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Cymbalta Side Effects

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Posted 10/20/2019 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

After going through serotonin syndrome from the increase of my previous antidepressant (Luvox), I was switched to Cymbalta. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder recently and have had issues with finding the right antidepressant.

I'm starting to have some side effects and would like to know when they'll ease off. I'm getting a bit anxious and restless to the point of wanting to do something but can't keep my mind on said action. Is that normal? And I'm starting to have some issues sleeping. I've been on Cipralex with good success and wanted to be switched to that after I got off Luvox, but my family doctor switched me to Cymbalta. Should I have fought harder for that medication, or should I see how this new one works? I am feeling better, but I'd like to sleep better and focus.


Here are my current meds:
Cymbalta, 30 mg
Abilify, 4 mg (at night)
Doxepin 40-50 mg (at night)
Posted 10/20/2019 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Sibby, why did your doctor prescribe Cymbalta for you when you've had success in the past with the Cipralex?
Posted 10/20/2019 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
He said that Cipralex is much stronger, and I shouldn't go onto it when I was going through the syndrome. He also said that the Cymbalta might be a better match for me.
Posted 10/20/2019 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sibby,

Welcome to the depression forum. I don't think I have seen you here before.

I have never taken Cymbalta, but was curious as to how long you been on it and when the side effects started. Generally side effects go away in a week to ten days. Some stay with you though. I started Lexapro a couple of months ago and recently noticed constipation. I have gained five pounds from it. If I don't gain anymore I will still be happy but if it gets worse, I think I will ask about another med.

I would give the medication a chance, say six to eight weeks while you wait for it to get to it's full potential. Then you should know whether or not you want to stay on it.

I hope that it works well for you. If you are feeling better mentally and emotionally that is a good sign.

Hang in there.

Hugs, Karen...

PS Sorry about the serotonin syndrome. That must of been awful.

Oh and just curious, I take abilify, was wondering why you take yours at night. It probably doesn't matter.
Posted 10/20/2019 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen,

I've been here, but it's been such a long time since my last post. That's not good to hear about yourself. I hope your side effects will go away soon!

I've been on it for a week, and they started in the last 4-5 days. I've just phoned pharmacist to see why I was agitated and so restless. Apparently, there's a moderate interaction between it and my Doxepin, and I need to get off of Cymbalta and go on Cipralex. Surprisingly, I was doing better and feeling myself on it until the restlessness hit me.

It was one of the worse experiences I've ever had. But I'm glad I'm not there.

I was on Abilify in the morning, but I kept getting tired during the day, so I was told to switch at night, if that helps. smile
Posted 10/21/2019 10:39 AM (GMT 0)
Oh I see. Abilify hasn't made me tired that I am aware of. But I take Adderall and that could be helping.

Is cipralex and Lexapro the same? I am thinking it is. Or closely related. I like the Lexapro just not the weight gain.

I hope the doc will put you back on cipralex. I know you felt good on it.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 10/21/2019 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Karen!

I hope so too. I'm tampering off of Cymbalta and see what my new doctor says.

I believe they're the same. How are you doing on it? Is the weight gain slowing at least?
Posted 10/22/2019 10:16 AM (GMT 0)
I think that the weight gain slowed down. I like the med, but don't want the problem of weight gain. Go slow tapering off of Cymbalta. I wish you the best...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 10/24/2019 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
I tried Cymbalta for depression and pain for chronic lyme . It made my fatigue a lot worse . Turns out it is notorious for wiping out your REM sleep. I had sleep studies that proved it. I went from 1 REM cycle to 4 after stopping the Cymbalta for a month and fatigue improved. I found if you aren't getting good sleep your not going to get better.
Posted 10/24/2019 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
FYI I just started Trintellix 10 mg and it has really helped for my MDD. Also on Lexapro 10 mg..
Posted 11/26/2019 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
My experience was the same as Kct. I have chronic Lyme too. Cymbalta made me more tired and I slept terrible on it. I was on Pristiq before that for about 10 years and did well on that. Now back on Pristiq and it’s not working. So mad my Dr. had me switch. Cymbalta also messed up my gut. Started having alternating diarrhea and cinstipation and eventually became sensitive to all grains and can’t eat any now. Not fond of Cymbalta. Hope you do well back on your other med!
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