Cymbalta and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

For Depression "I turned to this drug at my very lowest. Suicidal thoughts and constant lethargy became daily reminders of how depressed I really was. I realized I’d either find a solution or my life would be at risk. The solution was Cymbalta. After 6ish weeks, I began to enjoy activities again and felt very motivated to carry out tasks. My social anxiety now is nearly nonexistent. I’m not happy every day, but the darkness that used to envelop me has subsided and I can say that I see the light at the end of the tunnel (before the drug I couldn’t imagine my life a year in advance because I didn’t know if I’d make it there). My sex drive did suffer a little, but not very much. I will continue to take this drug as long as it continues to help me. Overall, although the withdrawal symptoms may be terrible in the future, Cymbalta truly saved my life and has been worth every penny. Give it time to work and don’t let the negative reviews scare you away if you really need the help."

• Loz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 17, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have anxiety, panic disorder, autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder. Overall, I have had a very positive response to duloxetine. Side effects: There is the initial fatigue & a lot of yawning. That went away after about 3 weeks. I had difficulty peeing during the night. This faded over time. Difficulty to orgasm after I went up to 90mg, this faded after a few weeks. This medication makes my brain work better & gives me a better quality of life and an opportunity to live rather than just survive. If you identify with any of my symptoms & have been recommended duloxetine by your doctor, I say it is worth giving it a try. When it is the right medication for you, it is life-changing! And please don't rush to come off them. If you need them, you need them and that's okay. They are your friend. I feel grateful that science has given me this opportunity to support me."

• Muc...
• April 30, 2014

For Depression "I had mild anxiety and intermittent depression. I always pushed through and never thought of medicines. My girlfriend suggested I speak to a psych and I started Cymbalta. In 10 days, I had no more intrusive thoughts talking me down, making me stressed, guilty. After 9 weeks, I'm a new man. Small things don't worry me. I am patient and calm driving. I don't wake up for the toilet then stay awake worrying. My relationship is closer. I'm nicer to be with. Con? My libido decreased, and climax is harder to achieve (but more intense). The medicine felt strange (out-of-body) at first, but I got used to that. I drink more water. I yawn in the afternoons. I grind my jaw a bit. I get breathless. I have mild headaches some days. But my life is much better with this medicine."

• lak...
• February 6, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking Cymbalta for 3 months now to combat depression and anxiety. I am taking 30mg per day. When I first started taking it, I was very sleepy. I had to take naps during the day, which wasn't too good. I finally had a breakthrough with it and now no longer need the naps. I had good side effects for a few weeks like no hunger pangs. Those went away. I haven't gained any weight either like I did on Zoloft and Serazone. I feel great and during my PMS now, it is so nice to actually be nice to others again. It is a wonderful medicine. Keep taking it and you will feel better. The sleepiness will go away, and the sun will start shining again. I laugh again like I used to, and I have NO SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS yeah."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2010

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!"

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

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."

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

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."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 27, 2024

For Anxiety "This medication is literally a miracle! I started taking Duloxetine because I was having horrible heart palpitations from anxiety at night that would wake me from sleeping. I had been diagnosed 6 months prior with fibromyalgia, and that alone was a nightmare. Sporadic muscle pain daily in my neck, my arms, my legs, it was awful. Those pains contributed to my anxiety and even caused a ton of gastrointestinal problems. I tried several pills for gastrointestinal issues and fibromyalgia, and each one had side effects like severe sweating and no sex drive. So I would try a new pill for 2 months, then stop. Once the anxiety issues started, I thought I had a heart problem, so while waiting to see a cardiologist, my PCP started me on Duloxetine. I had little hope since I feel like I have taken everything under the sun, but a few weeks in, I noticed my palpitations had stopped. Even more incredible is that I wasn't complaining about my pains every day anymore. This medicine was a game changer and gave me my life back."

• KRW...
• July 24, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Cymbalta for two years now. It honestly changed my life. At the time I started taking it, I was a college athlete, and anxiety ruled my life. At first, I would take it during the morning hours, and I would immediately want to go to bed. That was my problem, I needed to take it about an hour or two before bed. I am still experimenting with the exact right time to take it (I sometimes wake up still feeling tired from it, but not sure if it's the medication or my routine now). I know certain medications work for some and not for others, but I would recommend this medication. I had slight symptoms at first, besides the tiredness - decreased appetite and no sexual desires or emotions. I still feel great! (30mg once daily)"

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

For Pain "This drug is fantastic. I had neuropathic pain and depression due to the chronic pain for over six months. I tried NSAIDs and other drugs, which did little if anything. Cymbalta really saved me. I tolerated it well and had few side effects - dry mouth and a little wired for the first week on it, but that was it. It did reduce sexual performance and cause difficulty with orgasm, but it was worth it. After 10 months, I got off of it and everything returned but the pain. Fantastic."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

For Pain "This drug is fantastic. I had neuropathic pain and depression due to the chronic pain for over six months. I tried NSAIDs and other drugs, which did little if anything. Cymbalta really saved me. I tolerated it well and had few side effects - dry mouth and a little wired for the first week on it, but that was it. It did reduce sexual performance and cause difficulty with orgasm, but it was worth it. After 10 months, I got off of it and everything returned but the pain. Fantastic."

• Lit...
• September 29, 2013

For Anxiety "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."

• Alw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

For Chronic Pain "Cymbalta is somewhat costly. Initially prescribed for lower back pain. The first 2-3 months, it worked VERY well. It helped with the back pain and improved my general mood. Bonus feature, it was helping with my permanent migraine. I had only a few side effects at first, but they started building up. Insomnia to the point of 15 minutes of sleep or less per day (for over a month), spontaneous ejaculation, cold sweats, no sex drive. Started to get a few electric shock-like sensations in the extremities. Started to feel zombie-like. I came off the stuff cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms included MANY shock-like jolts to hands and feet (for about 6 years), a few months of a zombie-like feeling (low drive). I'd rate it GOOD for short-term use (1-2 months). Anything longer than 3 months, I would strongly advise against (as any other anti-depressant)."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

For Anxiety "Cymbalta worked amazingly for me for GAD & depression a few years ago, & helped with chronic pain from herniated discs & headaches after a bad auto accident. Unfortunately, bad side effects such as loss of sexual interest, chronic abdominal pain, & constipation forced me to stop taking it & got back on Zoloft for the past couple of years. Losing my mom to cancer has devastated me to the point of desperation for help to survive the darkest days of my life. Praying for strength & peace from these oppressive spirits & terrible panic attacks, plus battling horrific chronic pain. The doctor put me back on Cymbalta 60mg, so I’ve been taking 30mg for a week now & this time around I’ve been having more abdominal pains & high blood pressure, hopefully this is just temporary because overall Cymbalta worked better than any other antidepressant for anxiety, pain, & depression so I’m going to keep taking it a few more weeks & slowly increase dosage. Take care & God bless all."

• Kim...
• August 31, 2019

For Depression "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."

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

For Depression "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."

• Lpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Depression "I started taking Cymbalta 30 mg 9 weeks ago under my primary doctor's recommendation. I had severe anxiety and insomnia and very serious depression. I slept all day and had no motivation and couldn't shake it off no matter what I did. I have tried Prozac 50 mg for depression and expressed that I didn't like that it made me eat all the time (which led to a 50 lb weight gain) and no libido. So she recommended this. I feel very numb (but not high) as if I have no more conscience. I also have a slow reaction time to everything. People will speak to me, and I don't realize until they repeat my name over 3 times. I also cannot sleep still even with all types of OTC sleep medications. I take Cymbalta in the morning, so it has no effect on my sleep. I am going to keep taking this medication as suggested but will make a follow-up appointment. Should there be any secret to make this drug less numbing, I will add another review."

• Anonymous
• May 25, 2020

For Back Pain "I have fibromyalgia, the pain was so bad that I wanted to die! I started taking 30 mg and worked up to 60 mg. After one week at 30, I could already tell a difference. At 60 mg, I no longer have any pain, and I'm very happy. The only side effect I have is a decreased sex drive (I'm male)."

• TPa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2019

For Depression "Cymbalta helped me get through a rough patch in my life. I am grateful for how it allowed me to cope with my sibling's passing. I was on 60 mg and recently decided it was time to move on and discontinue medication. I decreased dosage every two weeks by 10 mg, then weekly by 5 mg (taking out one small pill of the 12 pills in the capsule). Please talk to your doctor if you wish to taper off the drug, but this method worked for me. I was terrified of withdrawals based on the horror stories I read, but I had almost no withdrawal symptoms. The sexual side effect of the drug was a real bummer, and the only negative of my experience."

• CDa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2020

For Depression "I had been on this drug for over two years. My doctor never warned me of how my life would change on this drug. I developed extreme insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and I felt like a zombie with no emotions. I have been weaning off this pill for almost a week now, and I have had extreme nausea and extreme mood swings. If I were you, I’d stay far clear of this pill. It has destroyed me from the amount of time I was on it to the time I am weaning it off."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2019

For Depression "I feel so much better. I’m more calm, I don’t get frustrated easily, I have more patience, I have more energy to do things, etc. The only side effect I get is body heat and a little bit of sweating. Also, I have no desire for sex, but it’s okay since I’m single, lol. Anyway, Cymbalta helped me when it comes to my depression and leg pains."

• 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."

• les...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 10, 2015

For Depression "I would have rated Cymbalta a 10 if not for lowered libido & difficulty going off of it (not uncommon for most all AD's). I took it for 6 years after an episode of anxiety & depression. I would still be taking it but its effect was dropping off after about 6 years so I switched meds (wish I hadn't messed with switching but that's another story). The only side effect I noticed consistently over 6 years was decreased libido. I'm sure there were initial start-up effects but I was such a nervous wreck that I either didn't notice or don't remember. It was a great med for me & I wish it still worked."

• les...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 10, 2015

For Depression "I would have rated Cymbalta a 10 if not for lowered libido & difficulty going off of it (not uncommon for most all AD's). I took it for 6 years after an episode of anxiety & depression. I would still be taking it but its effect was dropping off after about 6 years so I switched meds (wish I hadn't messed with switching but that's another story). The only side effect I noticed consistently over 6 years was decreased libido. I'm sure there were initial start-up effects but I was such a nervous wreck that I either didn't notice or don't remember. It was a great med for me & I wish it still worked."

• Mis...
• April 7, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Cymbalta 60 mg daily in 2010 after taking natural therapies that just didn’t work. I had severe depression and anxiety. First started on 30 mg the first month, then increased to 60 mg. Side effects were yawning, tight jaw. But I found the Cymbalta had helped me immensely, with my dark thoughts, sadness, and hopelessness had disappeared. I did try going off it a few years ago very gradually, as I thought I was well again, but every day was such an effort, serotonin was so low. Depression returned, and I just thought this is crazy, go back on it. I have so many friends that are so anti-prescribed drugs. So I just don’t enter into discussions as it only upsets me because I need this medication. I find I’m happy, healthy in mind. My libido is quite low, but I’m active in sport and the community, which helps me."