Cymbalta and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2021

For Chronic Pain "I've been on Cymbalta for about a month now for lack of energy, depression, and chronic back pain. I started with 30mg/D and one week later to 60mg/D. I had some mild nausea a few days after starting the 30mg and nothing at all with 60. This medication is changing my life and is doing everything it's supposed to do. The back pain is gone almost completely, I'm energized, focused, and calm. I can now put in a full productive day just like everyone else and not be dragging myself around by noon. I was very scared to start because I read all the scary reviews but I love, love, love this stuff!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I'm finally free from the grips of anxiety and depression. I just feel normal. First week of Cymbalta was rough. Didn't know if I could do it. Nausea. Couldn't stay awake. Diarrhea. I stuck with it. Week 2, symptoms started to fade. I'm on month 4, this is the best I've felt in so long! I'm not numb, I still get nervous, I'm still awkward, I'm still myself! But it doesn't control me! I'm in the moment now! I'm not faking it! The only side effect now that I currently have is occasional night sweats, which I will take any day of the week over how I felt before! I've lost weight. I no longer have low blood sugar. I feel like my entire body makeup has been changed for the better! It's hard to explain. And I know some people may be skeptical. I'm 40 years old, and this is the best I've felt in over 20 years."

• Fun...
• February 8, 2020

For Depression "I just want to share my positive experience with Cymbalta, since there are so many negative reviews out here. Before this drug, I was on Celexa, then Lexapro... for depression, anxiety disorder, and panic attacks. The SSRIs left me feeling flat inside, and there were days I couldn't even get out of bed. Cymbalta has changed my life. I have no depression at the moment and have much more energy. I'm more social and have started working out again. In the first few weeks, I had minor side effects - fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and nausea. They went away after a few weeks. Glad I stuck it out."

• Ano...
• October 18, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I am taking the time to write a positive review for Cymbalta to hopefully help another person considering this medication. Dose and side effects: My experience has been good with the brand version of Cymbalta for 1 month - 30 mg. Day 1, a bit nauseous and diarrhea. Nothing else except constipation. Relief: I suffer from nerve/chronic pain. I felt relief from back pain in week 1 and by week 3, my nerve pain is calming down. I have not gained weight. Cymbalta: For those considering this medication, take time to read the good reviews and consider the brand version if you can afford it. Generics aren’t the exact replicas of the original brand. There are umpteen different versions of generics and they vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. So you never know what kind you're going to get. Take time to do your research. I work in medical education. The information is out there on the net to educate us on side effects, generics, withdrawal, etc."

• Ban...
• August 19, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I started on 30mg Cymbalta 3 weeks ago, mainly for Fibromyalgia and anxiety. Initially, I experienced extreme nausea, apathy, sleepiness, and brain fog. I read reviews which said, stick with it, so I did! My first night of taking it, my head was buzzing, I was awake all through. So I decided to take it in the morning, but I slept most of the day. No good! I reverted back to taking it at 7:30 in the evening, with food. Over the last 3 weeks, I stopped noticing any side effects and I slept like a log! Fabulous! My pain is now less, I feel really motivated, and my brain is now as it was years ago! I actually feel that I have more wisdom and intelligence! I am more outgoing and sociable, and life is worth living! Give it a chance!"

• kaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I don't usually leave reviews for anything, and I researched this drug and saw so many negative comments about it, so I thought I would leave a positive one. People seem to try this for 1 - 3 days and give up, how is this giving the drug a good chance at working? I have had chronic musculoskeletal lower back pain for just over a year now without any opiates working long term, so my doctor prescribed Cymbalta 30mgs to start with. Yes, I did have side effects... nausea, insomnia, lack of concentration, fainting, headaches, etc., but when you are desperate for pain relief, you try anything and I stuck it out for the 2 weeks. All the side effects have gone, and I now have gone up to 60mgs, and I feel this is kicking in quite nicely. I don't need my pain patches anymore, etc."

• Avi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 16, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "Just want everyone to know that I have been on Cymbalta (Duloxetine) for 5 years. It has been a lifesaver for me. I had a ruptured disc and sciatic nerve pain going down my buttock and leg. This seemed to affect my nervous system. For lack of a better definition, I referred to this as fibromyalgia. I had all over body pain. Cymbalta helped with the pain almost immediately. Beware, and your health care provider should warn you about this, it will make you sick to your stomach the first 2 to 3 days. I used a lot of Pepto Bismol."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2018

For Anxiety "Cymbalta was really hard to take at first. I felt very out of it the first day. The second and third days, the nausea was unbearable. I had terrible stomach cramps, but the worst was the insomnia (but I had that before I started taking Cymbalta). I was advised to try to stick to it and not give up because the benefits were coming. After 6 days, I was so happy that all the side effects disappeared. I'm sleeping on my own without insomnia meds. I feel like myself again, and the terrible panic and depersonalization I was having are gone. I know I still have some time to go until it's in full effect. I'm only in my second week, but I'm excited to know that it's going to be even better. Yes! Side effects suck, and you feel you can't take it! BUT I think about the quality of life I was having without it, and I'm grateful because it was so bad I was thinking of doing 'anything' to stop it. Cymbalta is giving me the opportunity to enjoy life again. If you are struggling with side effects, just hang in there. It will get better."

• rgl...
• February 21, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Cymbalta was a miracle for me. I was paralyzed by anxiety and couldn't function in daily life, and it made me feel better than I've ever felt in my life. I've tried tons of anxiety/depression meds - Xanax, Klonopin, Buspar, Ativan, Zoloft, Celexa, etc. - and they all barely worked, just made me catatonic, or had really serious side effects (listlessness, decreased libido, etc.). Cymbalta made me feel like my true self minus anxiety, rather than a dulled version of myself. It actually increased my libido because I wasn't too depressed to have sex for the first time. I also lost weight while taking it, which wasn't desirable for me, but I know it is for some people. The only negatives I experienced were nausea and decreased appetite at first."

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

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."

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

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!"

• DSu...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 30, 2019

For Depression "I have been taking Cymbalta for approximately 15 years for depression and anxiety. I had tried every other drug on the market. It has been a lifesaver for me! The first few days I felt nauseous, but that is a side effect that goes away. My doctor told me it was one of the few that continues to work after taking it for a long time. I mistakenly have quit taking it a few times to see if I felt better. I had no adverse effects coming off of it, except that my anxiety and depression worsened. This year was the first time I’ve had my dosage increased since starting the medication. As long as it continues to work, I’ll never quit taking it."

• Gin...
• June 13, 2015

For Depression "My experience on Cymbalta has been rather a positive one. As mentioned by others, in the first 2 weeks, it does have side effects. I felt tired and was a little nauseous. I was put on Cymbalta as the entire country that I live in ran out of my previous medicine. I have suffered from anxiety, OCD, and depression on and off for a few years. Since Cymbalta has 'kicked in,' I have hardly any anxiety and no depression. I think clearly and rationally and not as emotionally as I always used to. I still do not have an appetite, and I have been on this for over a month now. When I sleep, I sleep soundly and am able to fall into a deep sleep as well. I highly recommend Cymbalta and am very happy with the positive effects it has had on me."

• blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2020

For Chronic Pain "One of the worst medications ever. 1st 5 days, had no desire to do anything. Complete apathy about everything. Also had terrible nausea for 5 days. That finally went away. Then it started feeling like something was literally tapping on my brain. It did nothing for the chronic pain I had. I don't know how anyone can take this medicine. Stopped taking it. Had a headache for a few days, that was it."

• Lea...
• January 5, 2017

For Depression "This medication saved my life. I was severely depressed with suicidal thoughts...felt miserable and completely hopeless. The hardest thing was the first couple of weeks on this drug. I had nausea, fatigue, headaches, etc. But please, if you are suffering, stick with it. 6 weeks later, I am happy, hopeful, trying new things, and loving life. This is a medication that takes TIME, so be patient. But it has completely changed my life and I am so grateful."

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm a mom in my 40s and though my life should have been happy (great husband and kids) I was constantly worried, paranoid, combative, and quick to anger. It took months to convince myself to call a psychiatrist but finally I did. At first she put me on Effexor but I hated it (brain zaps, teeth clenching, nausea, lethargy). I tried to hang in there but after 6 months I asked for something else. She gave me Cymbalta. WOW is all I can say. No real side effects, and most importantly, I'm laughing and smiling again. I don't feel angry all the time anymore, and for the first time in years, I'm calm. I also suffer back pain, and it is seriously lessened with Cymbalta. I pray my insurance continues to pay for it."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I take Cymbalta for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression, something I've had on and off for 6 years (I am now 24). A lot of people are quick to write this drug off, and I admit the initial side effects can be tough like nausea and feeling so tired, but after taking 30mg for three weeks and increasing to 60, with the increase I noticed a quick change, my anxiety decreased rapidly, and instead of tiredness I began to experience an almost high feeling which sometimes makes me hyperactive, but surely that's better than anxiety and depression. I would recommend taking it, but give it a few weeks and take the proper 60mg dose before you judge it; it's really helped me, it's got me out of a really bad place."

• MBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I finally decided to try this medication after being sick and tired of being in constant pain, especially at night. I've had fibromyalgia for 20 years, and in the past 10 years, I've been treating it on an acute basis with Flexeril 20mg and Tramadol 50mg as needed. Cymbalta has been a game changer for me! I would like to mention that I've also worked hard to maintain a steady weight for the past 20 years, which as a healthcare professional myself, I knew this was a crucial component in chronic pain management. I believe this helped me not to rely on medications on a daily basis. However, now that I am on Cymbalta, I realize how much pain I truly was in on a daily basis. The only side effects I have suffered thus far are mild nausea and dry mouth, which get better day by day. It's only been a week, and my aches and pains are completely gone! I'm hoping that the sweating side effect doesn't kick in."

• one...
• April 2, 2009

For Depression "I feel the need to warn people about the withdrawal symptoms of getting off of this drug. I am home right now because I feel nauseated, my coordination is way off. I have severe head shock, and can't sleep. Look for these types of stories before taking these types of medicines."

• Erz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've just been on 60mg for 4 weeks and the improvement has been great. My anxiety is all but gone, and I can't tell you how good it feels not to worry about every single thing in life. I enjoy things more and can focus longer as a result, absorbing things better, instead of just randomly seeing everything. I was a bit nauseous to start and tired, but it's all but gone as well. I've also lost 2 pounds. Very happy so far!"

• Reg...
• July 29, 2020

For Anxiety "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 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 the 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 my heart rate goes up."

• myo...
• April 29, 2018

For Depression "I started on 30 mg and am currently on 60 mg - first few days on it were awful, with bad insomnia, nausea/headache, fatigue. However, after ~5-6 days, most symptoms subsided (except the insomnia, which I use melatonin for). It's been about 2 months and I have to say this medication has been life-changing for me in terms of my mood/thoughts. I used to have such dark thoughts and a negative outlook on life, assuming the worst in people and hating everything about myself. That has completely changed and I can say for the first time in YEARS that I feel truly, completely, happy. This happiness is different because it persists even when not-so-great things happen in my life. I will say that the anxiety still lingers but honestly its effects on my depression make the anxiety super tolerable. I hope this medication works for others the way it worked for me - time will tell as far as how long this will last."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2024

For Chronic Pain "I have chronic pain and bad anxiety for many years and have been living untreated and struggling. In the last few months, I started taking pain pills. But then a few weeks ago, I met two totally different strangers who, within five minutes of each other, shared their experience with CYMBALTA - it was like a light bulb went on! I had two or three previous doctors recommend it in the past, so I felt it was a SIGN or a NUDGE to give this prescription medication a go. I’m currently on day five of 30 mg with some side effects such as mild nausea, mild headaches that come and go, and some insomnia. But because of the positive reviews on here, I have decided to push through the side effects and give Cymbalta a chance to CHANGE my life! I have decreased pain meds to 3 a day and feel encouraged that my anxiety will be greatly helped!"

• Joh...
• July 17, 2021

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed this for severe fibromyalgia pain. It was awful! Insomnia, nausea, headache, restless legs while on it for a month. So even with a proper tapering off, I felt like I was going to die!!! Finally out of my system. Please stay away from this nightmare of a drug, and shame on doctors for not warning people about the withdrawal you may experience coming off of it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2020

For Depression "I was diagnosed with PMDD and was prescribed Cymbalta. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so sick in my life: nauseous, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and all of this after one dose. Never again."