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Duloxetine for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka

Duloxetine has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 707 reviews for the treatment of Depression. 51% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 30% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Duloxetine

  • ricardo
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 25, 2020

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Cymbalta is horrible stuff! Adverse effects when trying to stop taking Cymbalta. Went from 30mg to 60mg over a month long period but don't bother with this drug as it doesn’t do what it’s prescribed to do, (for me anyway has not lessened anxiety or depression) Trying to stop taking it has worsened my symptoms. No sleep, rapid heart beat, sweats, headaches, affected work, feeling like absolute shite, etc etc, the list goes on. I would not recommend this drug at all!! Stay Away."

1 / 10
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  • Shanice
  • June 21, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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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  • TWano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 14, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "My Dr. started me on Cymbalta about a month ago. I go to a VA clinic and my Dr. is a great psychiatrist whom has many many years in practice. I told him of all my issues and problems and he ordered this med for me. I am currently maintained on other meds for opiate withdrawal, so I’ve been through the rough stuff before. I gotta say, even from day one , which made me slightly woozy, and some queazy, it is a wonderful drug for me. The queasiness subsided after a couple of days, and I noticed almost immediately my depression was decreased dramatically. It also did wonders for my anxiety. I have no issues with this med, it’s great for me. Not all people have the exact same imbalance , so I suggest to shop around until you find the right one. If you are getting meds from a general physician. I suggest you see a well qualified physiatrist and tell him exactly what you feel and when and how, and he can get you pretty close to the center of the dartboard of what med you need."

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Relie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 8, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 7, 2012

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • January 22, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) " 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; 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, 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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  • houdini
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 21, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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 has 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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More FAQ

  • cymbalt
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 24, 2016

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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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  • Blessed
  • December 22, 2016

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I have been severely depressed over the past two years after the passing of my mother. MD tried me on Wellbutrin, Trazadone and Celexa. I continued on the Celexa for about 1 1/2 years but still had many days with depression and losing jobs only to remain in bed depressed, hopeless , tearful and suicidal thoughts. None of those meds worked for me. I have currently seen a new MD and changes my meds to Cymbalta in AM and Elavil in PM. These meds are miracle drugs for me. Been on them for a month now. I've never felt this good in years!!! "

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 4, 2008

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 2, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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 ok since I’m single lol. Anyways, Cymbalta helped me when it comes to my depression and leg pains."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 19, 2017

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I was put on Cymbalta 60mg when I was in the psych ward for a suicide attempt. This medication significantly helped my depression and my thoughts of suicide went away. Cymbalta has been life changing for me. I thought I didn't need it anymore so I took myself off of it a month ago. The withdrawals are terrible! Worse than wothdrawaling from benzos, I was shaky for a straight week. After being off of it for a couple weeks my depression and anxiety came back full force, I realized how much it had been helping me and asked my doctor to put me back on it. I'm now on 30mg and feel less anxious and less sad."

9 / 10
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  • Mia
  • September 6, 2020

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Awful. I work overnights so I took Cymbalta in the morning with my other meds (300mg Lamotrigine and 125mg of Spironolactone) I took it with a glass of milk because I was told it didn’t matter if I took it with food or not. Terrible idea. I woke up freezing but constantly shivering and I tried to combat the nausea by eating a banana and I threw the banana up. Never in my life has a medication made me vomit. I’m in recovery so the feeling of taking it was like a foreign substance and I’ve been sober for years so that absolutely did not sit well with me. I blindly trusted my doctor and didn’t do my research, please don’t make the same mistake. I’ve never been so sick as well. And it went on for hours after one dose (30mg) Best wishes. Hope everyone finds what they need safely and healthily."

1 / 10
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  • TPano
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 8, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "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 60mg and recently decided it was time to move on and discontinue medication. I decreased dosage every two weeks by 10mg, then weekly by 5mg (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."

8 / 10
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  • dani
  • February 18, 2014

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I started taking Cymbalta and I noticed a difference immediately! I felt more relaxed and happy in general. I take Lamictal for Bi-Polar disorder and after finding that medicine alone not being enough, my dr prescribed Cymbalta. I've been in a pleasant mood with my family, friends and at work. Not stressing out about leaving the house or having a busy schedule and getting anxiety about it. It has also helped with my lower back pain I have been dealing with the last 3yrs. It's only been 2 weeks and the only thing I can say is, I seem to yawn a lot and have less of an appetite. If it messes with my sex drive and lowers it... I'm off it."

10 / 10
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  • Cymba...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 25, 2016

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "We all have challenges in life. I suffer from PTSD and depression. Over the years I have tried a few different medications. My fantastic physican based in Phoenix, AZ recommeded Cymbalta. It has really made a positive difference in my life. I have noticed that I'm doing a lot better in life. First my body pains have decreased. Followed by I'm more happy and positive. I'm more active in the local community through my commitment to a couple different volunteer organizations. If it wasn't for my caring and magnificent physican and NP I wouldn't be where I'm at today. I'm grateful for their support and on how well Cymbalta works. My quality of life has improved. Thank you for your time."

10 / 10
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  • liberty
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 14, 2014

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I was previously on Lexapro, but it made me tired and unmotivated. I switched to Cymbalta one week ago and it's already working! I'm only on 30 mg but my doc may want me on a higher dose depending on how I feel after a couple weeks."

9 / 10
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  • lisal...
  • September 6, 2013

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I cried everyday for three months due to uncontrollable pain from rheumatoid arthritis. I was also suffering from severe depression as a result. The first time I took Cymbalta,, 30 mg, I noticed I no longer felt defeated and felt for the first time since being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis that the pain was at times manageable. It helped give me hope. It's been almost three months since I started Cymbalta and it is still working well. I'm super thankful my doctor recommended it."

10 / 10
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  • Choobs
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 2, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I tried to commit suicide this year and ended up in the nuthouse (Australian for psych hospital). Put me on Cymbalta and for me, it's a flaming nightmare. I'm on 90 mg and even though it seems to help a bit, I now know that's a lie. The chilling nightmares that have me awake and soaking wet, unable to catch my breath properly. I don't recommend this stuff, if you want to have a good nights sleep ever again."

1 / 10
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  • Skippy
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 25, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I was prescribed 30mg at first to help with depression. After talking with my doctor, he decided to increase the dosage to 60mg. I was using it for 9 years and at first it seemed to help. But after a couple of years, it felt like I had a tight band around my head. And I was always dizzy when I stood up. Tried to stop taking it and it felt like I had the flu. So I continued taking it. Then last year, I got tired of the head pain and dizziness. I opened up each capsule to remove 5 mg. I then waited for 2 weeks to remove another 5mg. By doing it this way, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms and am finally off of it! If it works for you, great! But be prepared for a struggle to quit taking it!"

1 / 10
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  • Fcd
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 22, 2018

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "Been on this 3 years and it works for me when I have no alcohol or illegal drugs. For pain I started smoking cannabis and my antidepressants doesn't work with weed!! With a week off weed and antidepressant working! I'm happier now, I'm laughing more, singing and joking. I am committing to getting better and cutting out anything else unless prescribed."

8 / 10
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  • Tayal...
  • April 6, 2015

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I have been on SSRI since the age of 14 now I can tell you I am 42 now and have lived half my life in a fog. Feeling tierd, not interested in anything just wanting to sleep. I changed from lexapro to cymbalta a week ago and wow. I have energy I'm not like dragging myself around all day. I feel motivated - the only down fall has been hot flashes. I read cymbalta can cause that but I will deal with it as I feel as great. I have more than one emotion, I would say definately try it everyone is going to respond differently. Have had some issues waking up alot at night. But that's about it. I have to pay 200 dollars a month for this medicine but it is worth it. Good luck to you"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 7, 2009

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I am on 120mg of Cymbalta to treat my chronic depression, PTSD, and anxiety (severe child abuse survivor and adult sexual assault survivor) and chronic pain (spinal disorder required fusing all but one vertebra in my neck and the vertebra in my lower back; plus severe arthritis in my knees, hips, and both AC joints). I have been on 24-hour narcotics, Ativan, and many antidepressants. Of course, narcotics work, but they caused me to have heart problems. Ativan is great, but doctors are reluctant to prescribe long-term. I thought the panic attacks, insomnia, hot flashes, obsessive worry and dread, gloom, weepiness, and loss of interest in everything would be forever. Cymbalta helped me get my life back."

10 / 10
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  • andjul
  • May 13, 2008

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "I have been taking Cymbalta for over a year now. I suffered from perimenopausal symptoms (PMS) including debilitating depression/suicidal ideation. I have never been a person who thought about suicide, although I have suffered from dysthymia for years. Cymbalta has been a lifesaver. I am very grateful. No depression, little anxiety, no side effects."

10 / 10
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  • Purple...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 26, 2019

Cymbalta (duloxetine) "This drug is a nightmare to get off of I don’t recommend it ever. I was on it for ten years. I am still having withdrawals after 60 days!!!! I vomited for three weeks. My body cannot get back in sync"

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.