Cymbalta and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mis...
• April 7, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Cymbalta 60 mg daily in 2010 after taking natural therapies that just didn’t work. I had severe depression and anxiety. First started on 30 mg the first month, then increased to 60 mg. Side effects were yawning, tight jaw. But I found the Cymbalta had helped me immensely, with my dark thoughts, sadness, and hopelessness had disappeared. I did try going off it a few years ago very gradually, as I thought I was well again, but every day was such an effort, serotonin was so low. Depression returned, and I just thought this is crazy, go back on it. I have so many friends that are so anti-prescribed drugs. So I just don’t enter into discussions as it only upsets me because I need this medication. I find I’m happy, healthy in mind. My libido is quite low, but I’m active in sport and the community, which helps me."

• TPa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2019

For Depression "Cymbalta helped me get through a rough patch in my life. I am grateful for how it allowed me to cope with my sibling's passing. I was on 60 mg and recently decided it was time to move on and discontinue medication. I decreased dosage every two weeks by 10 mg, then weekly by 5 mg (taking out one small pill of the 12 pills in the capsule). Please talk to your doctor if you wish to taper off the drug, but this method worked for me. I was terrified of withdrawals based on the horror stories I read, but I had almost no withdrawal symptoms. The sexual side effect of the drug was a real bummer, and the only negative of my experience."

• Pur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 11, 2019

For Anxiety "I've had GAD pretty much all my life, but developed increasing depression and withdrawal from social activities. Finally, I bit the bullet and told my doctor. He started me on duloxetine, 30 mg, with the warnings about weight gain and sexual dysfunction and commented we could increase to 60 mg in three or four weeks if needed. Never needed the increase - 30 mg is perfect. I have gained 4 or 5 pounds. I did notice the sexual dysfunction (loss of interest and difficulty 'finishing' at first), so I would hold my meds a day or two before bath and treat night, which worked fine. Pretty much back to normal in that regard. The best thing is I can get more than one or two errands completed now. I call my pills 'do lots of things' now!"

• Sur...
• December 25, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 35-year-old female taking 60 mg of Cymbalta for major depressive disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. I have been on this drug for 2 years. I went from a daily emotional pain level of 7-8 to about a 2-3, with a 1 on very good days. Most of the side effects were transient. The remaining side effects are occasional night sweats with vivid dreams, constipation, and lowered libido. Note that my sex drive has always been on the low side (hormonal birth control may be a factor), so this was not a dramatic change from my personal baseline. A year ago, I was on 80 mg. I was taken down to 60 mg due to elevated liver enzymes. The decrease in dosage resolved the issue in under 6 months. The decrease did not compromise efficacy since 60 mg appears to be the most therapeutic dose for me. I recently discovered I have slightly low thyroid levels at my last annual physical. I was instructed to recheck this in 6 months to make sure I do not have hypothyroidism."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

For Anxiety "Cymbalta worked amazingly for me for GAD & depression a few years ago, & helped with chronic pain from herniated discs & headaches after a bad auto accident. Unfortunately, bad side effects such as loss of sexual interest, chronic abdominal pain, & constipation forced me to stop taking it & got back on Zoloft for the past couple of years. Losing my mom to cancer has devastated me to the point of desperation for help to survive the darkest days of my life. Praying for strength & peace from these oppressive spirits & terrible panic attacks, plus battling horrific chronic pain. The doctor put me back on Cymbalta 60mg, so I’ve been taking 30mg for a week now & this time around I’ve been having more abdominal pains & high blood pressure, hopefully this is just temporary because overall Cymbalta worked better than any other antidepressant for anxiety, pain, & depression so I’m going to keep taking it a few more weeks & slowly increase dosage. Take care & God bless all."

• Miz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "Worked reasonably for a while, despite the side effects like 0 sex drive, intense sweating, and something close to hemophilia-like bleeding from tiny cuts. I just kept taking it for 3 years or so because the BIG ISSUE is the insane withdrawal even from missing one dose. Trying to quit was a nightmare. Went from 120 mg down to 30 mg over time, which was pretty bad. Eventually just threw it away for good and spent the better part of a month in serious withdrawal condition. 5 months on, and I am worse than I ever was when starting it. The withdrawal process has triggered so much anxiety that I am now stuck with, and don't know how to deal with or get rid of. Thanks, Dr., for not warning me of any of this."

• jim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 29, 2018

For Anxiety "Three to four years ago, my terrific wife thought my behavior was changing (mostly impatient) while I was taking Effexor, so my doctor had me try Cymbalta, and my mood improved according to my wife. I also have mild to moderate depression, and this drug also took care of that, as well as my anxiety (occasional panic attacks-really scary). Now none! Now the not-so-good news. I believe the drug is attributable to increased ED, lower libido, tiredness, and occasional brain 'zaps' (1-2 times/month on average, usually at night when I first try to go to sleep, they last a few seconds but are frightening nevertheless). Overall, I recommend it, but realizing some of these situations could occur."

• hou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 21, 2017

For Depression "This drug has changed my life. Before taking Cymbalta, I was depressed, anxious, and borderline suicidal. Within a few weeks of my first dose (60mg), I noticed that I was more outgoing, friendly, and that my mood had significantly improved. Although I experience some sexual side effects, the drug has been incredible on the whole. I'd highly recommend it."

• may...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2017

For Anxiety "I have never in my life functioned properly until Cymbalta. I have gone from panic attacks to public speaking with no hesitation. I finally have a real life. I don't overstress. I no longer ruminate. No shakings, no lasting side effects. A bit hyper and loss of libido but sorted out in a few months. I never want to come off it. Changed my life totally. Been on 60 mg for 20 months."

• 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."

• Big...
• October 15, 2016

For Anxiety "Guys, I have unbearable anxiety every day. Nothing seems to work. I'm currently on Lyrica, which dulls it down a little, but it's highly addictive, and you can't miss a dose or you go through hell. It affects your sex drive, also. I have tried all the anti-D's I can think of, but nothing seems to work. Life is hell every day. I get up, and it's the same mental torment. What do I do? Is Cymbalta worth trying?"

• Fra...
• July 25, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Add on to 30 mg mirtazapine. Cymbalta taken in the morning. 1st day: diarrhea, very stoned feeling all day, slightly more anxious. 2nd day: slightly more depressed and anxious, a little less stoned feeling, slight constipation, sexual dysfunction. 3rd day: extremely depressed...worst I've ever felt. Suicidal. 4th day: same extreme and worsening depression. Couldn't handle it, stopped taking it after the 4th day. Worsened depression to the extreme. Don't know if the side effects would've lessened, but couldn't take the extreme depression. Sexual dysfunction also added to depression."

• 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."

• Tim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had been on Zoloft for 8 years before it just stopped working. Doctor switched me to Cymbalta, and I was very fortunate that it worked really well for 6 years. Unfortunately, my insurance company switched approval for this to the generic version, which absolutely is not the same. It slowly started losing efficacy. So my doctor had to increase my daily dosage (on the generic version) from 60 mg to 90 mg. At 60 mg, I didn't have sexual side effects, but I did at 90 mg, which was not acceptable to me. So back down to 60 mg I went. Now I'm having 'breakthrough' symptoms again: anger, irritability, lack of interest in things. I'm not sure what I'll do, but I'm pretty sure I have to switch meds completely again."

• Baz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 16, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "After years of hell and sensitivity to so many meds, paroxetine, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, citalopram, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, lithium, sodium valproate, lamotrigine... finally... finally... I'm on Duloxetine and it's working with no side effects... no sweats, no vomiting, no stomach cramps, jaw clenching, loss of sex drive... I cannot believe it's actually working and both lifting my mood and killing the pain."

• Asp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2016

For Depression "Cymbalta has definitely helped me as far as depression and anxiety. It's the only medication that's worked so far. The only problem I've had with it is that it takes away my ability to orgasm and my sex drive in general."

• Asp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2016

For Depression "Cymbalta has definitely helped me as far as depression and anxiety. It's the only medication that's worked so far. The only problem I've had with it is that it takes away my ability to orgasm and my sex drive in general."

• goo...
• May 2, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have severe anxiety and depression. I've tried all the meds out, as my doctor would say. Cymbalta was suggested. And me needing to feel normal tried it. Worst experience of my life. Was on 40 mg. Felt like I was having an out-of-body experience, like someone was pulling me everywhere. Dr. told me to stick with it and lower the dose (I actually did, did not recommend talking to Dr. first). Nothing changed. I was talking without thinking, having more and more panic attacks and higher anxiety. Absolutely zero libido, and I gained weight. I felt 'happy,' but a weird happy. So, finally, I TELL my doctor for the third time in 9 months, I want off this medication. Withdrawal symptoms, no joke. It's been a month and I still have withdrawal effects."

• DoN...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2016

For Depression "The worst decision I have ever made was agreeing to go on this drug. I had no idea about SSRIs and the effects they can have on you and your life. For the first year, I would have recommended it to anyone dealing with depression and anxiety like myself, but that was at a time when I mistook the numbness for satisfaction. Just over 2 years down the line and I am falling apart. This drug has ruined my life. First, I realized the fog I was in. Then came the vertigo and confusion. My memory has deteriorated. Zero sex drive since day one. My depression has worsened, and I no longer recognize who I am anymore. My personality has changed drastically, and my anxiety is worse than it's ever been. I am now weaning off it, but the damage has been done."

• cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2016

For Depression "I have spent a long time trying to find the right cocktail of meds since I was diagnosed with BPD, bipolar, depression, and anxiety. Currently, I'm taking 100 mg of Lamictal, 50 mg Cymbalta, and 50 mg of Trazodone. I feel awesome! I'm not as moody, I'm happy. It's a shame that I have to switch medications because I LOVE my mood, however, the sexual side effects are just something I can't take. My NP is putting me on Viibryd instead of the Cymbalta, and from reading the reviews, I'm nervous about it. If the new medication doesn't work for me, I will go back to the cocktail I was taking and figure something out with the sexual side effects."

• Tho...
• January 18, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I started taking Cymbalta about 4 years ago for severe body pain. I have had two back surgeries, two knee surgeries, and I have fibromyalgia and arthritis. The medication Cymbalta has improved my quality of life a lot, mostly my fibromyalgia pain. I hadn't been able to sleep at night because of my all-over body pain, however, since taking Cymbalta, I have had much relief. I take it at night about an hour before bedtime. I take it along with amitriptyline, which helps me to sleep at night pain-free. Only one side effect that I have noticed, and that is it seems to take your sex drive. When interacting in sexual activity, it's like you don't feel anything a lot of the time, and that can be a BIG problem for some people. You have to weigh up your options."

• Ami...
• December 15, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking this medication for about 2 months and have found it very helpful. I have a bad chemical imbalance disorder, which just means that there are too many chemicals in my brain, they were causing me to faint, have twitches, and shivers nearly every hour, and seizures, to the point where I ended up in the hospital after smacking my head on tiles during an episode. So far, so good, the medication has helped a lot. I think for nerve damage or anxiety, this medication will help, but maybe not for depression. I am always exhausted, and my libido has significantly reduced, but no twitches or seizures. I do notice that if I forget to take the medication, or I drink, my twitches and fits return. :) Does not mix well with alcohol."

• fru...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2015

For Depression "My boyfriend of 6 years began taking Cymbalta 2 years ago to deal with a bout of depression. He has completely lost all libido, and he went through a terrible period of sweating - he dripped like a faucet from his armpits at times. He has lost his joy of eating and has no appetite. He has lost 40 lbs and really did not need to. His initial 'feel good' period in this time has worn off, and he is like a robot. His doctor GP wants to up the dosage. I want him off, and I want my boyfriend back. He is like a completely different person."

• lik...
• November 11, 2015

For Back Pain "Though I read so many negative opinions about it, I decided to try taking Cymbalta. After two months, I decided to stop taking it. First of all, my relationships got bad, I was careless and numb. I also had a very strange feeling from time to time, like I was dreaming. Sometimes I was anxious and couldn't sleep, and had very vivid and bad dreams and panic attacks. It had an immediate effect on my libido, which got so low it almost disappeared. The main problem with the drug was that I felt good, even-tempered most of the time. This state always took my mind off the very bad side effects of the medicine, and I was so relieved from the pain, I set aside all the negative effects of it. It's day 1 without it, and I feel dizzy and so tired, I...zzz."

• Gae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2015

For Depression "The initial side effects were horrible. I felt exhausted and nauseated all the time. After a month, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my mood. I had energy, I was less depressed and anxious. Prior to starting Cymbalta, I had tried two different antidepressants that did not seem to be effective. The decreased libido with Cymbalta is worth having my life back."