Duloxetine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 2)

• Worki...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2014

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I have been on several medications (citalopram) & after 6 years it simply stopped helping my anxiety. It made me tired, foggy & spacey anyways. I had a hard time being sharp at my corporate job. I then got off of anything and was just ok for 7 months. Then my spouse almost died and it sent me reeling into depression & severe anxiety. I was paralyzed with fear. I couldn't get my work done, cried all the time, had major anxiety. I was afraid to try anything due to the fear of being tired, foggy or dull. Started 30mg Cymbalta. It helped me within 3 days. First 3 days was nauseous. After 2 weeks I was no longer depressed, no catastrophic thinking or panic attacks. Wish I had tried 10-20 years ago! It has turned me around. Not foggy or tired!"

• Trace...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2016

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I began taking Cymbalta six weeks ago for generalized anxiety disorder. Although the initial side effects of disrupted sleep were difficult, it disappeared after about three weeks. I started on 30 mg and increased to 60 mg after one week. The results have been incredible. For the first time ever, I can sit quietly without a million thoughts running through my head. I no longer feel 'stuck' on certain thoughts. I feel calmer, more relaxed, and happier. I also find that my thinking is very clear. Overall, feeling very, very good. Highly recommend Cymbalta."

• g0ldon
• November 16, 2018

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I had a large but benign brain tumor removed a year and a half ago. After my recovery, I had depression and anxiety, which I had never really experienced before. After dealing with it for over a year, I started generic Cymbalta three months ago. For the first two months, I took 30 mg a day. I experienced some initial insomnia, one day of upset stomach, and loss of appetite (lost 8 lbs) for about three weeks. It helped immediately with depression, while anxiety issues took about five weeks to improve. After two months, my doctor increased the dosage to 60 mg a day, which I've been taking for four weeks now. My anxiety has significantly improved; I feel it coming on now and then, but it doesn't last. I've regained the lost weight but nothing extra. I'm sleeping for 6-7 hours a night, which is about average for me. This medication has really helped me; I don't take anything else with it. I'm sorry to hear it affects some people so negatively, but please try to stay on it until your body can get used to the side effects. This drug has greatly improved my life."

• Austr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2021

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I feel so lucky, this has gone beyond my expectations. I don’t ever want to be off it. Only side effect has been constipation but I feel so good I don’t care. Even if I forget to take the tablet I have NO SIDE EFFECTS! I was really hesitant to start this as the reviews didn’t seem so good but it truly is an individual experience."

• Jaye
• September 6, 2018

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I had pain throughout my entire body. I felt like I was dying. My moods were at an all-time low for months. No ambition, just wanted to sleep and give up on life at age 45. I had been on other medicines for several years; they worked ok, but I still had issues. I just tried to cope with them until it became too much. I am on day 2 of Cymbalta 60mg, and I can already feel the difference. I wake up feeling alive, and I’m not hurting all over my body. My mentality is about 80% better already. Thank goodness this worked!! I hope it helps others as much as it has helped me!"

• MomoR...
• May 15, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I feel like some of you people commenting on how inept the doctors are at prescribing medication for you fail to realize how medications affect people differently. You had a bad experience? That is in no way, shape or form the doctor's fault. At all. Your body chemistry is just different than they expected. These psychiatric issues are not an exact science. Medicine is not an exact science. That aside, I've only been on Cymbalta for about a month, but I have already noticed a vast improvement. I feel less anxious overall and haven't experienced a panic attack since I started on it. Again, this isn't an exact science, and sometimes it takes experimentation to get the right combination. Hopefully, I've found a proper solution to my issues."

• Xyz
• May 6, 2021

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I’ve been on Cymbalta for almost two weeks. The first few days were a little tough. My mind was racing a bit and I had tension in my throat and jaw. I was a bit more anxious those first couple of days but it got a little better and I feel SO much better. I’ve tired Zoloft which made my anxiety worse, then Citalipram which didn’t really do much of anything except make me restless and jittery but Cymbalta is finally the right one. I feel like a normal person for the first time in a long time. My piece of advice, I see a lot of people on here saying that they’ve felt miserable for 3-4 weeks, even a month +. That’s too long in my opinion, I was told if you’re still miserable 2 weeks in, tell your doctor and switch it up your meds."

• Regina
• July 29, 2020

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I have been on Cymbalta 30 mg daily for almost two weeks for anxiety and depression. I have taken the medicine two times before with no side effects. This time however, my first week side effects are were diarrhea, nausea, unable to eat much, worse anxiety and hot flushes in my chest causing a bad panic attack. New thing for me. Never had this hot sensation in my chest before. Second week felt a little better for two days then boom hot flushes again throwing me into another panic attack. This one milder than previous week. I’m so confused. Not sure whether to keep taking or not. Scary stuff when I get these hot flushing sensations across my chest and heart rate goes up."

• Jacia...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2020

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "This drug Cymbalta certainly helped turn my life around. Starting on 30mg I moved up to 60mg after a week and stayed on that for a year or so. It completely cured my anxiety and helped me sleep. Side effects were -difficult to hold on to pee, constipation and tiredness. Also bad night sweats. This dose was great for my anxiety but it didn’t keep the migraines at bay so I was still getting flare ups about 3 times a week so was upped to 90mg but within 3 months I was back to 2/3 migraines a week. So up again to 120mg. On this dose I had no emotion; I couldn’t cry or feel sadness or happiness. I just felt numb and weary. But no migraines! The side effects are too much so I’m back down to 90mg. Migraine is just under the surface and breaks through 1/2 times weekly. The plan is to reduce Duloxetine so my anxiety is under control and then add in another med to deal with the migraine. I would recommend this drug for anxiety but not quite so good for migraine so it was a compromise."

• speed...
• August 21, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I was started on Cymbalta 30mg about 6 months ago. I was increasingly anxious and irritable and quick to start arguments. My presenting complaint was, however, tinnitus due to jaw clenching! Cymbalta almost immediately calmed me down. I feel less guilt feelings about everything. I can walk away from arguments unless really pushed - and then just watch out! My spouse thinks I am better for it. However, I do feel rather fatigued and now find it difficult to exercise, but once I start I have no problem. I can focus and work with a less antagonistic attitude. Sleep is better. Sex is better. No weight problem. I do drink very moderately with no problem. Missing doses is a major problem: headaches, dizziness, nightmares."

• Kip
• March 20, 2020

"I was suffering from severe anxiety due to a rare drug reaction to an antibiotic. I had never had anxiety before, and I was 65. I lost 43pounds in 6 weeks, ( I had to force myself to eat) and this condition lasted for about a year. I tried Zoloft and it made things worse. I was prescribed duloxetine, but kept the bottle on my bedside table for a month. I was afraid to take it after reading many bad reviews. Finally I took the plunge and took my first 30 mg pill. I was feeling better within 5 hours. I had insomnia for about a week ( I already had that from the anxiety) but that disappeared. After a week my anxiety completely disappeared. It has been about a year, and no anxiety at all, despite the present corona virus crisis- normal worries of course, but nothing unusual. I am sleeping well, and I am happy. This drug saved my life for sure. I know my reaction to this drug is unusually positive. Most don't have such immediate positive results, and some have bad ones, but I was lucky."

• Kath...
• December 28, 2007

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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."

• Jane...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I've suffered from anxiety and depression off and on for most of my life. I've tried many antidepressants (mostly SSRIs) without success. The side effects of these drugs were unbearable (mainly acute insomnia and panic attacks). Finally, after 30 years of intermittent mental suffering, despite running 30 miles a week and seeing a therapist on a regular basis, my primary care physician prescribed Cymbalta. It is a miracle drug. Although I've only been on it for 3 weeks, I'm already feeling relief from a major depression that started 6 months ago. I no longer have suicidal thoughts, negative, obsessive thinking, panic attacks, and I sleep like a rock. The world is so much brighter - I feel a sense of calm, contentment, and happiness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Cymbalta saved me. I was in a state of constant recurring anxiety with many physical symptoms such as vomiting every morning, shaking, and overwhelming feelings of panic and disassociation. My thoughts were swirling (due to a very stressful situation) almost constantly. I started on 30mg and noticed an improvement within 2 weeks. I still had some anxiety in the mornings so my dose was increased to 60 mg. I have no anxiety now and am able to more calmly and clearly work through stressful or worrisome situations. I had very great reservations about any kind of medication and only decided to try because I had no options. It has been a godsend for me and I have had zero side effects. Don't rule it out, it may save your life."

• SJfor...
• July 31, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "The only real way to see if medication works is to ask the people you live with. I've been on Cymbalta for over a month and have had no side effects. My family can testify that I am so much calmer and less reactive. In fact, my 18-year-old daughter happened to be with me when I went to the doctor and he asked how I was doing. My daughter replied for me and told him, 'I don't know if it's all in her head, but she is amazing now. She used to be so irritable and grumpy. Now she's really nice.' How's that for honesty? Like they say, 'Out of the mouth of babes!' I really, really do feel happier, and it's great knowing my family can see the difference. I remember saying to my doctor 'I'm not coping,' but I truly don't feel that way anymore."

• Sars
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Cymbalta changed my life. Initially, for the worst - I was vomiting and felt like I was dying for the first few days. Then gradually, the side effects lessened. The vomiting stopped after 2 days, the foggy head and ill stomach cleared after a week or 2. Then it changed my life for the better - to my shock and my doctor's amazement, the lowest dose (30mg) worked! No need to experience the side effects of moving to a higher dosage (thank goodness!). I was previously unable to socialize and frequently had a fight or flight response that was way over-reactive. Now, although not perfect, it's way more under control. I've used Cymbalta for almost a year. I would definitely recommend Cymbalta!"

• Squaz...
• December 15, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "This drug Cymbalta was absolutely, insanely brutal. Just terrible, I simply can not stress enough it was an absolute nightmare. I was prescribed this by my doctor for severe anxiety and depression, and I thought my anxiety was bad before, this made it much, MUCH worse. I holed myself up in my room shaking for the 3 days I took it, when before I had a tough time doing things, but I did what I had to do (go to work, appointments, etc.) This made me so paranoid I didn't even want to leave my bedroom, I thought there were creatures in my apartment that wanted to attack me I mean just absolutely ridiculous thoughts. I also felt immensely weak, my girlfriend came home one day and tried to get physical with me and her just laying on my arms hurt, and I'm very strong otherwise. I slept for probably about 68 of the 72 hours I took it. Didn't eat once. This drug is an absolute nightmare. First time I've ever taken an antidepressant/anti anxiety medication too. This has been a terrifying experience."

• amesv...
• September 30, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Cymbalta saved my sanity. I was under incredible work pressure and stress for three solid months (new job covering for one coworker on maternity leave, another coworker having a sudden heart attack and Crohn's flare up, me running the office for three months, even though I'd just been hired). I had a doctor's appointment and broke down on the table. He prescribed Celexa first, which gave me severe panic attacks. Then he switched me to Cymbalta, and I was back to normal within days. The downside: It is extremely hard to stop taking it. I was intended to take it only for the short term, until things calmed down at work. Two years later, I'm still on it because going off was WEIRD. Numbness, tingling, weird sensory inputs, distraction."

• karka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2012

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I am a 23-year-old girl and I have suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I had tried so many different medicines from Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, and Celexa... nothing worked. I would get a little better, but once again, I would suffer a horrible bout of anxiety attacks. The first day I started Cymbalta, I felt a rush of calmness over me. I immediately felt at ease and not as antsy and nervous as I always was. I could finally relax and do everyday normal things without worrying about when I would suffer another attack and ruin my day. I have not had an attack in about 3 months now and feel so great! I do not feel zoned out like I did on the other medicines. I am happy and confident and overall have a better sense of well-being."

• SJano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I had tried a lot of drugs for my horrible anxiety and depression. I've been taking 80mg of Cymbalta. Nothing before this touched my anxiety and I was housebound for 10 years. The positives are my anxiety has gone from a 10 down to at least a 6/5 depression from a 10 down to a 7/6. I can orgasm - on other meds can cause issues The negatives - The withdrawal is REAL (try not to miss a dose), constipation, my body metabolizes this medication fast. I have to take an extra 20 mg dose in the morning. When I was just on the 60 in the evening I'd get bad brain zaps/dizziness. The biggest downside to this med is getting off of it. If you need to come off it taper as slow as you can and ask to go on Prozac which can really help with withdrawal. I recommend giving this med a try for anxiety. It's the only thing to help me. If you have depression alone I'd try something else first like Prozac or Wellbutrin as they are really easy to come off if they don't work for you."

• SoCal...
• March 14, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I'm hoping my comments reaches out to those who like me gave up on medication time and time again as it affected their work outs. As a long distance runner and someone suffering from years of major PTSD and Anxiety, it was nearly impossible to have the stamina to run while on meds. I'd have to grin and bear the struggles of my PTSD without meds during my years of marathon training. Cymbalta and Latuda have been the perfect combination for me. Though Latuda is more for Bi-Polar, it has helped many people with PTSD, like myself. I have no weight gain and I have plenty of stamina to do my running. I'm so grateful to God and my doctor for finding the best program for me. If you're an athlete, help is out there."

• Comeb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 6, 2018

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "About 8 years ago I was going through a major depression and anxiety and bipolar and OCD all wrapped in one. The psychiatrists I had been seeing tried using the old school drugs Zoloft etc. Nothing was helping so I checked myself into an inpatient program. Then the miracle happened. The in house Psychiatrist put me on CYMBALTA. He explained that it differed from the older medicines in that it affects two parts of the brain. I experienced very little side effects and within a couple weeks I was feeling like my old self. It truly is a miracle med in my opinion."

• ShaSha
• December 22, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I’ve been taking Cymbalta for 7 days for anxiety and I hate it! Today has been the worst. I keep forgetting where I’m parked and/or where I’m going as I’m driving down the street/ I will suddenly just be like, where was I going?! ALSO I have been extremely paranoid. Friends think I’m on drugs that are making me twitchy and nervous and that just adds to the anxiety. The one thing I specified to my doctor is that I don’t want to feel like I’m out of control and not myself!! I’m only taking 30mg. I’m weaning off ASAP. Thank goodness it’s only been a week."

• Little...
• September 29, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I have been on Cymbalta for almost 5 years after a very difficult 4 years of PND/PTSD. Other medications got me to a point of about 50 percent improvement. This was far from ideal or adequate. Cymbalta worked for me like no other antidepressant. My anxiety reduced to the point where I can function at a pretty high level. I still have bouts of anxiety and occasional dark moods but they pass and even now are fewer and further between. I have tried to come off of it a few times but at 30 mg, the cogs begin to turn faster and I can feel my anxiety levels significantly increasing. I am concerned that my emotions are a bit blunted and like someone else said, I cannot cry, which I miss. I used to like a good, therapeutic cry. I also have no sex drive."

• Shuna
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Started on cymbalta 30mg in Aug 2017. I do suffer from anxiety and in addition to that I have herniated discs and problems in my neck. This medicine has been the greatest thing I have ever taken. Finally I can go to grocery stores alone and not have panic attacks in the middle of walmart. So my anxiety has greatly improved. The tingling and dizziness I would get in my head and arms is gone. My neck pain has improved but it could get even better if I could increase my dose to 60 mg. But my blood pressure is at times is too high. Once this is under control they will increase cymbalta. I have had no side affects at all on this medication and feel like I can live again. Mood has improved and I feel like myself again."