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Mental health

Cymbalta / duloxetine

9 replies

JenBehavingBadly · 25/08/2016 14:02

I've never taken an SNRI before, just a SSRI, but the doc suggested trying this one.

Can anyone give me any stories, positive or negative about this medicine? Reviews on line are mixed, but I'd like to hear from people who've actually taken it.

Does it help with your depression? What are the side effects like? I know when I've taken sertraline or fluoxetine I've had tiredness and felt worse for the first few days. Is it similar on cymbalta?

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bellend123 · 25/08/2016 14:17

Hi, I'm on duloxetine and have been for about five or six months. It has saved my life. It completely cured my depression.

The side effects I had when starting duloxetine were clenching of the jaw, drowsiness and increased sweating. Those side effects have gone now although I still sweat a lot.

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JenBehavingBadly · 25/08/2016 14:32

That sounds really positive, thank you 😊 How long did it take for you to start feeling any benefit? What dose are you on now? I'm starting on 20mg, but it'll be going up to 40-60.

I got jaw clenching a lot on the SSRIs, so I expect it'll be the same.

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bellend123 · 25/08/2016 16:33

I'm not going to lie it took about six weeks to work properly but it was worth it. It might be a lot less for you though.

I'm on 90mg. Have you taken your first pill yet?

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sparkle789 · 25/08/2016 16:46

I've been on in for 18 months.

Side effects were nausea (didn't mind that lost weight) it lasted about 3months but it was manageable.
Still going on Sweating and jaw clenching, I also bruise a lot easier which is a rare side effect. But it has changed my life! Made a huge difference to my depression. The only thing to be aware of is if I forget a dose I get very fuzzy headed and a brain zap feeling, but obviously I shouldn't be missing doses anyway.

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JenBehavingBadly · 25/08/2016 18:59

Not yet. I've been worried about things like brain zaps and the like. I'm hoping it will finally help me get over this almost persistent depression. I've had talking therapy, I'm pretty good at mindfulness, but I just can't get out of this hole that I'm in.

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PirateFairy45 · 25/08/2016 19:17

I'm on duloxetine and I work well with it X

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PunkrockerGirl · 25/08/2016 19:27

I've been on it for about 5 years and probably always will be. It absolutely saved and changed my life. I can't really say how long it took to kick in, because I was already on an antidepressant which wasn't working so did a gradual switch over.
It works well for anxiety too. Apart from a very dry mouth, I've had absolutely no side effects.
Good luck, hope you feel better soon

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AnxietySertraline · 25/08/2016 21:58

Worked after about 14 days of 90 mg. Works very well (depression and anxiety). Sideeffects: tired, dry mouth, hard to O, nigth sweats, vivid dreams... Ben on/off about 10 years.