Cymbalta, The Good And The Bad

Last week, I noted that I'd been receiving lots of negative comments about patient experiences with Cymbalta. I asked if there were positive reports and got a few responses which I've posted below. In addition, several more bad reports trickled in and I have posted a selection. Thanks to everyone for their help. If anyone wants to add to this collection, send in your thoughts on Cymbalta.

"Since we're sharing anecdotal evidence, I'll share mine. I've been taking Cymbalta for about six weeks now. It's the only thing that's made a dent in my anxiety. Over the past two years I've tried Wellbutrin, which gave me panic attacks, Zoloft, Buspar, and Lexapro. Nothing helped except Cymbalta. I've had no side effects from it and I feel like myself again."

And:

"Cymbalta has saved my life. Enough said."

And:

"I've been on Cymbalta for over a year. It's been effective and the only side effect I've had is an increased tendency to bruise."

Now for some bad:

"I have been taking Cymbalta (30mg increasing up to 60mg) for 10 days now. I did not have success with Zolfoft due to daily crying spells. I was reluctant to change but my doctor said I should not be having these spells and suggested Cymbalta for my PPD. Since switching, I have had vision problems, pressure headaches and feel very anxious. The light headedness and dizziness never goes away. My fear is have I caused some sort of permanent damage? Is this normal in the ramp up time of this medication. I feel clumsy and like my muscle coordination is suffering."

And:

"I JUST WANTED TO WRITE BACK AND UPDATE SINCE MY POSTING ON JAN 13, 2007. I HAVE STOPPED TAKING THE CYBALTA DUE TO A START OF REALLY BAD DEPRESSION--WHICH I HAVE NEVER HAD BEFORE. ( I HAVE ANXIETY.) I FEEL GREAT NOW--I AM NOT DEPRESSED NOT SLEEPY, AND I HAD NO WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS! I AM BACK ON MY WELLBUTRIN, WHICH WAS WORKING FINE FOR ME--MY DOCTOR KEPT PUSHING ME TO TRY CYMBALTA DESPITE ME NOT WANTING TO HE FINALLY HAD PRESSURED ME."

I wonder what kind of pressure the doctor used. One more:

"I WENT ON CYMBALTA FOR MILD DEPRESSION 3 MONTHS AGO... I AM NOW SEVERLY DEPRESSED AND HAVE BEEN HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE... I CALLED MY DR. TO GET AN APOINTMENT BUT THEY TOLD ME I COULDN'T BE SEEN AT THIS TIME AND THAT I HAVE TO WAIT 3DAYS! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS MY LIFE! I HAVE BEEN AVOIDING MY PARENTS AND FAMILY BECAUSE I AM SO ASHAMED... MY FRIENDS THAT I HAVE LET SEE ME LIKE THIS DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH ME.... I JUST HOPE THAT I CAN FIND A CURE TO HEAL THIS PAIN."

I hope you were able to cajole your doc into seeing you sooner. You will find a cure, most likely within yourself.