Cymbalta and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Anxiety "Cymbalta changed my life. I felt the change almost instantly. Freed me from lifelong depression. I feel as if I am reborn. Yes, I do feel a lack of appetite, but honestly that’s a plus for me. The other side effects I felt have all subsided now, and it’s only been a week. I felt like a zombie for the first four days, but now my energy is back, and I am happy. Haven’t been happy for a very long time."

• JDM...
• June 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Remember this, everyone is different. Find the right medicine for you. I went on Cymbalta 7 years ago after I had an autoimmune disease and suffered from depression & anxiety. It was great. I went off of it for 3.5 years. Now, married with two kids, my life was what I wanted, yet I was miserable-so much anxiety, mood swings, snapping at my husband and kids, no interest in fun activities. I couldn't stand myself. I decided to give Cymbalta a try again (generic version). Initial side effects lasted a week. SO tired, brain fog, no appetite, headache. By day 7, all gone. I can't believe how fast it's working for me. My anxiety is gone. I am calm and easy going. I feel like the best version of myself. I'm laughing with my kids and husband and don't overreact. I actually am looking forward to doing activities and I have been enjoying them. I have been more productive at work and oddly more organized. I've tried other medicine and it's shut me down like a zombie."

• 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."

• dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2014

For Anxiety "I was quick to anger, severe mood swings would yell at my kids for the slightest things. I was ready to punch anybody that would make me mad and (it didn't take much!) I started with Cymbalta 30mg and I noticed a slight difference. I was increased to 60 mg and I felt the change right away. I'm so calm, and I'm back to being a happy mom. I take it at night because it would get me sleepy during the day if I take it in the morning. Some of the side effects I've experienced have been dry mouth, lack of appetite, hot flashes, tiredness! I love this medicine, it has changed my life. The relationship with my children is much, much better too. I no longer have crying spells, and I'm a much nicer person. Try Cymbalta."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2020

For Depression "I’ve been taking Cymbalta at a dose of 40 mg for 1 week now. I feel lightheaded. Not really depressed or having anxiety, but I can’t sleep and I have no appetite. I’m already underweight. Feeling stoned all day. My stomach also churns all night. I think there must be something more tolerable for me. I can’t function. Any suggestions?"

• 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."

• for...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2024

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed Cymbalta and sat on the prescription almost a month before I started it. I was in a panic about the side effects and that everyone said it was hard to get off. After a particularly hard night with back and knee pain, I decided to try it (30 mg). After 3 days, all my pain was gone and I had much more energy. After going up to 60 mg daily and being on it for 3 months, all my arthritis and nerve pain are gone. I can actually say it was a miracle for me. I do have side effects - less of an appetite, weird yawning even when not tired, thirst, and dry mouth. But I'd much rather deal with that than limping and horrible pain (especially at night). This drug must be taken as prescribed, and even though it worked very fast for pain in my case, given a month or two to settle in. I can't imagine how many quit or didn't start because of bad reviews. I'm sure Cymbalta has helped far more people than the reviews show. The problem is that when something works, most people don't leave reviews."

• rgl...
• February 21, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Cymbalta was a miracle for me. I was paralyzed by anxiety and couldn't function in daily life, and it made me feel better than I've ever felt in my life. I've tried tons of anxiety/depression meds - Xanax, Klonopin, Buspar, Ativan, Zoloft, Celexa, etc. - and they all barely worked, just made me catatonic, or had really serious side effects (listlessness, decreased libido, etc.). Cymbalta made me feel like my true self minus anxiety, rather than a dulled version of myself. It actually increased my libido because I wasn't too depressed to have sex for the first time. I also lost weight while taking it, which wasn't desirable for me, but I know it is for some people. The only negatives I experienced were nausea and decreased appetite at first."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2021

For Anxiety "I had insomnia badly for the first couple of days, but taking it in the morning helped. I also experienced lack of appetite for the first couple of weeks and felt very energized. It faded, but same things when the dose was increased to 60mg. It was great for anxiety, even helped with things that I didn't know were from anxiety; however, I had no relief of back pain unfortunately. I currently have no side effects after 2 months."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2010

For Depression "After reading about others' experiences with Cymbalta, I was very hesitant to try it. However, I got to a point where I was willing to do anything to feel 'normal' again. I started Cymbalta (30mg) about 3 months ago and I am SO glad I did. The first week was unpleasant - I was close to stopping it, but my family encouraged me to give it a fair shot. By the second week things were better. Now (still on 30mg) the only side effects that remain are loss of appetite (causing weight loss), occasional vivid dreams, and some difficulty with orgasm. For me the benefits have been huge - I am able to focus, more energy, no more racing thoughts, no more crying spells, and no more anxiety/panic. Everyone is different, but for me this has worked great!"

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Depression "I have been on 60mg Duloxetine daily for 1 month, 30mg daily before that to wean off Effexor. The Duloxetine was so ineffective & the withdrawal from the Effexor was so bad that I had to take both for about 6 weeks. Now with no Effexor, I am back to feeling no effects from Duloxetine. I'm painfully depressed and have sudden bouts of extreme anger & irritability. I cry all the time, have no appetite, and hate going out in public. I've been on every antidepressant on the market. With Duloxetine, I might as well be eating Tic Tacs."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Cymbalta about one month ago. Initially, the dose was 30mg for 2 weeks and 60mg following. I cannot believe how well this has helped me. I suffered with depression and severe anxiety. I will continue this medication as I understand full benefit may not be reached for several months. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with Cymbalta. My only side effects are constipation and decreased appetite, which I have resolved with Miralax and eating small meals more often. I also realized the increased taste of salt during my meals, which has seemed to decrease more each day."

• g0l...
• November 16, 2018

For Anxiety "I had a large but benign brain tumor removed a year and a half ago. After my recovery, I had depression and anxiety, which I had never really experienced before. After dealing with it for over a year, I started generic Cymbalta three months ago. For the first two months, I took 30 mg a day. I experienced some initial insomnia, one day of upset stomach, and loss of appetite (lost 8 lbs) for about three weeks. It helped immediately with depression, while anxiety issues took about five weeks to improve. After two months, my doctor increased the dosage to 60 mg a day, which I've been taking for four weeks now. My anxiety has significantly improved, I feel it coming on now and then, but it doesn't last. I've regained the lost weight but nothing extra. I'm sleeping for 6-7 hours a night, which is about average for me. This medication has really helped me, I don't take anything else with it. I'm sorry to hear it affects some people so negatively, but please try to stay on it until your body can get used to the side effects. This drug has greatly improved my life."

• Rsa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

For Back Pain "I started 30mg Cymbalta 3 weeks ago for my neck and lower back pain. I feel so much better now. I went through weird side effects and lost appetite. I was afraid to take this medication after reading the reviews but everyone is different. I’ve been able to work and workout without pain. Cymbalta worked pretty well for me."

• KRW...
• July 24, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Cymbalta for two years now. It honestly changed my life. At the time I started taking it, I was a college athlete, and anxiety ruled my life. At first, I would take it during the morning hours, and I would immediately want to go to bed. That was my problem, I needed to take it about an hour or two before bed. I am still experimenting with the exact right time to take it (I sometimes wake up still feeling tired from it, but not sure if it's the medication or my routine now). I know certain medications work for some and not for others, but I would recommend this medication. I had slight symptoms at first, besides the tiredness - decreased appetite and no sexual desires or emotions. I still feel great! (30mg once daily)"

• NJR...
• September 20, 2011

For Peripheral Neuropathy "I have had non-diabetic neuropathy pain for several years. The pain was very intense, causing loss of sleep and impact to normal activities. I had tried Elavil, Lyrica, Neurontin, Mobic, Zanaflex, and many others. The cause of my pain is herniated discs, so physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments were also tried. A new pain doctor finally recommended Cymbalta and it was a miracle! After a week, there was a significant reduction and after 6 weeks, the reduction is truly outstanding. I have not encountered any side effects other than loss of appetite (a bonus!). I am taking 60mg daily and am grateful we tried this before attempting any invasive procedures. I strongly encourage anyone in my category to give this a try."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2020

For Depression "I was diagnosed with PMDD and was prescribed Cymbalta. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so sick in my life: nauseous, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and all of this after one dose. Never again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 27, 2016

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I have been on Cymbalta for over 2 years. I have M.S. and am a type 1 diabetic with severe neuropathy. Before this medication, the searing pain in my legs was unbearable. I could not walk because of it. I was originally put on gabapentin, and had such severe side effects that I quit taking it. My neurologist then prescribed me Cymbalta. He started me on a low dose, then after a month doubled it. Since then, I experience little to no pain. When I am a bit uncomfortable, I get in a warm bath and the pain is gone. I sleep better, have better control over my blood sugar as it does suppress appetite, but that means I am not munching or overeating. I cannot live without it!!!"

• Dif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2015

For Depression "My gosh... I can't say enough about this medication. I suffered through a series of traumatic events one three years ago, and felt that my dulled emotions were simply situational. Eventually, it got to the point where I couldn't maintain a clean house, missed deadlines, isolated myself from friends and others, and would pray that I wouldn't wake up some mornings. This is the first antidepressant I've tried, 30mg dose. Aside from slight appetite suppression, I've experienced no side effects. I've been on it almost a week, and I notice I awaken without that heavy depressive weight on my chest. The feelings of failure, the crying jags, and the crippling anxiety are diminishing already."

• Anonymous
• August 30, 2008

For Anxiety "Have been on Cymbalta for a little over 3 months. It has changed my life for the better. My anxiety had gotten to the point that I was hiding in the restroom at work during episodes almost every day. I am able to communicate what I am thinking more clearly. I don't break out in a sweat if something isn't going the way I think it should. I feel like myself before the panic/anxiety attacks started several years ago. I was dieting when I started taking Cymbalta and lost more weight than I had been averaging. Didn't have as much appetite as usual, which wasn't a bad thing. The irritability is gone, and I am a lot more pleasant to be around. I am me again."

• 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."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm one of the lucky ones with minimal side effects. I couldn't fall asleep for the first week, but now I am sleeping very well and see a lot of vivid dreams. My appetite is decreased, and I am losing weight, which makes me happy because I tended to overeat, and I needed to lose some weight. I am exercising every second day. I am taking the drug for major depressive disorder and severe anxiety. My anxiety was gone by approximately the third day of using it. My negative thinking decreased. Before taking Cymbalta, I was constantly feeling fear, waking up at night, my thinking was severely impaired by negative thinking, I was constantly feeling like crying, I felt dumb in general, and wanted to die. I'm back to life now."

• 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."

• rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2014

For Depression "I've tried about 15 to 20 different antidepressants in the last 21 years. Nothing has really helped, or it would help for a while then stop working. Cymbalta is only the second medication that is not only an SSRI but works with the dopamine in your body that I've tried. The first was Pristiq, and that affected me so badly I wouldn't shower for a week. I didn't want to do anything. Now with the Cymbalta, I'm more energetic and less hungry and feel much better! So far, it's working out wonderfully."