Duloxetine and Headaches: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "After years of chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, intermittent depression, and anxiety, I did my research on fibromyalgia and had a conversation with my doctor. I had read about Cymbalta, and my doctor agreed to prescribe it and see if it would help my multiple issues. I felt better after the first day of 30 mg of Cymbalta. The only side effects I had were insomnia and daily headaches the first week. My side effects were tolerable, and the benefits outweighed the side effects. I stuck with it and have now been on Cymbalta for 4 weeks. I'm so thankful for this medication and feel I have my life back! I took high-dose Xanax for years, I couldn't fall asleep without it. I have been able to wean off Xanax as well, something I had been unable to do before. I see my doctor again this week and can't wait to tell her how well Cymbalta helps 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."

• spe...
• August 21, 2013

For Anxiety "I was started on Cymbalta 30mg about 6 months ago. I was increasingly anxious and irritable and quick to start arguments. My presenting complaint was, however, tinnitus due to jaw clenching! Cymbalta almost immediately calmed me down. I feel less guilt feelings about everything. I can walk away from arguments unless really pushed - and then just watch out! My spouse thinks I am better for it. However, I do feel rather fatigued and now find it difficult to exercise, but once I start I have no problem. I can focus and work with a less antagonistic attitude. Sleep is better. Sex is better. No weight problem. I do drink very moderately with no problem. Missing doses is a major problem: headaches, dizziness, nightmares."

• one...
• July 21, 2019

For Depression "I started Cymbalta for my depression as Zoloft wasn't able to keep up. I also have myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, bursitis, sciatica, SI joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis in my left knee and right hip. Cymbalta pulled me out of the horrible depressive spell, but it really calmed my fibro and myofascial pain. Like 85% better. Worse in the summer, so I'm experiencing it still helping me but a pain flare-up trying to fight through. I'm susceptible to migraines, Cymbalta has not given me headaches. When I first took it, it really knocked me out, made me feel gross, so I learned to only take it at night, and it really helps me sleep. Only two bad things that have happened are forgetting to take it, the next day, I'm pretty miserable and feel slightly out of it. The other is, stay sitting up after taking it to make sure it does not dissolve in my esophagus, or I get severe pain and diarrhea. I'm on 60mg since February, and I still feel good. I've never had anything help my chronic major depression like this has."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2013

For Anxiety "I have been on Cymbalta for about 4 months now, and finally can say that it is worth going through some of the beginning side effects. We must be careful though, to listen to our bodies first. Side effects can be bothersome but should not be unbearable, so if this is your case with Cymbalta or any other medication, you must consult your physician. When I first started Cymbalta (which I did twice before finally staying on it), I could not sleep, had headaches, and could not even drink a cup of coffee without feeling as if I was hyper. Eventually, things got better and I was able to stop the additional medication that was prescribed to help me sleep. Switching Cymbalta to bedtime helped tremendously! No pain and/or anxiety."

• Kim...
• March 17, 2016

For Chronic Pain "I thankfully have never had depression! However, I have chronic severe pain (ankylosing spondylitis). I tried Cymbalta in my mid-30s... YES, it made me EXTREMELY nauseous and I got headaches... But only for the first week! I felt like it gave me my life back. But it was short-lived, and I only took it for 6 months because I ended up getting immune to it. At 60 mg/day, it did nothing for pain! I went back on it at 39 after many failed attempts of other meds! But this time, I also take Dilaudid with it for breakthrough pain (usually only need once but sometimes twice a day). I've been back on Cymbalta for almost 2 years now and feel like I have my life back! I'm able to work (I'm a waitress) and drive and LIVE life!"

• you...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "So... after now being on these for the second time, I can review them properly. As someone who struggles with mental health issues and fibromyalgia, these tablets worked a treat for both my pain and emotional regulation BUT be prepared for around a month of side effects before you fully notice a difference and can't function. Sickness, constantly sleeping all day; no appetite, rash, dizziness, nausea, constant headaches, not sleeping at all at night, and struggling to move are just to name a few, but once you get past that, they’re better than any pain killer. Despite struggling to feel emotions, the positives outweigh the negatives."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2008

For Anxiety "I have been on this medication for 1.5 years, and it has been GREAT! I was on Paxil for 3 years prior to switching to Cymbalta. It worked in about 3 days, and I haven't had any abnormal feelings of anxiety since I started this med. I haven't had any side effects from taking it. I had experienced some weight gain from Paxil, but none on Cymbalta. The only thing is that if you miss a dose, your terrible headache will remind you that you forgot to take it! Other than that, it's been great."

• Cin...
• March 20, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have taken several depression medicines over the last six years. All with limited results. My entire body started hurting so bad, fatigue, headaches and broken sleep at night. I begged my doctor to try me on Cymbalta because it helped a friend with similar symptoms. My pain was almost gone in a week and completely gone in two. I never realized how bad my pain was until it was gone! I take it at night because I get very sleepy within a few hours. I sleep great and wake up pain-free and fully rested. It has helped my depression but not to the extent it has taken away all my pain. I did feel slightly nauseous on and off for a few weeks. My appetite has diminished which has helped me lose 10 pounds."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

For Depression "Cymbalta ruined my life. In the span of 3 weeks, I managed to black out, tried to run away and change my name, I quit my job, and attempted suicide 3 times and luckily failed. I had urine retention, extreme headaches, blurred vision, no energy, and couldn't fall asleep."

• Maz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2020

For Back Pain "Prescribed for back pain. I was told I have to start with 30 mg and in a week increase it to 60 mg. After two days on Cymbalta, I knew I would never make it. I got sick almost immediately - stumbling, brain fog, diarrhea, jaw pain, headache, and nausea. I told my doctor I wanted off, but she said to take it 'a few weeks' before I went up to 60 mg. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, so I stayed on it for a few more weeks, but didn't get better, and it actually got a lot worse. I called my doctor's office and told her I wanted off. There was no way I was going up to 60 mg. Since I had never increased the dosage, I immediately went to every other day for a week, then stopped. The withdrawal was every bit as bad as the reaction to the pill. There is finally a slight alleviation in the symptoms, so I've decided just to wait it out. MY RECOMMENDATION: My experience is this is the worst pill I have ever taken. Bottom line? DON'T TAKE THIS PILL!!!!"

• Fae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I was put on Cymbalta to combat the mood and pain problems associated with fibromyalgia. It dilated my eyes, which led to light sensitivity and headaches. I also grew steadily more and more exhausted and confused and foggy. I was depressed. The doctors insisted that the side effects would abate after about six weeks, but they were so debilitating I had to seek out disability accommodations at school and drop one of my classes. After about a month, I woke up one morning feeling very strange, and a few hours later had a seizure and sprained my jaw and have had jaw pain ever since. At the emergency room, they told me that the Cymbalta was the likely culprit. Essentially, this drug made my life unbearable."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2013

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I'm a Type 1 Diabetic for 39 years. Had VERY painful muscle spasms/seizing and twitching. I tried various supplements which 'should' have helped but no improvement. I started Neurontin at 1,800mg/day and I had terrible swelling plus gained 18 lbs in 6 months (and my eating habits actually got better while on it). The 1,800mg of Neurontin no longer controlled the muscle spasms. I started Cymbalta, 30 mg before bed, and had significant reduction in pain the first morning. I did notice a very strong headache that first day. I had only 3-4 muscle spasms that first day as well...Wow!! Second day...almost NO pain in the morning and only a dull headache with much weaker muscle spasms. Side effects: Crazy dreams, difficulty sleeping, headache."

• Pai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I was prescribed Cymbalta 90 mg for nerve pain. Previously, I tried gabapentin and Lyrica with significant side effects. However, with the Cymbalta, I noticed a huge difference within 24 hours after I started taking it. I did recently miss a couple of days, and there is a noticeable withdrawal, mostly headaches. After missing the couple of days, it has taken longer this time to kick back in. This tiny little pill has actually allowed me to lower my pain meds significantly and is treating my depression. I was able to stop both Prozac and Fentanyl (75 mcg/48 hrs). I do think, because of the possible withdrawal symptoms, that one should first try gabapentin or Lyrica. For me, Cymbalta was a life changer; my miracle medicine!"

• Tig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2013

For Anxiety "I have been taking Cymbalta for 15 months now. First 30mg and then six months later up it to 60mg/day. It was prescribed to me for clinical depression. It works for the depression and I also noticed it has worked very well for anxiety also. My MD and I have discussed that I probably have had this anxiety disorder for some time and curtailed with the depression, Cymbalta has done well for both. Side effects are weight gain (5-10 lbs) and bad withdrawal effects if you miss a day or two - headaches. Otherwise, the medication has worked very well and I feel like I can live my life again."

• Pap...
• April 18, 2018

For Anxiety "Since my retirement, life has taken a few major turns. Deaths in the family, reduced income, children with problems, greater interaction with my bipolar wife, and aging finally brought me to a point of high anxiety. Ativan was too much, so the doctor started me on 20 mg Cymbalta. I'm still at 20 mg, and any side effects were too mild to identify. I started calling it my 'don't give a poop medicine' because I found I could deal with my wife's constant 'need' by just not caring. I just finished my taxes, and any thoughts I had of discontinuing soon were wiped away. Reading through these comments, I have seen the cluster of minor side effects that I was not associating with Cymbalta: afternoon fatigue, spaciness, headache that responds to water, unusual constipation, and a dream/wake state coupled with extended drowsiness after a normal night's sleep that can be attributed to Cymbalta. I was beginning to get anxious. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I assure you that at least one person has benefited and is grateful."