Duloxetine for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2016

"Cymbalta was a real game changer for me after a lot of trial and error with other antidepressants. It was prescribed to me in 2006 during a major depressive episode in my early twenties that required inpatient hospitalization. The results were remarkable. In a span of 24 hours, I had much greater mood regulation and was not ruminating on negative thoughts. Cymbalta was also helpful in developing healthy eating patterns after a period of binge eating. The appetite-suppressing effect made it easier for me to modify portions and lose the weight I'd gained. I took Cymbalta for two years. The only lasting side effect was afternoon and evening tiredness. Titrating off the medication went well, except for some nausea that eventually subsided."

• Mis...
• April 7, 2019

"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."

• Jus...
• July 17, 2015

"I have been depressed and have anxiety for years since I was 6. I'm 55 now. No one knew anything back then why I was a nutcase - out of control thoughts, actions, major mood swings, and instant anger. No remorse, no empathy, nothing, just hate and pure panic. I have tried all kinds of different meds for the last 15 years, and some were OK, but nothing like these. My God, I do 60 mg twice a day. No side effects, no anger, no mood swings, no depression or anything, it's all gone, everything. You have no idea the great feeling it is to think normal, act normal, be polite and thoughtful, caring, understanding - just incredible difference. I was taken off them for 5 weeks to try something else to see if it was me or the meds. Back to the old me instantly. Lifelong."

• Goa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2022

"Prescribed 30 mg initially, then increased to 60 mg a day. Initially excited because have used every SSRI in the last 30 years. Cymbalta is an SNRI, which I thought would help with motivation, task completion, goal setting, lessen neuropathy pain, and decrease depression. I do NOT recommend Cymbalta because the only result was a rotating cycle of endless side effects ranging from bald patches to low blood pressure. My physical pain increased both in severity and frequency. Had to take Epsom salt baths daily. Frequently dizzy, no energy, no motivation, and mentally felt bleh. Believe they refer to this as blunted. It is as if the Cymbalta tricked my emotions into believing I didn't care about anything. However, the depression rebound felt like a full-on physical assault. My headaches lasted several days. Even taking Adderall at the same time didn't decrease my daytime fatigue. Would not recommend."

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

"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."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2020

"I switched to Cymbalta because my previous med combination (2 meds) wasn't helping my anxiety whatsoever, and I hate taking more pills than absolutely necessary. For the first time in my life (50s), both my anxiety and major depression are under control. The first few months, this drug knocked me out cold, best taken at night. After being on it for three years, the only side effect I have is major lag in orgasm (I'm a woman)--I'm looking at reducing my dosage if possible to see if that changes things, as enjoying sex is important to me. (no change in libido!). I truly hope this med continues to work for me forever."

• Joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2020

"I've been on Cymbalta for about a year now and just recently increased dosage from 60 mg to 90 mg because of depressive episodes during quarantine. I've not had problems with the drug until now. I recently have started having trouble staying asleep, although falling asleep hasn't been an issue. I've also wet the bed, which is extremely unusual as I haven't done that since I was a child. Overall, it has helped relieve suicidal thoughts and anxiety attacks, but the higher dosage side effects are really making me consider going back down to 60 mg."

• ohi...
• June 26, 2014

"I have been taking Cymbalta for several years now. It works great for me. If I don't take it, I cry. I take 60 mg/day. It helps with my fibromyalgia also. I had tried many other medicines like Lexapro, and nothing else worked for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2022

"Cymbalta nearly ruined my grades in college. I was weak and faint all the time, going home and passing out, having memory problems, extreme anxiety, and confusion. Several people I know described the same side effects. I tried it out for months, and in those months, I was a zombie and having even more panic attacks. I hated it so much that I don’t recommend even giving it a try because it’s not worth how it made me feel."

• Tal...
• September 5, 2019

"I was prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg daily by my psychiatrist after a rapid downslide in my bipolar depression. The first day was very rough for me - headache and severe nausea. The next couple of days, I was feeling slightly 'high' and couldn't stop clenching my jaw or rushing my words. Thankfully, all of that has passed (5 weeks in), now constipation is my only complaint. It has changed my outlook completely, and I'm so thankful. Hopefully, it doesn't change because it's been a lifesaver!"

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2019

"While Cymbalta took care of my major depressive disorder and my chronic pain, I feel as though I've been chemically castrated from this medication. Not only can I not achieve an erection, but my desire to have sex has virtually disappeared. I decided to quit cold turkey, and man, it's tough. I've had crazy dreams, lots of dizziness, and nausea, but what's great is that my sex drive has exploded. I won't go back on it, especially since neither my chronic pain nor any symptoms of my major depressive disorder have returned. Stay off this stuff if you can. I won't go back on it, not for anything."

• Pon...
• April 3, 2021

"Cymbalta is the worst medication I've ever taken. I've never experienced a worse withdrawal. I started Cymbalta after Lexapro stopped working for me. After starting Cymbalta, things got worse. The little bit of work that Lexapro was doing was more effective than Cymbalta. I went from being barely functional to being in a catatonic state. I was on it for 5 weeks before my psych took me off of it. Big mistake. Despite tapering the medication and starting Prozac, I was met with nausea, vertigo, lightheadedness, brain zaps, hot flashes, and fatigue. They tapered me off more slowly. Still didn't work. Yesterday was my first day back off of Cymbalta, and I ended up vomiting, on top of the other symptoms I mentioned. And you know what happened when I took it again last night? All those symptoms went away. The physical dependency that this medication creates due to its short half-life is insane. Not recommended. Cymbalta is an ineffective drug with a severe withdrawal."

• Rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2023

"I was on Wellbutrin for severe depression and anxiety, and I was seeing pretty good results. However, it just wasn't enough on its own. So, I started taking Cymbalta in addition to it. I had to increase my dosage to 60mg before I felt a difference, but once I did, I felt a big difference! It seemed to be working great except for the fact that it made me sweat SOOOOOO bad. I mean, just emptying the dishwasher would cause sweat to literally drip off of my head and face. It was crazy! While this medication seemed to work well initially, I eventually got to the point where I couldn't handle the sweating anymore. I gave it about four months to see if it would go away, but it just seemed to get worse and worse. Therefore, I eventually stopped taking it and switched to something else. However, it is worth a try because if you don't experience any negative side effects, it seems to work really well!"

• Hap...
• January 8, 2015

"I have been taking 120 mg of Cymbalta daily since it was first introduced, and I couldn't be more satisfied with its results. I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression approximately 15 years ago, and all antidepressants prescribed to me prior to Cymbalta worked for a year before they completely stopped working for me. I've tried every SSRI available, and the same thing would happen every time until Cymbalta became available. I have no negative side effects, never have, and I'm so very grateful for them."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2017

"I was prescribed Cymbalta in August 2016. I was told it was one of the antidepressants that had little side effects. This drug made me extremely tired, almost lethargic, and I gained 20 lbs in a matter of 8 months, despite eating healthy. I am a very health-conscious person. I lost a lot of hair. My husband actually asked me if I was pulling my hair out. If I missed a dose of this medicine, I literally felt like I had the worst flu ever. I had the chills, diarrhea, achy, etc. I just got off this medicine but am extremely depressed from all of the effects of it. I am now larger than I have been since being pregnant, and my hair is thinning. I warn people to avoid Cymbalta at all costs!!!!"

• Gin...
• February 3, 2017

"I was diagnosed with depression when I was 18 (now 31). I began taking Prozac, which was effective at first, but then it plateaued. My doctor prescribed me 60 mg of Cymbalta back then, and that dose has been effective ever since. For a short time, my doctor lowered it to 30 mg, and I became severely depressed. Once it was raised back to 60 mg, I was a whole new person again. I highly recommend this miracle drug!"

• Mar...
• April 16, 2018

"Cymbalta worked quickly to reduce depressive symptoms, i.e., deep sadness, lack of motivation, anhedonia, etc. In that, I would rate it a 10. I had been on it about 1.5 years and was taking 120 mg/day when my doctor didn't call in my prescription for a week. I had no idea why I felt so icky. I called my neighbor, and he diagnosed me with Cymbalta withdrawal via the Internet. Nobody told me that this drug has physically addictive properties. The symptoms abated once I took 60 mg. So, I stuck with 60 mg a day and called my doctor for a taper. It is awful! To all those that have just started Cymbalta, know this - you have at least a 50/50 chance of having 'discontinuation syndrome' on dose reduction. Read the site on Eli Lilly's history with Cymbalta lawsuits. Read everything you can before you take your next dose. The world is so unpredictable. Do you want to carry the burden of addiction and withdrawal in a time of crisis, insurance changes, medical illness, or injury? I don't."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2018

"In the last couple of months since starting this med, I've noticed I've felt and acted a lot better. My caregiver has remarked how much better I'm doing. I'm even thinking about leaving the house, which is very unusual for me. No side effects that I've noticed, but I rarely have any. So far, so good. Hope it will work for me for a long time."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2021

"I had tried Prozac, Zoloft, and, before Cymbalta, Lexapro. None had worked, so my doctor prescribed me Cymbalta to see if I just needed to be on another type of antidepressant. Cymbalta sent me into the worst suicidal episode I ever had in my life, and it became so bad that I was sent to the psych hospital. I got prescribed anxiety meds and Wellbutrin, but even after a few weeks of that, I was still stuck in the episode that Cymbalta triggered. I've had my Wellbutrin dose increased to 300 mg and am taking Buspar, and I finally feel normal. If you are like me and have multiple serious mental disorders, please be cautious with this medication :("

• Sus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2014

"I use Cymbalta 60mg at night. I sleep better, eat better, and feel better. Doctor diagnosed me with major depressive disorder and placed me on Cymbalta and counseling. My life is 90% better! I am so thankful! Oh, and I had my thyroid checked: low thyroid. I take Synthroid 50mcg in the morning."

• Ccs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2023

"Didn't help much with depression, but I did notice it helped with pain. Sad, but not in crippling pain all the time. Beware though, withdrawal is terrible. Unfortunately, I've been on a lot of antidepressants and withdrawal was one of the worst."

• Juj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 19, 2018

"I’ve been on this med for 4 years (I’ve been on every dose, but I’m now on 60 mg) and have tried a number of other medicines, including Lexapro, Paxil, Wellbutrin, amitriptyline, and Abilify, just to name a few. I was diagnosed with MDD, GAD, and Panic Disorder in 2011 (when I was 18). I’ve been on a lot of drugs, and this one has been the best one for me so far. I mean, of course, I’m not cured or anything, but it makes life much easier, and it doesn’t make me as pessimistic and gloomy about life. I still have bad days, and I’m still struggling with apathy and things like cleaning and showering, but I do it, and my life isn’t as bad as it could be, so I really can’t complain. *Disclaimer: I’ve been in outpatient treatment twice and go to therapy once a month, so that plays a role as well, I think."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2020

"Do not take Cymbalta if you want to keep any of your current relationships alive. Despite being majorly depressed with social avoidance disorders before taking this medication, I actually cared about my family and my loving boyfriend. Now, after only a month, I cannot kiss my boyfriend without feeling like I want to vomit, nor can I look at him without feeling this gut-wrenching repulsion. Not to mention my sister called me telling me our youngest sister was about to commit suicide, and I literally did not care. I didn't even try to speak to any of my family because I literally did not care. I feel like I really don't like everyone I used to love because of Cymbalta. I don't feel less depressed either; in fact, I've been having anger-filled meltdowns almost daily, complete with suicidal thoughts. Would not recommend; has ruined my life."

• Gym...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2020

"I started this medication, Cymbalta, about 5 weeks ago after a suicide attempt. Seems to be working great thus far. Uplift in mood and slight 'zippy' feeling, almost like a very light dose of Adderall, which I used to be prescribed. Only 2 major side effects: trouble initiating sleep (but once I do get to sleep, I do so with less frequent interruptions than before, and it's easier to fall back asleep after a bathroom trip) and increased sweating (but I actually like leaving puddles at the gym, so this is a bonus for me). 8/10. Any higher of a rating and I would be tempted to abuse this drug."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2017

"For the past year and a half, I have been on Cymbalta. This medicine has made a significant amount of difference. It helps a lot with depression and nerve pain. Working with a dedicated nurse practitioner and medical team, they make a difference. She is a pleasure to work with and provides options for her patients. The Cymbalta reduces the nerve pain. It helps with depression and anxiety. Thank you for the awesome recommendation and support."