Duloxetine and Sweating: What Users Say

• jod...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 24, 2020

Duloxetine for Depression "I have been on Cymbalta for years at a dose of 120mg daily. This medication has helped my depression heaps. It has also helped manage my chronic pain and anxiety. Before starting on Cymbalta, I was hospitalized several times with depression. I have been on Cymbalta for about 8 years and have had zero hospital admissions since. I do still get times I have bad depression and anxiety, but Cymbalta has made it more manageable. I do get a few side effects such as sweating, but I would prefer that over feeling suicidal."

• Anonymous
• August 12, 2008

Duloxetine for Depression "The Cymbalta took about three weeks to kick in. The side effects started out really strong: dizziness, sweating, no appetite, sleepiness, dry mouth. Now I've been on it for one month and all of my side effects are gone. I don't have any sexual side effects. As far as treating my depression, it's amazing. It's like the light has been turned on again and I can see the good in life. Advice: if you're prescribed this medication, give it a good try - the side effects do diminish. From what I see here, it seems like this works for a lot of people."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2009

Duloxetine for Depression "Cymbalta is the best thing that I have ever tried and for more than just depression. I also suffered from debilitating anxiety. Both have all but disappeared. Before I started taking it about 4 months ago, I literally hoped I would just fade away. I wanted to die so badly, it's all I thought about. I have lost 45 pounds along with my compulsive overeating disorder and have gained more peace and happiness than I ever knew could exist for me. It saved my life (and helped me be a much better mother, wife, daughter - everything). I will deal with the super sweatiness and a few extra yawns during my day in order to have a life. Viva la Cymbalta!"

• Kat...
• December 28, 2007

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta for 8 weeks. I suffer from medical anxiety. I have not felt this good in years. The first 2 weeks, I did have a lot of side effects: sweating, dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach, but after that, I started feeling better. I have lost 20 lbs because I no longer feel hungry all the time. I feel like I did 20 years ago, so much happier. I can't rave enough about it."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 27, 2024

Duloxetine for Anxiety "This medication is literally a miracle! I started taking Duloxetine because I was having horrible heart palpitations from anxiety at night that would wake me from sleeping. I had been diagnosed 6 months prior with fibromyalgia, and that alone was a nightmare. Sporadic muscle pain daily in my neck, my arms, my legs, it was awful. Those pains contributed to my anxiety and even caused a ton of gastrointestinal problems. I tried several pills for gastrointestinal issues and fibromyalgia, and each one had side effects like severe sweating and no sex drive. So I would try a new pill for 2 months, then stop. Once the anxiety issues started, I thought I had a heart problem, so while waiting to see a cardiologist, my PCP started me on Duloxetine. I had little hope since I feel like I have taken everything under the sun, but a few weeks in, I noticed my palpitations had stopped. Even more incredible is that I wasn't complaining about my pains every day anymore. This medicine was a game changer and gave me my life back."

• Krs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2021

Duloxetine for Depression "I was prescribed 30 mg a day by my doctor. I took my first dose after dinner, as suggested. Around 4am, I woke up, and the room was spinning. I had pain in my stomach as if I had food poisoning. I wasn't able to fall asleep, and I didn't get up because I knew I would vomit. I took another dose the next day and experienced shivering, chills, sweaty palms, anxiety, and dilated pupils. I thought maybe it would improve or subside, but on the third day, I woke up, looked in the mirror, and a gaunt, pale face with large pupils was staring back at me. I jumped in the shower and was shivering so badly, I thought I would go into cardiac arrest right then and there. I should've gone to the ER. I was so scared. I stopped the medication immediately. My doctor switched me to Lexapro, and I filled the prescription, but I'm too shaken up from my experience with Cymbalta, I'm holding off until I feel like myself again. I'm in recovery, and I haven't felt like that on any drug in the past. Quite unnerving. Never again. And I don't recommend."

• 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."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2024

Duloxetine for Depression "I'm a 33-year-old female and was recently switched from Paxil to Cymbalta 60mg for depression/anxiety, Clonazepam 0.5 twice a day for panic disorder/PTSD, and Cyproheptadine 4mg for weight gain. This combination of medicines has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I was suffering for a long time. I no longer have racing/repetitive thoughts, no more panic attacks, sleep well, no depression. At first, I did have extremely dry mouth for about a week and a half. I had vivid dreams for about a month and a half that I couldn't tell if it was happening in real life or a dream, lol. I had excess sweating and hot flashes for about 2 weeks. All this has since stopped, and I feel great. I'm up to 118 lbs, look and feel amazing!"

• Alw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "Cymbalta is somewhat costly. Initially prescribed for lower back pain. The first 2-3 months, it worked VERY well. It helped with the back pain and improved my general mood. Bonus feature, it was helping with my permanent migraine. I had only a few side effects at first, but they started building up. Insomnia to the point of 15 minutes of sleep or less per day (for over a month), spontaneous ejaculation, cold sweats, no sex drive. Started to get a few electric shock-like sensations in the extremities. Started to feel zombie-like. I came off the stuff cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms included MANY shock-like jolts to hands and feet (for about 6 years), a few months of a zombie-like feeling (low drive). I'd rate it GOOD for short-term use (1-2 months). Anything longer than 3 months, I would strongly advise against (as any other anti-depressant)."

• Hop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 23, 2020

For Pain "I was on Duloxetine 60 mg for pain for approx 17 years. I decided to get off of it due to weight gain, sweating, and lethargy. It took 4 months to slowly wean myself off (with doctor's help). Soon after, the fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and pelvic floor pain started, and by June I was in a tremendous amount of pain, anxious, and depressed. I tried Effexor, but it did not give me the relief I had hoped for, and it came with its own set of side effects. Needless to say, I am starting back up on the Duloxetine. While I'm not thrilled with the side effects, Duloxetine gives me a better quality of life."

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2008

Duloxetine for Depression "Yes, there are side effects, as with all medications. However, the benefits of taking Cymbalta outweigh the negative side effects by far. This drug has been a lifesaver for me. It is the best antidepressant I have been on. I would rather sweat a little more and sleep a little less than suffer from the debilitating effects of depression."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2019

Duloxetine for Depression "I was on Cymbalta for three years for lower back pain and depression/anxiety. I have to say it helped a lot. I didn't have any major side effects but increased sweating. I felt it was time to go off of it and slowly weaned myself. This is key. NEVER go off suddenly. The withdrawal wasn't as bad as I feared. I was off of it for about 7 months and my pain worsened and the depression and anxiety came back. I tried some alternative methods but they didn't work very well. I'm now back on Cymbalta and I feel so much better. I'm thankful for it."

• pat...
• October 2, 2007

Duloxetine for Depression "I have been on Cymbalta for about six months. In the last two to three months, I have noticed blurring of vision, agitation, excessive tiredness, change in behavior (also noticed by my husband), insomnia, nightmares, excessive sweating. I am on a blood pressure medication HCTZ, and it states in the side effects that you need to be monitored if on a high blood pressure medication, which I have not been. It does work great for my depression, but the side effects are outweighing the benefits."

• Lol...
• January 5, 2015

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "This was a miracle for the fibromyalgia pain, until the excessive sweating began. It took a long time to make the connection. I have been off for three months, the sweating has stopped, but the pain of fibro is creeping back. Will have to try something else. The sweating was such a nuisance, and it got so bad, it was frightening. But, definitely give it a try - it may help you."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2012

Duloxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Excellent for controlling anxiety that, for me, can spiral into major depression. I feel more like myself on Cymbalta than I did on Zoloft. It has been excellent at relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalta benefits do come at a cost, financially and physically. The most annoying physical symptom is profuse sweating. I never sweated much, even on hot days. With Cymbalta, it can be cold outside, and I'm in my car AC on, face dripping with sweat. I can easily tell this from a menopausal hot flash. The two sometimes occur together. Cymbalta can give me bad morning headaches, and I can't use Motrin while on it. Once you're on Cymbalta, you can't just stop it without getting severe withdrawal symptoms, especially dizziness."

• Mer...
• October 22, 2007

Duloxetine for Depression "I have been using Cymbalta for five months now and have found good relief from my mild depression. I had a lot of sweating and hot flashes when I first began using the medication, to the point that I thought I should stop taking the drug. After three months, the sweating and hot flashes had diminished to the point where it is acceptable. I'm glad I stayed with the medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2019

Duloxetine for Depression "I feel so much better. I’m more calm, I don’t get frustrated easily, I have more patience, I have more energy to do things, etc. The only side effect I get is body heat and a little bit of sweating. Also, I have no desire for sex, but it’s okay since I’m single, lol. Anyway, Cymbalta helped me when it comes to my depression and leg pains."

• 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!"

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

Duloxetine 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."

• LJn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I was prescribed Cymbalta 20 mg once a day, first thing in the morning, for severe sciatic pain. After about 3 days, I experienced considerable relief from my pain, which stays away until around 8-8:30 PM. What I don't like is the constant sweating. I can be sitting still and start to sweat. It's all facial sweating, and it can last for hours. I spoke with my doctor about it, and she prescribed Wellbutrin to be taken with the Cymbalta. I tried it for a few days, and that gave me diarrhea, so I opted to deal with the sweats. Another side effect is muscle or involuntary jerking, especially when I'm lying still in bed. I just wish big pharma could invent a pill that doesn't have so many side effects and just does what it's designed to do."

• Anonymous
• May 4, 2008

Duloxetine for Pain "I've been on Cymbalta for a year now. I had a bad truck wreck and had to have my neck fused. I was taking 60mg of hydrocodone, and it kept me from taking care of my company. Started with 60mg of Cymbalta, and after about six months, went to 30mg. Things so far have been great. My wife is happy because my bad temper has gone. Side effects have been, sweating bad at night and less sleep. Overall, it has been a lifesaver."

• bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2020

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I’ve been taking Cymbalta for 6 weeks. I started out at 30 mgs, then up to 60 mgs. It has not helped at all and has made my stress and anxiety MUCH worse. On top of that, I am constantly sweating. Sweat drips down my face and my glasses are constantly fogged up. The weather can be 50 degrees outside, and I’m wearing shorts and a T-shirt and sweating! My doctor has decided to increase the dosage to 90 mgs, and I must comply or else be considered a “difficult” patient. I HATE sweating and I hate being so anxious that I hate people. :( I just want my life back, and I do not see that happening being constantly annoyed and sweating like I just ran a marathon!"

• cap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2019

Duloxetine for Back Pain "Do not take this drug Cymbalta! I am a 64-year-old female, otherwise healthy. I have L5 radiculopathy. After 6 days (6 pills 20 mg), I felt terrible. Sweating, dizzy, extremely fatigued, depressed, queasy. I would rather experience the discomfort in my left leg, foot, and low back than feel the way I feel right now or the potential side effects of waiting for this to 'kick in' and trying to come off of it. I'm doing a liver detox for a week and can't wait to get this out of my system."

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

Duloxetine 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."

• Doe...
• September 1, 2019

Duloxetine 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."