Cymbalta and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• bry...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 5, 2015

For Depression "I took this medicine for about 5 years in addition to lithium for bipolar 2. It was good for depression and anxiety, but I found I was tired a lot, and if I got a bad night's sleep (which was often), my mood could drop or I could become slightly hypomanic."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "My husband has borderline rheumatoid arthritis, is diabetic, has bouts of atrial fib, and is overweight. He is working on losing weight so he can have surgical ablation on his heart to minimize the afib. He kept having extreme muscle/tendon pain. Rheumatologist dx: fibromyalgia. Put on Cymbalta, 30 mg x 1 week, then 60 mg. Been on 60 mg x 5 days, MAJOR difference in the pain. Hasn't complained at all. Whole new world. Has even helped his depression and anxiety attacks (not clinically diagnosed, but still there). Unfortunately, it has made him severely tired, and his libido is not what it used to be. Beginning to be on the verge of erectile dysfunction. Great drug, but at what cost? Something to think about."

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2009

For Anxiety "I was on Cymbalta for 5 days. It helped my anxiety, but I couldn't handle the side effects: nausea, extreme sleepiness and yawning for the better part of the day, feeling zombie-like, chills, clenching my jaw, headache. I stopped taking it after 5 days, and the withdrawal was terrible. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck: terrible headache and clenching of jaw. And I'd only been on 30 mg for 5 days. Even if I could have tolerated the side effects, I would have been worried about the withdrawal."

• Bec...
• July 3, 2011

For Pain "I started taking Cymbalta in April 2011, and when I first started out on it, I experienced extreme tiredness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, hot flashes, strange dreams. I still get very odd, sometimes disturbing dreams, but I think a lot of it has to do with recent stresses in my life (grandma having a stroke, work stress), and I still experience constipation, hot flashes, and night sweats, but it's not the end of the world. It has so far been the only antidepressant medication that has really helped me, and I have been on lots of different SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. I have good and bad days like anyone does, but if I do get sad and cry, it doesn't seem to last long. So in my opinion, the benefits outweigh the side effects."

• loo...
• September 5, 2009

For Depression "I have just taken my second dose of Cymbalta. My doctor suggested that I take 20 mg for 14 days and then go to 30 mg. Right now I can tell that my depression has noticeably subsided and my desire to sleep all day/night has decreased. I'm actually sleepy when I go to bed now. Slept for about 4 hours and woke up and right back to sleep. I have also noticed that I've begun to yawn during the day, which I can't ever remember doing. But all in all, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is finally the medication for me. I've been down in the valley this time for almost a year and I'm ready to start living my life again."

• Lil...
• February 3, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I was on this drug, Cymbalta, for 2 weeks. I was taking 30 mg a day. I was getting tired during the day and felt my eyes close at my desk. I called the Dr. office about a week after taking it to ask if I could adjust the dosage because of the sleepiness. The Dr. never returned my call, and three days later, I was driving home in the afternoon and fell asleep at the wheel. The tiredness came out of nowhere, I crashed into the divider. I was okay, the car was not. Thank goodness I was in a truck. There needs to be a stronger warning on Cymbalta. I will never take this drug again. I am lucky that I survived the car accident."

• 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."

• Dr ...
• April 14, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Within 2 hours of taking the medication, my brain lit up, it felt like I was high. I couldn't contain the energy, so I went for a run. By midway through the day, I went to the park with my nephews, I took them on the swings. I thought I'd go on with them, so I started swinging, and it felt like I was going to die. The most terrible feeling of fear I have ever experienced. It felt like I was free falling. I had a total panic attack. At the end of it, I freaked out and just needed to get home. Could barely drive or focus. By day two, I started feeling a terrible raw feeling in my stomach, fought the feeling of vomiting most of the day, exhausted, detached. My brain would fluctuate between euphoria and complete inability to calculate or communicate."

• Sug...
• March 9, 2017

For Depression "I took it for 5 days, 30 mg, and have never felt so sick. The first day, I was crippled with diarrhea and a headache, which continued to the following day. I then got a tightness in my throat and couldn't stop yawning. I stopped eating due to the nausea. The headache didn't go away, and by day 3, it was joined by an earache and sweating. Yesterday was the worst. All of a sudden, my vision became blurry, and I couldn't talk properly. It was terrifying. Like my brain stopped working. I couldn't drive and was so dizzy I kept falling over. I stopped immediately and now have to wait 3 days for it to leave my system. I still feel horrendous, and I still can't see properly."

• Jen...
• June 2, 2015

For Depression "I went on this medication two separate times for depression and anxiety. Both times it helped a little, but still the least effective compared to other things I have tried. When I tried to increase my dose, I had a 3-day-long migraine. I have to give this medication low ratings for the bad side effects and the withdrawal symptoms I am experiencing from coming off of the drug currently. I have had migraines for 6 days in a row now even though I am weaning off of the drug. I have digestion issues, am exhausted and breathless, and I am having night sweats. I hope this ends soon."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking Cymbalta 60 mg for about 3 years. At the beginning, I was lightheaded and actually lost about 10 lbs. Over the last year or so, I have become increasingly lethargic-just tired all of the time and have gained about 15 lbs. I have decided to wean off to get some energy back and hopefully lose some weight. It worked for my depression for a while, but has lately lost a lot of effectiveness."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking Cymbalta 60 mg for about 3 years. At the beginning, I was lightheaded and actually lost about 10 lbs. Over the last year or so, I have become increasingly lethargic-just tired all of the time and have gained about 15 lbs. I have decided to wean off to get some energy back and hopefully lose some weight. It worked for my depression for a while, but has lately lost a lot of effectiveness."

• Ace...
• November 17, 2009

For Anxiety "This medicine was the 1st thing in YEARS that made me feel like myself again. It started working within a few days. The panic attacks subsided almost immediately, and the depression lifted. The side effects I experienced (although annoying) were nothing compared to the benefits it gave me. The 1st 2 weeks, I was nauseous and tired, felt out of it, but my head was clearer and thoughts focused after that. I did lose like 20 pounds, it stopped my emotional eating. The worst part was the night sweats I had for about 2 months or so. I was on it for about 5 months but had to wean off due to lack of insurance. Coming off was terrible, though... total withdrawal, brain zaps, confusion, etc. I'll get back on it as soon as I can because I know it did wonders."

• fri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2022

For Chronic Pain "Cymbalta was a nightmare. I told my new doctor that I had bad reactions to SSRIs and SNRIs and preferred to avoid them. He agreed and said he wouldn't prescribe any, but instead would prescribe Duloxetine. I previously studied to be a pharmacist, so I immediately knew he was lying. I tried it anyway, thinking I knew what the likely side effects would be and once I was at my follow-up, I could stop them and redirect focus on finding the source of the problem. Mistake. Summary: brain fog, insomnia, brain zaps typical when weaning off these types of meds, restless leg syndrome reactivated which had been dormant for years, dizziness, lethargy, and couldn't get out of bed --- I needed help to get from bed to toilet. No, thank you."

• 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!"

• ats...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2022

For Anxiety "9-3-22 I took my first dose of Cymbalta (Duloxetine) 30 mg. I took the dose @9:30 pm EST. About 2 hrs after I took it, I started feeling tired, so I laid down & went to sleep with no problem. A few hours later (@4 am), I woke up profusely sweating, trembling/shaking & feeling EXTREMELY NAUSEOUS (didn't throw up though). I literally just squirmed around trying to get comfy, waiting for it to pass. Eventually, I was able to fall back asleep. I woke up @10:30 am with a massive headache, foggy head, my heart was beating really fast, my anxiety was through the roof, I felt very anxious/agitated, my skin felt prickly (the best way I can describe it is that I felt like I couldn't stand to be in my own skin. If that makes any sense?). As the day went on (it's now 6:30 pm), most of the symptoms I woke up with have gradually faded. The anxiety and headache have not. Part of me never wants to take it again, but the depressed, anxiety-ridden part of me doesn't want to give up just yet... I'll continue to update."

• Mys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Anxiety "I talked to my doctor about taking some medication due to having terrible anxiety and depression. I also have a lot of chronic pain. I was having panic attacks every day at work, I would get panic attacks in my house for no reason. I’ve always had anxiety. There was just a constant wave of anxiety over me at all times. I would also get very depressed. Very down for a long time. My doctor mentions Cymbalta, and I decided to give it a try. The first four days or so, I felt like I had the flu, I would say. I was just very tired, sleeping non-stop, feeling dizzy, wasn’t hungry, and felt nauseous. But after those days, I felt so much better. A switch flipped. My anxiety is still there but nowhere near as bad. I haven’t had a panic attack for over a month, I feel the start of one, but I don’t get one! I haven’t had a bad depressive episode either! This medication has been a lifesaver for me and my confidence. It hasn’t helped my chronic pain, though, so keep that in mind."

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 14, 2022

For Anxiety "I suffer with generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and depression. This medication has saved my life. Initial side effects were severe nausea and dizziness, but only lasted 3-4 days. I’ve been on the lowest dosage for 7 months now, and I no longer feel anxious every day. I no longer have panic attacks, and I’m able to leave my house without feeling sick and dizzy. It’s also helped make me calm and taken away my anger/irritability. The only downside is that this medication makes me so tired. I feel like a zombie. This medication makes me sleep a ridiculous amount of time in a day, but it helps me with all my mental problems."

• JPi...
• October 7, 2010

For Depression "I have just started taking it, and I wanted to give a viewpoint from the beginning. I have been on this for 4 days now. The first day was really bad, but it is getting better. My appetite is coming back now, and I am not snapping at my family like I was before I started Cymbalta. I am still quite tired and nauseated during the day, and am still having some trouble sleeping. Before this, I used to drink a lot, and this has helped me lose the desire to drink, which in my case is a good thing. I am going to stick with it, and hopefully, the rest of the side effects will go away slowly. I already feel more positive, and my family has even noticed a difference already."

• sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medication to try to treat both my depression and fibromyalgia in one go, and it did not go well. My first dose was taken at around 10 a.m., and by 7 p.m. that day I was not feeling well. I was disoriented, dizzy, nauseous. An hour later my heart rate shot up to 145 (resting is 62), I was vomiting violently, shaking, and felt like I was drunk. I was admitted to the hospital, started on ondansetron. I was intermittently nauseous and dizzy, followed by extremely tired, weak, and cold. Symptoms stopped rather abruptly by 8 p.m. the next day (lasted approx 24 hours)."

• ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2012

For Depression "Went nearly mad on this antidepressant, clenched my teeth, constant sweats. Terrible and always tired on it. Doctor just kept upping the dosage. Was on 120 mg when I complained, changed doctor, and am now coming off Cymbalta. Now have dreadful dizziness and brain zaps, but anything is better than what I was going through."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "Cymbalta, for me, has been very beneficial in treating the anxiety/depression periods of Type 1 Bipolar Disorder. Some say antidepressant medicines can cause adverse reactions in bipolar patients, leading to manic episodes, but it didn't with me. It worked better over a long period. The negative effects when first starting the medication, and when stopping, can be quite bad (head spins, nausea, dry mouth, very tired, etc.) and can take a while to subside. I experienced many positive effects after being crippled with depression/anxiety for some time. Biggest advice - DO NOT STOP TAKING SUDDENLY and DO NOT MISS DOSES. Decrease dosage slowly (speak to your doctor)."

• cym...
• June 8, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "So I gave it an OK review score because it did make me feel less depressed. However, as a whole, I think Cymbalta is bad for you and can lead to terrible health consequences. The side effects I experienced while taking the drug (30 mg for 6 months) were horrible, and I gained a ton of weight, which didn't help the initial cause of me wanting to take the drug - depression (when you don't feel confident, you're less happy, what can I say). A few pounds to become a happier person is OK, but it really made me gain weight and also made me tired, nauseous, sweaty, and experience muscle spasms. Along with this, withdrawing was horrible. I wish big pharma would be less money-hungry and focus on creating effective medications with reduced 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."

• 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."