Cymbalta and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• 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.'"

• 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."

• Zpf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 30 years old. I started this drug about 5 days ago. Day 1-3 was horrible. I had side effects of fatigue, nausea, mild panic attacks, muscular skeletal pain and spasms on my eyelid, dry mouth, and some dizziness that faded. I am still experiencing muscle spasms, a little nausea, loss of appetite, and some depersonalization here and there. I noticed the positives. I felt some euphoria, less depression, and less fatigue, but overall I’m trying to do my best to just rough it out and see in the next 3 days if things get better. It is different for everyone. I’m only on a 30 mg dose, but little by little, I have breakthroughs that are positive. My thoughts did race a little, but just gotta pray and have hope it works. Overall, some of the negatives disappear. I will keep people updated! I have autism, ADHD, GAD, and PTSD, so just keep praying."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2022

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Cymbalta for my anxiety. I suffer from migraines and paroxysmal hypertension, which have been debilitating. I really wanted Cymbalta to work, however, it made my hypertension episodes much worse, and I could not take it after the fifth dose. I also suffered from new onset night sweats, nausea, decreased appetite, dizziness, constipation, and increased anxiety and agitation. I’m sure that it has helped many people, however, the side effects for me were too severe to continue. It’s possible I could’ve continued if I did not have to work, but I have a full-time job. I will be trying another anxiety medication, perhaps an SSRI. I just think that my body cannot handle the SNRI. Everyone is different. My mom takes Cymbalta, and she had no side effects whatsoever, and it works wonderfully for her. My mom suffers from migraines and fibromyalgia. I hope this helps somebody."

• Jk7...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Only took one capsule and had the worst reaction of my life. After half an hour, started to hallucinate and couldn't feel my arms or legs. Felt like I was glued to the bed while seeing things that weren't there. Was in and out of consciousness and woke up in the middle of the night being violently sick. Had to go to A&E, where they gave me an injection to stop me from throwing up. For the next three days, I had no appetite and slept almost constantly. I took the pill on Saturday and didn't feel normal again until Tuesday. I still don't remember how I got back from the hospital. Phoned the doctor on the Wednesday, and he said it was something to do with too much serotonin. It seems like people either respond well to it or become very sick. But overall, it didn't suit me, so wouldn't recommend."

• Ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2021

For Chronic Pain "If you are seeking treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, and depression as a person with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, especially if you also have temperature or orthostatic intolerance or other dysautonomic symptoms. DO NOT TAKE THIS. I started at 30 mg and increased all the way to 120 mg (then decreased back down to 60 mg and eventually weaned off). I noticed no change to my pain levels. I did experience an increase in energy - but not a positive one - I experienced insomnia, tachycardia, and extremely severe anxiety. I did a lot of risk-taking while on this medication, and increasingly wished I was never born. Lost my appetite entirely and lost 20-25% of my body weight. The sweating was unbearable. Between the malnutrition and the nightmares, I managed to chip two teeth by grinding them in the few hours I was able to sleep. I may have bone loss as well. It made me very dizzy with the underlying POTS, and I now require beta blockers twice daily to manage my heart rate despite cessation of Cymbalta use."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I have just started week 2 on Cymbalta. I was on Lexapro for 3 years and tapered off. After 1 year, my anxiety attacks started to return. It got so bad that my periods skipped or stopped altogether due to stress. I was crying off and on all day and was paranoid from sunup to sundown. Cymbalta has already started making minor changes in my life for the better. The first few nights, I suffered horrendous panic attacks, excessive sweating, and ice-in-my-veins sensations. (That also happened when I started Lexapro years ago.) I can say that most side effects have subsided, with the exception of low appetite. I am focusing at work, I feel lighter and happier, and have not experienced an anxiety attack since starting the medication. I feel better than I have in almost a year and look forward to this new journey. Thank you, science!"

• 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."

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2021

For Chronic Pain "After being on Paxil for over 25 years for anxiety/panic attacks, but as I age, I have ankle and leg pain. So between the dr and I, we thought I should try Cymbalta. So straight to Cymbalta 30 mg from 20 mg Paxil. What a nightmarish week: no appetite, nausea, throwing up, severe headaches, weakness, tight chest, and every side effect listed. Thank the Lord I do not work anymore, 'cause there is no way a person could function like that at work. Day 5, called Dr to see what I should do to get off Cymbalta, that I’m done. She said just start taking Paxil again. Day two, Paxil still, trying to get that horrible Cymbalta med out of me. Using milk thistle and B complex. Please read all the side effects. Liver and brain damage! Any drinking alcohol has a very high risk of liver damage. High blood pressure also. Do your research ... very scary, mind-altering drug. General med Drs really need to study more about the horrible withdrawal side effects and side effects of new antidepressants."

• Fel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2021

For Chronic Pain "Medical issues: chronic, back, muscle, joint, anxiety, PTSD, and mild depression. I was on tramadol for 12 years. I was assaulted and strangled in May 2020, which left me with the feeling of losing myself. The doctor put me on klonopin, which semi-worked. I went back and told him I didn't feel 'complete.' He put me on Cymbalta. Getting off of it sucked. The first week I had problems sleeping. I also felt a sense of euphoria at first, relaxed like nothing in the world would bother me. I still have a loss of appetite since starting Cymbalta and weight loss. I don't get nearly as much deep sleep as I used to. I wake up randomly at 3 or 4 in the morning. Four weeks in, this has helped my mood so much, I'm on a level playing field now as far as anxiety goes. So far, it's been a godsend for my mental health and physically I wish for less pain, but it's better. I've noticed a difference with standing longer and less tossing and turning."

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

For Back Pain "I had insomnia badly for the first couple of days, but taking it in the morning helped. I also experienced a lack of appetite for the first couple of weeks and felt very energized. It faded, but the same things happened when the dose was increased to 60 mg. 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."

• 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."

• Liv...
• January 18, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Cymbalta is the best antidepressant I have been prescribed since my diagnosis of MDD in 2016. I have been taking 90 mg nightly shortly before I go to sleep. With my depression, anxiety creeps up on me at night, causing severe insomnia. In combination with Trazodone, my body actually gets a full 8 hours of sleep. Though there are downsides, around 12-16 hours after my dosage, I do feel the same unpleasant thoughts creeping up on me, yet very much have improved. With Cymbalta, missed dosages will not go unnoticed. Physically, my body rejects sleep, loss of appetite and tremors come back after 24 hours without a dose. Brain zaps and skin tingling are unpleasant, and taking this medication every day is vital to preventing a relapse. To me, the pros outweigh the cons. I am alive! At one time, as I was newly prescribed Cymbalta 14 months ago, I didn’t see that as attainable. Nighttime is helpful for me, and time of day to take this drug is an important inquiry for your psychiatrist."

• 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."

• 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?"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Pog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I feel this has helped my back pain, but possible side effects are loose bowels, loss of appetite, and lost weight. Not sure if I should continue."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."