Cymbalta and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 13, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "One year Cymbalta honest review. I started Cymbalta about a year ago as I have struggled all my life with social anxiety and general anxiety. About a month before I started taking it, I started getting really bad anxiety attacks every day and had my first ever panic attack (which prompted the doctor's visit for help). The first week was OK. I had no appetite and felt anxious all the time for no reason. Then, suddenly, my whole mood changed, and I became a lot more cheerful and talkative person. I actually wanted to do things, instead of staying at home. Note to everyone with bad reviews: this doesn't work overnight. It takes time for the chemicals in your brain to balance. I would say it takes 2 weeks to see some effects take place, and at least a month or two to experience the full positive effects. But, it is so worth it! I highly recommend Cymbalta to those struggling with depressive thoughts or anxiety disorders! I have only had ONE anxiety attack since taking it, and no panic attacks."

• JDM...
• June 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Remember this, everyone is different. Find the right medicine for you. I went on Cymbalta 7 years ago after I had an autoimmune disease and suffered from depression & anxiety. It was great. I went off of it for 3.5 years. Now, married with two kids, my life was what I wanted, yet I was miserable—so much anxiety, mood swings, snapping at my husband and kids, no interest in fun activities. I couldn't stand myself. I decided to give Cymbalta a try again (generic version). Initial side effects lasted a week. SO tired, brain fog, no appetite, headache. By day 7, all gone. I can't believe how fast it's working for me. My anxiety is gone. I am calm and easy going. I feel like the best version of myself. I'm laughing with my kids and husband and don't overreact. I actually am looking forward to doing activities and I have been enjoying them. I have been more productive at work and oddly more organized. I've tried other medicine and it's shut me down like a zombie."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2019

For Depression "Had tried 4 different meds before Cymbalta in various doses for GAD/depression. Had quit them due to side effects, usually 'brain fog', increased anxiety or depressive symptoms, etc. Psych doctor put me on Cymbalta 30 mg, morning/30 mg night. At first, I had some improvement with just mild brain fog. Kept on it for a total of 4 months, hoping this could be the one. However, slowly turned into a zombie. Tired, unable to think clearly, trouble processing. Dr. switched me to Vibryyd 20 mg and tapered me with 30 mg of Cymbalta at night for 7 days. She said the new med should help counter withdrawal effects. Well, during the first 7 days, I had mild vertigo, insomnia, heart palpitations, etc., and was dealing with it. The next 7 days without any Cymbalta have been the worst. Vertigo, confusion, agitation, severe vertigo, mood swings, sweats, loss of appetite, tinnitus, headaches, forgetfulness, etc. I pray I am not one of those people who have withdrawal for months."

• g0l...
• November 16, 2018

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."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been taking it for 10 days. On the first day, I had an upset stomach. I took it for 2 days at night, but I was having insomnia, getting only 3-5 hours of sleep. I switched to mornings and started getting 6-7 hours of sleep after 1 week. I noticed a big improvement with slight depression within the first few days (I was easily emotional several times a day). My anxiety is not gone, but it seems to be getting better already. I experienced a little dry mouth and decreased appetite (I lost 4 lbs), but that seems to be getting better each day. The first few days can be a little rough, but I'm seeing improvements, and I suggest to people to stay with it, the side effects will improve."

• 121...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2018

For Depression "Switched from Lexapro to Cymbalta. First week was at 30 mg, followed by 60 mg. I had side effects almost from the start: insomnia, anxiety, nausea, loss of appetite. Stayed at 60 mg for 4 weeks. Dr. decreased to 40 mg and prescribed Sonata to help with sleep. Zero effect from the Sonata. It's been about two months since starting the Cymbalta, and I'm ready to get off of it due to the side effects. Not looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms I've been reading about. Others may have had success with this med, but I have not. I would not recommend."

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

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."

• mis...
• April 29, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I was on Cymbalta for nearly 4 years. I was on the 60 mg, and just after I turned 40, I began the drug, not realizing I was heading for the most horrific experience of my life. After stopping it, I had it all... the vomiting, nausea, headaches (migraines), insomnia, brain zaps, nightmares, fever, loss of appetite... flu. It all came gushing at once. It was 9 days of hell so far, but each day it’s getting better. I have never craved to go back on it and threw it all down the sink. No doctor helped me go off it. I made the choice. It was the best decision. I had attributed my night sweats and hot flushes and weight gain to me turning 40 even though the doctors had done the tests, and it said I was not premenopausal. To think I decided to stop it because I couldn’t deal with the weight gain even though I had tried yoga, meditation, exercise, and eating healthy. I gained about 18 pounds. Please think twice before going on this drug. The coming off doesn’t outweigh the lesser pain."

• Cje...
• July 13, 2017

For Anxiety "I just started on 30 mg today. I had to come off of Prozac 20 mg after five days because it made my anxiety worse, no appetite, and my stomach hurt, and I stayed in the bathroom. I used to be on Cymbalta, and it was great. I came off of it because I thought I could deal with my menopause, and nope, it got bad again with anxiety. I hope Cymbalta helps me."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2017

For Depression "Ok, so I'm a 19 y/o female, and after a month and a half of super minor side effects (groggy, dizzy, no appetite), Cymbalta started to work really well. However, about a couple of months ago, I began experiencing mood swings more and more gradually. Now I have days where I'm in a completely crabby mood (I don't want to do anything), or I'm in an okay mood (I'll go out and try to do a couple of things to build confidence), or I'm totally pissy and mean all day, and I cry and flip out (like literally cry and threaten to leave him for nothing). My poor boyfriend, who doesn't even understand the medicine (who tries to because he respects my choices). I plan on changing my medicine at my next doctor's visit because the mood swings are making it hard to get a job."

• joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2017

For Depression "I've been having anxiety and depression issues recently, and since I've had back surgery and residual pain, my doc put me on 40 mg of Cymbalta. About 3 hours after I took my first dose, I had the worst migraine I've ever had in my life, coupled with nausea, finally vomiting, cold chills, auditory hallucinations (low rumbling sound, plus my tinnitus got worse), sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and everything tasted like aspirin. The next morning, my wife and I attempted to have sex. While I did have an erection, after almost two hours of trying, I never even got close to an orgasm. Now I'm in some discomfort. For a drug that's supposed to make me feel better, I'd never take it again."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the beginnings of osteoarthritis. I'm a 24-year-old mother of 3 children, and for me, Cymbalta has helped manage my pain. With 2 kiddos under the age of 3 and a special-needs stepchild, I don't have time to hurt, and I definitely can't lay around when I have a flare-up. Cymbalta has made the pain lessen from a screaming pain to more of a whisper. Do I still have flares? Yes. But they are fewer, and the pain is less, and I am able to control my flares better with the help of naproxen and a muscle relaxer. As far as side effects, I've noticed some loss of appetite and constipation. Every medication has some sort of negative effect, but you have to pick and choose what you are willing to live with."

• Yol...
• January 21, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "Been on it for 4 days. I feel like a zombie. Nauseous. Depressed. No appetite. Sleeping all day. It's doing the opposite of what I need. I have no emotions or reactions when people talk to me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 33-year-old female recently prescribed 20 mg of Cymbalta for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. This medication has rapidly stabilized my condition and greatly contributed to better mood regulation. In less than a week, Cymbalta alleviated suicidal thoughts and my level of distress in response to triggers. Intrusive memories and fearfulness have been very minimal. Daily crying episodes are significantly reduced. Short-term side effects included nausea, sharp decrease in appetite, and fatigue. Ongoing side effects are dizziness, afternoon drowsiness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Dizziness is manageable if I drink water throughout the day. No sexual side effects experienced while on this drug."

• cpb...
• December 8, 2016

For Anxiety "After taking Cipralex for anxiety for over 6 months, I began to experience a very low mood and energy levels. My doctor recommended I switch to Cymbalta. Overall, my experience has been positive. I didn't even notice, but on Cipralex, I had a very decreased sex drive that rebounded right back once I was put on Cymbalta. I had trouble finishing the first 2 weeks during sex, but this side effect, along with decreased appetite, dissipated after the first 3 weeks of treatment. Overall, my mood has stabilized, and I feel very good on this drug. Please note that people tend to report either great or horrible experiences, and everyone reacts to drugs differently. Take reviews with a grain of salt and always collaborate with your doctor for the best results."

• ItW...
• October 14, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have GAD and mild depression. I initially had side effects such as insomnia, no appetite, and nausea, but they went away after a few days. This has helped my anxiety tremendously! It is not without side effects, though. If I forget to take it, I will get nausea, headaches, and dizziness. I did gain weight and some diarrhea, but it has had no bad sexual side effects. I have been taking this for a year now. I am finding that the depression is now increasing, so maybe time for a dosage change. Just keep in mind everyone is different, and sometimes the benefits outweigh the effects."

• Sin...
• July 1, 2016

For Back Pain "I wanted to write this in the hope of helping others. I've been dealing with chronic back pain that got a lot worse and intolerable the last few months. I couldn't sit or drive without back spasms and shooting nerve pain. I was at my wits' end. I tried a Medrol 5-day pack, it didn't seem to help much. My doctor suggested a low dose of 20 mg of Cymbalta. I was desperate, so I thought I would try it, and it's made a major difference-almost immediately. The side effects were bad for about 3-4 days: super tired, yawning nonstop, very fuzzy, and no appetite. But I've been on it now for almost a month, and I'm back to light workouts and able to do mostly normal things. It does affect your libido, though. My doctor also recommended Valium at night."

• AJA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Shakiness, jittery, insomnia, sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, dry mouth, and bad taste in my mouth. I had no pain relief from Cymbalta at 30 or 60."

• Abe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have had depression as far back as I can remember, diagnosed with GAD and major depression along with PTSD due to two life-changing events I went through. I've tried Zoloft (did nothing), Effexor XR (made me sleep 24/7), Celexa (caused SEVERE anxiety attacks), and just started Cymbalta, on day 7, and I can't believe how much better I already feel at 30mg 1x a day. I also just had 2 major back surgeries and am learning to walk again at age 35, yet despite my trials, I feel happier, positive, lower anxiety, etc. The first day I did have severe throwing up spells, but that's gone, low appetite still but a good thing for me, INCREASED sex drive & sleep like a baby. I take it at 8 every day. Good luck, everyone's different!"

• Mis...
• February 2, 2016

For Depression "Cymbalta has turned my life upside down. I was on the awful excuse for a medication for a year and a half, taking 100 mg every day. Over the past four months, I have been weaned off of it by my doctor, and 10 days ago was my last dose. I will never, ever take that nasty drug again. The withdrawals are excruciating. I am absolutely miserable. Even after ten days, I am still experiencing the following: nausea, dizziness, fevers, chills, emotional roller coasters, random crying, brain zaps, irritability, loss of appetite, loss of interest in doing daily activities, anger, vomiting, isolation, aches and pains in my bones, and high levels of anxiety. I feel as if these feelings are never going to end."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 27, 2016

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I have been on Cymbalta for over 2 years. I have M.S. and am a type 1 diabetic with severe neuropathy. Before this medication, the searing pain in my legs was unbearable. I could not walk because of it. I was originally put on gabapentin, and had such severe side effects that I quit taking it. My neurologist then prescribed me Cymbalta. He started me on a low dose, then after a month doubled it. Since then, I experience little to no pain. When I am a bit uncomfortable, I get in a warm bath and the pain is gone. I sleep better, have better control over my blood sugar as it does suppress appetite, but that means I am not munching or overeating. I cannot live without it!!!"

• Mar...
• January 16, 2016

For Depression "After battling dysthymia alternating with moderate anxiety for years and trying all sorts of natural means to treat it, I slipped into major depression. I was prescribed a low dose of Cymbalta-20 mg. After taking just two pills over three days, it has been one awful drug trip. I'm hoping for the heavy, dizzy feeling of pressure on my brain to end. The lethargy, nausea, and chills have also been bad. I have two children, one of whom stayed home sick while I was on this, and I could barely care for her. It killed my appetite, which I didn't think would be a bad thing, but when you only feel like eating a banana and an orange all day, it becomes a problem. I'm looking forward to 'just' feeling depressed again."

• Vin...
• December 23, 2015

For Depression "I just started this medication two days ago and felt the effects within the same day. It was an absolute miracle, like a curse was lifted off of me. I'll have to wait a few weeks and be observant of its effects, which so far have only been a decrease in appetite. All in all, this drug saved my life."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2015

For Depression "I started Cymbalta over a month ago. I have been on at least six other depression medications in the past. Before this medicine, my depression was so bad I couldn't go to work without losing it. I was unemployed for two months to take time away to get help with depression. I spent a week in the hospital because I was ready to kill myself and felt like I didn't have a purpose for being here. I learned a lot about myself in the hospital, it was one of the best things I could have done for myself. As of today, I am a month free of depression, where before I couldn't go minutes without major depression. I have energy and motivation again. I do have a decreased appetite on this medication. I take it once in the morning and at night."

• fru...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2015

For Depression "My boyfriend of 6 years began taking Cymbalta 2 years ago to deal with a bout of depression. He has completely lost all libido, and he went through a terrible period of sweating - he dripped like a faucet from his armpits at times. He has lost his joy of eating and has no appetite. He has lost 40 lbs and really did not need to. His initial 'feel good' period in this time has worn off, and he is like a robot. His doctor GP wants to up the dosage. I want him off, and I want my boyfriend back. He is like a completely different person."