Group Recommends Cymbalta Not Be Used Due to Risks, Minimal Benefits

The prominent consumer group Public Citizen indicates that the antidepressant Cymbalta should not be taken for any of the approved uses, as there no evidence that the benefits outweigh the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects associated with the medication.

In the June 2012 issue of the group’s Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter, Public Citizen classified Cymbalta as a “Do Not Use” medication.

While the group previously concluded that Cymbalta should not be used for major depressive disorder (MDD), it now indicates that it should not be used for treatment of any form of depression, as well as all other uses for which it has been approved by the FDA, such as generalized anxiety or any form of pain, including fibromyalgia.

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Cymbalta (duloxetine) was introduced by Eli Lilly in 2004, and has grown to become a widely used antidepressant. In 2010, more than 14.5 million prescriptions for Cymbalta were written, generating sales in excess of $2.6 billion.

Public Citizen indicates that the success of the medication can not attributed to any solid evidence that Cymbalta is better than other antidepressants, but rather was caused by agressive marketing strategies by the drug maker.

Side effects of Cymbalta have been linked to a number of serious adverse events, including a risk of suicide, suicidal thoughts, dangerous drug interactions, increased risk of bleeding, liver failure and serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause changes in mental status, motor abnormalities, cardiovascular changes and gastrointestinal problems.

In 2004, the FDA forced the manufacturers of Cymbalta and other antidepressants to add a “black box” warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or tendencies associated with use of the medication, which is the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication.

In their report, Public Citizen raises questions about the effectiveness of Cymbalta and other medications used to treat depression, pointing to research that has found the differences in behavior between individuals using antidepressants and those taking placebos to be minimal or nonexistent.

“Research is beginning to reveal that there may be effective alternatives to antidepressant drugs,” wrote Public Citizen in the newsletter, pointing to studies that have concluded that exercise training and other activities may be equally effective as medication in reducing depression.

Public Citizen has recommended that their readers not use Cymbalta, but indicates that no medication should be discontinued without consulting the prescribing physician. The group recommends gradual discontinuation of Cymbalta under medical supervision, and urges users to seek immediate medical treatment if they experience symptoms of Cymbalta side effects, such as liver toxicity, serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

39 Comments

  • RochelleOctober 23, 2022 at 7:57 pm

    I took Cymbalta for two days, 20mg. I almost killed myself. Thank god my fiancé googled the drug and realized it was a side effect and stayed with me through 12 hours of hell. I have never had manic episodes like that before. I could not see a path forward where I lived….I just wanted to die so bad and didn’t know why I couldn’t stop crying and wailing. Absolutely awful and disgusting this drug c[Show More]I took Cymbalta for two days, 20mg. I almost killed myself. Thank god my fiancé googled the drug and realized it was a side effect and stayed with me through 12 hours of hell. I have never had manic episodes like that before. I could not see a path forward where I lived….I just wanted to die so bad and didn’t know why I couldn’t stop crying and wailing. Absolutely awful and disgusting this drug continues to get prescribed. I am lucky to be alive and will NEVER go near this drug again. No anxiety of depression comes close to the misery of Cymbalta.

  • MattSeptember 16, 2022 at 6:08 am

    I'm only on my second day of Cymbalta for depression and I think I will quit. First day I felt an extreme headache, nausea and stomach cramps that come and go. Couldn't sleep more than 4 hours. My groin felt wierd. I had to urinate all the time but it was so difficult to concentrate and only a little urine would come out every time. Right away i felt my libido dying. My muscles are weak and I cann[Show More]I'm only on my second day of Cymbalta for depression and I think I will quit. First day I felt an extreme headache, nausea and stomach cramps that come and go. Couldn't sleep more than 4 hours. My groin felt wierd. I had to urinate all the time but it was so difficult to concentrate and only a little urine would come out every time. Right away i felt my libido dying. My muscles are weak and I cannot lift as much weight or do as many reps as I could just 2 days ago. No appetite, all food taste like cardboard going down my throat. Hot flashes then chills like a fever. No thank you. I'll stick to wellbutrin by itself.

  • Donald ASeptember 7, 2022 at 5:43 am

    My late wife took cymbalta for 10-15 years and about a year and a half after being hospitalized and in the ICU for about a week she died . This is all documented. I've always wondered if there was a connection between the drug and serotonin syndrome which is why she was hospitalized and the liver failure that she died from.

  • valerieSeptember 6, 2022 at 10:10 pm

    I was given Cymbalta for nerve pain. It came very close to killing me. I was not on it long but the brain zaps were driving me crazy. So many side effects. I have never been on a medication that I had to ween off of. They don't make it easy because it's capsules and not many dosages. It took me 6 mo and fortunately I got a Dr who's daughter went through it so we was willing to follow my 6 mo plan.[Show More]I was given Cymbalta for nerve pain. It came very close to killing me. I was not on it long but the brain zaps were driving me crazy. So many side effects. I have never been on a medication that I had to ween off of. They don't make it easy because it's capsules and not many dosages. It took me 6 mo and fortunately I got a Dr who's daughter went through it so we was willing to follow my 6 mo plan. It took over one yr for the side effects to stop. I don't even want any meds made by Eli Lily. Don't start it so it can't make ur life a living hell.

  • WilliamSeptember 3, 2022 at 2:16 pm

    I have been prescriped 60mg of Cymbalta for about a year. After a month in i weened myself down to 30mg because it killed my libido. Has anyone experienced vomiting when forgetting your dose? It’s only after a day but it’s happened more than once. I don’t know I feel like it’s going in reverse now like it’s making me angry about everything.

  • CAugust 16, 2022 at 3:46 am

    I was prescribed 30mg of Cymbalta for depression and chronic pain. I am currently on my third day taking one pill in the evening. However, I noticed that it seems to be causing an odd feeling in my throat, mostly when I swallow or yawn (often). It appears to be only occur about 12 hours after the midnight dose and progressively gets worse. I am afraid to take my third dose tonight assuming it may [Show More]I was prescribed 30mg of Cymbalta for depression and chronic pain. I am currently on my third day taking one pill in the evening. However, I noticed that it seems to be causing an odd feeling in my throat, mostly when I swallow or yawn (often). It appears to be only occur about 12 hours after the midnight dose and progressively gets worse. I am afraid to take my third dose tonight assuming it may be an allergic reaction. I can’t find any data on this.

  • KaneshaJuly 27, 2022 at 8:26 pm

    Oh my soul!!! I've been on 60mg for 10 months...I started having vivid dreams which I just dealt with. But I feel like a spot in my brain was opened that shouldn't have been opened. The brain zapps are the worst. I am trying to deal with other options for my PTSD.

  • EmalieJuly 24, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    I was put on Cymbalta 30 mg for my depression and because I suffer from fibromyalgia. It did nothing for my depression, but my pain decreased. My psychiatrists kept increasing my dose every visit. It truly was great for my pain. I got up to 80 mg when I started experiencing SEVERE anhedonia. I felt absolutely nothing for everything and it made me not want to be here anymore. I don't see a point in[Show More]I was put on Cymbalta 30 mg for my depression and because I suffer from fibromyalgia. It did nothing for my depression, but my pain decreased. My psychiatrists kept increasing my dose every visit. It truly was great for my pain. I got up to 80 mg when I started experiencing SEVERE anhedonia. I felt absolutely nothing for everything and it made me not want to be here anymore. I don't see a point in living a life when you literally don't have feelings for ANYTHING. I thought, "it must be the Cymbalta." It's the only thing that changed in my life during that time. I went from 80 mg back to 60 mg on my own since I still have my previous prescriptions. I started feeling feelings again. Went down to 30 mg, then to 20 mg. Now I'm off it completely. I have always gone off meds on my own and dealt with withdrawal. That's what I'm dealing with right now. I was extremely emotional at first. That's subsided. Now I'm just experiencing flu-like symptoms. Hopefully that goes away in a week or two like it has for me with other meds. I've gotten off Effexor so I'm hoping the best for this. But I know it's a really nasty drug to come off of, so I'm afraid of potentially experiencing this withdrawal for longer than I'm used to. I read all the comments here and a lot of people mentioned noticing a difference in cognition. I feel like mine has changed as well. But I can't even remember if this started before Cymbalta or not, that's how bad it is. I'm forgetting information about my own self.

  • KatieJuly 8, 2022 at 1:28 pm

    I had consistently been on 90 mg of Cymbalta for almost since the 90’s. I stopped about a month ago. I tapered down to 30 mg then stopped about 3 to four weeks ago. I’m still withdrawing, the fibromyalgia pain is back but I will handle it. Cymbalta made me numb and did a lot more harm than good. Not only do you deal with the physical pain but all these emotions. This drug is not worth it.

  • ElizabethJune 12, 2022 at 3:09 am

    I went off of Cymbalta 30mg after being on it for 6 years for fibromyalgia pain. During Covid (June, 2020) I got really bad anxiety, I saw a psychiatrist who said I should go off of the Cymbalta. I told him I had read about the Serotonin Syndrome and was a little afraid. He told me that he knew how to avoid the Syndrome. He prescribed me one 10mg Prozac which I took the day I stopped taking th[Show More]I went off of Cymbalta 30mg after being on it for 6 years for fibromyalgia pain. During Covid (June, 2020) I got really bad anxiety, I saw a psychiatrist who said I should go off of the Cymbalta. I told him I had read about the Serotonin Syndrome and was a little afraid. He told me that he knew how to avoid the Syndrome. He prescribed me one 10mg Prozac which I took the day I stopped taking the Cymbalta (I was petrified). But it worked! I had no withdrawals whatsoever. The Prozac has a longer half life than the Cymbalta, the one 10mg Prozac stays in our body for about 7 days and the Cymbalta starts exiting the body in about 24 hours (I believe). Needless to say, I wound up back on 30mg of Cymbalta for the fibromyalgia pain (it's so bad, it feels like the connective tissues are being ripped away from my ribs and my back completely spasms). After reading so many of your experiences with Cymbalta, I felt it necessary to let you know that you can safely stop the medication without experiencing any of the horrific side effects of the Seratonin Syndrome. Best of Luck❣️.

  • michaelMay 30, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    i was given cymbalta for nerve pain 30mg once/day turned me into a zombie quashed my libido helped with the pain but i could not accept the other side effects like not caring about anything or wanting to move sitting was preferred over movement stopped taking it not for me

  • JMay 29, 2022 at 8:28 am

    I have been on Cymbalta for over a year now. I recently tried weaning myself off because I wanted to see if I even needed it anymore. After covid I have had alot issues. Well dr prescribed me Cymbalta and for the first 3 days I didn't eat but after it was in my system it seemed to help my pain in my body and joints. They said I may have fibromyalgia, let's just say the whole month of May I have li[Show More]I have been on Cymbalta for over a year now. I recently tried weaning myself off because I wanted to see if I even needed it anymore. After covid I have had alot issues. Well dr prescribed me Cymbalta and for the first 3 days I didn't eat but after it was in my system it seemed to help my pain in my body and joints. They said I may have fibromyalgia, let's just say the whole month of May I have lived in hell from withdrawals. I mean debilitating ones. I went to the dr finally to have blood work and my ra factor is 154 and suppose to be 14. So they think I have rheumatoid arthritis. Let's just say I could barely walk, I never had such pain in my life. I started taking it again 3 plus weeks later and within 24 hours I felt so much better,like a new women. I so get some headaches and little nausea feeling every once in awhile however, my pain is so bad without that it literally takes all the pain away to where I feel like I'm living again. I wouldn't ever recommend this medicine unless it was for chronic pain or arthritis, etc. It truly as helped me. My worst side effect is I don't go to the bathroom. I have to drink miralax daily to go. It's like you trade one side effect for another. To rid the pain I take it but get other things that can bother me. I do think they shouldn't just hand out this medicine unless someone has serious chronic issues. If you have ra, or arthritis it's a life saver. Everyone is right the withdrawal are worst experience of my life and definitely realized I have to take the medicine cause unfortunately I have severe arthritis.

  • ValMay 17, 2022 at 9:38 am

    I was on cymbalta and stopped taking it for about 6 months…started taking it again and few days ago ..feel like I’m loosing my mind one minute and next I’m fine…after reading other patients comments..think I will stop…only on lowest dose

  • RonaldMay 8, 2022 at 10:53 pm

    I'm taking 60mg as prescribed by the VA. I can't believe how much better I feel and the pain relief is amazing. I have PTSD and this med has really helped with my depression. I'm sleeping much better and waking up fully rested. I haven't slept well in years always dreaming but no more....

  • LaurenMay 3, 2022 at 8:33 am

    Been on for 4 years helped at first for nerve pain,stopped working, got real depressed sick to stomach so weaned off,now very depressed and sick with confession would never take this drug if I'd known the path it would put me on!

  • KeithApril 20, 2022 at 10:28 am

    I started at 60 MG daily then up to 120mg the only side affects I've seen is weight gain

  • HeatherApril 12, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    All of these other comments have secured what I've been thinking all along- this medication is making me feel like I'm losing my mind and is doing more harm than good. I've been on 60 mg for a year now. Every time I tell my psychiatrist at the VA that I want to get off of it, she says "lets address it next appointment", and its pushed back yet again. Pain relief and depression aren't even helped b[Show More]All of these other comments have secured what I've been thinking all along- this medication is making me feel like I'm losing my mind and is doing more harm than good. I've been on 60 mg for a year now. Every time I tell my psychiatrist at the VA that I want to get off of it, she says "lets address it next appointment", and its pushed back yet again. Pain relief and depression aren't even helped by it, the only reason I'm still on it is because of the horrendous withdrawal. My aunt had to count ball by ball from each capsule when she was weaning off, and I think that's what I'll have to do too. Good to know I'm not actually losing my mind, it's the medicine. I'm at the point where I won't take anything after this. I don't trust pharmaceutical companies one bit.

  • JanetMarch 22, 2022 at 11:41 pm

    There are a lot of horror stories about Cymbalta, but it is a lifesaver for me. I was put on it'd or depression but the amount of pain relieve I get for my spinal arthritis is amazing. I don't need any pain meds MOST of the time now. I only need them occasionally. It has helped me go back to work full-time again. I work on my feet 8 hrs a day with little to no pain. Also there are a ridiculous am[Show More]There are a lot of horror stories about Cymbalta, but it is a lifesaver for me. I was put on it'd or depression but the amount of pain relieve I get for my spinal arthritis is amazing. I don't need any pain meds MOST of the time now. I only need them occasionally. It has helped me go back to work full-time again. I work on my feet 8 hrs a day with little to no pain. Also there are a ridiculous amount of drug interactions. You should ALWAYS do your homework! Nobody knows your body as well as you do!!

  • RoxanneMarch 20, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    I came across this forum looking up how bad the withdrawals were going to be from Cymbalta seeing as how the VA screwed up my medication renewal and I’m completely out. I’ve been on the max dose of 120mg daily for about 5 years now, but reading through the comments no one else seems to have been prescribed more than 90mg and it’s got me worried. When I first started Cymbalta, it was like a Godsend[Show More]I came across this forum looking up how bad the withdrawals were going to be from Cymbalta seeing as how the VA screwed up my medication renewal and I’m completely out. I’ve been on the max dose of 120mg daily for about 5 years now, but reading through the comments no one else seems to have been prescribed more than 90mg and it’s got me worried. When I first started Cymbalta, it was like a Godsend because it helped with my bipolar 1 disorder without all the nasty side effects that other antidepressants AND helped with the chronic nerve pain I had endured for several years. Reading the symptoms y’all have suffered due to this medication has got me questioning everything I have been dealing with for the last 5 years wondering if it’s been the medication the whole time. Shortly after going on the medication I lost a baby and a Fallopian tube due to ectopic pregnancy and had to have emergency surgery which threw me into a deep depression that almost killed me. It took almost 2 years, but I finally managed to pull myself out and got a lot better, but have continued on a downward health decline since starting this medication. I always just chalked the symptoms up to circumstances. I’m a bumbling idiot these days…my memory sucks, my anxiety and PTSD is always peaked…I just can’t function like I used to. I’m fairly young…only 33 with 6 kids to raise and I feel like they are having to take care of me, more than me taking care of them! Life has been hard on my family, especially when we were tossed 3 additional children overnight 2 years ago. Not just average kids from a broken home, but kids with a lifetime of trauma, physical, mental, and emotional issues and disabilities. We took them on willingly and vowed to always be there for them just like our own, but I feel like I can’t even take care of myself right now (or over the last few years) let alone 6 kids! My husband, my rock, is so very supportive, but can only do so much when he’s working so much to support such a large family. Every aspect of running the family and household falls on me since I stay home and I constantly feel like a failure because of the side effects I have suffered from this medication! I’ve contemplated going back to work to help out more than just getting my VA Disability, but I’m terrified that I won’t be able to keep up because of being a damn idiot with absolutely no memory or train of thought! As fragile as my mental stability is, and now knowing that it’s not actually my fault, I still couldn’t handle rejection in the work place because I have always succeeded at everything I’ve done up until starting Cymbalta 5 years ago!

  • HollyMarch 4, 2022 at 2:17 am

    Wow reading all these stories really worries me! I've had fibromyalgia for 12 yrs now. I've been on 60mg Cymbalta about a year I'm thinking and thought it's been working ok. Over the last year my eyes have been so crazy feeling and been experiencing a lot of memory issues while talking. 5 months ago I started a non stop Migraine that I still have to this day! With it has been worse dizzy sp[Show More]Wow reading all these stories really worries me! I've had fibromyalgia for 12 yrs now. I've been on 60mg Cymbalta about a year I'm thinking and thought it's been working ok. Over the last year my eyes have been so crazy feeling and been experiencing a lot of memory issues while talking. 5 months ago I started a non stop Migraine that I still have to this day! With it has been worse dizzy spells, nausea and leg cramps are worse than normal. I've also been showing on labs a small liver issue. Doctors haven't found a reason for these headaches and are now upping my Cymbalta to 90mg and saying if it goes well then go up to 120mg. Could this realky be making me worse?

  • sharonFebruary 14, 2022 at 7:16 am

    IVe been on cymbalta around a year now. I had jo ckuenthianis what has made me almost lose my mind for the past year. Terrible headaches everyday and i feel like im going crazy. I cant remember anything much at all. I have episodes where im talking and all the sudden i dont even know what im saying ir what to say back to someone. Ive told my family n friends theres something wrong i feel dumb i j[Show More]IVe been on cymbalta around a year now. I had jo ckuenthianis what has made me almost lose my mind for the past year. Terrible headaches everyday and i feel like im going crazy. I cant remember anything much at all. I have episodes where im talking and all the sudden i dont even know what im saying ir what to say back to someone. Ive told my family n friends theres something wrong i feel dumb i just have times where i feel like i know. NOthing and they notice. Im terrifies of coming off cymbalta. I dint know what to do. In past year my vision has deteriorated so much daily headaches and confusion. Craziness and sometimes wonder who nnhhn i even am. I need helo.

  • NormanJanuary 22, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    Hello good day, I want to know if I’m qualified for compensation from the maker’s of cymbalta, I was told by family and friends that I always get confuse and forget what I am talking about or saying to them in the middle of a sentence, my wife and I are separated because of my anger issues which is cause by this drug. I also crap up during exercise and sex, and one of the main issue is I gets no s[Show More]Hello good day, I want to know if I’m qualified for compensation from the maker’s of cymbalta, I was told by family and friends that I always get confuse and forget what I am talking about or saying to them in the middle of a sentence, my wife and I are separated because of my anger issues which is cause by this drug. I also crap up during exercise and sex, and one of the main issue is I gets no sleep, I am always tired because of this. Please are these side effects eligible for compensation.

  • SamanthaJanuary 19, 2022 at 10:42 am

    My doctor is trying to prescribe me this . I told them no . Plus one of my meds I'm on is Lyrica max dose . I'm already I'm doing research on it because i can't see how a antidepressant can be any good to help with pain. I appreciate all these comments being up here they are making me realize that I made the right choice by telling him no I'm trying to get more help for my pain . I am[Show More]My doctor is trying to prescribe me this . I told them no . Plus one of my meds I'm on is Lyrica max dose . I'm already I'm doing research on it because i can't see how a antidepressant can be any good to help with pain. I appreciate all these comments being up here they are making me realize that I made the right choice by telling him no I'm trying to get more help for my pain . I am in so much pain . I can't believe this was a choice with my medical history & my current problems . These stories of what people went through are horrible .

  • DianeDecember 28, 2021 at 8:23 am

    I've been on Cymbalta 30mg for a year now and it has helped me more than anything else I've tried. I realize the small dose won't work for many, but for me it feels goid to be able to control anxiety.

  • WendyDecember 21, 2021 at 12:11 pm

    I have been on Cymbalta for around 11 years . But on 90mgs for nerve pain due to brain stem injury they said . I started going off Cymbalta in March 2021 dropped to 60mg . Got so ill my stomach pains were worse then ever . Could not get upper endoscopy for 3 months suffered bad . Than in Sept of 2021 I dropped to 30 mg the itching and swelling in my throat and tongue got worse !!! On Dec 2 of 2021[Show More]I have been on Cymbalta for around 11 years . But on 90mgs for nerve pain due to brain stem injury they said . I started going off Cymbalta in March 2021 dropped to 60mg . Got so ill my stomach pains were worse then ever . Could not get upper endoscopy for 3 months suffered bad . Than in Sept of 2021 I dropped to 30 mg the itching and swelling in my throat and tongue got worse !!! On Dec 2 of 2021 I dropped to zero because it was insanity I was going thew so I thought !!! Within 3 days symptoms that were being treated with other meds including Esgic and Medical marijuana were being used for the headaches , complete pain of left side from ears throat chest and arm pain had gone from 10 to 2 in the pain scale ! It's called dope sick I was treated with drugs to beat drug side effects never understanding why ??? Now that I have been off Cymbalta for 20 days my side effects hurt !!! Pain in calves stinging cold pain in feet and hands ! Weight dropping can't eat much at any one sitting . Pin and needles in face and mostly but at times all over body . Flu like symptoms. SUFFERING with motion sickness and vertigo. Vomiting and nausea diarrhea!!! 😵 No one not a single Medical doctor wants to help so here I am in bed where I have been for about 13 years goes on . Asked my doctor for to screen vitamin and mineral deficiency and serotonin syndrome was told no my 3 month ago blood work showed no deficiency..... dear GOD THAT WAS 3 MONTHS AGO.....WAS TOLD TO GO BACK ON Cymbalta that I should have never gone off . Yet at last appointment she decreased my 60mg to 30 mg ......NEVER SAID ONE WORD ABOUT HAVING TO STAY ON IT !!!! SO BECAUSE OF NOT AGREEING TO GO BACK ON CYMBALTA IF I SM NOT HAPPY WITH HER CARE GO ELSE WHERE !!! TO THIS PIONT I HAVE NO HELP AT ALL ..... I WILL NEVER USE THIS PIOSON AGAIN!!!! I LOST 12 YEARS OF MY LIFE BEING PUT ON OTHER DRUGS NOTHING BUT A ZOMBIE THAT CANT REMEMBER SHIT ...... IN OTHER PLAN AND SIMPLE THE DOCTORS HAVE MADE ME DOPESICK .....

  • CaitlinDecember 16, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    I was prescribed cymbalta to address neuropathic pain from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. I stayed on it for three years. It was a terrible experience. Effective at first, but then not effective, and of course the withdrawal symptoms almost cost my life. It should not be legal for a Dr to prescribe a 'medication' that only does harm, and is addictive. WTF? I weaned off of it one grain of fluoxetin[Show More]I was prescribed cymbalta to address neuropathic pain from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. I stayed on it for three years. It was a terrible experience. Effective at first, but then not effective, and of course the withdrawal symptoms almost cost my life. It should not be legal for a Dr to prescribe a 'medication' that only does harm, and is addictive. WTF? I weaned off of it one grain of fluoxetine less per day, over the course of a year. I feel that I have permanent cognitive and behavioral deficits from taking it.

  • RonNovember 27, 2021 at 8:37 am

    I’m not qualified to clinically analyze this medication although I have been on it for years I will say one thing do not stop this medication without weaning off very slowly. An abrupt discontinuance of this drug can be catastrophic as far as side effects hallucinations pain etc.

  • JennyNovember 13, 2021 at 4:41 pm

    Do NOT go on this drug!! I have been on it since 2013 and it did nothing for me. Now I am gradually tapering as I sit at my computer working, feeling like I am going to throw up, sweat dripping, and shivering. It was able to get from 90 mg to 80 mg last year, but I was not working. I only went down 2.4 mg and feel horrible. This going to be a long process. Shame on Eli Lilly!

  • StephanieMarch 16, 2021 at 9:45 pm

    Cymbalta works until it doesn't anymore.. after 2 weeks your brain depends on it, coming off can be torturous to almost 75% of patients. Proper taper methods are available. Anyone looking for help to get off this poison should look into " Cymbalta hurts worse". Good for you if you didn't get withdraws. Your lucky. Count your blessings. Most people aren't that fortunate.

  • JohnNovember 27, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    I’ve only been on cymbalta 2 weeks. I just used my dosage 2 days ago. I’ve had chronic pancreatitis for 3 years and have been on hydromorphine to manage the pain. I can’t take narcotics at work due to it’s a dangerous job . I only take the pills when I have pain . So far I’m not Sure if cymbalta is helping but since I doubled the dose to 60mg a day I’ve had no pains in my pancreas. It’s only day 3[Show More]I’ve only been on cymbalta 2 weeks. I just used my dosage 2 days ago. I’ve had chronic pancreatitis for 3 years and have been on hydromorphine to manage the pain. I can’t take narcotics at work due to it’s a dangerous job . I only take the pills when I have pain . So far I’m not Sure if cymbalta is helping but since I doubled the dose to 60mg a day I’ve had no pains in my pancreas. It’s only day 3 since I’ve gone up to 60mg so too soon to tell if that’s what’s helping .

  • DavidJune 7, 2020 at 1:04 am

    I am sitting here, destroyed by Cymbalta. Can't think through and solve the simplest of common, everyday, issues which normally come up. Can't remember what I am doing and walk in circles. Have lost long term memories of life. Almost total confusion. This is what a Lobotomy nightmare would leave an individual with. Simply attempting to cognitively pen this comment is actual physical pain within my[Show More]I am sitting here, destroyed by Cymbalta. Can't think through and solve the simplest of common, everyday, issues which normally come up. Can't remember what I am doing and walk in circles. Have lost long term memories of life. Almost total confusion. This is what a Lobotomy nightmare would leave an individual with. Simply attempting to cognitively pen this comment is actual physical pain within my brain. A major struggle to make it read in a manner which isn't just plain gibberish. I am so miserable that I continually contemplate stepping off of this planet to alleviate this horrible existence I am left with. Can find no help. No one will listen. So called Mental Health professionals are not even receptive. Medical professionals are clueless. Pharmaceutical companies and prescribers not accountable. Doluxitine and Venlafaxine are Neurotoxins, pure and simple. Leaving poor unsuspecting individuals who are screaming for help from severe depression or other off label issues which this poison is being prescribed. With worse issues to endure. Thousands and thousands of victims, devastated. Chemically castrated for years to come. Unable to partake in life. Emotional connection to loved ones and others removed. No answers. No quality of live. Devastation ...

  • DebbieJune 7, 2019 at 5:32 pm

    I HIGHLY DISAGREE. Unfortunately, I'm among the 15% who are poor methylators and gained 35 lbs when taking Cymbalta to relieve fibromyalgia pain, BUT it DID help relieve my pain. I was among the 1st Drs studying its effects for both pain and depression in clinical use in 2004/05. My patients were very happy with its effectiveness and LACK of adverse side effects compared to other available antidep[Show More]I HIGHLY DISAGREE. Unfortunately, I'm among the 15% who are poor methylators and gained 35 lbs when taking Cymbalta to relieve fibromyalgia pain, BUT it DID help relieve my pain. I was among the 1st Drs studying its effects for both pain and depression in clinical use in 2004/05. My patients were very happy with its effectiveness and LACK of adverse side effects compared to other available antidepressants at the time. I felt the same way EXCEPT I didn't realize it was what caused my weight gain. I attributed it to another medication I'd tried and discontinued. I took it for 14 years and experienced no problems EXCEPT the weight gain. I then took a genetic test and discovered my being a poor methylator was a contraindication to taking Cymbalta. I had the incredible good fortunate to have my fibromyalgia abate after 18 years and was weaning off my pain meds. Unfortunately I discovered taking pain meds had also treated the arthritis in my hands that was more severe than I'd realized as the fibro treatment had treated the pain well. Without it, I was unable to do such things as knitting and gardening and required just enough pain meds to treating THAT. I replaced the Cymbalta with Fetzima and began EnlyteD to compensate for my methylation problem. Fetzima has helped with my arthritic pain. I highly recommend it as an alternative to Cymbalta whether needed for antidepression or to assist in pain control given my positive experience. If you are a poor methylator as I am, absolutely take EnlyteD. I lost the 35 lbs in 8 months and look as I did 15 years ago, making a dramatic appearance at my 45th high school reunion last summer. ALL medications can cause adverse side effects in some percentage of the population. I often state this on Twitter referring to the statistical BELL CURVE variations of the population. We all most certainly do NOT fit in that tiny middle at the top of it. There's a significant number at both ends with tapering numbers LEADING to those ends. Should medications be taken off the market BECAUSE of those at the ends? I don't believe so IF there many who are benefitting in a WIDE MIDDLE. If people are having DISCONTINUATION SYNDROME due to discontinuing it IMPROPERLY, enough said about that. It must be TAPERED SLOWLY & PROPERLY or another medication started in its place as I did. I experienced NO PROBLEMS changing from Cymbalta to Fetzima. Those who've done so IMPROPERLY WILL HAVE PROBLEMS. Don't blame the medication. Blame yourselves for improperly not consulting your physician for guidance in how to discontinue its use. IF your physician didn't guide you properly, then he/she needs more education on antidepressant use in general.

  • PatriciaSeptember 25, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    I was prescribed Cymbalta in Oct. 2012. I began to experience vomiting, fainting and extreme fatigue resulting in sleeping for up to 15 hours without providing any energy. When I became jaundice, a liver enzyme test was done; which indicated a spike of my ALT and AST enzymes triple the normal level. I continued to have abdominal pain and was eventually hospitalized. During my hospitalization i[Show More]I was prescribed Cymbalta in Oct. 2012. I began to experience vomiting, fainting and extreme fatigue resulting in sleeping for up to 15 hours without providing any energy. When I became jaundice, a liver enzyme test was done; which indicated a spike of my ALT and AST enzymes triple the normal level. I continued to have abdominal pain and was eventually hospitalized. During my hospitalization in addition to acute liver failure I was also diagnosed with pancreatitis. At that time I was a very light drinker, having one or two beers on Friday after work. My liver function was also in a normal range prior to taking Cymbalta. A direct correlation that Cymbalta was the direct cause of my acute liver failure was determined by my Primary Care Physician, Psychiatrist, ER Physicians and Hospitalist. Many of the physicians agree that the traumatic injury to my liver effected my pancreas. I know have chronic pancreatitis that has been detrimental to my health and financial responsibilities to my family, daily financial responsibilities and future financial obligations and concerns for a means to retire. I searched for an attorney nationwide to help me with this negligence by Eli Lilly to take responsibility for the devastating side effects caused by Cymbalta. The FDA has enacted a black box warning due to the seriousness of acute liver failure and liver toxicity. I was unable to find one attorney to help me due to the vast rise of class action lawsuits for a withdraw symptom causing brain zaps. My present health has declined due to Cymbalta; which will have a highly negative health response for the remainder of my life. I was 50 years old at the time of the incidence and I am now 56 years of age, female, non drinker, no drug addictions. Someone please help me! Thank you, Patricia

  • MistyAugust 8, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    I have stopped taking it over a month ago .... due to it just not working right anymore. I have done nothing but suffer since getting off of it !!!

  • melissaAugust 7, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    went to detox nearly 2 years ago to get off pain meds..about 2 weeks ago i decided that cymbalta was not helping my fibromyalgia and i stopped taking it....after going through detox being on any drug is contrary to how i now want to live..pharmaceuticals are poison so why am i taking cymbalta?? little did i know the side effects i would suffer...i feel like i am going a little crazy and my anger i[Show More]went to detox nearly 2 years ago to get off pain meds..about 2 weeks ago i decided that cymbalta was not helping my fibromyalgia and i stopped taking it....after going through detox being on any drug is contrary to how i now want to live..pharmaceuticals are poison so why am i taking cymbalta?? little did i know the side effects i would suffer...i feel like i am going a little crazy and my anger is boiling up..i feel confused and scared...having vision problems, headaches and terrible sweats..i just now did some research and it seems i am Fu*%@(...i am so angry that after getting off opiates i now have to deal with a cymbalta withdrawal...i think i should sue eli lilly AND the dr.who prescribed the cymbalta since he knew my struggle to get off pain medications..i am really pissed off....i recently moved and do not even have a doctor where i am to consult..

  • RaccheliAugust 3, 2014 at 6:03 am

    The damage that cymbalta has done and is still doing to me and my family can't be fixed and that really scares me everyday it is such a struggle just to wake up I don't remember the last time I felt glad to be alive life is to short to feel so sick all the time I took it for three years and when I quit I could have never imagine what hell I t would throw me into my daughter was even severely burne[Show More]The damage that cymbalta has done and is still doing to me and my family can't be fixed and that really scares me everyday it is such a struggle just to wake up I don't remember the last time I felt glad to be alive life is to short to feel so sick all the time I took it for three years and when I quit I could have never imagine what hell I t would throw me into my daughter was even severely burned trying to cook for herself because I physicley could not get out of bed and that was a month after I quit I have had to start taking another antidepressant it was never this bad before I started these death wish drugs I have my records from pharmacy just in case

  • LeonorMarch 9, 2014 at 8:24 am

    I've been on Cymbalta at least from 2008 to know. In February 2014 I've been weening myself of 90 mg a day to one every 5 days. It the 2nd time the first time the crying felt like I was dying agitated night sweats leaving bed drench my clothes stuck to me. I was always so hot. In July 2013 it got so bad I had a friend Mike Negro take me to St.Josephs to see if they could help me. I was scared cry[Show More]I've been on Cymbalta at least from 2008 to know. In February 2014 I've been weening myself of 90 mg a day to one every 5 days. It the 2nd time the first time the crying felt like I was dying agitated night sweats leaving bed drench my clothes stuck to me. I was always so hot. In July 2013 it got so bad I had a friend Mike Negro take me to St.Josephs to see if they could help me. I was scared crying agitated . They couldn't no insurance I came home I had my china cabinet cleaned out & on formal dining table. There were my fine China Waterford stem wear & so many antique dishes I collected & loved. I just felt so overwhelmed I took my hand and one swipe broke every precious thing I owned. Nothing I couldn't replace. But it will be years to I can. I cried couldn't stop didn't know what was going on. My friends said you need to get out of the house I couldn't . I was a life but not there. I'm having problems with my breathing, heart & blood work. Being tested in the next few weeks. I need help I have pharmacy records Drs. Records hospital records & witnesses

  • HelenJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:20 am

    I am unable to get off Cymbalta, due to the ferocious and debilitating withdrawal symptoms. This drug IS addictive, and a warning must be issued to that effect.

  • LeonardoOctober 2, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    Thank God that UR family heelpd you realize you are worth it. I wanted to thank u for sharing your story. I too suffer from depression. Still working on proper Meds. Cymbalta at 120mg day helps but costs 400/mo. Canada has a generic I get for about 75/mo.Doc started me on a new drug Viibryd a few days ago. No generic available! I'm afraid it will cost a fortune but if it helps, (so far, so good) [Show More]Thank God that UR family heelpd you realize you are worth it. I wanted to thank u for sharing your story. I too suffer from depression. Still working on proper Meds. Cymbalta at 120mg day helps but costs 400/mo. Canada has a generic I get for about 75/mo.Doc started me on a new drug Viibryd a few days ago. No generic available! I'm afraid it will cost a fortune but if it helps, (so far, so good) it is money well spent. I spend 35 2x a mo. For pysch drug mgmt and 70/wk for therapist.Have you contacted the pharm maker? I used to get prevacid for 25 instead of 50 for my ulcers b 4 they went OTC. Got a few coupons from the Cymbaltapeople so don't give up trying to find those discounts. The CA pharm I use is called Big Mountain. Good luck.

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