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Cymbalta and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

Reviews for Cymbalta

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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101 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • 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)"

8 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • 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."

9 / 10
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423 Report
  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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!"

10 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Maf...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 12, 2013

"Prescribed Cymbalta for migraines. Been on 18 days. Started at 20 mg, last 5 days at 40 mg. Past week has been daily diarrhea. I am tired, still have headaches, I am constantly nauseated, have no appetite, and my anxiety level has increased. They tell me to hold on, this will pass. It does not feel like it is going to help at all, and my insurance company really gave me a hard time covering this."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 17, 2012

For Pain "I had to stop taking Cymbalta after the first pill (30 mg) caused side effects for me. Nausea, chills and hot flashes, cold sweats, no appetite, insomnia. Too much for me, but I know this medicine has worked great for others, just not for me."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 12, 2012

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Did not work for me. I had nausea, abdominal and stomach pain, loss of appetite. I lost 5 lbs. in less than a week."

1 / 10
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  • two...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 21, 2012

For Depression "I was prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg a day. I take it in the evening to help with stress and depression. The side effects of dry mouth and loss of appetite only lasted about a week and a half, then subsided. My depression has been improving, but I must say a big benefit for me also has been my back pain, which has had me almost crippling at times. It is about non-existent, which I realized must be from the Cymbalta. Anyway, so far, so good."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

3 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • Ste...
  • December 13, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "I started taking 30 mg once a day of Cymbalta 4 weeks ago for fibromyalgia, and what a huge difference it has made for me. At the suggestion of my pharmacist, I take it in the morning after eating breakfast (helps prevent nausea), and I am more alert, aware, awake, able to function with less pain and fibro-fog, and I'm now sleeping better at night. I still wake up at 2-3 am but am able to fall back to sleep within a short time. On its own, it has not taken the pain fully away, but on most days it has brought it down to a level that is manageable with other techniques for dealing with pain (capsaicin rubs, Epsom salt baths, Tylenol, electric heating blanket). It has decreased my appetite, and for me, that's another plus!"

10 / 10
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  • Cal...
  • November 13, 2011

For Depression "I have suffered from major depression since childhood and have had fibromyalgia since 2000. I've tried Effexor, Paxil, Elavil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Nortriptyline, Prozac, and on and on. All made my depression worse and left me so tired I couldn't function. I promised her that I wouldn't quit taking it because of side effects and without talking to her first. Three weeks I had had it, but my husband kept encouraging me, and my doctor was out of town. In the 5th week, all the side effects (super, super fatigue, dizziness, nausea, stomach cramps, yawning, no appetite) have disappeared, and I feel fabulous emotionally and physically. Give it time if you've had little success with other antidepressants. This one worked for me."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 30, 2011

For Depression "Went on 60 mg Cymbalta. Was amazingly good for about a year. Minimal side effects except for some reduction in appetite, which was a bit of a problem and caused tiredness at work. It got my life back for me for a while at a time when I thought only of death. I began socializing and getting into hobbies, etc. I then had to work on issues I had created while in depression, such as drinking. At about 1 year, however, some strange effects started occurring. I would, for about a week per month, become fearful and could not leave the house. Eventually went to a psychiatrist who suggested stopping cold turkey. That was okay, no problems."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 13, 2011

For Depression "This medicine saved my life! After just 3 weeks of use, I started noticing a major difference. I did experience really bad side effects at first, such as nausea, insomnia, and loss of appetite. But after 4 days, these side effects started to subside, and after the first week, they were completely gone. I can't even remember the last time I felt this good! I would recommend it to everyone."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • dir...
  • August 19, 2011

For Depression "I have been on Cymbalta for depression for 3 weeks now. I have had a wide range of side effects: sleeplessness, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, sweating, nausea, a constant bad taste in my mouth, and a total loss of libido. I spoke to my doctor about this, and he said it may take a few weeks to really kick in. I hope it hurries up. I had been on other antidepressants a few years ago with no side effects. After 2 days, I feel the medicine has lifted me slightly, but not as much as I would have hoped."

4 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.