Cymbalta questions

[malta blue]

My doctor prescribed this to me yesterday and I have read some really scary things about side effects and withdrawals (brain zaps, horrible crying jags, etc).

Does anyone have experience with this medication?

I took my first dose yesterday and felt completely stoned. I was zombie-like at dinner. I am sure that my body will adjust, but are these effects worth the final outcome?

I am not seeking medical advice - just want to hear your experiences if you choose to share.

Thanks.

[Forkboy]

1. I only took it for three months,which probably wasn't long enough..

..but I was already feeling the same nothingness that all anti-depressants cause in me so I stopped.I didn't have any major side effects from it in that time though.I did get the brain zaps sometimes,like an electrical charge just went through your head (humming sound included!).Other than that it was just the usual dry mouth and yawning spells all meds seem to cause.

Like I said,ALL anti-depressants are failures for me,so definitely wait to hear from others. :)

[malta blue]

2. Thank you for sharing your experience.

I have been on and off meds for about 10 years now, mostly because I just stop taking them because I "feel fine". The a year goes by and I am back into the funk again. The yawning is pretty crazy - I surprise myself.

[tibbir]

3. I've been taking Cymbalta for several months now.

I take 60mg a day and don't have any side effects. You can always get off of it if the side effects are too bothersome. Good luck!

[no name no slogan]

4. I've been on it at different doses for a couple years

I started at 60, then went to 80, then 90, then down to 30 in combination with a couple other drugs, and now at 60 with a couple other drugs.

I did have some withdrawal effects when I went from 60 to 30mg, including the over-emotional states and brain zaps. After I went back up to 60mg (and another drug kicked in), they stopped.

Otherwise, I haven't had any ill effects on it. I had more from Wellbutrin and Paxil than I ever did from Cymbalta.

[AZBlue]

5. I'm on it and it's good. I need something a little more - probably counseling - but that's not

covered of course (that makes no sense to me, but that's another story).

Yes, there can be side effects, but I find most people don't have them. Getting off any anti-depressant can be a little bit tricky, but if you do it slowly and with a doctor's advice, you should be ok if you decide to stop taking them. Just don't go cold turkey.

Side effects and withdrawal problems, at least for me, are a lesser "evil" than not taking the medication, so it's worth it in my opinion!