Duloxetine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 5)

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

Duloxetine 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."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

Duloxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was scared to take this med after the reviews. An anxiety attack triggered me to finally try it. I took 1 tablet, 30 mg, yesterday afternoon with lunch and experienced nothing until night. I was having constant random visions all night. When I finally got up in the morning, I began shaking, my skin felt like it was burning, I was on fire hot, and my mouth was so incredibly dry. Then I got the chills. Shaking, burning skin, chills, dizziness went all day. I was wiped out tired and could not eat. I was in bed all of this beautiful day until 4:30 pm when I forced myself up. Honestly, I felt poisoned. I drank 2 gallons of water waiting to flush this out of my body. It was about 28 hours from the time I took it until I felt somewhat back to normal."

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

Duloxetine 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."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2011

Duloxetine 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!"

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

Duloxetine 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)."

• Fib...
• December 31, 2020

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I put off taking this drug due to all the negative comments. I have had bad reactions and am very sensitive to most other medications, and this was literally my last resort. I was petrified, as I hate nausea and vomiting (a lot of people commented on this as a side effect). I take Tixol brand. I suffer from debilitating anxiety and fibromyalgia. I have been on 30 mg for approximately 7 weeks and am about to up my dose tomorrow. On other antidepressants, it has taken me about 10 days to actually half-function again. On duloxetine, I felt a little dizzy and had blurred vision for 2-3 days, and then I felt normal. The only side effect I’ve had is hair loss and brittle hair. It has alleviated mostly all my elbow pain from fibromyalgia, which was crippling pain, and anxiety is much better. This worked quite quickly. It’s a relief to not have ice packs strapped to my arms every night and tears that silently run down my face from the pain. If it wasn’t for hair loss, this would be a 10/10 for me."

• Han...
• March 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I take 20 mg of duloxetine because I’m super sensitive to any SSRI or SNRI. Everybody’s different. I felt quite nauseous and dizzy for the first 2 or 3 days, and now it’s been 2 weeks, and I feel like my old self. I suffer from PTSD, and I used to have crippling panic attacks where I couldn’t leave the house at all. Now I can get on a bus and do my normal things, still with anxiety, but I am a lot better than I was, and hopefully one day I won’t need this med to aid me. This is the first med I’ve kept taking as well, with minimal side effects."

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

Duloxetine 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

Duloxetine 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)."

• Ban...
• November 22, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "My doctor prescribed duloxetine (generic Cymbalta) a little over a week ago for fibromyalgia. The pain was relieved the first day. I had dizziness and some nausea but have lost 10 pounds and am pain-free for the first time in a very long time. So far, amazing results for me."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2017

Duloxetine for Depression "Ok, so I'm a 19 y/o female, and after a month and a half of super minor side effects (groggy, dizzy, no appetite), Cymbalta started to work really well. However, about a couple of months ago, I began experiencing mood swings more and more gradually. Now I have days where I'm in a completely crabby mood (I don't want to do anything), or I'm in an okay mood (I'll go out and try to do a couple of things to build confidence), or I'm totally pissy and mean all day, and I cry and flip out (like literally cry and threaten to leave him for nothing). My poor boyfriend, who doesn't even understand the medicine (who tries to because he respects my choices). I plan on changing my medicine at my next doctor's visit because the mood swings are making it hard to get a job."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2010

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I have been taking Cymbalta for about 10 months now. At first, the side effects were difficult because I felt nauseous, dizzy, had brain zaps, constipation, and my dreams were crazy. Luckily, I did not quit within the first 2 weeks, and the side effects mostly subsided. Cymbalta has really helped with my anxiety and depression. I was on 30 mg, then 60 mg. The first couple of months were the best, with no anxiety at all, but slowly it started to come back. My dose has just been raised to 90 mg, and I am also on Wellbutrin. Not perfect, and I don't want to keep raising the dose, but Cymbalta has really improved my daily life and relationships with others."

• Joh...
• January 13, 2021

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I have primary progressive multiple sclerosis. I was prescribed Cymbalta for nerve pain. I was told it could cause diarrhea! I started on 30 mg per day, then after 2 weeks increased to 60 mg per day. I have never experienced side effects from a medication as dangerous and scary as the ones I had while on Cymbalta. After a week of taking 60 mg, I began having terrible stomach pain. A couple of days later, my feet started to feel ice cold, but they were warm to the touch. I then began having trouble urinating, double vision, ringing in my ears, dizziness, and severe headaches. I literally thought I was dying and close to death. My wife had looked up the possible side effects of Cymbalta. I immediately called the prescribing doctor, and he informed me to STOP CYMBALTA IMMEDIATELY!! I was instructed NOT TO STOP COLD TURKEY or else I could risk having lifelong damage from the side effects."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2021

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I was hesitant to try this because of some of the bad reviews, but I have been desperate for a long time for some sort of relief. I've had fibromyalgia for 4 years, but the last few months have been excruciating. I work full time and have to usually take Tylenol and ibuprofen/Aleve just to make it through. I have been taking Cymbalta now for a week. I take it at night with a meal and get a slight headache and dizziness sometimes. It does subside pretty quickly. I must say I have felt better this last week than I have in a long time. Give this a chance, it really does help!"

• lik...
• November 11, 2015

Duloxetine 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."

• bla...
• February 8, 2012

Duloxetine for Depression "I started taking Cymbalta after my doctor prescribed 2 other medicines over the space of 8 months, they made me feel worse, not better. I was so ill I was hospitalized at one stage. It took Cymbalta quite a while-about 2 months-to kick in noticeably, however, my depression was severe. The nausea was awful the first two weeks and dizziness lasted about a week with me. I am pretty sensitive to medications, however. I have been on Cymbalta for almost two years-at a high dose (90 mg). I do find I am hot and sweaty (at times), I need a lot of sleep and have put on weight (though HRT could have caused this). However, these side effects are a small price to pay to live a normal life and be free."

• Zpf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2022

Duloxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 30 years old. I started this drug about 5 days ago. Day 1-3 was horrible. I had side effects of fatigue, nausea, mild panic attacks, muscular skeletal pain and spasms on my eyelid, dry mouth, and some dizziness that faded. I am still experiencing muscle spasms, a little nausea, loss of appetite, and some depersonalization here and there. I noticed the positives. I felt some euphoria, less depression, and less fatigue, but overall I’m trying to do my best to just rough it out and see in the next 3 days if things get better. It is different for everyone. I’m only on a 30 mg dose, but little by little, I have breakthroughs that are positive. My thoughts did race a little, but just gotta pray and have hope it works. Overall, some of the negatives disappear. I will keep people updated! I have autism, ADHD, GAD, and PTSD, so just keep praying."

• rit...
• April 6, 2010

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "Works wonderfully to control pain at a higher dose, but caused exhaustion during the day (took at night) - tried lowering the dose - after 3 days, could feel pain in shoulders and thighs beginning to creep back, so had to increase the dose again and then had to take an upper dose (prescribed) during the day to keep me going or I couldn't work - I'm a psychotherapist. The worst part is I'm terribly dizzy - legs have given out several times - sometimes limbs are useless - only upon getting up in the morning or after sitting or getting out of the car - never when sitting or once up walking around. So I love Cymbalta for pain - hate it for side effects."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2022

For Depression "I was terrified to take this medication after reading the bad reviews. I’m so happy that I did. The first week I felt “high,” as if I had taken cold medication. Terrible diarrhea and hot and cold chills. Although they were very frustrating, none of the side effects were bad enough that I couldn’t make my way to work. I take 30 mg at night before bed (with a gaba/melatonin/magnesium supplement), and I have no problems sleeping at all. Come morning, I feel a little tired still, but nothing I can’t deal with. I for sure wouldn’t be able to take this medication during the day. Haven’t noticed any sexual side effects yet. Within a couple of days of taking this medication, my anxiety and depression have almost completely gone. It has been an absolute lifesaver for me."

• Hon...
• April 2, 2010

Duloxetine for Depression "Cymbalta is very effective, and the trade-off is increased appetite, lowered metabolism, so expect weight gain or plan to exercise more and reduce calorie intake. Hair loss is a strong possibility. If loss of hair doesn't concern you, it's not much, but enough for you to notice, and it does grow back, so! All things considered, I am very happy with Cymbalta. I used to use Lexapro (about 2 yrs) and had nothing but problems. Zoloft didn't do the job for me, but as I emphasized, Cymbalta has been a blue ribbon treatment. I don't get lightheaded, no dizziness. I recommend it."

• Kuh...
• August 26, 2015

Duloxetine for Depression "My very first time trying this medication. I thought I was gonna die! I took it last night at 7:00 pm, went to bed by 10:00 pm, and I was fine. I woke up at 6:00 am and went straight to the bathroom, had bad diarrhea plus vomiting. Had to drive to work with major dizziness, and had no appetite at all. I felt so weak. I was thinking maybe it needs more time and to be more patient. Till around midday today, I had to leave work because I was so nauseous that I couldn't function. I called my doctor, and she told me to stop taking it! This medication is definitely not for me. I've tried a lot of antidepressants like this one!!!!"

• szw...
• May 9, 2010

Duloxetine for Depression "I was off of the medication for exactly 2 1/2 days. I was a basket case! Everything made me feel sad and overwhelmed. The withdrawal was bad! I was VERY dizzy, had fragmented thoughts, forgetfulness, etc. The biggest drawback of Cymbalta that I have experienced is the extreme difficulty reaching orgasm! My libido is just fine, as is everything else during sex...until the point when I should (and used to be able to) have an orgasm. Very frustrating. Needless to say, if there was a drug that could help the depression as well as Cymbalta does, without the sexual side effects, I would take it!"

• Ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2021

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "If you are seeking treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, and depression as a person with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, especially if you also have temperature or orthostatic intolerance or other dysautonomic symptoms. DO NOT TAKE THIS. I started at 30 mg and increased all the way to 120 mg (then decreased back down to 60 mg and eventually weaned off). I noticed no change to my pain levels. I did experience an increase in energy - but not a positive one - I experienced insomnia, tachycardia, and extremely severe anxiety. I did a lot of risk-taking while on this medication, and increasingly wished I was never born. Lost my appetite entirely and lost 20-25% of my body weight. The sweating was unbearable. Between the malnutrition and the nightmares, I managed to chip two teeth by grinding them in the few hours I was able to sleep. I may have bone loss as well. It made me very dizzy with the underlying POTS, and I now require beta blockers twice daily to manage my heart rate despite cessation of Cymbalta use."

• Ooa...
• September 21, 2009

Duloxetine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Cymbalta 30 mg for the last 5 days. I noticed a lot of side effects, good and bad. The bad ones include insomnia, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth. The two good side effects were less urgency to urinate and fewer hunger pangs. I used to run to the bathroom every hour and almost constantly eat. My mood is improving, and I seem to be coming out of my shell. In a few more days, my dose will double, and I am sure this medication will work. I feel as if I am on the right path to becoming who I used to be years ago."

• Mar...
• January 16, 2016

Duloxetine for Depression "After battling dysthymia alternating with moderate anxiety for years and trying all sorts of natural means to treat it, I slipped into major depression. I was prescribed a low dose of Cymbalta-20 mg. After taking just two pills over three days, it has been one awful drug trip. I'm hoping for the heavy, dizzy feeling of pressure on my brain to end. The lethargy, nausea, and chills have also been bad. I have two children, one of whom stayed home sick while I was on this, and I could barely care for her. It killed my appetite, which I didn't think would be a bad thing, but when you only feel like eating a banana and an orange all day, it becomes a problem. I'm looking forward to 'just' feeling depressed again."