Duloxetine reviews weight loss

Does Cymbalta (duloxetine) cause weight gain or weight loss?

Cymbalta is the brand name of an antidepressant medication called duloxetine. Taking this drug can potentially cause changes in a person’s body weight.

Doctors prescribe Cymbalta to treat depression, anxiety, and some chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.

Cymbalta is a type of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a class of antidepressants that can increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Increasing these feel-good chemicals may reduce depression symptoms and pain sensations.

Some people who take Cymbalta report changes in their weight. This article examines the link between Cymbalta and weight gain or weight loss.

Most related research suggests that Cymbalta can affect a person’s weight, but only modestly.

A 2015 systematic review concluded that Cymbalta might cause a small amount of weight loss in the first few weeks, followed by modest weight gain. However, the quality of the evidence was not high enough to draw any definite conclusions. Cymbalta did not appear more likely to cause weight gain than other similar drugs, namely fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).

It is possible to gain or lose weight while taking other antidepressant drugs. Antidepressants that may lead to weight gain in some people include:

Some tricyclic antidepressants. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), and doxepin (Silenor). For example, the results of a 2015 meta-analysis of 54 different medications suggest that amitriptyline causes weight gain in some people.
Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some research suggests that these antidepressants may cause weight loss in the short term but weight gain in the longer term.
Mirtazapine. Experts have found evidence linking the atypical antidepressant mirtazapine to weight gain.

According to a systematic review, the atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) may cause weight loss in some people.

However, medications impact people in different ways. What causes weight gain in one person may not affect the body weight of another.

According to a 2014 study on the effects of taking antidepressants long term, even when people gain weight from taking these medications, it is usually only a modest amount.

It is worth remembering that antidepressants may not be directly responsible for weight gain. Individuals may be gaining weight for other reasons, such as:

an increase in appetite due to an improved mood
the natural weight gain that results from aging
overeating, limited exercise, or both due to depression or anxiety

Learn more about how antidepressants can cause weight gain.

In addition to weight changes, Cymbalta can cause the following side effects in some people:

nausea
headache
dry mouth
fatigue
insomnia
dizziness
sleepiness
appetite loss

constipation
diarrhea
excessive sweating

More serious side effects, which may require medical attention, include:

palpitations
blurred vision
abdominal pain
vomiting
weight and appetite loss
tremor
anxiety and agitation
insomnia or strange dreams
sexual dysfunction or low libido
excessive yawning
hot flashes
fainting

In some cases, the following severe adverse effects can occur. These need immediate medical attention:

suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, teens, and young adults
liver damage
mania in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder
fluid retention and low sodium levels due to a disruption of antidiuretic hormone secretion
kidney damage

Mania is a risk for people with bipolar disorder, including those who do not yet have a diagnosis or who received a diagnosis of depression without a previous manic episode.

Symptoms of mania include:

talking a lot or pressured speech
feeling “high” or “wired”
feeling irritable, exuberant, or both
reduced need to sleep
racing thoughts
difficulty focusing

Serotonin syndrome is a life threatening condition that can result from high serotonin levels. It can occur when a person takes Cymbalta with other serotonergic drugs.

Learn more about serotonin here.

Cymbalta may also cause worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behaviors, especially in younger adults. The risk is highest when beginning treatment or changing the dosage.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Suddenly stopping taking Cymbalta can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is important to speak to a doctor before stopping the medication.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

irritability
nausea, vomiting, or both
dizziness
nightmares
headache
prickling or tingling in the skin

Learn more about antidepressant withdrawal here.

Individuals who are taking Cymbalta and experience side effects, including weight changes, should speak with their doctor.

If a person asks about weight changes, the doctor may:

recommend tests to see if an underlying condition is causing the changes
suggest changing the dose or trying a different drug
recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise and dietary measures to help manage weight

There are many antidepressants that a doctor may suggest as an alternative to Cymbalta. These include:

Other SNRIs: Examples are venlafaxine (Effexor), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), or desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), which increase the activity of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain.
SSRIs: Citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) aim to boost mood by increasing serotonin action in the brain.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are older types of antidepressants and include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil).
Tricyclic antidepressants: These are older drugs that doctors do not regularly prescribe due to potential side effects. They include amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Silenor), which can help a person sleep.
Other types: Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron).

What do you need to know about anxiety medications?

Here are some questions people often ask about Cymbalta and weight changes.

Is Cymbalta good for weight loss?

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a drug that doctors prescribe for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Some people initially lose a small amount of weight, but taking Cymbalta long term may lead to a modest weight gain. A 2015 meta-analysis concluded that duloxetine affects body weight.

What are the side effects of Cymbalta?

Common side effects of Cymbalta include headache, nausea, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. There may also be a loss in appetite and weight.

Research has suggested that taking duloxetine may lead to modest weight loss at first, followed by modest weight gain. But, it does not consider the changes significant enough to outweigh the drug’s benefits if a doctor recommends taking it.

However, some people may notice weight changes due to an individual reaction, changes in lifestyle habits, or an underlying condition. Talking through any concerns with a doctor can help a person understand any possible changes in weight or other side effects.

The doctor may recommend doing tests for another condition or prescribe a different drug. They may also encourage the person to exercise more and adapt their diet to include more nutritious foods.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) Reviews - Page 10

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Reason for taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS; CFIDS; M.E.)DepressionFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)MigraineOsteoarthritisMultiple sclerosis - Relapsing-remitting (RRMS)Rheumatoid ArthritisBipolar II disorderLupusGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD)Crohn's Disease -- MaintenanceIrritable bowel syndrome - Diarrhea (IBS-D)Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder predominant hyperative-impulsiveAnorexiaEndometriosisHerniated discsAutismInterstitial cystitisDiabetes Mellitus Type IIDiabetes Mellitus Type IHepatitis CLyme DiseasePremenstrual SyndromeBorderline Personality DisorderObsessive Compulsive DisorderPanic disorder / agoraphobiaPost-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Social phobia (Social anxiety disorder)Phobias (Specific)Opioids (Narcotics) dependency / withdrawalMenopause and perimenopauseAsperger's SyndromeBulimiaBinge eating disorderDermatoheliosisTension headachesUlcerative ColitisSchizophreniaPDD - Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)Bipolar I disorderBipolar Disorder NOSSchizoaffective disorderAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder combinedAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder predominant inattentive typeIrritable bowel syndrome - Constipation (IBS-C)Irritable bowel syndrome - Alternating (IBS-A)Multiple sclerosis - BenignMultiple sclerosis - Secondary progressive (SPMS)Multiple sclerosis - Primary progessive (PPMS)Multiple sclerosis - Progressive relapsing (PRMS)Myofascial pain syndromeDegenerative disc diseaseFailed Back SyndromeOsteoarthritis of the spine (Facet joint degeneration)SciaticaScoliosisSpinal stenosisSpondylolysis and spondylolisthesisBack pain- chronicMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)Peripheral NeuropathyDysthymiaSeasonal Affective DisorderPainAnxietyUrinary IncontinenceDiabetic NeuropathyFibromyalgiaGeneralized anxiety disorder

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4 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/27/2017) 4

Rated for Back pain- chronic Report

My doctor started prescribing the generic for of Cymbalta when I had bad back pain. I also have diabetes from having a cancerous tumor removed from my pancreas. I take Duloxetine HCL 30MG CPEP, generic for Cymbalta CPEP 30 mg. twice a day. A neuro specialist finally found out in November 2016, that my spine is broken, I have two slipped discs 5 & 6 and an upper Herniated disc which explained the pain. Because I had pancreatic endocrine cancer the body and tail of my pancreas was removed along with my spleen. My back has hurt for many years due to Spondylosis. This began in Junior high school and I am now age 55. The pain got so back last year in 2016, that I begged the doctor to give me something stronger for the pain beside tylenol (of course at that time after a cat scan no one knew why the pain was so bad), so she gave my Cymbalta. It wasn't until several months later last year that another doctor who had me lean over in a forward direction, took an xray, that you could clearly see I had a broken spine. Who knows how long I had this. Anyway the pain was so bad that I couldn't even lie down without pain, much less walking, sitting or standing. The pain now is imaginabl

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5 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/26/2017) 5

Rated for Depression Report

It works better for me than any other antidepressant. Doesn't leave me feeling flat. Just make sure you don't miss a dose- you will get sick

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1 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/22/2017) 1

Rated for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Report

doc put me on 30mgs i had one pill and i was out for 3 days, nausea, head spinning, wanted to kill myself was definetly the worst thing ive ever experienced, i geuss you gotta try a bunch of different ones to find the right one but my experience was horrible and i dont recomend it, i had one pill and couldnt even take the other i was way to out of it

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5 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/20/2017) 5

Rated for Depression Report

This has been a miracle drug for me. After years of trying Prozac, Paxil, wellbutrin, and Zoloft, this is the only one to keep me at a more even level with my moods. My only suggestion, do NOT run out. If I would skip a day I had awful withdrawal type symptoms. Brain zaps, anger outbursts, anxiety attacks etc. I know better now. I make sure I always have it, and take it religiously. This drug saved my life.

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1 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/8/2017) 1

Rated for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Report

I was prescribed the 60mg slow release for my fibromyalgia. The first day I took this pill I was in a good mood for about a hour or two..then all of a sudden I felt completely out of it and not like myself,I suddenly got a really bad headache and was feeling nauseous, I tried to drink lots of water..but that wasn't helping my headache wasn't going away...I felt cold I had to keep my jacket on in the house. . .my mouth was dry, I felt completely sick..I went to lay down and I was having tremors in my body..and I was having palpitations..my energy was low...I finally woke up hot and sweaty...and feeling better never taking that pill again!

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1 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/5/2017) 1

Rated for Depression Report

My doctor put me on Cymbalta after every other drug stopped working for me. I don't remember the dose but it may have been 40 or 60 mg. For about six months I felt amazing and then crashed. I ended up being admitted to a partial hospitalization program and spent a month there. The doctor there told me that she did not prescribe it because it gives patients a false euphoria. (While it was working I thought everything was "wonderful"). I was told how to wean myself from the Cymbalta. If the symptoms became more severe I had to go back to a higher dose. It took about a week of nausea, raging headaches and body aches as though I had the flu. I went on line to find recommendations on how to deal with the side effects. What I found instead were horror stories about people who couldn't withdraw and doctors who regretted prescribing it to patients when they saw what it did. It may work for some people but I wish I'd never taken it. It really messed up my life for a while.

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1 Stars

Posted 67 months ago (6/1/2017) 1

Rated for Herniated discs Report

The medication Cymbalta 60mg once daily began and withing one month I was not feeling. I was numb. When I missed a dose it would throw me into a crazy world. Brain Zaps, heart palpitations, feeling I was living outside my body at times. So, this was so bizarre that I knew I should NOT be taking this drug. So I though I would get myself off of it. Well, let me tell you, that was not easy. The brain zaps and the heart palpitations were the worst, and after a little while of feeling these you would have to take the drug to live a normal day. Then I decided to open the pill and there were about six or seven small balls. I thought, I can do that, so I began by taking one small ball and immediately the brain zaps were out of control, but I held my own. I would work more and more hours in between taking one of the balls. I felt like I wanted to commit suicide! My brain zaps, palpitations, feelings of being of body, and then the severe sadness. I cried at the smallest indication sadness, or a commercial with a sweet story. I told myself, NO, you WILL get past this. And I have gotten to a better place. I still have the zaps, but I work through it. I will do my best to let ot

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1 Stars

Posted 68 months ago (5/18/2017) 1

Rated for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Report

Started taking 60 mg of the generic brand a few months ago. My libido is totally gone and I have gained about 15 lbs. It makes me tired and my pain is the same. Now I read all these horror stories about how hard it is to wean off but I'm going to do whatever it takes.

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1 Stars

Posted 68 months ago (5/16/2017) 1

Rated for Depression Report

Took the generic called Duloxetine 30mg. for several months. I didn't notice much of a change in my depression, it did help some. However I noticed how quickly I was gaining weight. Constantly wanting to eat!! So I stopped taking this medication. I should have called my doctor to find out how to wean off this. It has only been 3 days and I'm having awful dizziness some blurred vision, hot flashes, headache, and feeling like I can't think clearly. Horrible side effects coming off this medication!! I will be contacting my doctor in the morning on how to do this correctly.

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5 Stars

Posted 68 months ago (5/3/2017) 5

Rated for Depression Report

I started in cymbalta fir depression and anxiety seven years ago. within weeks I felt better and within months I noticed that my weak bladder was gone and my endometriosis didn't bother me anymore.It was a bonus.I sleep fine and Im not overtired.i didn't gain weight (which was a major problem for me when I was on Prozac).I have a reduced sex drive....but if my husband pursues me long enough the actual sex is great and I can Orgasm no problem!!!

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5 Stars

Posted 69 months ago (4/17/2017) 5

Rated for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Report

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 dont over stress , i no longer ruminate , no shakings , no lasting side effects ,,bit hyper and loss of libido but sorted out in a few months, i never want to come of it , changed my life totally , been on 60 mgs for 20 months

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5 Stars

Posted 69 months ago (4/11/2017) 5

Rated for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Report

I was recently diagnosed with FMS and Sjogren's Syndrome. I just started this drug 3 weeks ago. So far it's done wonders for my muscle and joint pain from DAY 1. I had facial pain, severe neck and back pain, walked like a robot from stiffness, and had stomach pain. Right now, I have NONE of those symptoms. I feel like a miracle has happened! I started at 60 mg once a week (taken at night), and my doctor wanted me to increase the dosage after 2 weeks up to 120mg (once a night). I just increased dosage last night and haven't really noticed any significant changes by the increase. I have read all the horror stories on here and frankly I was scared to go up in dosage last night. But I'm so happy with what has happened so far; I will listen to what my doctor has advised me to do. As for side effects, I've had all the common ones listed, but not all at once, and not everyday. My biggest issue with this drug is fatigue. Once you take your first dose, you will feel a little rocky (zombie like) the first few days after taking it. I just want to sleep the majority of the time after I started, but it does get better. I don't have much of an appetite anymore. I haven't noticed much of a wei

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1 Stars

Posted 70 months ago (3/22/2017) 1

Rated for PDD - Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) Report

Was prescribed 60mg of Cymbalta after TBI, and took for around 4 years. Seemed to work great at first, but eventually stopped working, and the side effects by far outweighed anything that was happening. Doctor insisted on raising dose. Worked for a bit and again it was not working, while still having side effects. Finally decided to take myself of it, and the experience has been horrible. Been off it a month and still dealing with withdrawal symptoms. The medicine has made me worse than I was at the start. I would beg anyone that is considering to start taking it to not do so. It has been one of the worst experiences of my life, and I'm saying that after going through brain surgery and the recovery. After doing some research, I've found this is the case for most people that have taken it. And to top it off, a class action lawsuit has been filed against it, but there no mention from doctors about this, and definitely no attempts to recall even though they know it is hurting people. People that were already hurting or having trouble and looked to them for help. Seems their only concern is revenue. Still being prescribed. To sum it up, don't take it, ever. It only makes things wors

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1 Stars

Posted 70 months ago (3/19/2017) 1

Rated for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Report

Horrible headaches and withdrawal is unbearable! Do not take this dangerous drug! The company denies its harmful effects.

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2 Stars

Posted 70 months ago (3/18/2017) 2

Rated for Depression Report

I took 60 mg for depression to start off. At times my face would feel numb and I would get tunnel vision and the best way to describe it would be "lose time". Once this happened when I was driving, and I said nope and started to come off of it with the help of my doctor.

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3 Stars

Posted 70 months ago (3/18/2017) 3

Rated for Depression Report

I started taking 30mg cymbalta once a day. I was on it for about 2 months. It did absolute wonders for my depression. I have always lived with depression and after a tragic incident, I finally decided to try an anti depressant for the first time in my life (at age 36). Within 2 weeks I felt the absolute best in have ever felt in my entire life. I was confident, I woke up every day with nothing but positive thoughts, it even helped my social anxiety. I was now looking strangers in the eye as I passed them in the store. I was now holding conversations with strangers. This drug did absolute wonders for my depression......however........ after 2 months of being on the medication and NOT changing my diet and CONTINUING TO work out, I gained 14lbs. I was told by my Dr that Cymbalta was the one "weight neutral" anti depressant. Well, after I realized I had gained the weight (not only did the scale say so, but I could see it in my mid section, and my clothes were tight), I researched this drug and found countless articles where people gained 50+ pounds on this. So, immediately I stopped cold turkey. The Web sites I researched strongly advised NOT to stop this medication cold turkey.....bu

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2 Stars

Posted 70 months ago (3/1/2017) 2

Rated for Anxiety Report

I was prescribed 30mg daily. By day 10 I couldn't bear the nausea, headaches and dizziness any longer and decided this drug wasn't for me. 2 days after not taking it, I suffered restless legs, shaking, headaches, constant nausea, sweats, tremors, visions, night terrors, a general feeling of madness. At one stage I had a drink of water and the water felt like jelly in my mouth??? I spent nights walking around the house unable to sleep. I ended up buying Sleep Assist by Apohealth to help me sleep so I wouldn't feel the symptoms through the night. It worked wonders, but on waking on the 4th day after stopping I am still nauseas, headachy and have a very uneasy feeling. All this from taking the drug for 10days. Definitely will never go there again, terrible I feel crazy.

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2 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/23/2017) 2

Rated for Depression Report

I am now at 120mg a day. I feel better but not. I get extremely tired and weak in the afternoon. I have increased my sleep medication so I can rest. I wake up totally exhausted. I did go about 4 days without the medication and thought I was literally going crazy. I had stomach cramps that have brought me to my knees. So afraid to stop taking.

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5 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/20/2017) 5

Rated for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Report

Duloxetine 30MG-- I started taking this medication almost 4 weeks ago. Before this I did not know I had anxiety. I was experiencing headaches, all over body aches, my body was tense, parts of my body was tingly as if they were "falling asleep" and I had intense chest pain. After many ER visits, doctor visits, and many many tests.... I was told it was anxiety. I was completely against taking this medicine but I gave it a try. Best descion I've ever made. The first day I took it I took at it morning - big mistake. I was basically half asleep all day. The next day I started taking it at night and it's been a breeze since then. The first feweek days I was very tired but after my body got used to it I've been fine. No other symptoms. I felt drained before taking this. I was in a constant state of scared, worried, and tired. I finally feel myself again. I'll continue taking this and would definitely recommend it to anyone to give it a try.

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1 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/20/2017) 1

Rated for Depression Report

Horrible. Do not take.. I had every single side effect possible including the call your doctor if you experience! The problem was I didn't read about this medication until my health was turned into an uproar. I had chronic migraines, lost my period, hair, became diagnosed with fibromyalgia, became diabetic, thyroid issues, eye twitches, vision change, change in sleep, digestive issues, memory issues, such much more, but basisly felt like death. That's when I was thinking I was knocking on heavens door. I decided to see an Eastern med dr and he advised a 5 day lemonade cleanse. Immediately starting I got even worse symptoms, but I stuck through due to my body needing a candida cleanse from such intense sugar and carb cravings. My mom, my primary dr and I realized I started the cymbalta in nov and the Side effects gradually became worse mid dec. The cleanse symptoms were actually withdrawl symptoms that I am now on day 6. The company and other sites state 2 weeks and it's a withdrawl just like a heroine patient. No words can describe the feelings of the withdrawl except they were invented by the devil! I wish this upon nobody, and in my head I tell myself " stay strong" this will pas

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3 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/17/2017) 3

Rated for Depression Report

This med, combined with a smaller dose of Lexapro than I had taken previously (came down from 30 to 10 when started Cymbalta) made me feel great. I would describe it as "zen" and more grounded. It seemed like it affected more of the tension I can experience, than sadness. I tried to come off Lexapro completely and mood became depressed . Unfortunately, my blood pressure went up to 158/90 and I've come off it. My blood pressure went down after 2 days off med, but feeling more anxious and miss the calming affect.

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5 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/15/2017) 5

Rated for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Report

Worked for me. Lost weight because of lack of appetite but over all 60 mg made a difference

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5 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/12/2017) 5

Rated for Depression Report

I was so scared to ever take an antidepressant because the reviews for all scared me--there are so many horror stories both going on and going off. However, I got to a point in my life when I was 35 and desperate so I had to try--and was prescribed Cymbalta. To my surprise, I didn't have side effects at all, let alone anything scary. The only thing I noticed was during the first 2 weeks I didn't have an appetite but I didn't consider that to be a negative thing haha. The medication did exactly what I needed to do--I spent the entire year feeling stable and happy. My husband and kids benefited the most from my pleasant mood every single day! I also never realized I had social anxiety before but after going on Cymbalta I became way more social and therefore more active with friends and activities. However, I still feared all of the withdrawal stories so I decided to try going off it after the full year since I'd been able to take the year to make positive environmental changes for myself and it'd gone so well. I was prepared for the worst but I didn't have any side effects! I weaned gradually--I was on 60mg, so each week I went down 10mg so that I was completely off after 6 weeks (I

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1 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/4/2017) 1

Rated for Depression Report

I started cymbalya for depression and pain. Thought it was good at first. Then it all hit sleepless nights,terrible hot flashes, tired all the time could sleep all day and night. Gained 15 lbs already don't need that. Told dr I didn't want anything to make me gain wait was told all depression medicines make you gain weight (wrong) I've been on many. Gained 30 lbs on two of them so that made me more depressed. Was never told all the side effects. The paper I got from pharmacy did tell you jack. I am so angry that my dr didn't tell me all this. I stopped taking it. Probably shouldn't have but can't deal with side effects. I suggest when they want to put you on something research it first. I will do that for now on. Will be letting my dr know I am not happy

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5 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (2/1/2017) 5

Rated for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) Report

Agony with Fibromyalgia... 30 mg. did the trick almost immediately for 6 months. .. then pain came back, went to 60 mg. Pain gone again. Don't notice any side effects.... maybe a little tired... will try to take it at night instead.

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4 Stars

Posted 71 months ago (1/30/2017) 4

Rated for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Report

Started 1 cap of cymbalta x 1 week, then increased to 2 capsules. was having crying spells for a while, and sometimes still do , but not as often. It does help with anxiety and sadness. It also makes you gain a ton of weight. Yup, you get very hungry on this capsule, therefore, watch your caloric intake. overall, it is an OK drug

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5 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/27/2017) 5

Rated for Depression Report

I have psychotic depression and Cymbalta is an important part of my med cocktail. I take 120mg Cymbalta along with 90mg Remeron daily as antidepressants. I began taking Cymbalta immediately after it was marketed. I stayed on it about 10 years then went off it to try Viibryd for 1 year. That did nothing for me so I went back on Cymbalta.

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4 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/25/2017) 4

Rated for Depression Report

I had a major depressive disorder and was suicidal. Within 4 weeks was feeling much better. I am on a 120mg a day. There were some side effects such as weight loss however I needed to loose some weight. I get dizzy if I stand up quickly

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1 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/19/2017) 1

Rated for Anxiety Report

The first week on cymbalta, in my opinion, was kind of fun. I felt drunk but I looked like a crazy person. My eyes were so dilated and I didn't really care much about anything, which at the time, was a relief for me. However, I gained 50 pounds in 4 months without changing my eating habits. In 8 months I blew up With water retention to the point where it felt like my bones were being crushed. I went to an urgent care and they told me to stop taking it right away. I did and now I'm going through absolute hell. My family doctor who prescribed the drug thinks I'm crazy because the manufacturer of this drug claims that the withdraw only affects 1% of the people who take it. WRONG. In fact there's a major lawsuit going on against the manufacturer because not only do you withdraw but it is so severe that it's crippling. Did cymbalta help with my anxiety? Yes. Was it worth it? NO! Stay away from this drug.

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1 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/17/2017) 1

Rated for Depression Report

This drug made me extremely suicidal. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies weren't really a major facet of my depression, and they completely disappeared for months before I started taking this drug. I tried to hang myself twice on Cymbalta before I realized it was the drug that was causing this. Most dangerous and unhelpful medication I've ever taken.

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1 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/17/2017) 1

Rated for Anxiety Report

I took this for depression and back pain. It did nothing for the pain and as far as the depression I don't know due to only taking it for two days. I threw up continuously for 3 days straight after the first dose. Horrible stomach cramps along with the puking!! I don't recommend this to anyone ever. It was like having the flu. I'd rather have depression than go through that again!!!

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2 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/12/2017) 2

Rated for Sciatica Report

I started at 30mg for depression, anxiety and nerve pain associated with Fibromyalgia and sciatica. I tolerated it initially but after 5 weeks and. Ring bumped up to 60 mg, I have no life in me. It does not help me with pain relief at all, I have not noticed any relief with anxiety, maybe some help with depression, however, I find myself crying a lot. I believe it's because I'm in pain all the time. Overall, I think the side effects and not being able to move from the couch or do laundry, are not worth it. I can't wait to be free from this drug.

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1 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/12/2017) 1

Rated for Depression Report

Within a few hours of taking my first dose I was extremely nauseated, Laid in bed awake the entire night until 1 am when I had to puke. It has given me diarrhea, headaches, extreme nausea and vertigo, and leg jerks. I took my second dose because I thought I would never get used to it if I used it intermittently but 2 doses is where I drew the line. After reading countless reviews similar to mine I discontinued use. No idea if it would have worked for me. Never made it that far.

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2 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/7/2017) 2

Rated for Depression Report

When I took this drug I was up all night doing laundry I baked five cakes and didn't sleep I just went to the gym and I didn't have much experience with mania before it

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2 Stars

Posted 72 months ago (1/3/2017) 2

Rated for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS; CFIDS; M.E.) Report

This pill did made me mental. I took it in the morning and it made me drowsy all day and then I would be wide awake all night. I had blurry vison. Driving at night was almost impossible; all the lights were extremely blurry. The worst part were the hives. After a solid week on it, I woke up with hot, red splotches on my face.

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Simbalta - customer reviews and experience

Simbalta reviews

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Thinks the product is excellent

from 3 242 ₽

All my adult life I lived with my father, my mother died when I was little. After school, I was drafted into the army, and while I was serving, my father died. They didn't even let me go to the funeral. When I returned home, no one was waiting for me, our relatives are all distant. I was alone, without a job, without a bride, without a profession. Somehow he got a job as a loader, but he received good money. Basically, I got depressed. I realized this, for a long time I did not dare to go to a specialist. It's hard to admit that you're crazy. But I made up my mind. And never regretted it. Now I had someone to talk to. The doctor wrote me a prescription for Cymbalta. Almost all my money was spent on buying it. But he really helped me. I drank it for 4 months, then gradually canceled it. And I started living a normal life. He met a girl, applied to the university. nine0003

Thinks the product is good

from 3 242 ₽

Simbalta was prescribed to my mother for diabetic neuropathy. This is a terrible complication of diabetes. Very often, such a complication leads to disability of patients and even their death. And then the doctor warned that this medicine is not cheap, it can only alleviate the situation, but this is not a panacea. Well, we have nowhere to go, we still took the prescription and bought the drug. But he did not immediately go to his mother. She was sick of the drug, insomnia and headaches began. The treatment was changed, and all unpleasant symptoms disappeared. Mom turned out to be intolerant to this medicine, although I heard that this drug is very effective. nine0003

Thinks the product is excellent

from 3,242 ₽

I have been depressed for a long time. After the death of my mother, everything in my life became dull, and nothing good happens. I started to be treated several times, but I do not have enough patience and it seems that everything is in vain. But then she made up her mind and went back to the doctor. She asked me to write out a more serious remedy to cure the problem once and for all. The doctor recommended Simbalta, wrote out a prescription and I started treatment. The price of the drug is very high and this was also my incentive for a speedy recovery. In total, the drug took about 4 months. The mood has improved, I don’t think about the bad. It became easier to communicate with people, I changed my job to a more positive one. Definitely, the drug helped. nine0003

Thinks the product is good

from 3,242 ₽

I learned about Simbalta from a friend who lives in the states. Americans are generally a nation that is very prone to depression and mental disorders. Well, I once called her on Skype and she admitted that she periodically sits on this drug. At that moment I was also not in the best shape, I quarreled with my husband, he left home. In general, it was a pipe. I also decided to try to buy myself an antidepressant. A surprise awaited me at the pharmacy. The drug Simbalt was available there, but it was not sold to me without a prescription. I went the next day to a private psychotherapist, told him my life and asked for a prescription. The doctor prescribed it without problems, but I started feeling nausea and dizziness from this drug. Just wasted money. As a result, all my depression went away by itself. nine0003

Thinks the product is good

from 3,242 ₽

My mother has an anxiety-depressive disorder. She had to quit her job, the authorities were simply tired of enduring her oddities. I heard from a friend that there is such a drug Simbalta, which copes well with such conditions. But its price is high. We decided to try to treat mom again. I went to her doctor for a prescription for this medicine. They gave me no problem. First I bought one pack. You never know. The doctor recommended to take 1 capsule 2 times a day. The package was enough for a week, my mother seemed to have become calmer, there were no side effects. Then I bought 3 more packs. Everything was good too. As a result, she drank the medicine for 3 months. It took a lot of money, but my mother's depression passed, and she went back to work. nine0003

causes and treatments

12/21/2020

We are all afraid of pain. It disturbs, brings discomfort, incapacitates, and sometimes causes unbearable suffering. But the doctors of antiquity called pain "the watchdog of the body." After all, it is she who signals that urgent help is needed. But what if the "dog" broke the chain?

Our expert is a neurologist, associate professor of the Department of Nervous Diseases of the Medical Faculty of the First Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenova, Candidate of Medical Sciences Natalya Vakhnina. nine0003

Pain is an important defense mechanism. It is not for nothing that people deprived of pain from birth, as a rule, do not live up to 3 years. But if the pain is ignored or treated incorrectly for a long time, it will become chronic. In this case, it ceases to be useful, and it will be very difficult to get rid of it. In addition, every 2-3rd patient with chronic pain develops depression or anxiety disorders.

Versatile and mysterious

In time, the pain is transient (does not last long), acute (may disturb until the sore spot heals, but not more than 1.5 months) and chronic (lasts more than 3 months). Neurologists measure its strength on a special scale (from 0 to 10). This indicator is subjective and depends only on the patient's feelings. nine0003

But finding a place where it hurts is not always easy, because pain can be both local and radiating (for example, with angina pectoris, it can give under the shoulder blade or in the arm, and with diseases of the pelvic organs - in the back). And it can also be reflected - in this case, the part of the skin that is innervated from the same part of the spinal cord as the internal organ hurts - the true source of pathology. In addition, pain can vary in appearance. It can be nociceptive, neuropathic and psychogenic. nine0003

What worries you?

Nociceptive pain is the most common (up to 80% of cases)

Causes. The most common are inflammation, mechanical injury or burns (thermal and chemical). Back pain, hangover headaches, or abdominal cramps during periods also fall into this category. Such pain is caused by irritation of peripheral pain receptors located in almost all organs and tissues.

Complaints. Patients describe this pain with the words "compressive", "aching", "throbbing", "cutting". nine0003

What to treat? The main thing is to exclude dangerous pain associated with damage to internal organs. If no serious cause is suspected, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or analgesic should be taken. But over-medication is also dangerous. Taking headache painkillers more than 3 times a week can cause drug-induced headaches. This is much more difficult to deal with.

Neuropathic pain (up to 8% of cases) nine0003

Causes. Nerve injury or chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, and others). Phantom pain after limb amputation can also be classified as neuropathic. Such pain is caused by damage to the nervous system, which increases the activation of pain pathways.

Complaints. On "burning", "cutting", "stabbing", "shooting" pain. This increases sensitivity to painful stimuli, which doctors call hyperesthesia. In this case, a person can react sharply even to the contact of the body with a sheet or soft clothing. Symptoms may worsen during rest (not allowed to sleep), but decrease with physical activity. But everything can happen and vice versa. nine0003

What to treat? Anticonvulsants (gabapentin, tebantin, pregabalin), antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine), B vitamins.

Psychogenic pain

Causes. Severe stress and mental disorders. Depression, anxiety, neurasthenia, schizophrenia and others. In this case, there is no neurological or somatic cause, but the pain is nevertheless there.

Complaints. They are of great variety. Pain according to the description can be pretentious, not like anything else. Patients use unusual metaphors to describe their pain (“as if worms are crawling under the skin”, “as if someone is fingering their brains”, etc.) nine0003

What to treat? Antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine), tranquilizers, antipsychotics. Of the non-drug methods - psychotherapy.

It happens to everyone

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain (MSP) accounts for about a third of all acute and chronic pain syndromes.

Cause. Osteochondrosis. And among the triggers are stress, hypothermia, high loads, or, conversely, physical inactivity.

Complaints. For pain in the lumbar and sacral spine, buttocks, neck and the area above the shoulders. Half of the patients have pain in several areas at the same time. But pain in the lower back (LBP) is in 1st place (occurs in 80% of people), and in the cervical spine (cervicalgia) - in 4th (it has been experienced at least once by 2 out of 3 people, and 30 - 50% of adults experience it every year). nine0003

What to treat? Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in local forms or in tablets and muscle relaxants (drugs that relieve muscle spasm, which increases pain). Often, only NSAIDs can be dispensed with.

Among the 200 drugs in this group, drugs containing diclofenac and other active substances stand out. Diclofenac with prolonged or frequent use, especially in people with gastrointestinal problems, can cause complications (ulcers and perforation of the stomach, internal bleeding), as well as increase blood pressure, increase swelling. More preferred drugs based on aceclofenac (aertal, aceclagin, alental). nine0003

With insufficient effectiveness of NSAIDs, muscle relaxants are required (mydocalm, kalmirex, sirdalud). They are applied in a course (1-2 weeks). With severe pain, treatment begins with injections, then they switch to tablets.

Hurry can't slow down

Patients with pain have two extreme approaches: immediately run to the doctor or ignore it for a long time. The second reaction is, of course, more dangerous.

According to doctors, it is necessary to act like this: if somewhere it is not very sick and the reason is obvious and not dangerous, it is enough to take an analgesic or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and, if it does not feel better after 1-2 days, go to a doctor (therapist or neurologist). nine0003

The exception is acute pain in the abdomen or chest. With such symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance, as this can be a symptom of a very dangerous disease (appendicitis, heart attack, aneurysm rupture, etc.). It is especially dangerous to take analgesics for abdominal pain. After all, this way you can “lubricate” the picture of the disease and hold out until the development of fatal complications, such as peritonitis or perforation of the ulcer.

You do not need to immediately carry any results of the study to the neurologist. After all, each of them has its own indications, and the doctor himself will prescribe what is needed: X-ray, MRI, CT or other studies. However, at 90% of the time none of this is needed. It is often enough for an experienced doctor to examine and interview the patient, finding out the localization, irradiation, duration, intensity and nature of pain in order to determine the cause of pain and prescribe treatment.

dangerous moment

Sometimes the neurologist has to refer the patient for additional examination or consultation with other specialists (psychiatrist, surgeon, rheumatologist, gynecologist, oncologist, etc.). This happens infrequently - dangerous causes of pain occur in no more than 5% of cases. Nevertheless, it happens, and a good neurologist knows what to look for. nine0003

For example, it is not typical when an elderly person or a patient with a history of cancer complains of severe back pain that has arisen for no apparent reason - in this case, it is better to play it safe and send him for a CT scan or MRI to rule out cancer or its recurrence.

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