Cymbalta and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Meg...
• August 13, 2014

For Anxiety "I'm 5 weeks into taking Duloxetine for depression and anxiety and have had an overall positive experience. My anxiety was greatly reduced after only 4 days on 40mg per day, including stopping negative thoughts, no more panic attacks at night, etc. The second week, I was very tired and depressed without the anxiety, sleeping many hours each day. But by the third week, both depression and anxiety were greatly reduced. However, by the end of the month, the anxiety had started to return slightly, and my doctor has now increased the dose to 80mg per day. I had slight nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite, and some indigestion during the first week or so, and now again since I have upped the dose, but I imagine these will disappear again soon."

• Abe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have had depression as far back as I can remember, diagnosed with GAD and major depression along with PTSD due to two life-changing events I went through. I've tried Zoloft (did nothing), Effexor XR (made me sleep 24/7), Celexa (caused SEVERE anxiety attacks), and just started Cymbalta, on day 7, and I can't believe how much better I already feel at 30mg 1x a day. I also just had 2 major back surgeries and am learning to walk again at age 35, yet despite my trials, I feel happier, positive, lower anxiety, etc. The first day I did have severe throwing up spells, but that's gone, low appetite still but a good thing for me, INCREASED sex drive & sleep like a baby. I take it at 8 every day. Good luck, everyone's different!"

• Fib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I am 46 and have suffered from depression since I was a teenager and fibromyalgia pain and stiffness since I was 30. Nothing else helped much. I tried gabapentin, Prozac, and other antidepressants. Ibuprofen and tramadol helped a little with the pain but not like Cymbalta! I started on 30 mg and worked up to 90 mg daily. I feel like I am cured! No more morning pain and stiffness, no more aches and pain, and my mood is so much brighter! I haven't felt this happy since I was a kid. I am laughing all the time. I can do things that I haven't been able to do physically for years. I started jogging. Side effects have been a loss of appetite, insomnia, and hot flashes but well worth it!"

• xxo...
• November 18, 2007

For Anxiety "I'm 29 & been on Cymbalta 1 week, prior to taking, couldn't sleep (4 hrs on average), panic attacks, acne breakouts, hair falling out, highly stressed, now a little disoriented at times, loss of appetite (not a bad thing), great sleep (much needed) and I'm much calmer. The doctor wants to add Wellbutrin in 30 days but I am not going that route. I am very pleased with the direction we are going in now it is just taking some time to adjust to the side effects and new routine of actually resting!!"

• dan...
• February 18, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Cymbalta and I noticed a difference immediately! I felt more relaxed and happy in general. I take Lamictal for bipolar disorder and after finding that medicine alone not being enough, my doctor prescribed Cymbalta. I've been in a pleasant mood with my family, friends, and at work. Not stressing out about leaving the house or having a busy schedule and getting anxiety about it. It has also helped with my lower back pain I have been dealing with for the last 3 years. It's only been 2 weeks and the only thing I can say is, I seem to yawn a lot and have less of an appetite. If it messes with my sex drive and lowers it... I'm off it."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been taking it for 10 days. On the first day, I had an upset stomach. I took it for 2 days at night, but I was having insomnia, getting only 3-5 hours of sleep. I switched to mornings and started getting 6-7 hours of sleep after 1 week. I noticed a big improvement with slight depression within the first few days (I was easily emotional several times a day). My anxiety is not gone, but it seems to be getting better already. I experienced a little dry mouth and decreased appetite (I lost 4 lbs), but that seems to be getting better each day. The first few days can be a little rough, but I'm seeing improvements, and I suggest to people to stay with it, the side effects will improve."

• Fit...
• June 6, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on 100mg of Pristiq which really wasn't working for me. I stopped taking medication and started having suicidal thoughts. A friend recommended Cymbalta, so I saw a doctor and started on 30mg. Within a month, my depression was nearly non-existent. I had off days, but overall, it was amazing. After the month, though, I noticed I was starting to feel down and irritable towards the end of the day (I take mine at night before sleep). I've been increased to 60mg and I can't be happier. I have not felt this calm and happy with life in close to 7 years. There are noticeable side effects for me. I have extremely vivid dreams most nights and I can recall most of them upon waking. Also, loss of appetite is a big one."

• cpb...
• December 8, 2016

For Anxiety "After taking Cipralex for anxiety for over 6 months, I began to experience a very low mood and energy levels. My doctor recommended I switch to Cymbalta. Overall, my experience has been positive. I didn't even notice, but on Cipralex, I had a very decreased sex drive that rebounded right back once I was put on Cymbalta. I had trouble finishing the first 2 weeks during sex, but this side effect, along with decreased appetite, dissipated after the first 3 weeks of treatment. Overall, my mood has stabilized, and I feel very good on this drug. Please note that people tend to report either great or horrible experiences, and everyone reacts to drugs differently. Take reviews with a grain of salt and always collaborate with your doctor for the best results."

• Pas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2015

For Depression "I am one of the luckiest ones for sure. Cymbalta is only my second prescription after Mirtazapine, and it did the magic for me. I love Cymbalta because it not only reduced depression but anxiety too. So it's two in one. My depression has reduced a lot in just one week of use. To be honest, this medication affected me after the second day of use. And it's only a start, I haven't even completed 3 weeks yet. I have full hope in Cymbalta that it will make me a happy person soon. Highly recommended for people who have both depression and anxiety. Side effects are slightly annoying, though. It kills my appetite, which is really bad for me as I am too underweight, mild nausea in the morning, constipation, and on top of that insomnia. But it's all worth the result."

• mir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2023

For Chronic Pain "I suffered a cheerleading accident that resulted in a fractured neck and a bad concussion, causing terrible migraines, motion sickness, and loss of feeling in my hands and feet, making it difficult to sleep. Seeking medical attention, I was referred to a neurologist who prescribed 30 mg of Cymbalta. Initially, the medication was a godsend, helping me sleep through the night, eliminating my migraines, and restoring feeling to my limbs. However, after three months, my doctor decided to increase my dose to 60 mg and then to 90 mg. Missing or taking the medication just 30 minutes late would render me unable to function. My weight fluctuated randomly, and I experienced passing out, teeth sensitivity and yellowing, brain zaps, and depression. Over a year, I tried to taper off the medication, but with no success. Withdrawal symptoms were intense, including intrusive thoughts, changes in appetite, vivid dreams, and severe mood swings. Prior to taking this medication, I urge you to research the '33-page document of Cymbalta symptoms.'"

• Vin...
• December 23, 2015

For Depression "I just started this medication two days ago and felt the effects within the same day. It was an absolute miracle, like a curse was lifted off of me. I'll have to wait a few weeks and be observant of its effects, which so far have only been a decrease in appetite. All in all, this drug saved my life."

• Ali...
• August 9, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on again off again taking Cymbalta for about 5 years. The longest amount I have stayed on it consistently being 2 years. Unlike most of the reviews I’ve read and experiences I’ve heard, Cymbalta actually gives me insomnia for the first week or two that I take it, it also suppresses my appetite a lot and makes my mind feel fuzzy. But Cymbalta also works immensely for me in terms of my depression, which has been severe since childhood, making it feel manageable. The withdrawals do suck, I get insomnia again, restless legs, and brain zaps. If you can stay on this medication consistently or long term, it’s a good option for depression/anxiety. But if you are not, then I don’t recommend it, the side effects at the beginning and end are rough."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the beginnings of osteoarthritis. I'm a 24-year-old mother of 3 children, and for me, Cymbalta has helped manage my pain. With 2 kiddos under the age of 3 and a special-needs stepchild, I don't have time to hurt, and I definitely can't lay around when I have a flare-up. Cymbalta has made the pain lessen from a screaming pain to more of a whisper. Do I still have flares? Yes. But they are fewer, and the pain is less, and I am able to control my flares better with the help of naproxen and a muscle relaxer. As far as side effects, I've noticed some loss of appetite and constipation. Every medication has some sort of negative effect, but you have to pick and choose what you are willing to live with."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started Cymbalta in September 2011 for depression and anxiety. My doctor started me off on 30 mg a day for 2 weeks, then switched me to 60 mg a day. The side effects I noticed right away were dry mouth and loss of hunger (not a bad thing - I lost 5 lbs in 2 weeks). After being on 60 mg for about a month, I started to have pretty bad night sweats, and I mean INTENSE night sweats - you wonder how your body can possibly hold that much water. But they have gotten fewer and far between now, and my dry mouth has subsided as well. About 2 months ago, my doctor switched me back to 30 mg a day - the 60 mg dose was causing my stomach to hurt and burn for about 3 hours after taking it despite taking it with or without food. It helps with GAD. Try it."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2022

For Chronic Pain "I took Cymbalta for a month at 30 mg and then increased the dose to 60 mg. It is a week later, and this morning I woke up to an almost pain-free experience. Cymbalta is strong: it temporarily made me overly wakeful at night, and my appetite has decreased. But this is a small price to pay for freedom from brutal arthritis pain and a more positive outlook. I am incredibly grateful for this medication, especially as I have now been able to stop taking NSAIDs for pain relief."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2011

For Pain "I have been on Cymbalta for 2 months and it has really helped my back pain. I have had chronic back pain for 3 years due to a fall. I have had my back MRI and I have no disk problems, so it is muscle pain. Cymbalta has really helped. It does still bother me some days but not as much as before. In the beginning, I had a lot of nausea with Cymbalta but that went away after about a week. I was determined to give it a chance. With some of the side effects, it is easy to give up, but it does get better. Now I have no problems, maybe a little less of an appetite, but that might not be such a bad thing."

• Sad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 6, 2021

For Depression "This drug has ruined me. I wasn’t told the effects it would have on my body when prescribed to me 8 months ago. I have tapered off over a 2-month period, and through this time, I can’t sleep, eat, work, I throw up constantly, my under-eyes are black, I've become more depressed going through this, and I’ve almost forgotten what it feels like to be okay."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2008

For Depression "I have been on this for one month. I have progressed up in dosage very quickly due to my lack of control over my depression. I started at 30 mg per day, and since my doctor participates in clinical trials, he's aware of how far he can progress with this medication. I am now on 120mg per day, just after a month. It's given me more energy, less appetite, no weight gain. I feel like I can live my life and cope. I'm temporarily taking it with Klonopin, but hope to be just on Cymbalta soon."

• Leo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I have been on Cymbalta 20 mg for the last 3 months for my neck pain. I am developing a skin rash on my neck. It’s itching and red. Also, little blisters too. Also, my appetite has decreased to the point that I have lost 10 pounds. My pain is still the same."

• Me ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I took Cymbalta for 1 month for my pain. After about 2 weeks, bad side effects set in. I had stomach pain, memory loss, nauseated feeling, no hunger, dizziness - almost falling over. I felt so bad I knew not what to do. Finally, I told a few close people about what was going on, and I decided to call my doctor to get off Cymbalta. The doctor told me to stop immediately and rest. I did and slowly began to feel better. It's been 3 days and I'm still not normal, but a little better. I'm putting my words out there that if you're afraid of stuff like this, please stay away from Cymbalta. I think it should be taken out of the pharmacy. It is horrible."

• 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."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2015

For Depression "I started Cymbalta over a month ago. I have been on at least six other depression medications in the past. Before this medicine, my depression was so bad I couldn't go to work without losing it. I was unemployed for two months to take time away to get help with depression. I spent a week in the hospital because I was ready to kill myself and felt like I didn't have a purpose for being here. I learned a lot about myself in the hospital, it was one of the best things I could have done for myself. As of today, I am a month free of depression, where before I couldn't go minutes without major depression. I have energy and motivation again. I do have a decreased appetite on this medication. I take it once in the morning and at night."

• Sin...
• July 1, 2016

For Back Pain "I wanted to write this in the hope of helping others. I've been dealing with chronic back pain that got a lot worse and intolerable the last few months. I couldn't sit or drive without back spasms and shooting nerve pain. I was at my wits' end. I tried a Medrol 5-day pack, it didn't seem to help much. My doctor suggested a low dose of 20 mg of Cymbalta. I was desperate, so I thought I would try it, and it's made a major difference-almost immediately. The side effects were bad for about 3-4 days: super tired, yawning nonstop, very fuzzy, and no appetite. But I've been on it now for almost a month, and I'm back to light workouts and able to do mostly normal things. It does affect your libido, though. My doctor also recommended Valium at night."

• hig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have dealt with generalized anxiety disorder since my early 20s and have tried many SSRIs. The results were typically lukewarm or ended with increased migraines. In the early 2000s, I was put on Effexor (SSNI), and it worked. This was pre-time release formula. Although I titrated off, as directed, I still suffered significant withdrawal. Fast forward to 2013, and my doctor suggests I try it again. This time it's the extended-release. It was 3 days of hell. Nauseous, confused, and couldn't eat or sleep. Ended up in urgent care with instructions to stop immediately. The current psychiatrist decided to push Cymbalta (duloxetine) for a few months. I argued because I had such a hard time with Effexor. But after a few months of arguing, I agreed to start at a low 20 mg dose. He wanted me to double the dosage every week for 3 weeks. Side effects were worse than Effexor. Visual disturbances, could not eat or sleep, my heart rate slowed to 40 bpm, and I couldn't regulate my temp. Immediately stopped taking it."