Duloxetine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Sal...
• September 9, 2016

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I was started on Cymbalta for pain at 30 mg per day the first month. I experienced mild disruption of sleep for a few nights, but no other side effects. My pain was initially reduced by 70% but began to wear off by evening. Second month my dose was upped to 60 mg per day, which I take at lunch time. My neck pain and neuropathy in hands and feet have been reduced by 90%, which is like a miracle to me. I have been able to resume yoga and biking. Life is very good now. I was switched to generic Duloxetine with no loss of benefit and no more side effects. I'm one of the lucky ones who does not suffer many side effects from medications. My sister cannot use this one at all."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2010

Duloxetine for Depression "After reading about others' experiences with Cymbalta, I was very hesitant to try it. However, I got to a point where I was willing to do anything to feel 'normal' again. I started Cymbalta (30mg) about 3 months ago and I am SO glad I did. The first week was unpleasant - I was close to stopping it, but my family encouraged me to give it a fair shot. By the second week things were better. Now (still on 30mg) the only side effects that remain are loss of appetite (causing weight loss), occasional vivid dreams, and some difficulty with orgasm. For me the benefits have been huge - I am able to focus, more energy, no more racing thoughts, no more crying spells, and no more anxiety/panic. Everyone is different, but for me this has worked great!"

• lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Anxiety "After reading some of the duloxetine reviews on this website, I was terrified to begin taking it. I decided to take the bull by the horns and started it, and let me tell you - it was nowhere near as bad as some of these reviews stated. I had mild nausea and was a bit sleepy for the first few days, but nothing that I couldn't handle. Those side effects have already started wearing off, and I can already feel a difference. If you are debating whether or not to take it, I would say do it. The horror stories on here are not true to my experience."

• GHa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2020

Duloxetine for Depression "Wonderful medication. If you're ready to get off, then taper slowly and then get off the medication. After I got off, I smoked medical marijuana, and it helped with the zaps and feeling sick - the withdrawals only last a bit. Hang in there."

• may...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2017

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I have never in my life functioned properly until Cymbalta. I have gone from panic attacks to public speaking with no hesitation. I finally have a real life. I don't overstress. I no longer ruminate. No shakings, no lasting side effects. A bit hyper and loss of libido but sorted out in a few months. I never want to come off it. Changed my life totally. Been on 60 mg for 20 months."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

Duloxetine for Depression "I have been on 60mg Duloxetine daily for 1 month, 30mg daily before that to wean off Effexor. The Duloxetine was so ineffective & the withdrawal from the Effexor was so bad that I had to take both for about 6 weeks. Now with no Effexor, I am back to feeling no effects from Duloxetine. I'm painfully depressed and have sudden bouts of extreme anger & irritability. I cry all the time, have no appetite, and hate going out in public. I've been on every antidepressant on the market. With Duloxetine, I might as well be eating Tic Tacs."

• Mam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 18, 2017

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I took Cymbalta for 6 years after my house burned down, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, he lived 8 months. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and severe depression. It worked with minimal side effects. I felt like myself 3 days after starting it. I was in a good place 8 yrs. I weaned off and stopped taking it. 3 years later I had a massive stroke and slowly began to feel more and more depressed. I was suicidal in Jan. 2016. I asked a new Dr. to put me back on it. I felt better in only 36 hours. It was amazing how it changed my thinking. My back pain, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety had all but disappeared. I would recommend Cymbalta to anyone with any of these symptoms. Everyone is different and it may not work for you. I'm still taking it."

• Baz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 16, 2016

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "After years of hell and sensitivity to so many meds, paroxetine, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, citalopram, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, lithium, sodium valproate, lamotrigine... finally... finally... I'm on Duloxetine and it's working with no side effects... no sweats, no vomiting, no stomach cramps, jaw clenching, loss of sex drive... I cannot believe it's actually working and both lifting my mood and killing the pain."

• NoL...
• April 25, 2015

Duloxetine for Depression "Amazing! Best depression & anxiety medication I have been on & I have tried many. Horrible initial side effects but after 2 weeks subsided. Without a doubt completely worth it. Anxiety & depression dramatically diminished, libido back with a vengeance :) HIGHLY recommended from a person with a long history of acute anxiety & depression which was made worse by not being able to find a suitable medication until now. Best 6 months ever."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2014

Duloxetine for Depression "I started taking Cymbalta about one month ago. Initially, the dose was 30mg for 2 weeks and 60mg following. I cannot believe how well this has helped me. I suffered with depression and severe anxiety. I will continue this medication as I understand full benefit may not be reached for several months. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with Cymbalta. My only side effects are constipation and decreased appetite, which I have resolved with Miralax and eating small meals more often. I also realized the increased taste of salt during my meals, which has seemed to decrease more each day."

• Bal...
• June 8, 2013

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "After suffering in a very serious way from chronic neck and back pain for about 5 years, I was giving up. I had no major injury, but small 'normal range' disc ruptures protruding in my C5 and C7 with other old back injuries. Fibromyalgia/Neuralgia. I've gone through multiple specialists, MRIs, physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. Some relief here and there, mostly with acupuncture and specific stretching. Pain was horrible. Finally after persistent research, I found what truly works for me: Cymbalta (normal dose) with daily SAM-E and Malic Acid supplements. It took about 2 months to fully work, but now I'm virtually PAIN FREE. Cannot thank God enough for this."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2020

Duloxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have only been on this medication for a week but I already notice a huge difference. I suffer from depression and anxiety as well as panic attacks. I noticed a difference on the 3rd day. My mind isn’t racing 100 mph and I can concentrate. Anxiety is still there a little bit, but no panic attacks. I had some nausea and diarrhea but I’m not sure if that was from Cymbalta as a bug was going around. The first few nights I had sleep issues, but those have passed. No sexual side effects thus far. I was on Lexapro before and I hated it. Felt like a zombie. This is altogether different. I know each drug is different for everyone, but so far Cymbalta has done wonders for me."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2012

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I am a RN who suffers from severe social anxiety and moderate depression. Symptoms associated with SAD have included inability to write in front of others, eat in public, public speaking. Even drinking in front of others was difficult for me. I hated the shaking, heart racing/pounding, and everything else that went along with this horrible affliction! I remember it all starting around 15 years old but never could understand why. I'm 41 yrs old today and my anxieties have affected my life negatively and held me back in so many ways. I never felt normal. Many years and meds later, I came to believe my life would never change. That I would never feel 'normal' around people. Then I found Cymbalta..changed my life!"

• Spi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2021

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "This drug had some side effects the first two weeks. I could not get more than one hour of sleep. It takes away some of the chronic pain in my hands, and I can get a full night's sleep. Give it time to work, if you're using it for chronic pain, don't quit after one month because it takes a good 6 to 7 weeks to really enjoy the benefits of Cymbalta."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2021

Duloxetine for Depression "I have been on almost every antidepressant medication there is, and Cymbalta has been the absolute best in not only helping my depression but also my nerve pain. I’ve had zero side effects with this medication. That has never happened, especially as a female. If you’ve tried everything and nothing has helped, I highly recommend this medication. With therapy and medication, it has really helped a lot."

• Soc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2017

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "3 Months and so far this drug has helped me more than PT, steroid shots, yoga, massage, traction, ibuprofen and patience. The side effects were challenging to begin with, but once the first few weeks had passed by, I was feeling pretty normal and back to my old self again. I can't describe how grateful I am for this medication and it's helped me to no end. Don't believe all the negative reviews, but take note of the positive reviews too."

• Hei...
• July 23, 2018

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "I have had significant joint pain ongoing since 2012. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and spent the next three years going through a host of every med available. None of them worked and many made it worse. I went to the Mayo Clinic in 2016. The top RA doc there, after running many tests, said he didn’t think I had RA, but Sjogren's disease. He suggested I try Cymbalta for pain, but was so tired of meds that I honestly just toughed it out until a few months ago. I have been in excruciating pain - mainly my feet and hand joints for six years. I grudgingly found another RA doc who would treat me (Mayo wouldn’t) and the first thing he said is that he felt my autoimmune condition was likely fibromyalgia and suggested I try the Cymbalta. Amazingly, it has been a complete game changer. Within the first month, I could tell it was working. I am now in almost zero pain and have had no side effects that are worth mentioning. I have nothing but positive things to say about this medication."

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

Duloxetine for Anxiety "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!"

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

Duloxetine for Anxiety "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."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 17, 2019

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia "Look up Cymbalta Syndrome. If prescribed, before you take it - research it - have your doctor research it. It will help for 2-3 years MAX. Getting off of it is a whole other story - the manufacturers KNEW this - and pushed it anyway. They could fix this issue but choose not to. This drug needs to be removed from the market! You don’t know long-term pain and crippling sickness until you try to get off this med. The manufacturer gave us no easy way to taper, no painless way to wean off. I am on my 2nd YEAR of weaning and I will be honest - withdrawals can last months to YEARS. I have 30 mg still to go till I am Cymbalta free... and tons of horrific side effects to still face. Do your research - don’t take this pill, it is beyond hell. And big pharma knew it... yet sell it anyway as well as pay doctors to prescribe it and downplay the true horrors of it."

• for...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2024

Duloxetine for Anxiety "I read reviews for years and was always too afraid to try an SSRI or SNRI. I tried several SSRIs that only increased my anxiety. I got the courage to try Cymbalta after talking to dozens of people and reading the reviews on this site. The reviews often said that they wanted to give others hope since it worked for them. When something works for you, it is literally the difference between life and darkness. Please don't be afraid to try. I am grateful to all the people who developed these medications and for everyone who helps others with anxiety."

• g0l...
• November 16, 2018

Duloxetine for Anxiety "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."

• Blu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2019

For Pain "I've been on Duloxetine for about 5 years (at 60 mg/day) and want to encourage people considering trying it not to be scared off by negative reviews. I do believe the negative reviews are generally legitimate, and that a lot of people have had negative experiences. Their voices are also critical (as are all patients) in helping to create awareness. But I believe the experience most people have with duloxetine is not dramatic. It either helps (sometimes a lot, other times just enough to keep taking) or doesn't. It helped significantly in my case, making my pain bearable, allowing mostly normal day-to-day activities. I did have initial drowsiness (which went away in 10 days to 2 weeks) and nausea (still have occasionally), dizziness and balance issues (still remain, but not major). Don't be afraid to try Duloxetine, it presents a reasonably good chance to provide you with meaningful relief. Best of luck."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 1, 2020

Duloxetine for Anxiety "NOTHING matters about this drug except the fact that withdrawal is horrific if you ever need to come off it. Don’t start! I am now in my 13th month coming off this drug. It has been the worst thing ever. I am now counting beads in capsules and reducing slowly; am down to 10 mg. Five more months and I hope to get my life back. This drug should be used only as a last resort when all else has failed. Would give it a zero if I could."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2019

Duloxetine for Chronic Pain "I have been on Cymbalta for two months, 60mg in the morning. The first week I was on 30mg to give my body a chance to get used to the drug. I have had no side effects, except maybe a little constipation the first week or two. I am taking it for chronic pain from osteoarthritis in neck and lower back. I do suffer from anxiety and mild depression. My fingers were killing me two months ago. Now when I make a fist, the fingers are a little stiff but no pain. My neck pain has been more manageable. I am still having issues with lower back joint dysfunction. I generally feel more optimistic, don't get aggravated at bad drivers, take things a little more easily, and have more energy to get things done. My motivation is coming back. I am only rating an 8 at this point since it has only been two months."