Cymbalta User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 9, 2023

For Anxiety "At first, it made me very depressed, only because I thought I was being diagnosed with depression. Once I found out it was given to me as pain relief, I felt ok about that. For pain, it really didn't help at all. I still take it because it does help with my anxiety. At one point, I was being given six times the amount that I was prescribed. I fell into a very deep depression and had a major car accident as well. I stopped taking it and when I saw the difference without it compared to taking, I started taking just 60mg once a day. And it has been working for anxiety and depression."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2023

For Depression "I have been on Cymbalta (60 mg) for 24 months. At first, it was a godsend and pulled me out of a deep depression and halted my intrusive thoughts. I am a 43-year-old female who has been on a variety of antidepressants, so I was happy something finally worked. Over the past 18 months, I have slowly gained 15 pounds, which is concerning to me, considering I've weighed the same my entire adult life (+/- 5 lbs). I'm starting to think the weight gain is related to Cymbalta, but could also be perimenopause (which I'm seeing an endocrinologist for). I've been reading that weight gain can happen with longer-term Cymbalta use, which is a reason for me to stop treatment."

• Enr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 3, 2023

For Chronic Pain "I've been on Cymbalta twice now. I took it for 18 months about five years ago, and now I've been on it for about three months and will probably stay on it for another year and a half. I take it primarily for depression and anxiety, and I would give it a 10 out of 10 for those conditions for me personally. For chronic pain, specifically arthritis of the hip and post-surgical abdominal pain, I would give it an eight out of 10. It doesn't work like a painkiller, such as Percocet, where it makes you loopy and numbs the pain completely. It mostly just takes the edge off and makes the pain more manageable and also significantly less, without the side effects of painkillers, such as opiates."

• emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2023

For Anxiety "I have to give this medication 10 stars. I was going through a major time with social and general anxiety, and I requested to try this drug. I am on 30mg. It took a few weeks to work, a lot longer than previous drugs I have tried, so give it time. But by about 12-16 weeks, it dramatically helped my anxiety. Before this drug, I could barely face anyone, and everything that involved people was terrifying. Now I am working, and I am able to thrive. I do still have anxiety, but it is 100% manageable."

• CRo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 16, 2023

For Depression "I have tried countless medications for depression for over 16 years with a try and fail method until I found Cymbalta. It is a lifesaver. The things I used to overthink, I no longer get bothered by. I have a better self-image, quality sleep, more motivation, and A LOT LESS anxiety than I used to. Mainly it is the depression reduction that has been noticeable though. With this drug, it's either you like it or you hate it, just depends on how you respond, we are all different. It sits well with me."

• Ron...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 11, 2023

For Chronic Pain "I started Cymbalta in January 2023 when my neurologist prescribed it for nerve pain from peripheral neuropathy (non-diabetic). I was initially on 30 mg/day, but she moved me up to 60 mg/day after about a month. It was doing okay for a while but started to lose its effectiveness. My psychiatrist just started increasing my dosage to 120 mg/day last week. I'm currently at 90 mg/day for a month, and then I'll step up to the full 120 mg. In less than a week, the change has been significant. I was having moderate to severe pain in my feet, knees, and back. Since I was already on Cymbalta, the psychiatrist decided it would be beneficial to increase the dosage. My pain has significantly reduced to almost nothing, and the electric shocks and muscle twitching have stopped. I can't believe how much of a difference the increase has made! Not being in constant pain and agony has done wonders for my depression as well. I feel so much better!"

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2023

For Anxiety "I am now in the middle of week two and I am starting to feel so much better. I noticed that I am able to get out of bed and face my day. Before this medication, I would shake all over. I just wouldn’t get out of bed because I would hope that I just passed away in my sleep to finally end all of my anxiety and depression. I thank God every day that my doctor put me on this medication because I have been able to drive my car again without having a severe panic attack and I can breathe again. A lot of things that used to upset me don’t bother me anymore and I find myself laughing a lot more. I forgot what I even sounded like laughing until I got put on this medication. I finally had a breakdown and that is what made me turn to medication. Before, all I thought was I need to get put on Klonopin, but I have realized that I don’t need them. I just need the one pill which is Cymbalta, and I take one a day at 30 mg, and I can finally participate in my life again! I rarely have a bad day!"

• Bom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 11, 2023

For Depression "I started on Cymbalta a little over a year ago (starting with 30mg and for a year now on 60mg) after trying Lexapro for the second time and finding it didn't have much effect (it did the first time). I didn't notice a huge difference with Cymbalta but kept with it because I wanted something while I undertook Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Overall, I feel like there has been a minor improvement in mood from feeling very overwhelmed and helpless to mostly just flat. I'm planning on trying another medication such as Clonidine shortly (not sure whether it'll be in addition or instead). I've tried taking it at different times of day to manage feeling a bit foggy and/or sleeping a bit lightly but haven't had much luck finding an ideal time. Have been taking at lunchtime most recently but am thinking of moving back to morning as I don't need to do cognitive work first thing anymore and am hoping that will help with sleep quality."

• Ada...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 27, 2023

For Depression "My experience using Cymbalta has been overall amazing. At 14, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and when therapy had failed to help me, I decided to give medication a try (although I was quite hesitant). I tried many antidepressants over the years and had little to no luck with them. Just when I was losing my last strand of hope, my doctor prescribed me this at age 18. Within 2 weeks, my life had completely changed! I could finally get out of bed and live my life. I finally had motivation, drive, happiness, and HOPE!!!! It even helped my muscle/nerve pain. Not only that, but I applied to college shortly after, and ever since then I have been thriving mentally. Now, at 19, I have little to no side effects. The only side effect being some dizziness and nausea if I don't take the medicine with food. I am currently on 60 mg, and I am fully content with that. I will be forever grateful for this drug. THANK YOU :)"

• Cal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 6, 2023

For Depression "I have been on Cymbalta for well over 10 years and have had excellent results. I am a retired physician, but when I practiced, I prescribed a lot of Cymbalta, and my patients loved it. It also helped my fibromyalgia patients. I still believe after all these years that it is still a great medication."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2023

For Fibromyalgia "I am extremely sensitive to medication, so don't let this sway you too much. I'm 24, recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and have bad anxiety. I tried taking Cymbalta 2 separate times, both times made me extremely nauseous (even with prescribed anti-nausea), made me feel fuzzy, like my whole body felt like TV static, made my anxiety worse, caused jaw clenching and grinding. I felt confused driving, like I didn't know what was going on around me. Very strange experience, 0/10 for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 27, 2023

For Fibromyalgia "I gained 25 pounds in 6 months. I do not recommend this at all."

• Rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Wellbutrin for severe depression and anxiety, and I was seeing pretty good results. However, it just wasn't enough on its own. So, I started taking Cymbalta in addition to it. I had to increase my dosage to 60mg before I felt a difference, but once I did, I felt a big difference! It seemed to be working great except for the fact that it made me sweat SOOOOOO bad. I mean, just emptying the dishwasher would cause sweat to literally drip off of my head and face. It was crazy! While this medication seemed to work well initially, I eventually got to the point where I couldn't handle the sweating anymore. I gave it about four months to see if it would go away, but it just seemed to get worse and worse. Therefore, I eventually stopped taking it and switched to something else. However, it is worth a try because if you don't experience any negative side effects, it seems to work really well!"

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

For Depression "I was prescribed this in May. I just took my first pill in June. I was scared to take it after reading the reviews and seeing all the side effects. I already suffer from really bad migraines/headaches, so I didn't want to take it since one of the side effects is headaches. I really hope I don't experience all the side effects people have listed here. I'm not sure I'll keep taking it if it gives me headaches."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2023

For Anxiety "I have severe anxiety and panic attacks, have since I was a child. I took this for about two years until I realized the reason I was having so many depersonalization episodes and panic attacks (that seemingly had no cause) was because of this medication. When going on it, my doctor forgot to mention it would be a living nightmare to try to get off. I've been tapering off this medication for the last couple of months, decreasing by one bead at a time per week because if I decrease it any more than that, I have brain zaps, vertigo, migraines, nausea, hallucinations, mood swings, increased suicidal thoughts, and severe anxiety/panic attacks. Even tapering as slowly as I have, I'm experiencing the mood swings and severe anxiety. This medication IS NOT WORTH IT. Please save yourself some time and just try something else. I don't know why this stuff is even FDA approved. I can't wait to be off it."

• Son...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 17, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on 30 mg of Cymbalta for 3 years now, so since the beginning of Covid lockdown. In spite of being at home alone all the time, I am almost always in a good mood. Maybe I am just a person who prefers being alone, and Covid was the break I needed. But 3 years in, and I do feel that it's the Cymbalta doing the work. It seems like I've been on every drug on the market in the last 20 years. Some have worked really well but never longer than 2 years, like Lexapro. I feel more content and have no side effects. I don't feel like I'm on anything at all. It also acts as an appetite suppressant, which is a good thing. I'm surprised that this isn't a more popular drug considering how well it works and how easy it is to handle. I have also been taking clonazepam for 20 years, as well as T3 for thyroid and off-label for depression."

• Hii...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2023

For Anxiety "Here’s my review. I don’t like it. I don’t care what the psychiatrist thinks. I know my body. If my body doesn’t tolerate it, then it’s not for me. Stop demonizing stimulants like Adderall that work. Too many people are not properly diagnosed and are put on the wrong medication."

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 16, 2023

For Fibromyalgia "This medication has been really wonderful for my pain, and I do feel better emotionally. However, I’ve gained a ridiculous amount of weight in the year I’ve started taking it. I’m also experiencing a bit of mental fog and anxiety. The weight gain is awful for my mental and emotional well-being, though. I’m not a vain person, I just don’t feel like myself. I’m completely bald from alopecia, so being “chunky” just adds salt to the wound."

• Bev...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 13, 2023

For Fibromyalgia "I've been on 30 mg of Cymbalta for 10+ years now. It has helped me tremendously with nerve pain. When occasional depression comes around (usually from a stressful life or presurgical event) and I need additional help, my Cymbalta is just increased (added 30-60 mg). I took it at night (for starters) because it did make me drowsy, then I graduated to mornings without the drowsiness. Recommended to not lie down within 30 minutes of taking a dosage. No other side effects for me. It's a twofold useful Rx for me (pain and occasional depression)."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2023

"I take quite a high dosage of 120 mg once in the morning or when I wake up. It’s used to reduce pain from nerve damage I had when I severed my left leg - now reattached. If I take it consistently, I have a pretty good window of not a lot of pain. Side effects for me are that it ramps up my anxiety at times, dizziness, thirst all the time, and sweating a lot (I do exercise a lot though)."

• Nin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I first started taking psychiatric medication at 18 to help with depression/anxiety and bulimia. One drug after another, nothing seemed to help, and some even made things worse. I'm now 29. Been on 60 mg Cymbalta for approx. 3 years. I personally have not experienced anything groundbreaking, but I also have not had any negative side effects. It's hard to say if Cymbalta has done anything, as I've been on anti-depressants for so long. I will say this is probably the first med that hasn't given me weird side effects. I'm hoping to begin titration soon to see if I'm okay without it. I started taking a very low dose of Adderall (10 mg once a day) - prescribed to me as an off-label use for depression - kind of as a last resort after my laundry list of unsuccessful meds. I was very lucky to find a doctor who recommended this route, as the Adderall has alleviated my depression symptoms far more than any anti-depressant."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 9, 2023

For Depression "I’ve been taking Cymbalta for 10+ years. I use it as an antidepressant, but it also relieves my headaches. No bad side effects. It’s helped me tremendously."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

For Depression "Cymbalta ruined my life. In the span of 3 weeks, I managed to black out, tried to run away and change my name, I quit my job, and attempted suicide 3 times and luckily failed. I had urine retention, extreme headaches, blurred vision, no energy, and couldn't fall asleep."

• Lib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have panic disorder and agoraphobia, as well as spondylolisthesis. I took Lexapro for about 5 years and thought it was doing a good job...until I built up a tolerance to it and started having withdrawal symptoms halfway through the day every day. My doc switched me to Cymbalta, and it was a real eye-opener. I had no idea how poorly Lexapro was affecting me until Cymbalta changed things for me. I had been sluggish, unmotivated, tired, gained a lot of weight, and was still in pain all through my years with Lexapro, and since I was just so darn happy to not be suffering from random crippling panic attacks constantly, I figured that was 'good enough.' Not true. Now I know better. With Cymbalta, I have far more energy, my mood is boosted, my pain is reduced, I've lost weight, and I'm just generally more 'chipper' as well as being able to focus better at work and not suffering from panic attacks. Total life changer."

• Ccs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "Didn't help much with depression, but I did notice it helped with pain. Sad, but not in crippling pain all the time. Beware though, withdrawal is terrible. Unfortunately, I've been on a lot of antidepressants and withdrawal was one of the worst."