Duloxetine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2019

For Depression "Absolutely terrible. I was prescribed 20 mg Cymbalta to replace Prozac, which didn’t help my depression at all. The first few weeks, there were no changes, so we increased it to 30 mg, then 60 mg. I lost the ability to feel emotions at all. I was numb. I couldn’t make myself eat. I lost 5% of my weight. I had started self-harming just to feel something and felt suicidal. For some reason, I told myself to go to the doc one last time. It’s recommended that Cymbalta should be tapered off slowly, but there’s almost no way to do that from 60 mg to 30 mg as it is a big jump and the capsules shouldn’t be opened. The doc said I should quit cold turkey since I was in such a dark place. The withdrawal was torture. I couldn’t leave the house for two weeks because of vertigo, “brain zaps,” headaches, and confusion. I’m on Wellbutrin now, and it’s a hundred times better in my experience."

• PJN...
• May 5, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "For almost 2 years, I had felt like I was exhausted and in pain all of the time. I was told that it was osteoarthritis and because of my getting adult acquired flat feet. Finally, I went to an arthritis doctor who said it was fibromyalgia and started on Cymbalta two weeks ago. Within 5 days, I felt relief. It has given me hope to be able to do things without constant pain. I still get tired easily, but I can finally sleep at night and not be nearly as stiff in the morning. I was scared to death when reading about the side effects. Other than a headache for a few days... that was all for me. I'm so glad it has changed my life."

• mo1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2013

For Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety problems my whole life, but it was easily managed until I turned 23 (2.5 years ago) when it blew up and every month got much worse. In Dec 2012, I was diagnosed with severe generalized anxiety disorder, moderate panic disorder, and moderate agoraphobia. I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome-D, and combined with anxiety, I always had to be near a bathroom - any time I left the house I had diarrhea. Couldn't go shopping alone, do drive throughs, etc. Started this and almost immediately felt a bit better, minimal side effects (insomnia/headache 1st 3 days, itchy armpits 1st week) and it has taken the edge off lots. Have done many things I couldn't. No weight gain so far, very happy. Only big anxiety triggers bother me a bit, and Imodium use decreased LOTS! No mental fog!"

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Depression "Cymbalta is horrible stuff! Adverse effects when trying to stop taking Cymbalta. Went from 30 mg to 60 mg over a month-long period but don't bother with this drug as it doesn’t do what it’s prescribed to do (for me anyway, has not lessened anxiety or depression). Trying to stop taking it has worsened my symptoms. No sleep, rapid heartbeat, sweats, headaches, affected work, feeling like absolute shite, etc., the list goes on. I would not recommend this drug at all! Stay away."

• par...
• August 26, 2015

For Anxiety "At 25, I started taking Celexa. When I became pregnant less than a year later, I noticed it not working anymore. Then after my daughter was born, I noticed a huge difference. My doctor prescribed me Cymbalta, starting at 30mg and finally leveling out at 90mg. This is the best I have ever felt and I have now been taking it for almost 5 years. A year ago, I tried to lower my dosage (through my doctor of course) and within the week, noticed a huge difference. I was more irritable, less patient, and more anxious. And when I don't take it for a few days, my head pounds, I feel nauseous, and not like myself at all. At the end of the day, the good outweighs the bad. Although I do wish they were not so expensive, how can you put a price on feeling normal?"

• Jal...
• June 20, 2013

For Depression "I have only been on this for 2 weeks but I can seriously notice a difference. I am 21 and for about 6 years (after a traumatic event) I have been suffering from 'severe depression'. I have always had pain and always been too tired to do anything but lay in bed and cry! I can now say I am happy! Finally happy, I can't remember a time I was ever like this. I am motivated, active, and enjoying life. It works quick. I do, however, have mild headaches every day and multiple nightmares every night. I am told these will subside. It's pricey, but I really think it's worth it! Good luck to everyone."

• No...
• September 29, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "20 mg reduced my stress, worries, and obsessive thoughts. I've never been able to relax because I thought I wasn't doing enough, but now I enjoy the moment. I'm better at work, chores, getting things done. I'm not at war with myself. I'm finally living in my life instead of being in my head. I started because GAD and PMDD were causing shingles and interstitial cystitis. All better, relationships too. I can also finally fall asleep, which was a part of my struggle. I also run better, fewer pains. After muscle tightness and insomnia disappeared, there are lasting, but manageable, side effects. Libido lower, appetite higher, orgasm slower, constipation common, but patience, coffee, and probiotics help. Alcohol causes headaches, but I don't crave it either."

• ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Cymbalta is the worst medication I have ever been on. I took it for depression and anxiety, on the lowest dosage, and started getting terrible anxiety symptoms. Constantly sweaty but cold, shaking, a feeling of imminent doom, dizziness, headaches, and daily panic attacks for the first time in years. I couldn't grip the wheel well while driving. I started slowly decreasing my dose, which was super hard because you have to do it extremely gradually, but this medication was causing me so much pain and anxiety that I tapered too quickly. I had brain zaps (an electric shock going through my brain every time I moved my eyes), terrible pressure in my head, chest pains, nausea, dizziness, and even more panic attacks. This medication is genuinely the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I got chronic daily headaches when I started it, and they have not gone away, over a year later. Talk to your doctor about a different medication, unless you want to be on it for the rest of your life because tapering is impossible."

• ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Cymbalta is the worst medication I have ever been on. I took it for depression and anxiety, on the lowest dosage, and started getting terrible anxiety symptoms. Constantly sweaty but cold, shaking, a feeling of imminent doom, dizziness, headaches, and daily panic attacks for the first time in years. I couldn't grip the wheel well while driving. I started slowly decreasing my dose, which was super hard because you have to do it extremely gradually, but this medication was causing me so much pain and anxiety that I tapered too quickly. I had brain zaps (an electric shock going through my brain every time I moved my eyes), terrible pressure in my head, chest pains, nausea, dizziness, and even more panic attacks. This medication is genuinely the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I got chronic daily headaches when I started it, and they have not gone away, over a year later. Talk to your doctor about a different medication, unless you want to be on it for the rest of your life because tapering is impossible."

• mk2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medicine 5 months ago. Prior to my use of Cymbalta, I was taking 40mg daily of Celexa and interchanging lorazepam and buspirone for 3 years. Cymbalta (duloxetine) has CHANGED MY LIFE. I have struggled with major depressive disorder and anxiety symptoms from chronic OCD for many years, and this medicine has made me feel more alive than anything I have ever tried. I can wake up, I am capable of cognitive thought outside of sadness, and I am able to feel emotions and FINALLY have an orgasm. No medication is perfect, but I have finally felt free of the dullness and numbness that has consumed my life for so many years. Here is what you could expect (using prescription of 60 mg (2) 30 mg cap 2x a day): - light stomach irritation and sensitivity to eating - mild nausea and occasional headaches - more sweat - lowered appetite - real withdrawal! Follow a schedule! - insomnia - drink tea and take simple sleep aids!"

• Ski...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 25, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed 30 mg at first to help with depression. After talking with my doctor, he decided to increase the dosage to 60 mg. I was using it for 9 years, and at first, it seemed to help. But after a couple of years, it felt like I had a tight band around my head. And I was always dizzy when I stood up. I tried to stop taking it, and it felt like I had the flu. So I continued taking it. Then last year, I got tired of the head pain and dizziness. I opened up each capsule to remove 5 mg. I then waited for 2 weeks to remove another 5 mg. By doing it this way, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms and am finally off of it! If it works for you, great! But be prepared for a struggle to quit taking it!"

• Goa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Prescribed 30 mg initially, then increased to 60 mg a day. Initially excited because have used every SSRI in the last 30 years. Cymbalta is an SNRI, which I thought would help with motivation, task completion, goal setting, lessen neuropathy pain, and decrease depression. I do NOT recommend Cymbalta because the only result was a rotating cycle of endless side effects ranging from bald patches to low blood pressure. My physical pain increased both in severity and frequency. Had to take Epsom salt baths daily. Frequently dizzy, no energy, no motivation, and mentally felt bleh. Believe they refer to this as blunted. It is as if the Cymbalta tricked my emotions into believing I didn't care about anything. However, the depression rebound felt like a full-on physical assault. My headaches lasted several days. Even taking Adderall at the same time didn't decrease my daytime fatigue. Would not recommend."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2013

For Depression "I suffer from mild depression and back pain associated with scoliosis. I hoped Cymbalta could help. It did not help me. Initially (first few days), it was positive mentally, despite side effects: headache, nausea, then bad anxiety. As I took it more, I just started to feel not like myself, lethargic and weak. I almost felt too calm and didn't care. I can see how this might be helpful to those that are severely depressed. I am not. I'm sharing my experience because if you only suffer from minor blues, I would not recommend a strong antidepressant. I told my doctor it was minor, yet he prescribed me 60 mg immediately. I gave it a month and felt worse each day."

• Fib...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "After battling and dealing with pain for many years, I was prescribed Cymbalta. This drug works for pain. It kinda blocks it. That said, it was a rough start: dizziness, nausea, sweating. This fades, and then you feel better. Pain reduced in all areas. I could go about my day-to-day without pain stopping me. Then, after 2 years, it just stopped working. I don’t like pain meds, etc. As I knew all good things end, I decided to try and get off this med instead of increasing the dose. Well, let me warn the consumer, the patient: it was very, very, extremely difficult to reduce and withdraw from. I have a medical background, and a friend warned me. It was bad: vomiting violently (I don’t vomit ever), then in bed with headaches and chest palpitations that were scary. Finished withdrawal and reduced medications in general. Be careful with this medicine if you choose to access it for medical treatment."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been taking Cymbalta for about 3 weeks now. I started with 30 mg for the first week. I found it worked but not quite there for me, so I asked my doctor to increase it for me. I'm on 60 mg a day now, which I take in the morning. I feel much better on this dose. I feel happier, much calmer, relaxed, less worry, and I even find myself being more friendly to people in general. I also take 300 mg of Wellbutrin in the morning for my depression. This combo seems to be really working for depression and general anxiety. Side effects: frequent headaches (I just take Advil when needed), a little bit of increased body temperature, and I'm up later in the evening and wake up earlier in the morn. When I wake, I'm super wide awake and very clear-headed."

• aus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2017

For Chronic Pain "I have had three back surgeries, the latest was back fusion. I now suffer from nerve pain, especially in my right thigh and knee. At times, I can hardly walk due to the pain and weakness in my leg. X-rays and MRI show the fusion is in the correct position, but the specialists have said I may always have this nerve pain. They prescribed Cymbalta, and oh, what a calamity! I only took this medication for three days, and that was three too many. I was not warned about possible side effects, these are numerous: massive increase in pain, massive increase in weakness in the leg (had to use a walker), chest pain, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, mood swings like anger, suicidal thoughts, nightmares, hot and cold flushes, sweating for no reason. The list goes on."

• Fib...
• April 22, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and depression. I was taking it for over 3 years, but I developed a tolerance for it because it stopped working. While I was on it, it worked really well. It took some time to take effect, like 15 days, but when it did, it worked very well. I was able to continue working 50-hour weeks. The only horrible thing was when it finally stopped working, so I had to resign from my job and subsequently lost my health insurance. I couldn't afford the Rx, so I stopped taking it cold turkey. The side effects were horrendous! I was shaking, nauseous, had really bad headaches, dizzy. I finally had to borrow money to get the med back and then weaned off slowly."

• Doe...
• September 1, 2019

For Anxiety "A heart specialist changed me from Effexor to Cymbalta. I stayed on a 37.5 mg dose of Effexor and started 60 mg Cymbalta. This med is not for me. After 3 weeks, I felt like I was falling apart. Severe anxiety like never before. I thought I was having a heart attack! So much tightness and pain. Called 911. Lots of tests later, it wasn't a heart attack at all. That was after 2 weeks on it. I was so deeply sad, severe nausea and vomiting, nightmares, sweats, biting down on my dentures constantly, itching all over. Dizziness, bad vision. My muscles ached. I've had serotonin syndrome before, and this terrified me. I could not eat. I'm diabetic, so I have to eat, but food made me sick. Headaches, dark thoughts. Could not take it anymore and switched back to Effexor 4 days ago, off the Cymbalta. Today I feel great! I had a spell of nausea and an overall feeling of so awful, lasted 20 minutes or so. I also had pain in my right side and abdomen, which is still tender but better. So glad to be feeling better."

• Fin...
• May 9, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Cymbalta for over 3 weeks now. I have to say it has helped with my depression. I have been suffering from depression for 2 years now and decided to get help. I am starting to feel like myself again, except for some minor side effects: constipation, nausea, and headaches. Hopefully, these side effects will disappear in time."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2010

For Pain "My MD prescribed Cymbalta for chronic pain caused by disc bulges, in addition to treating my previously diagnosed depression and anxiety. I took my first dose around noon, and by 2 pm had a pounding headache. As the day continued, I began to have tremors and convulsions, blurred vision, and was very disoriented. At 10 pm, my heart rate and breathing were very rapid and I had mild hallucinations. I rode it out for the rest of the night and after about 3 hours, most of the side effects had faded with the exception of the headache. Unfortunately, the worst side effect was yet to come: graphic vivid nightmares. My doctor took me off the medication after one dose three days ago."

• Tal...
• September 5, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg daily by my psychiatrist after a rapid downslide in my bipolar depression. The first day was very rough for me - headache and severe nausea. The next couple of days, I was feeling slightly 'high' and couldn't stop clenching my jaw or rushing my words. Thankfully, all of that has passed (5 weeks in), now constipation is my only complaint. It has changed my outlook completely, and I'm so thankful. Hopefully, it doesn't change because it's been a lifesaver!"

• the...
• August 8, 2016

For Chronic Pain "I started out on 30 mg for one week, then moved up to 60 mg. Since starting the larger dose, I am having frequent dizzy spells, headaches, and fatigue. I am planning to give it more time, this Rx, so far, has been the only Rx that has lowered my pain due to chemotherapy. Hopefully, these side effects will stop soon."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2020

For Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta 30 mg for about a year and a half for anxiety. When I first started taking it, I could not stay awake. If I sat down and got still, I was asleep. After about 3 months, that started wearing off (never fully). I have also had muscle spasms since I started, and they have not gone away. I recently started having panic attacks and couldn’t seem to focus at all. I talked to my doctor about switching meds, they decided that moving to 60 mg would help my anxiety more. I took 60 mg for about a week and was having so many more muscle spasms. I also had headaches every day. I felt all over the place. So I went to my doctor again, saying I thought I needed something else. I will start taking Wellbutrin. I really hope this is going to be the medicine for me. My anxiety is out of control right now coming off Cymbalta. I also am having a ton of dizziness."

• Rac...
• March 26, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I was prescribed Cymbalta when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year. Cymbalta is by far the worst medicine I could ever imagine being on. It did nothing for my fibromyalgia pain. I stayed on it to see if it would work with time, nothing. I told my doctor I felt no better about my fibromyalgia pain and decided to wean off. This is the ugly part. My dose went from 60 mg to 30 mg for the next two weeks, and then I was told to take it every other day for 2 weeks, and so I did. Here I am, 3 days off of it completely, and I feel horrendous. Muscles are stiff, mouth is constantly dry, diarrhea is nonstop, vomiting, constant nausea, headache, body zaps, brain zaps, feeling exhausted but can't sleep. Cymbalta is hell. Please avoid at all costs."

• DMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I took one dose of this medicine, 20 mg, and with an hour had severe diarrhea, a horrible headache, and then panic and anxiety set in. It was so bad that I had to leave work 2 hours into my shift. On my way home, I actually stopped at the ER and sat in the parking lot debating on whether to go in. Luckily, I was able to reach my doctor's office, who gave me the go-ahead to take a Xanax to counteract these side effects and didn't have to go to the ER. It was so bad that I even had my husband leave work because I was too scared to be home alone. I would rather suffer through pain than have to do that again."