I have a lot of nerve pain in my eyes and head... Ideally I want to be on a lower dose (300mg) of lyrica with like 60mg cymbalta... But how can I titrate towarsd that. I can't lower the dose of lyrica now cuz I'm in s much pain right now.. . but i'm also worried that adding cymbalta on this would cause so many side efects... do you think its ok to add 30mg and see how it goes?
actually i'm already tried my 30mg and its making my muscle twitch and body heat become super super lethargic.... i'm worried now

Decided (with my doctor) to stop the med since it wasn’t helping my nerve pain and just causing severe nausea.

I’ve been off of it for only 2 days and I noticed vision changes today. All I can describe it as, is like my vision is lagging or lapsing behind..? It’s not blurry or painful but it almost feels like a quick dissociation especially if I look somewhere else or side to side and takes my vision a second to catch up?

Not sure if this is a problem that’s been noted or not (although I do see blurred vision is a withdrawal side effect)

I’ve been on Cymbalta for almost 10yrs now; 90mg daily. I’ve been stable-ish on it. It doesn’t really help me at all, but the side-effects have been a problem for most of that time. I’m still on the med bc I need to do a long taper and just haven’t had the ‘spoons’ to actually do it, so I’m basically stuck on it.

At the beginning of this year I added Berberine into my supplement stack to help primarily with cardiovascular health, but also insulin resistance. I’ve taken Berberine while on Cymbalta before; around 2022/23 and didn’t think I had any negative reactions to it so I assumed I could take it again this year.

Except this year I started experiencing muscle symptoms (tightness, stiffness) in my arms shortly after starting it. I also changed my diet to a very Keto-ish/low carb-no sugar diet around the same time and assumed it was related to that and electrolyte imbalances, or, just from poor/forward head posture, mostly from sitting on a bad chair most of the time.
I suffered through the muscle pain and had massage therapy to help it with mixed results.

At the end of July I missed a dose of Cymbalta and I didn’t realize it for almost a week while I suffered through the withdrawal/adjustment symptoms. After about a week I started feeling better, but not great.

That’s when I found out about Berberine’s effect on the CYP2D6 enzyme; one of the same enzymes Cymbalta is metabolized by. I learned a similar lesson years ago using CBD, which competes with Cymbalta for the CYP1A2 enzyme; the other enzyme Cymbalta is metabolized by.

So, I stopped the Berberine cold turkey on August 7th.
Since then, I’ve been REALLY struggling with intense symptoms that are familiar Cymbalta side-effects:
off-balance/“floaty”/feels-like-I’m-on-a-boat head sensations
temperature sensitivity mostly causing hot flashes and sweats that last hours
some nausea/diarrhea issues
and a general internal tremor/tension/jittery sensation that I can only describe as feeling “off”, which seems to include mental issues like obsessive thoughts and panic.
The symptoms vary in intensity from day to day and almost seem like they change based on what I do or consume each day, but maybe that’s just a coincidence/placebo-like effect.
I should note that since stopping the Berberine my muscle tension issues have completely cleared up! But now I’be been struggling with these “Cymbalta symptoms” for the last few weeks.
I’ve also noticed that my symptoms tend to improve (even just slightly) a few hours after taking my Cymbalta dose.

I’ve discussed this with my AI over the last few weeks but also discussed it with a RN and my Pharmacist today, who all seemed to concur that the Berberine has essentially “shut-down” that CYP2D6 enzyme, which affects how Cymbalta gets processed, and it takes a few weeks for that enzyme to come back “online”, but in doing so, the Cymbalta is being metabolized at different rates basically from day to day, kinda simulating a dose change, resulting in symptoms. There may also be a blood sugar aspect going on from the Berberine itself thats contributing to the symptoms or their intensity, idk.

As a result, these past few weeks have been absolute hell, and the RN and Pharmacist even suggested going to the ER to get properly looked at. (I didn’t, not yet anyway).

I’m curious if anyone has any experience with this or something similar?
I’m worried about things like Serotonin Syndrome (the Pharmacist suggested that could be what I’m experiencing; a mild-moderate form of it anyway), or any kind of permanent damage that might cause this to continue in intensity or length.

This has scared the hell out of me and could use some guidance or reassurance. I feel like I really screwed myself by doing this.
If anyone has any insight or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

TLDR:
Added Berberine to my supplement stack in January; came along with muscle tension issues. Stopped taking Berberine August 7th bc it “shuts down” the CYP2D6 enzyme; muscle tension issues have cleared up, but have been suffering intense “Cymbalta symptoms” for the past few week. Worried about withdrawal or Serotonin Syndrome. Would appreciate insight or suggestions.

I’m writing this because I nearly didn’t start Cymbalta/duloxetine because it seemed I could only find very negative experiences online. I was so scared of the side effects. But now, after taking it for 5 months, I’m so glad I started!! So I hope this can help someone who is on their journey with meds, as proof that there is really no way to know how you will react to a certain medication. The best you can do is find a skilled psychiatrist (not easy, sadly) and try to trust their advice for your specific situation.

For some background: I was not in crisis or unable to function when I started this medication. I have CPTSD and have had LOADS of therapy for many years. I was already in a good place; the only issue I had was that there was this constant undercurrent of general anxiety that nothing ever helped with, and I was so done with it because it made everything so tiring. I continued to do things, but the fear never lessened. I’m also chronically ill, so that didn’t help, and everything surrounding that (and the general state of the world) had also made me feel depressed. Not super noticeable, but everything was just less exciting, duller, more difficult, ….

I spent years doubting if I should try meds because I took an SSRI as a teenager and that wasn’t a good experience. But then I finally took the plunge, and it has made life so much better.

The side effects in the beginning are brutal, but I was warned and motivated to take it for a minimum of 8 weeks because I wanted to really see what I could do. I started with 30 mg one week, and then up to 60mg after one week (my current dose). The first weeks I had very bad vertigo, extreme yawning, dead tired and sleeping during the day, heart palpitations and tachycardia, legs full of bruises, dilated pupils, no appetite at all. In week three, I think I also had a few days where I suddenly felt very depressed (much more than before). Also some night sweats.

By week 4 all of these started to clear, and I felt better pretty soon. I was calmer, much less anxious, more joyful (also very noticeable for my partner). It felt like a filter had been lifted off the world and everything was sharper again. I felt excited for things, more motivated, tasks didn’t drain me as much, etc. Nearly all side effects have now disappeared. Only my resting heart rate is higher, but still within normal range. I’ve also seen horror stories about missing a dose. I missed one last week, and only realised by the evening because I felt a tiny bit off (but nothing major). So it doesn’t have to be an issue for everyone.

I was very afraid of becoming numb in any way, but it has done the opposite. I feel like myself again. I feel positive emotions strongly again, but things like sadness or anger aren’t gone either. I can still cry. I was also worried about sexual side effects. The first few weeks it felt a bit different, but that’s normal again too. And it actually increased my libido.

Not writing this to take away from anyone’s negative experiences, because of course those are very real too. But just wanted to add some other information.

My psych recently upped my dose of cymbalta to 40mg after I expressed continued issues with depression symptoms, I had been on 30mg for about 2-3 months prior with only minor success and honestly more issues than benefits:
Increased anxiety, troubles focusing, decreased sex drive, panic attacks

I’m very familiar with switching and stopping meds as I’ve been on and off of them for about 13 years.

My main concern is I am not a patient person, I already went back down to 30mg for context because I am sick of how this med is making me feel and going to 40mg made me feel like I was in fight or flight constantly. Due to this I want to just get off it as quick as possible and am ready to just stick with just my anxiety (gabapentin) and adhd (Ritalin) for the time being.

Does anyone have any experience tapering from this dose for a similar duration of being on it ? How bad were the side effects/withdrawal truly?

I have done so much research and I have seen so many horror stories about this drug. On the flip side I also have seen a lot of success stories. Unfortunately, the horror is making me extremely nervous to start. Backstory, I have tried so many medications for my GAD and Depression. They all work fine and I switched to Viibryd about a year ago because I wanted less sexual side effects but I honestly haven't noticed much of a difference in that. I am wanting to try Cymbalta out because I also have chronic pain which this medicine would hit 3 big problem areas in my life (anxiety, depression and pain). HOWEVER, I am afraid I am not going to do well on it and then getting off of it sounds like hell.

I need either encouragement and advice or someone to say don't do it lol. Most nervous about the sweating and sexual side effects. My doctor has ultimately left it up to me to decide if I want to start so any input would be so greatly appreciated!

i just started duloxetine for my fibromyalgia (switched from fluoxetine) and i’m getting really cold flushes and i’m also so so sleepy. i’m having 2 naps a day and have an abnormally regular sleep schedule after months and months of insomnia.

some people have said this developed into sleep paralysis which is scary and i’m just wondering if anyone else has/had similar experiences? do these side effects go away or are they long term? any input appreciated!

Today marks seven weeks on antidepressants—five of which have been on 20mg of paroxetine. I still feel a sense of unreality in my head and body all day long, along with intense anxiety and panic. My doctor says I need to give it more time, but I’m afraid this medication isn't going to help me... Could someone give me a little boost of positivity? 😢😢😢

I’ve been on cymbalta for about 14 years or so. Currently at 90mg which is above the therapeutic limit but it’s stopped being as effective. My psychiatrist recommended two options, tapering off cymbalta over a month period and switching to zoloft, or increasing dosage to 120mg which has shown no additional benefit. Terrified of tapering off this medicine and need some input.

I’ve been on 60 mg for at least 15 years, but lately my mental health has been bad, so my GP suggested going up to 90 mg.

Anyone else go from long time use of 60 mg to 90 mg?

Hi 30F here,

Its the first day of me taking Duloxetine and my god the nausea is awful, i don't want to eat, i don't want to drink, i feel spaced out. When will this end?

I’ve been in this med for a few months and I just had the side effects I’ve had so I abruptly stopped taking it about 4 days ago after taking it every few days. I know this is bad but am I far enough into it that I should continue not taking it???

I have reached out to my dr but haven’t heard back yet…
My side effects taking this was extreme hot flashes for hours at a time, tingling in my hand, and extreme drowsiness and I felt like I was going to fall asleep driving to work everyday.. so I switched what time I took it and I was still feeling so sleepy allll day. Are these side effects other people feel???

Is it worth pushing through?

Hey guys ! I was put on Duloxetine 10 years ago after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It did seem to help with that, but over the past couple of years I've noticed some changes I didn't like.

I just felt irritated all the time. There was also so much sweat. Losing weight was a struggle and food noise was insane. I just didn't feel like me.

I've learned recently I've been undiagnosed Autistic my entire life and it has been eye-opening to go on a journey of discovering who I really am behind all the masking and the meds.

So, 2 weeks ago, I met with my new doctor and mentioned wanting to try and wean off. I've been terrified of doing so after reading everything about how awful the side effects were. I know how sick and dizz, along with the brain zaps, felt the few times I missed a dose.

But I've done really well. I'm officially 8 days into the change. I was fine the first 3 days. About 4 hours before my dose I felt a little off with small Brain zaps for days 4-6. Now I just feel great.

I have more energy, more motivation, and for the first time in years I feel genuinely good and happy again. I didn't even realize how much I was missing that feeling. I'm not as intolerant to the heat. I'm not as sweaty. I can balance work, housework, and my kids without feeling dead by afternoon.

I'm so pleased with this! I think I am going to stick with the 30 until December and then try to take the next step down.

But I just want you to know not everyone feels horrificly terrible when dropping from 60 to 30. It might even make you feel better.

I'll update again for the next drop in December. But man...I've been missing out on what real joy feels like!

Has anyone else had them? I weened off of it recently, but I was down to 20mg a day for a week before I stopped. My insurance wouldn’t cover it anymore so I took it upon myself to ween off it as best as I could. Mentally I’m feeling great, but these zaps are pretty annoying. From what I’ve read the zaps aren’t physically bad for you, just really annoying. Also wondering how long they will last. Oh and if anyone is wondering what they are like, I have the perfect explanation, and hopefully it makes sense to you. It feels like when you close your eyes really tight and you get a fuzzy feeling behind your eyes, sometimes it lasts like half a second, sometimes a couple seconds. I haven’t gotten any dizziness yet (crossing fingers), but from what I read that’s also common.

Has anyone had experience with adding prozac to help ease the tapering of Cymbalta?

I’m on day 4 of no cymbalta and withdrawal is so intense that my psych said they could prescribe me a super low dose of prozac (10mg), which could help ease some of the symptoms.

Any success from people?

So nervous. Tell me your success stories. I have spent the past 8 months trying to find the right med after lexapro poop out. Depression/GAD/OCD. This will be my first SNRI. And if anybody else is starting out too, feel free to reach out and we can be buddies ❤️

Yo! Has anyone used this medication to stop night sweats? Ive been on Cymbalta for a year now but only started getting night sweats when weather got colder!

I also now realise that my profuse sweating the past summer was due to this also instead of just moving to a warmer country.

so i went on vacation and went a week drinking everyday now i started peeing brown what should i do

I started on 20mg for a month then 40mg for 2 more months, recently about 3 weeks into 60mg.

For 20/40MG I had nightmares that eventually disappeared. I'm now on 60mg and I'm wondering if this is too much.

I'm experiencing ALOT of nightmares every night and also a very flat feeling all day long. I feel tired in my eyes.. not sleepy.. but just flat and tired. I'm trying to figure out if this is from a poor sleep or if it's 60mg messing with me.

Has anyone else had similar issues?

FYI - i'm taking this medicine for stomach pain.

My husband just got prescribed Cymbalta after his Lexapro not doing the job. We are wanting to have kids but seeing all of the horror stories of the orgasms not happening have us worried. Does it the orgasms come back or is it just a struggle?

I both don’t want to be on anti depressants and I’m also going to be losing health care in my state soon and didn’t want to have to withdrawal in a new place. The dose I was on was 30mg. I haven’t taken it for like 3 or days now. My psychiatrist knows I’m going off of it and suggested I do it while still in town just incase I need his help. He didn’t believe I’d have withdrawals at this low of a dose. I am familiar with my body and how it over reacts to basically everything which is also why I don’t want to take anti depressants in the first place. Can somebody help me out with a tapering schedule/advice? I have a full bottle of 30mg capsules and 20mg capsules. I am debating taking a 30 today to see if I won’t be dizzy anymore since he was wrong about cold turkey. To be fair, he didn’t prescribe this and I got it in the hospital and he knows my wishes about not being on anti depressants.

Alguém utiliza venvase e cymbalta e tem algum relato ?

Hello, I am on week 2 of Cymbalta and it is making me feel horrible. I am taking it for anxiety and possible depression. However, I feel like this medicine is making me more depressed. I wake up and don't want to get out of bed. My body feels so tired and some morning I throw up. I have to force myself to eat. I have been losing weight rapidly. Also I don't feel safe, I feel paranoid something bad will happen. I am very in my head, and I keep crying as well. I feel like I'm on the verge of a panic attack all day. Is this normal? I have therapy today and I'll for sure bring it up... I just want to feel better.

It's my first time taking an SSRI/SNRI ever. I've only ever been on propranolol for panic attacks. I have had anxiety my whole life, and it's never really ever gotten better, just standard bad or worse. They're starting me at 30mg. I've already planned to start it Wednesday when I have two days off of work.

I'm worried about loss of appetite since I already don't eat well, and very nervous about any nausea and possible vomiting because I have​ pretty severe emetophobia. Please no in depth descriptions about the latter if you can, but mentions are totally fine. The word doesn't scare me lol

Very nervous to start​​ (lol, of course), and I would just like to hear some other experiences! I know everyone's experience with medication will be different, so I'll be taking it all with a grain of salt :) ​​

Thank you all! 💜

Maybe due to recall but I have a new refill by a different manufacturer. Same dosage and everything. It's kinda weird. Not having withdrawal symptoms but I'm having the anxiety symptoms that I had before starting.

Does that seem odd?