Cymbalta and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jon...
• May 19, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I suffered from crippling anxiety and depression for 8 years, in and out of hospitals, ECT, nothing seemed to work. I just felt absolutely hopeless. Even the sound of birds hurt my ears. I was so deep in the darkness and tried everything. Every med. You name it. Then Cymbalta came along. It took a long time to kick in. 12 weeks, but when it finally did, it killed the anxiety. It came with crippling fatigue, though, for the first few weeks, but it was amazing to sleep without panic attacks for the first time in years. I just countered it with a ton of coffee. I have been taking it for 9 years now, and it is really messing with my stomach and intestines. It didn't for the first 5-6 years, but now it's bad, so time to get off it. First week weaning, and it's a real tough go, dizzy as heck, brain zaps, really weak and tired, can't focus, grumpy for no reason, but it will pass if I push through. Even with the hard withdrawal, this med gave me another chance at life when I needed it."

• Jac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2020

For Anxiety "This drug Cymbalta certainly helped turn my life around. Starting on 30mg, I moved up to 60mg after a week and stayed on that for a year or so. It completely cured my anxiety and helped me sleep. Side effects were difficult to hold on to pee, constipation, and tiredness. Also, bad night sweats. This dose was great for my anxiety but it didn’t keep the migraines at bay, so I was still getting flare-ups about 3 times a week. I was upped to 90mg, but within 3 months, I was back to 2/3 migraines a week. So up again to 120mg. On this dose, I had no emotion; I couldn’t cry or feel sadness or happiness. I just felt numb and weary. But no migraines! The side effects are too much, so I’m back down to 90mg. Migraine is just under the surface and breaks through 1/2 times weekly. The plan is to reduce Duloxetine so my anxiety is under control, and then add in another med to deal with the migraine. I would recommend this drug for anxiety but not quite so good for migraine, so it was a compromise."

• Rox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Been taking it for 7 days for depression and rheumatoid arthritis pain. I’m exhausted and feel like I’m in a fog. I don’t usually have problems with medications, but I can’t function on this."

• Dgr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Cymbalta for one month. I am at 30 mg and have not had a lot of bad side effects as others have noted. I do feel more tired, and I have had some minor nose bleeding that seems to have subsided now. I would say this medication has decreased my muscle pain by about 50 to 75% depending on the day. It has also helped with arthritis pain in my hips and back. I would say the joint pain relief is about 25%. I hope I don’t have severe withdrawal symptoms if I have to change medications or stop temporarily for surgery. I have read that it is much easier to taper off if you start taking a small dose of an SSRI like Prozac during the taper."

• Anonymous
• August 7, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I started Cymbalta to help with pain. I had horrible side effects. I was extremely nauseous, tired, sweaty, and more. I took this medicine for about a month, and the side effects never seemed to go away. So I stopped taking it, even though I know you’re supposed to slowly do so. I just felt sick taking it, and I still feel sick after stopping. I can’t stop throwing up. I honestly don’t even think it’s worth trying this medicine. I would stay away at all costs."

• Loz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 17, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have anxiety, panic disorder, autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder. Overall, I have had a very positive response to duloxetine. Side effects: There is the initial fatigue & a lot of yawning. That went away after about 3 weeks. I had difficulty peeing during the night. This faded over time. Difficulty to orgasm after I went up to 90mg, this faded after a few weeks. This medication makes my brain work better & gives me a better quality of life and an opportunity to live rather than just survive. If you identify with any of my symptoms & have been recommended duloxetine by your doctor, I say it is worth giving it a try. When it is the right medication for you, it is life-changing! And please don't rush to come off them. If you need them, you need them and that's okay. They are your friend. I feel grateful that science has given me this opportunity to support me."

• JDM...
• June 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Remember this, everyone is different. Find the right medicine for you. I went on Cymbalta 7 years ago after I had an autoimmune disease and suffered from depression & anxiety. It was great. I went off of it for 3.5 years. Now, married with two kids, my life was what I wanted, yet I was miserable-so much anxiety, mood swings, snapping at my husband and kids, no interest in fun activities. I couldn't stand myself. I decided to give Cymbalta a try again (generic version). Initial side effects lasted a week. SO tired, brain fog, no appetite, headache. By day 7, all gone. I can't believe how fast it's working for me. My anxiety is gone. I am calm and easy going. I feel like the best version of myself. I'm laughing with my kids and husband and don't overreact. I actually am looking forward to doing activities and I have been enjoying them. I have been more productive at work and oddly more organized. I've tried other medicine and it's shut me down like a zombie."

• Mik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 4, 2019

For Depression "This drug is poison. It will make you extremely tired, where you don't want to get out of bed. And good luck trying to get off it if you want to stop. There have been tons of lawsuits against the company Lilly about the withdrawal symptoms, how severe they are. There is even a group on Facebook with 20,000 members who talk about how dangerous this drug is. The withdrawals are longer than street drugs, it screws up your brain. You've been warned!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed 30 mg of Cymbalta to deal with anxiety and slight depression. The medication is supposed to be titrated up to 120 mg, and I had a hard time even convincing my therapist to go to 60 mg. Once I hit 60 mg, it went downhill. I lost all ability to focus and found myself not enjoying much of anything. I was tired all the time and started nodding off all day, even at work. I stopped taking it, which I know isn't the brightest idea, but I've gotten some of my focus back."

• 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."

• Geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2019

For Anxiety "Cymbalta saved my life. I went from a severe agoraphobic with stomach pain, heart palpitations, hyperventilation, and insane blood pressure issues on a daily basis to my fully functional self again. I was extremely dissociative before taking this drug and never left my bed because my panic disorder was so debilitating. After about a week on Cymbalta, I was up and moving around in the world. Several months later, I'm now in college with a new job and excelling. I've had 2 panic attacks in the last 6 months. My only complaint is that it makes me very tired, but this is easily remedied by taking it in the evening instead of the morning."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2019

For Depression "I was terrified by all the comments to even try this drug, but I'm so glad I did. I've had none of the side effects (except maybe the constipation) that sound so horrible, and I feel so much better. Way less negative thinking and ruminating negative self-talk, almost non-existent. I can have a negative thought, but it won't be intrusive and all-consuming like it was before. And I've been on the medicine for less than 2 weeks! I've been tapering off of Wellbutrin since it didn't do anything for my depression, and the only drawback I can describe is that I'm still tired and have a hard time getting out of bed, which I was hoping the Cymbalta would fix (but I think it's a withdrawal symptom of coming off the Wellbutrin). Only time will tell! But so far, the experience has been overwhelmingly good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Back Pain "I took my first pill at 9:30 a.m. It’s 1:48 a.m. now, and I can’t sleep. I am very anxious and fatigued. I’ve noticed that I yawned several times today and felt super uneasy. Never taking the drug again. I’m trying to flush my body with water to get rid of it. Terrible side effects."

• 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2018

For Chronic Pain "Cymbalta was prescribed to me for neuropathy pain - it didn't work! Instead, I was cursed with the following side effects: gained 28 pounds in 2 months, lethargy, gynecomastia (breasts for men), sky-high cholesterol, and a severely damaged metabolism, impotence, and near sterility. I can ravage the male body. Avoid this drug at all costs - IT IS NOT A CURE-ALL."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2018

For Anxiety "My husband had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 2 years ago, and 2 months after he developed severe anxiety. At first, he was given Ativan to help him. He was then given Celexa, and it sent him for a loop--severe anxiety, so that didn't work. He decided he would just use Ativan during the day and Xanax to help him sleep. I finally convinced him that he needs a long-term treatment. He is almost through his second week of Cymbalta. It is making him very tired, almost exhaustion, and he feels like he is in a fog. He is still having his spells, but I don't think they are as severe. I keep encouraging him to give it more time. I hope this works, I want my outgoing, funny, and energetic husband back."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2018

For Anxiety "My husband had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 2 years ago, and 2 months after he developed severe anxiety. At first, he was given Ativan to help him. He was then given Celexa, and it sent him for a loop--severe anxiety, so that didn't work. He decided he would just use Ativan during the day and Xanax to help him sleep. I finally convinced him that he needs a long-term treatment. He is almost through his second week of Cymbalta. It is making him very tired, almost exhaustion, and he feels like he is in a fog. He is still having his spells, but I don't think they are as severe. I keep encouraging him to give it more time. I hope this works, I want my outgoing, funny, and energetic husband back."

• 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."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 10, 2017

For Depression "I've been taking Cymbalta for depression for two and a half years. My doctor titrated me up to 120 mg. I was at 120 mg for over two and a half years, and almost constantly I was severely depressed, severe anxiety, some paranoia, no energy, overreaction, self-harm, extreme anger, just to name a few. That's not to say I do have some of those problems normally, but not as severe or as constant. So Cymbalta was overlooked as a cause of my worsening issues. Two weeks ago, I was admitted to an inpatient hospital to basically save my life. While I was in there, I was abruptly taken off, then titrated up to 60 mg. I'm a totally different person now. I did a complete 180°. I can't believe what a difference it makes being on the right dose."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took Cymbalta for the first time last night. Within an hour I was falling asleep on the couch, which I never do. Usually, I have insomnia, but I slept through the night. However, when I woke up, I was violently nauseous and had to take an anti-nausea medication (which I sometimes use when my anxiety is really bad because it makes me sick). I attempted to go about my normal day, but found myself having to take two naps because I was excessively tired. I've been watching and reading about this medication all day, and I am terrified to take another dose because of the side effects and ultimate withdrawal I'll experience if it doesn't work out. I noticed today, through my headache and tiredness, that I felt more calm. I'm praying it works for me!"

• mll...
• July 14, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I've been taking it for less than a month, and I already want to stop. I would rather be in pain than be how I am with this medicine. It makes me foggy and extremely tired, and depression symptoms I haven't had in months are coming back. I can barely do anything because all I feel like doing is sleeping. My fibro pain isn't horrible anymore, but this is worse. I'm going to stop now while I'm still on 20 mg before weaning off becomes harder."

• Spe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2017

For Anxiety "I'm pretty sure that I don't suit this medication. The first three weeks were absolute torture with blurred vision, headaches, nausea, and no energy. After that time, the medicine did seem to help my anxiety and depression. However, after three months, the side effects came back worse than the first three weeks. I went to my doctor and asked to switch medications immediately. Coming off of the Cymbalta was the worst experience of my life. At one point, I had uncontrollable shaking and muscle movements. I couldn't even concentrate enough to go to the kitchen and make a sandwich. I know this drug works for many people, but for myself, it was like taking poison."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Cymbalta in August 2016. I was told it was one of the antidepressants that had little side effects. This drug made me extremely tired, almost lethargic, and I gained 20 lbs in a matter of 8 months, despite eating healthy. I am a very health-conscious person. I lost a lot of hair. My husband actually asked me if I was pulling my hair out. If I missed a dose of this medicine, I literally felt like I had the worst flu ever. I had the chills, diarrhea, achy, etc. I just got off this medicine but am extremely depressed from all of the effects of it. I am now larger than I have been since being pregnant, and my hair is thinning. I warn people to avoid Cymbalta at all costs!!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Cymbalta in August 2016. I was told it was one of the antidepressants that had little side effects. This drug made me extremely tired, almost lethargic, and I gained 20 lbs in a matter of 8 months, despite eating healthy. I am a very health-conscious person. I lost a lot of hair. My husband actually asked me if I was pulling my hair out. If I missed a dose of this medicine, I literally felt like I had the worst flu ever. I had the chills, diarrhea, achy, etc. I just got off this medicine but am extremely depressed from all of the effects of it. I am now larger than I have been since being pregnant, and my hair is thinning. I warn people to avoid Cymbalta at all costs!!!!"

• Cha...
• May 17, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "Had been in a great deal of pain for over 3 years, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 months ago. My doctor put me on Cymbalta 30 mg once a day 2 weeks ago. It took 5 days to kick in. Wow, I am very pleased, I feel 90% pain-free. I feel tired, but I would rather be tired than in pain. It's nice to sleep pain-free."