and cry! I can now say I am happy! Finally happy, I can't remember a time I was ever like this. I am motivated, active, and enjoying life. It works quick. I do, however, have mild headaches every day and multiple nightmares every night. I am told these will subside. It's pricey, but I really think it's worth it! Good luck to everyone."

• Tig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2013

For Anxiety "I have been taking Cymbalta for 15 months now. First 30mg and then six months later up it to 60mg/day. It was prescribed to me for clinical depression. It works for the depression and I also noticed it has worked very well for anxiety also. My MD and I have discussed that I probably have had this anxiety disorder for some time and curtailed with the depression, Cymbalta has done well for both. Side effects are weight gain (5-10 lbs) and bad withdrawal effects if you miss a day or two - headaches. Otherwise, the medication has worked very well and I feel like I can live my life again."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2013

For Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta for about 4 months now, and finally can say that it is worth going through some of the beginning side effects. We must be careful though, to listen to our bodies first. Side effects can be bothersome but should not be unbearable, so if this is your case with Cymbalta or any other medication, you must consult your physician. When I first started Cymbalta (which I did twice before finally staying on it), I could not sleep, had headaches, and could not even drink a cup of coffee without feeling as if I was hyper. Eventually, things got better and I was able to stop the additional medication that was prescribed to help me sleep. Switching Cymbalta to bedtime helped tremendously! No pain and/or anxiety."

• Cin...
• March 20, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have taken several depression medicines over the last six years. All with limited results. My entire body started hurting so bad, fatigue, headaches and broken sleep at night. I begged my doctor to try me on Cymbalta because it helped a friend with similar symptoms. My pain was almost gone in a week and completely gone in two. I never realized how bad my pain was until it was gone! I take it at night because I get very sleepy within a few hours. I sleep great and wake up pain-free and fully rested. It has helped my depression but not to the extent it has taken away all my pain. I did feel slightly nauseous on and off for a few weeks. My appetite has diminished which has helped me lose 10 pounds."

• Gin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I can't take NSAIDs anymore, so I tried Cymbalta. Worked great for my pain and my depression. However, I had to stop it because of horrible side effects. The worst headaches I have ever had, dizziness, and eventually mood changes. I took it for about 7 months total, the last 2 months were tapering off. My doctor had a patient end up hospitalized when they rushed the taper."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2013

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I'm a Type 1 Diabetic for 39 years. Had VERY painful muscle spasms/seizing and twitching. I tried various supplements which 'should' have helped but no improvement. I started Neurontin at 1,800mg/day and I had terrible swelling plus gained 18 lbs in 6 months (and my eating habits actually got better while on it). The 1,800mg of Neurontin no longer controlled the muscle spasms. I started Cymbalta, 30 mg before bed, and had significant reduction in pain the first morning. I did notice a very strong headache that first day. I had only 3-4 muscle spasms that first day as well...Wow!! Second day...almost NO pain in the morning and only a dull headache with much weaker muscle spasms. Side effects: Crazy dreams, difficulty sleeping, headache."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2012

For Pain "I tried Cymbalta for chronic calf pain due to small fiber neuropathy. I did not experience brain zaps, night terrors, or headaches, but it did make me sleep a lot while I acclimated. I got up to 120 mg/day, but did not get any pain relief; still, it seemed to help with my attitude, so I kept it at 60 mg for a while. Ultimately, I ended up getting better results from Pamelor."

• Mol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2012

For Depression "It's an okay medicine for depression, but I've had times where I'd miss one day of Cymbalta and immediately feel withdrawal symptoms (brain zaps, nausea, headache, etc.). The only other medicine I've ever had this happen with is Effexor. I hate that I have to make sure that I have to take this at the right time of day, because even being late by like 6 hours, I feel the withdrawal symptoms kicking in."

• cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2012

For Anxiety "I took Cymbalta for 4 days for anxiety, panic attacks, and mild depression. I read many reviews and wondered whether I should stick with it despite the side effects, but in the end, I just couldn't. I've been on Lexapro and Effexor before, and I was expecting the same type of side effects: dry mouth, nausea, headaches. But this was a lot worse. I was sleeping okay before and started having insomnia from Cymbalta. My heart was also racing, which for a panic attack sufferer, is the worst thing that can happen. I almost stopped eating, no appetite at all. I also started feeling really low, super anxious, and depressed, and could only go through the day with the use of alprazolam. In the end, I spoke to my doctor and I will now start on Pristiq."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2012

For Pain "Been on 30 mg Cymbalta for 2 weeks. Started getting relief by the 2nd day. Am a 58-year-old male with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondy. The plan was to go to 60 mg, but I am getting enough relief at 30 mg. I believe I will try to stay on that dose to minimize side effects. Some constipation, difficulty reaching orgasm, some night sweats, and minor headaches. Oh, insomnia if I took it at night. I had samples of this medicine for 6 months but delayed starting it because of horror stories on the internet. Pain was ruining my life, so this medicine seems to be the best option."