Cymbalta and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ner...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2015

For Depression "GOODBYE, SEX DRIVE! -.- Besides my sex drive dropping from over 9000 to 0, this did nothing to help my depression. I was upped to the 60 mg. I can't wait for my next doctor's appointment. I want OFF this 'anti-depressant' that doesn't do anything but make me more annoyed than usual, killed my drive, and I still have crying spells. There has got to be something out there that can get along with my body. If you love/enjoy your sex life, DO NOT take this drug."

• Dsc...
• April 20, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Helps with depression, but my doc has had to increase my dose to keep up with my depression. I guess I get used to the drug and need more. Huge weight gain -- 18 pounds over 2 months after the last increase to 120 mg. But I guess I'd rather be plump than crying depressed forever. Zero libido, but that might be my age (65). I hope I can decrease the dosage as I learn to cope with specific life events largely related to my dad's death and my mother in a nursing home (nightmare). No help with anxiety, and doc prescribed Xanax for that. No difference in back pain. In summary: helps depression, but I gained weight and lost interest in sex and other things. Does not help pain and does nothing for my anxiety."

• les...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 10, 2015

For Depression "I would have rated Cymbalta a 10 if not for lowered libido & difficulty going off of it (not uncommon for most all AD's). I took it for 6 years after an episode of anxiety & depression. I would still be taking it but its effect was dropping off after about 6 years so I switched meds (wish I hadn't messed with switching but that's another story). The only side effect I noticed consistently over 6 years was decreased libido. I'm sure there were initial start-up effects but I was such a nervous wreck that I either didn't notice or don't remember. It was a great med for me & I wish it still worked."

• les...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 10, 2015

For Depression "I would have rated Cymbalta a 10 if not for lowered libido & difficulty going off of it (not uncommon for most all AD's). I took it for 6 years after an episode of anxiety & depression. I would still be taking it but its effect was dropping off after about 6 years so I switched meds (wish I hadn't messed with switching but that's another story). The only side effect I noticed consistently over 6 years was decreased libido. I'm sure there were initial start-up effects but I was such a nervous wreck that I either didn't notice or don't remember. It was a great med for me & I wish it still worked."

• 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)"

• Muc...
• April 30, 2014

For Depression "I had mild anxiety and intermittent depression. I always pushed through and never thought of medicines. My girlfriend suggested I speak to a psych and I started Cymbalta. In 10 days, I had no more intrusive thoughts talking me down, making me stressed, guilty. After 9 weeks, I'm a new man. Small things don't worry me. I am patient and calm driving. I don't wake up for the toilet then stay awake worrying. My relationship is closer. I'm nicer to be with. Con? My libido decreased, and climax is harder to achieve (but more intense). The medicine felt strange (out-of-body) at first, but I got used to that. I drink more water. I yawn in the afternoons. I grind my jaw a bit. I get breathless. I have mild headaches some days. But my life is much better with this medicine."

• DAP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I found Cymbalta to be a miracle for me. Within a week of taking it, most of my aches and pains disappeared, and even my massage therapist stated she noticed a big difference. The problem was the side effects of sexual dysfunction and dry mouth. I added Wellbutrin and love that medication as it greatly improved my mood, but still did not help with the sexual dysfunction. I am now on Lamotrigine and Wellbutrin, but the pains in my joints worsened unbelievably, it was intolerable, really. I think I will be dropping the Lamotrigine and going back to the Cymbalta, and just put up with the side effects."

• Lit...
• September 29, 2013

For Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta for almost 5 years after a very difficult 4 years of PND/PTSD. Other medications got me to a point of about 50 percent improvement. This was far from ideal or adequate. Cymbalta worked for me like no other antidepressant. My anxiety reduced to the point where I can function at a pretty high level. I still have bouts of anxiety and occasional dark moods but they pass and even now are fewer and further between. I have tried to come off of it a few times but at 30 mg, the cogs begin to turn faster and I can feel my anxiety levels significantly increasing. I am concerned that my emotions are a bit blunted and like someone else said, I cannot cry, which I miss. I used to like a good, therapeutic cry. I also have no sex drive."

• ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I am on Lyrica 150 mg a day, but it started to lose its effectiveness after about 5 months. I can't afford to see the doctor or get more Lyrica. I tried Cymbalta for my PMDD and hoped that it might help my pain too. My pain was almost completely gone after about 2 days of use! However, I started getting sores on my tongue, emotional numbness, and had zero libido. I stopped using it after about 7 days, and the pain came back worse than ever (I believe I had been overdoing it those few days). I seriously considered putting up with the side effects just to get some pain relief, but I'm trying bupropion XL first."

• aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "No symptom relief at all, but did have sexual side effects."

• bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2013

For Back Pain "Good for my mood swings. Evens me out mentally. Anxiety decrease. Decrease of libido 90%."

• pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2012

For Depression "Have been on 30 mg for one week and 60 mg for 2 weeks, still no improvement in my depression, have lots of side effects like a very spaced-out feeling at times, no motivation, low libido."

• Anonymous
• November 27, 2012

For Pain "I started taking Cymbalta 10 months ago after developing fibromyalgia. I am a 40-year-old male in good physical condition. It is very effective for pain - not 100% - but enough that I have mostly pain-free days. The pain in my hands, fingers, wrists, groin, hips, and back is very manageable now. I've also noticed that my plantar fasciitis pain is completely gone, and headaches are rare but easy to manage. Side effects include memory loss, some fatigue, and difficulty with orgasm. I could not have a job or even be a good father/husband without it. My insurance covers some of the cost."

• Mot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "Took 30 mg/day for 2 months and no noticeable reduction of pain. Increased to 60 mg/day for 2 more months and still no relief of fibromyalgia at all. Killed my libido entirely and had difficulty sleeping regardless of taking it morning or night. Luckily, no side effects weaning off (half dose for 2 weeks, then every other day for 2 more weeks)."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2012

For Pain "Been on 30 mg Cymbalta for 2 weeks. Started getting relief by the 2nd day. Am a 58-year-old male with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondy. The plan was to go to 60 mg, but I am getting enough relief at 30 mg. I believe I will try to stay on that dose to minimize side effects. Some constipation, difficulty reaching orgasm, some night sweats, and minor headaches. Oh, insomnia if I took it at night. I had samples of this medicine for 6 months but delayed starting it because of horror stories on the internet. Pain was ruining my life, so this medicine seems to be the best option."

• Anonymous
• February 13, 2012

For Back Pain "I have had chronic low back pain for over a year now. The doctor at the pain clinic said, 'Cymbalta is now FDA approved for low back pain.' It didn't help my pain at all and gave me the worst nausea, no sex drive, insomnia, random sweating, and stiff muscles. This is it!"

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2011

For Pain "I have been on Cymbalta for 5 years for disc herniation and depression. I did have sexual dysfunction, but it passes. I have had little pain in my back since! It is a wonderful medicine, but high blood pressure does come with the medicine and dizzy spells for some time until your body is adjusted to it. My dose is 60 mg, and I started at 30 mg. I definitely love this medicine!"

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2011

For Depression "For anyone taking this or planning on taking this, DO NOT DISCONTINUE WITHOUT WEANING OFF! That said, besides brain zap, yawning, and anorgasmia over the first 3 months of treatment (18 months and counting), Cymbalta has been a great treatment for my anxiety/depression issues. I have only experienced these side effects when changing doses or missing a dose (30 mg a day, last 15 months, 60 mg a day for first 3). At one point, I wanted to come off it. GP guided me through a 12-week taper-off course, but my 2-5 drinks a month were causing the problems I had associated with the medicine. I no longer drink, and it's all so cruisy. I take mine 1-2 hours before 'bedtime.' Works for me because I tend to sleep deeper and wake with lots of energy."

• Ast...
• August 20, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've used Lexapro for several years before starting on Cymbalta around 10 months ago. My anxiety is under much better control, and the sexual side effects are significantly less pronounced. I take it twice a day, 30 mg in the morning and 60 mg at night."

• Fis...
• June 16, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "Cymbalta took away 80% of my muscle pain and 90% of my headaches. I actually started taking it as an antidepressant and found that I was depressed because of all the pain. Also, I have found some fun sexual side effects."

• Anonymous
• June 1, 2011

For Anxiety "I wouldn't go as far as to say Cymbalta has given me my life back, but I will say it improved my quality of life immensely and has kept working. I have moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder, and I felt like I was living a nightmare-highly uncomfortable and muscle tension so bad I could barely breathe at times, constant worry and stress. I have been off and on Lexapro for this very reason because I hated the stigma. Lexapro helped, but the sexual side effects were horrible, and I felt emotionless. A nurse practitioner suggested Cymbalta. I stuck with a low dose of 30 mg every morning, and what a difference. I can breathe easier, sex is better (still not back to where it was before antidepressants), but the debilitating anxiety is mostly gone."

• sen...
• May 21, 2011

For Depression "It worked pretty good for a while. Didn't stop the suicidal urges, but it was better than other antidepressants I tried. I had to have the dose increased over time to 90 mg to keep getting the same effect, and then it quit working entirely after a couple of years, leaving only the side effects to contend with. Reaching orgasm was pretty difficult, and sometimes I would only be able to once every week or two. It took 3 months to taper off of this, withdrawal was troublesome but not impossible to deal with."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2011

For Anxiety "I am taking 60 mg of Cymbalta for anxiety and depression. Previously, I had been on Lexapro (which gave me nightmares) and Paxil, which worked for a time but sent me into a relapse when I was weaned off of it. I have noticed a few side effects - the most predominant one is that it makes me very tired. I don't have much of an appetite, but when I do, I crave sweets and have put on a few pounds as a result. Very little sex drive, though it was low to begin with. Although the medication has helped to keep my anxiety at a manageable level, my general mood has been very blank - I feel very little in the way of happiness or sadness. My doctor has suggested either switching to a higher dose (120 mg) of Cymbalta or changing to Zoloft or Paxil."

• G2a...
• April 1, 2011

For Anxiety "Cymbalta works for me. I have symptoms of PTSD and have tried other medications for my anxiety, such as PAXIL, CELEXA, and PROZAC, with no good results. So far, so good with Cymbalta, with minimal sexual side effects for me. Psychotherapy and physical fitness are recommended if you use this medication."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2011

For Depression "Been on Cymbalta for about 3 months now. I took off one notch for the rating because I seem to break out a little bit. Also, I've noticed a slight decrease in libido. Other than that, this has been a true miracle for me. I am able to hold down a job, I've gotten my finances in order, and I've never gotten along so well with my girlfriend. For me, I take the 60 mg Cymbalta first thing in the morning at around the same time. I am really thankful to finally be able to have some sort of stability in my life."