Duloxetine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• myo...
• April 29, 2018

Duloxetine for Depression "I started on 30 mg and am currently on 60 mg - first few days on it were awful, with bad insomnia, nausea/headache, fatigue. However, after ~5-6 days, most symptoms subsided (except the insomnia, which I use melatonin for). It's been about 2 months and I have to say this medication has been life-changing for me in terms of my mood/thoughts. I used to have such dark thoughts and a negative outlook on life, assuming the worst in people and hating everything about myself. That has completely changed and I can say for the first time in YEARS that I feel truly, completely, happy. This happiness is different because it persists even when not-so-great things happen in my life. I will say that the anxiety still lingers but honestly its effects on my depression make the anxiety super tolerable. I hope this medication works for others the way it worked for me - time will tell as far as how long this will last."

• Joh...
• July 17, 2021

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I was prescribed this for severe fibromyalgia pain. It was awful! Insomnia, nausea, headache, restless legs while on it for a month. So even with a proper tapering off, I felt like I was going to die!!! Finally out of my system. Please stay away from this nightmare of a drug, and shame on doctors for not warning people about the withdrawal you may experience coming off of it."

• LJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2018

Duloxetine for Anxiety "Dealing with severe anxiety and OCD my whole life, I decided to try medication when I turned 20. While my first few days on Cymbalta (10mg) were torturous, probably partly due to mental reservations about taking a pill every day (I experienced vomiting, headaches, dizzy spells, nausea, inability to sleep, and complete loss of appetite), I'm SO glad I stuck with the drug. Now I am on 80mg, and without sounding completely corny, I feel like I'm finally the person I'm meant to be. Since starting the pill, I've started rock climbing, learned to drive, and just become a much happier, friendlier, and more confident person. My friends and family have all noticed a huge shift in my personality and I'm so thrilled I went on Cymbalta."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2020

Duloxetine for Depression "I was diagnosed with PMDD and was prescribed Cymbalta. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so sick in my life: nauseous, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and all of this after one dose. Never again."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2024

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I have chronic pain and bad anxiety for many years and have been living untreated and struggling. In the last few months, I started taking pain pills. But then a few weeks ago, I met two totally different strangers who, within five minutes of each other, shared their experience with CYMBALTA - it was like a light bulb went on! I had two or three previous doctors recommend it in the past, so I felt it was a SIGN or a NUDGE to give this prescription medication a go. I’m currently on day five of 30 mg with some side effects such as mild nausea, mild headaches that come and go, and some insomnia. But because of the positive reviews on here, I have decided to push through the side effects and give Cymbalta a chance to CHANGE my life! I have decreased pain meds to 3 a day and feel encouraged that my anxiety will be greatly helped!"

• Hip...
• March 5, 2015

Duloxetine for Osteoarthritis "I suffer with arthritis in hands, knees, elbows, and hips. In 2013, I underwent a total left hip replacement and worked hard in rehab to become active again. However, as time progresses, my joints continue to 'talk' to me loudly. In the mornings, I look like a crone hobbling around until from moving, they begin to become fluid. Ridiculous! My doctor put me on Cymbalta back in December of 2014. Wow. What a difference. I did have some struggles on learning when to take it without suffering from nausea, dizziness, etc. For me, the morning time seems to be the ticket. Midday or evening caused stomach and head issues. I am on a lower dose compared to what I have read, but I give this an A+. Within 15 minutes of taking my dose, I am fine."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2025

For Anxiety "I just wanted to give my personal review of duloxetine that overall helped me tremendously in a moment of extreme anxiety (associated with fibromyalgia, head tension, rapid heartbeat, severe dizziness, etc.). At the 3rd-4th day, all the extreme symptoms of anxiety seemed to vanish little by little at 90%. But the main reason for this review is the side effects. I take 30 mg every day, and all I had was a slight to mild nausea (that at 3rd-4th day seemed to vanish little by little). Other than that, no other side effect. Benefits: no muscle pain, no rapid heartbeat (rare occasions), calmness, better judgment, more relaxed, and no nervousness. So, in my humble opinion, listen to your doctor, don't be afraid of the medication itself, and be strong if you start it. Give it some time, be patient, and if side effects bother you or persist, talk to your doctor again. So, if you have a mandatory trip somewhere and you know that you suffer from traveling nausea, you will be strong and do the trip."

• Cym...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 19, 2016

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I saw this medication as a marvel, until I started taking it. I had no problems, except for some nausea, during the first 2-3 months I was on it. And it seemed to help somewhat with pain. Then the fun began: restless legs syndrome, insomnia, horrible sweating even when it was cold, urinary incontinence and frequency, muscle spasms, elevated liver enzymes...but hey, there's another medication for all those side effects. Finally after 3 years, I had had enough and was ready to move on. Unfortunately, the Lilly recommended taper is downright dangerous. After the alternating 60mg/30mg and drop to 30 mg, I was in full blown Cymbalta discontinuation syndrome. Look it up; it's not pretty. Run away from this med as fast as you can."

• Lan...
• November 12, 2014

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I was on Cymbalta for almost 2 years. I stopped taking it because I thought it was the reason why I was gaining weight (10 lbs over 1 year). 30 mg first year, then 60 mg, then 30 mg again. Pros: It treated my fibro! Not just temporary effect, 80% of the pain went away! I stopped taking it 1.5 years ago and the no-pain effect is still here. Pretty happy about that. Cons: the adjusting period (about 2 weeks) IS a nightmare, worst vertigo and nausea ever. Overall, highly recommended to people with fibromyalgia."

• Kim...
• March 17, 2016

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I thankfully have never had depression! However, I have chronic severe pain (ankylosing spondylitis). I tried Cymbalta in my mid-30s... YES, it made me EXTREMELY nauseous and I got headaches... But only for the first week! I felt like it gave me my life back. But it was short-lived, and I only took it for 6 months because I ended up getting immune to it. At 60 mg/day, it did nothing for pain! I went back on it at 39 after many failed attempts of other meds! But this time, I also take Dilaudid with it for breakthrough pain (usually only need once but sometimes twice a day). I've been back on Cymbalta for almost 2 years now and feel like I have my life back! I'm able to work (I'm a waitress) and drive and LIVE life!"

• Bat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2013

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I've been taking 120mg of Cymbalta for 6 months now and have found the benefits to be: decreased anxiety, increased social confidence, and 10kg (22.2 pounds) weight loss!! The negatives have been: irregular insomnia, slightly manic personality when really comfortable in my social surroundings, dry mouth, mild occasional nausea and that's about it. I'm under the watchful eye of a great psychiatrist and think Cymbalta is much better than Prozac and Zoloft which I've been on for 5 years prior (at alternate times). Also, I strongly recommend reducing your alcohol intake - Cymbalta increases side effects and makes you feel embarrassingly drunk and tired much earlier than others. Good luck."

• K55...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

Duloxetine for Depression "I have anxious depression, and I have been taking this drug for about one month. I started at 30 mg for a week and then switched to 60 mg until now. The first few days were horrible, I was sleeping about 12 hours per day and had a feeling of nausea, but finally, after a few days, everything was fine. Anxiety is totally gone, and I don't feel exhausted from my mood. I feel more powerful, and my mood is much better, but in any case, I am not happy. I also sleep very well. I will stick to this medicine. I recommend following doctors' prescriptions."

• you...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "So... after now being on these for the second time, I can review them properly. As someone who struggles with mental health issues and fibromyalgia, these tablets worked a treat for both my pain and emotional regulation BUT be prepared for around a month of side effects before you fully notice a difference and can't function. Sickness, constantly sleeping all day; no appetite, rash, dizziness, nausea, constant headaches, not sleeping at all at night, and struggling to move are just to name a few, but once you get past that, they’re better than any pain killer. Despite struggling to feel emotions, the positives outweigh the negatives."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2019

Duloxetine for Depression "So I was on Lexapro for 5 years, it stopped working. The doctor suggested Cymbalta. I was scared to try it with all the bad reviews. But I started on 30 mg for 2 weeks, then up to 60 mg after 2 weeks. The side effects were dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness. However, the side effects have gotten better, and this is working. No more crying spells or moodiness. Also, it has helped my back and neck pain."

• Maz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2020

Duloxetine for Back Pain "Prescribed for back pain. I was told I have to start with 30 mg and in a week increase it to 60 mg. After two days on Cymbalta, I knew I would never make it. I got sick almost immediately - stumbling, brain fog, diarrhea, jaw pain, headache, and nausea. I told my doctor I wanted off, but she said to take it 'a few weeks' before I went up to 60 mg. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, so I stayed on it for a few more weeks, but didn't get better, and it actually got a lot worse. I called my doctor's office and told her I wanted off. There was no way I was going up to 60 mg. Since I had never increased the dosage, I immediately went to every other day for a week, then stopped. The withdrawal was every bit as bad as the reaction to the pill. There is finally a slight alleviation in the symptoms, so I've decided just to wait it out. MY RECOMMENDATION: My experience is this is the worst pill I have ever taken. Bottom line? DON'T TAKE THIS PILL!!!!"

• Cin...
• March 20, 2013

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I have taken several depression medicines over the last six years. All with limited results. My entire body started hurting so bad, fatigue, headaches and broken sleep at night. I begged my doctor to try me on Cymbalta because it helped a friend with similar symptoms. My pain was almost gone in a week and completely gone in two. I never realized how bad my pain was until it was gone! I take it at night because I get very sleepy within a few hours. I sleep great and wake up pain-free and fully rested. It has helped my depression but not to the extent it has taken away all my pain. I did feel slightly nauseous on and off for a few weeks. My appetite has diminished which has helped me lose 10 pounds."

• Nee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 9, 2019

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "This drug made me so depressed to the point of having suicidal thoughts. When I finally realized that it was causing this, the withdrawal symptoms are worse than anything I've ever experienced. Anxiety, extreme nausea, intense vertigo, muscle spasms. Do not take this drug, there are so many better options."

• Meg...
• August 13, 2014

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I'm 5 weeks into taking Duloxetine for depression and anxiety and have had an overall positive experience. My anxiety was greatly reduced after only 4 days on 40mg per day, including stopping negative thoughts, no more panic attacks at night, etc. The second week, I was very tired and depressed without the anxiety, sleeping many hours each day. But by the third week, both depression and anxiety were greatly reduced. However, by the end of the month, the anxiety had started to return slightly, and my doctor has now increased the dose to 80mg per day. I had slight nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite, and some indigestion during the first week or so, and now again since I have upped the dose, but I imagine these will disappear again soon."

• Pyj...
• May 27, 2018

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I was taking amitriptyline for chronic pelvic pain for 6 years and was frustrated with the morning fatigue and weight gain. It did well to control the pain but was becoming less effective. The gynae changed me to duloxetine to hopefully spark some energy. The first two months later were awful. My pain returned, and I felt like I had a sleeping sickness. I was irritable and nauseated all the time. Pain was decreasing slowly, but I had to rely on strong painkillers. Two months in, I woke up one morning with no pain, feeling good. This feeling came more frequently over the next month until it was daily. The changes compared to amitriptyline are that I’m losing a bit of weight and the pain management is better. My memory is also improved. It seems to be helping more with the depression from the loss of my partner to cancer. I feel generally happier. Sleep problems are worse."

• Kro...
• October 9, 2011

Duloxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "For the last 2 years I have suffered massive panic and anxiety attacks. I thought my world as I knew it was over. Thanks to Cymbalta, everything is almost back to normal and I am feeling myself again. I started taking it 2 months ago, the first 2 weeks I had a bit of nausea but now it's gone. No other side effects."

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

Duloxetine 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!"

• Con...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 13, 2019

Duloxetine for Depression "I've been on Cymbalta since 2009. On July 29, I went down to 60 mg; on August 6, down to 30 mg, and off completely August 19. The withdrawal symptoms began within 2 days. Hyper-sensitivity, both physically (to sound, taste, touch) and psychologically. I got shaky hands, chills, fevers, itchy skin, and two weeks on, prickles, like nettles or poison ivy all over my body. I felt like I had restless leg syndrome through my whole body. Nausea was persistent. I also found I was unable to manage any social interactions. I have still not gone back to work. The depression came back hard. August 6, 9th, August 19, and August 29 were all awful days. I didn't think I was going to make it. The hopelessness and despair were the worst I have ever experienced. July 29 to September 12. That's how long the withdrawal took for me."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2016

Duloxetine for Osteoarthritis "Cymbalta has been a heaven-sent. I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees, and I'm 35. I stayed in chronic pain. On a 1-10 scale, I was at 7-6. This medication took my pain level to a 2. I couldn't believe how effective it was after one dose. I do suffer side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, but I'm praying it passes. I've only been on the meds for three days. I don't feel sidelined in life anymore. I can participate nearly pain-free."

• TWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

Duloxetine for Depression "My Dr. started me on Cymbalta about a month ago. I go to a VA clinic, and my Dr. is a great psychiatrist who has many, many years in practice. I told him of all my issues and problems, and he ordered this med for me. I am currently maintained on other meds for opiate withdrawal, so I’ve been through the rough stuff before. I gotta say, even from day one, which made me slightly woozy and somewhat queasy, it is a wonderful drug for me. The queasiness subsided after a couple of days, and I noticed almost immediately my depression decreased dramatically. It also did wonders for my anxiety. I have no issues with this med, it’s great for me. Not all people have the exact same imbalance, so I suggest shopping around until you find the right one. If you are getting meds from a general physician, I suggest you see a well-qualified psychiatrist and tell him exactly what you feel and when and how, and he can get you pretty close to the center of the dartboard of what med you need."

• Din...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 30, 2020

Duloxetine for Osteoarthritis "I’ve been on this med for 3 long years for major depressive disorder and severe osteoarthritis. Not by choice, mind you, but because the withdrawal effects were so severe for me I couldn’t get off it even with tapering. It gives me massive brain zaps, increased insomnia and racing thoughts, nausea, the worst dizziness I ever experienced that I just can’t take anymore after 2 days nonstop. I don’t recommend this medication because of how differently it affects people. You could be a statistic like me and suffer hard from this medicine. As for the pain relief, I didn’t feel much of it, I have severe osteoarthritis in many joints, so I don’t really feel much relief from many medications."