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Cymbalta for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

Reviews for Cymbalta

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Lex...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 16, 2012

"This is wonderful. I suffered from generalized anxiety for two and a half years. Eventually, I slipped into severe depression, probably resulting from the chronic anxiety I was dealing with for so long. I have been on Cymbalta 60mg for a little over a month, and I feel better than I ever have before. Before Cymbalta, I was on Paxil and Lexapro, which both did more harm than good. On Cymbalta, I finally feel normal and my sleep has improved so much. I was a chronic insomniac, and now I can usually sleep whenever I feel like it. I am so lucky that my psychiatrist decided to try me on this medicine. I would recommend trying this medicine to anyone suffering from anxiety & depression."

10 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 12, 2019

"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."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2019

"I was terrified by all the comments to even try this drug, but I'm so glad I did. I've had none of the side effects (except maybe the constipation) that sound so horrible, and I feel so much better. Way less negative thinking and ruminating negative self-talk, almost non-existent. I can have a negative thought, but it won't be intrusive and all-consuming like it was before. And I've been on the medicine for less than 2 weeks! I've been tapering off of Wellbutrin since it didn't do anything for my depression, and the only drawback I can describe is that I'm still tired and have a hard time getting out of bed, which I was hoping the Cymbalta would fix (but I think it's a withdrawal symptom of coming off the Wellbutrin). Only time will tell! But so far, the experience has been overwhelmingly good."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Dan...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 21, 2016

"I suffer from major depression and many antidepressants have been of little help. My psychiatrist recently put me on Cymbalta and it changed my life. At first, it made me feel very racy and jittery, but after riding that out for a bit, the side effects went away. Now, taking 60mg a day, I feel the best I've felt in about 20 years."

10 / 10
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  • Kim...
  • August 31, 2019

"This medication has really helped with my depression and anxiety. I was skeptical due to negative reviews, but I’m glad I tried it and have stuck with it. I’ve been on it for about 4 months, and it took about 6 weeks for me to really feel the effects. My thoughts of suicide have reduced greatly, and my overall anxiety has gotten better too. I have had these issues most of my adult life as a result of a traumatic childhood. I have previously tried Prozac, but it makes me gain too much weight. Effexor helped in the past, but I can’t stand the brain zaps when you miss a dose. With Cymbalta, I’m calmer, less anxious, less depressed, and I don’t get as irritated with my husband and young daughter as I used to. I’m going to stick with it for as long as it’s working. The main side effects for me have been constipation and zero sex drive. But I’d rather deal with those things than think about suicide and cry every day."

8 / 10
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  • Rel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 8, 2013

"I'm writing this review because I'm absolutely shocked by how quickly I began to feel like myself again. After as little as a week, I had an easier time getting out of bed in the morning, I physically felt more energetic, and I had more emotional clarity. My husband is even more delighted in the results than I am. He says I'm more like myself. Even with good insurance, this medicine can be pricey. Very few side effects. I felt a little jittery the first couple of days and had trouble sleeping. Those went away when I adjusted the time I took the medicine. I'm just thankful to feel some relief!"

10 / 10
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  • cin...
  • July 17, 2013

"I have tried just about every antidepressant over a 20-year period. I have been taking Cymbalta for about 6 months, and it is my saving grace. All symptoms of depression are gone. I am happy, focused, and myself again."

10 / 10
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103 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 7, 2012

"Cymbalta saved my life. I have tried dozens of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, you name it. At 19, to treat anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, I was finally given Cymbalta. I had very few side effects, maybe a few days being a bit dizzy. And then, after a week or so, I realized I wanted to get up in the morning. I no longer regretted having to breathe. A few months in, I no longer needed anxiety medication. I could sleep all night. I was normal and happy. I would not have lived if Cymbalta didn't exist. The only drawback is if for any reason you have to go a few days or longer without it, the withdrawal will be bad."

10 / 10
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  • Can...
  • March 6, 2013

"I LOVE Cymbalta. I'm taking it for anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia pain. It is the best medication I have taken for depression. I have tried numerous other depression and anxiety medications, and nothing makes me feel as good as Cymbalta. Do not miss a dose, though, the withdrawal symptoms are terrible!"

10 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • June 21, 2013

"I have taken Cymbalta 60mg for 30 days after being on Zoloft with Wellbutrin for almost a year. I'm feeling better every day. I have been able to do things that I have been unable to do for years such as cooking. Depression is lifted, this medication is a godsend!"

9 / 10
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  • rea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 3, 2014

"I've tried about 15 to 20 different antidepressants in the last 21 years. Nothing has really helped, or it would help for a while then stop working. Cymbalta is only the second medication that is not only an SSRI but works with the dopamine in your body that I've tried. The first was Pristiq, and that affected me so badly I wouldn't shower for a week. I didn't want to do anything. Now with the Cymbalta, I'm more energetic and less hungry and feel much better! So far, it's working out wonderfully."

9 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 24, 2015

"I've been on Cymbalta for many years after my doctor had tried a number of antidepressant medications. It has worked wonderfully for me and kept me on an even keel since I began taking it. I am lucky that I had a good experience with this medication."

10 / 10
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  • Nay...
  • April 10, 2018

"I was on Lexapro for two years, and it eventually made me numb to life in general. I wanted to be able to feel again without the depression, anxiety, and OCD creeping back in. The doctor put me on Cymbalta after I came off Lexapro (worst experience coming off Lexapro, it was three weeks of withdrawal). The first night that I took it, within four hours, I felt a little sleepy, so I went to bed at 10 pm and slept okay, a little restless. At work the next day, I was very vague in the head, but I got through it. The following day, it was like someone switched the lights on in my head, and I could think so much clearer, got so much work done, and felt like I was happy again. Now, a week later, I am feeling so good, calm yet full of energy, and I have lost three kg as I have stopped overeating and have to tell myself it is time to eat. I do get a little restless in the night at times, but I just tell myself to close my eyes again and relax, and it works, and I go back to sleep."

10 / 10
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  • KEB...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 4, 2014

"I got on Cymbalta for depression/anxiety that I had been dealing with for almost 10 years. Cymbalta helped me get myself back and feel great again. Recently, I weaned from the 60 to the 30. I noticed I was feeling very tired (despite 9 hours of sleep) and unfocused at work with low energy. Once I changed to the 30 I noticed a HUGE difference. After 5 years on Cymbalta I am weaning off the medication. Going from the 60 to 30mg was a nice transition and I am confident about weaning off it completely. Everyone has a different experience with the medicine and how it will affect them getting off it. I am glad I took this medication. It saved my life."

9 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 3, 2023

"Cymbalta ruined my life. In the span of 3 weeks, I managed to black out, tried to run away and change my name, I quit my job, and attempted suicide 3 times and luckily failed. I had urine retention, extreme headaches, blurred vision, no energy, and couldn't fall asleep."

1 / 10
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  • OLo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 3, 2014

"I took this for depression and chronic back pain. This was an extreme appetite suppressant for me. It worked somewhat for depression, but nothing fabulous. It mostly made me very, very sleepy and physically exhausted."

5 / 10
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  • Dep...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 9, 2023

"I've been taking Cymbalta now for 34 months and am about to totally stop taking it 20 days from now. Started with 90 mg, then took 60 mg, with 30 mg for the last 3 months. I had a great experience with this medicine following mild depression with high anxiety. I started enjoying my life, lost weight, improved relationships, got completely rid of panic attacks, and more. My absolute advice to anyone experiencing mental health issues is to find doctors you trust, work with your psychiatrist and psychologist openly and closely, listen to them, and stick to the plan. I've done everything they suggested. Please do so. Some drugs might not work for you - Escitalopram didn't work for me, for example. Then let your doctor know so she/he can change. One will work for sure. Please don't underestimate the therapy sessions. These work more than medicines in the long run. Wish you all a good recovery!!"

10 / 10
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  • My...
  • March 24, 2014

"After 2 weeks (60mg/day) I am pleased with this. I had constant dysthymia, black periods lasting a few days, breaking into tears for no reason, not coping, couldn't see a way out, hopelessness. I couldn't tell my partner everything: she needs me to be strong. She knew anyway. The medicine leveled it all out. Only 2 weeks but the depression is gone. I even felt briefly euphoric today. I am easier to be around. Calmer. Negatives: a strange dissociative feeling, sort of out-of-body, as if hearing myself talk slowly, dizziness, an itchy rash on my hand, dry mouth, general tiredness, lethargy in bed in the mornings, no erectile problems, but problem reaching orgasm. If these moderate in time, then my 7/10 score will increase."

7 / 10
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  • cym...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 24, 2016

"This medication totally changed my life. I was previously suffering from intense suicidality and intrusive thoughts, overwhelming social and physical anxiety. After about 1-2 weeks, I noticed a significant improvement. After 4-8 weeks, things were 100% great. My job isn't the best job to have in the world, but I feel happy to get up and be productive and am proud of working hard. I am happy and confident and wish I would have known about it sooner. The side effects have been minimal, a little bit of restlessness and waking during sleep, not 100% sure if it's attributable to the medication. Overall from my experience I would completely recommend it."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 4, 2008

"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."

9 / 10
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  • She...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 26, 2019

"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."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 22, 2019

"The first time I used it, I could finally stop crying. The effects were very subtle. However, it did nothing for my anxiety. I stopped taking it after some positive life events occurred, and I thought I didn’t need it anymore. But I became depressed again and decided to take a pill from the stash I had saved a year ago for emergencies-when I no longer wanted to die or cry! Cymbalta saved my life; I'm not sure if I'd still be here today without it. But this time, it has helped a little with anxiety. Cured depression 10/10; anxiety 3.5/10."

8 / 10
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  • fam...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 28, 2015

"I have been on Cymbalta for 6 years. I am 51 and have a family history of depression and only recently have I accepted that I may have it long-term. For those in Australia, I recommend the generic version called Coperin (I get it from Priceline) which reduces the 'brain fog' of Cymbalta. I have been very happy on Cymbalta (Coperin), it changed my life. I hate that I rely on a tablet to enjoy life, but it is a small price to pay. My GP occasionally suggests I try a new drug, but I always refuse. I have much-improved relationships with people, and it is great to have lost the anxiety which has completely disappeared. I have been on 30mg for 4 years, but am increasing to 60mg for a few weeks as I seem to be going through a bout of anxiety."

9 / 10
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  • hou...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 21, 2017

"This drug has changed my life. Before taking Cymbalta, I was depressed, anxious, and borderline suicidal. Within a few weeks of my first dose (60mg), I noticed that I was more outgoing, friendly, and that my mood had significantly improved. Although I experience some sexual side effects, the drug has been incredible on the whole. I'd highly recommend it."

9 / 10
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  • pat...
  • October 2, 2007

"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."

5 / 10
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