Cymbalta and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• ham...
• November 3, 2015

For Depression "Been on it for three days. I am starting to feel good again. First day was sick to my stomach and had a very nervous feeling, but the second day was better. It makes you sweat really easy, but worth it. So far, I feel like getting back to my old self, happy again, making small steps, but it really is working with little side effects after two days. Very hopeful!!!"

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2010

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I have peripheral neuropathy and very bad pain in my back. Cymbalta made a huge improvement in my pain level. The doctor started me gradually to lessen the nausea. I have worked up to 30 mg twice a day for a total of 60 mg. I have been taking it for 3 months and still find the pain level and my frame of mind much improved. I do have slight nausea occasionally and dry mouth. The excessive sweating has gone away."

• Lyn...
• November 13, 2020

For Back Pain "Doc prescribed Cymbalta for nerve pain resembling shingles. Entire right torso, front and back, feels like I had been dragged on asphalt behind a truck! I also have severe diabetic neuropathy in my feet and hands. 1st day on Cymbalta, I was a little nauseous with a noticeable headache. Had trouble sleeping. I didn't hear the alarm, so I overslept. 2nd day (today), still can't sleep. Even with Ambien. No change in pain levels yet. Going to try taking it before bed tonight. Hoping it will work for me. Would like to get off gabapentin. Taking 2400 mg per day, which can't be good for me! Thanks for listening."

• its...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Cymbalta seemed to help at first, until the side effects became unbearable and it stopped working. It made me sleep over 12 hours a day, gain a bunch of weight, and made me have no libido whatsoever. Not to mention, it's extremely hard to come off of. I stopped it last week, and I'm still experiencing withdrawals -- brain zaps, nausea, headache. I would not recommend Cymbalta for fibro. It might help your pain, but it'll make your fatigue worse."

• Nor...
• December 22, 2014

For Depression "I've suffered from anxiety and depression for years... my attitude was bad, my outlook on life was bleak, I stressed about everything, and I worried constantly. I've tried several different meds like Effexor, Wellbutrin, and Citalopram, but those made me feel weird and paranoid, and then my anxiety increased. I almost gave up on trying to cure this mess of depression and anxiety I have, but after I started on Cymbalta 3 days ago, I immediately felt great! I feel so much more alive! The first day I took it, I ran to the toilet and vomited, but right afterward, I started to feel amazing! Now I'm on day 3 and haven't experienced any nausea or vomiting at all. I had sex with my boyfriend yesterday, and I climaxed as usual. Cymbalta is GREAT!"

• 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."

• CGW...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2016

For Depression "So far, so good. I haven't been on it very long, but I definitely feel like my overall quality of life has improved. Mild headache and nausea the first week or two, which went away. I still get sad when sad things happen, but it no longer feels overwhelming. The 'doom and gloom' is definitely gone. I take 2 a day in the morning."

• MtR...
• July 16, 2015

For Chronic Pain "First placed on medication for severe arthritis of one hip. Helped with pain at the lower dose, however, eventually, I needed an increased dose. The increased dose increased my nausea, weird dreams, itchy skin, and twitching. My blood pressure also increased. I began to stumble and fall while walking slowly. My nerves seemed to cause me to tremble internally. Currently, I am tired all the time, however, I cannot stay asleep at night. Last year, I tried to get off the medication, however, I had severe withdrawal. I had trouble standing up, I was so dizzy, and my stomach was upset. I will soon be getting a hip replacement since the side effects decrease your quality of life. I am withdrawing from this medication prior to surgery."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Horrible. Made my stomach upset, groggy, nausea, anxiety worse. After one day!!! I can't handle it. I can't believe how hard it is to find decent pain relief. Inhumane to keep someone alive with nerve pain."

• 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."

• Cia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2021

For Anxiety "I've been taking this for two weeks now, and I must admit that I wanted to stop after 2 or 3 days because of nausea, brain fog, and headaches, but I pushed through, and I'm so glad that I did. For the first time in such a long time, I can feel life returning to normal now. I can get out of bed in the mornings now and actually look forward to going to work. I'm two weeks in now and on a 30 mg dose, and I am so glad that I took this leap of faith. I understand that this won't work for everyone, but you must push past the initial 4 or 5 days to be able to make a solid decision. Life is good now."

• hel...
• August 16, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta for 6 years. It was a lifesaver for me as I was unable to take the SSRIs due to retinal detachment, and the older type of medicines did little for me. During the first 2 weeks of Cymbalta, nausea was the most common side effect, but that only lasted for approx 3-4 weeks. This medicine gave me my life back after suffering for years from fear and anxiety. Thanks, Eli Lilly."

• Car...
• February 4, 2021

For Anxiety "I took Cymbalta for only 4 days and had to get off of it. Even with taking 1.5 mg of Xanax a day, I could not get over my extreme anxiety and jitteriness. I was constantly in my head and experiencing horrible physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, hot flashes, and nausea, and having to go to the bathroom frequently. Panic symptoms would crop up like every 2 hours, and I felt like the Xanax was barely doing anything for me to stop the anxiety. This was the worst medication I have been on by far!"

• 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."

• Ash...
• January 26, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "Started this medicine on 1/17/2018. It has worked wonders for me. I haven't known what pain-free was for 10+ years. The first day or two, I was a bit nauseous and had on-and-off headaches, but felt a decrease in pain immediately. After the 2nd day, nausea passed, and I've felt great, other than being tired all the time, but I'm used to that. I hope everyone else can feel relief with this medicine like I have."

• 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."

• cou...
• July 1, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "This medicine delivers as promised as far as pain relief. I noticed a reduction in pain 3 days into taking it. The only pain it doesn't eliminate is my lower back pain. It even helps with my migraines! Negatives are the side effects when getting used to the med (nausea, fatigue) and the fact that your body gets used to it, so you have to keep upping the dosage. Recommend starting out on the lowest dosage possible."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2011

For Anxiety "This medication did amazing things for me after being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I suffered panic attacks, inability to control my emotions, crying to bouts of anger, along with other symptoms. Within 2 weeks, there was a huge change. I am now laughing and joking again, I have no mood swings, no more crying, I have no anger issues now, just incredible. I did suffer side effects for the first 17 days and was very nauseous. The first few days are the worst, and then it eases off, some minor headaches, a small amount of fever, a little more sweating, some dizziness, but overall, it was worth it. Back to a happy-go-lucky girl."

• Dah...
• June 3, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Cymbalta for 3 days. I have had nausea and a drop in appetite. I experienced sleeplessness on my 3rd night and hot flashes. I have found that taking it in the morning is better for me. This is my second round of taking Cymbalta."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2011

For Pain "I just took a first dose of 30 mg of Cymbalta at 4:45 p.m., and by 9:30 p.m., I developed nausea. The nausea subsided by 11:00, and the pain in my feet seemed to melt away. I have suffered for many years with chronic pain from degenerative bone spurs in my spine and fibromyalgia in my feet. This gives me a warm, comfortable feeling. I pray this will work for a long time. Being in so much pain for so long and having this relief sure takes the edge off. Thanks for the relief."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2021

For Chronic Pain "I took my first dose around 8:30 pm last night (30 mg). Went to sleep around 10:30 pm. Woke at 2 am with hallucination-type dreams, felt like I would vomit. I went to the couch so I wouldn’t wake my husband. I shivered, sweated, had diarrhea, and was in a dream-like state but couldn’t sleep. The nausea was the worst. Hard to keep even water down. Through the rest of the day I had nausea hitting me hard, could only make it to the bathroom. Finally called the doctor and asked for nausea medication, and that seems to help some. I’m never taking this again and wouldn’t recommend it for someone new to antidepressants. I’m almost 24 hours from my first dose, and I’m still feeling sick, but can eat a little now."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2022

For Anxiety "I have had a very good experience with Cymbalta thus far. I was prescribed the medication for GAD and chronic pain from osteoarthritis. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks now and have had outstanding results; within a week, my anxiety/stress and chronic pain were sizably reduced. This medication has allowed me to function at a normal level again without panic attacks, irritation, anger, etc. I did have a few minor side effects for the first week (mild nausea, upset stomach, and suppression of appetite), but they have all subsided. I was very apprehensive to be prescribed a medication for mental health, but I am glad I did and have been astonished at how well this medication works."

• Has...
• August 5, 2016

For Depression "It didn't help depression or low-grade chronic pain at all. I had better depression relief from Celexa and Wellbutrin. But the biggest reason I caution against Cymbalta is because of the extreme withdrawal symptoms I experienced. I followed the doctor-recommended protocol to wean off. Weaning seems to mean prolonging misery. The nausea and dizziness I have endured for the last 5+ weeks with no end in sight is debilitating. I urge you to please research your options thoroughly before even trying Cymbalta."

• Bir...
• July 13, 2016

For Depression "I went on Cymbalta for my fibromyalgia pain and depression. I never had any real early side effects like nausea or vomiting, but I have gained 15 pounds. My meds have helped me, and I don't suffer from as many days of dreading to get out of bed. Cymbalta has helped me greatly, and if some extra weight is the price I have to pay to be happy, then I can deal with that."