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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Deal, UK

My specialist has prescribed Cymbalta (Duloxetine) for me and my GP was quite excited about it but before I take it I would like to hear from those of you who have taken it. How helpful was it in controlling pain and lifting mood. Did you experience any side affects? Thank you x

September 14, 2015 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared widely varied experiences with Cymbalta for pain control, with some finding it effective for fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and mood... Read more

Members shared widely varied experiences with Cymbalta for pain control, with some finding it effective for fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and mood improvement, while others reported troubling side effects that outweighed any benefits. Several members described serious concerns including cognitive issues like memory loss and brain fog, significant weight gain, brain zaps when missing doses, nausea, insomnia, and loss of sex drive, with many ultimately discontinuing the medication due to these problems. A recurring theme was that individual responses differ greatly, so members encouraged trying it cautiously while having someone close monitor for personality changes, being aware it requires careful weaning if discontinued, and understanding it may take 4-6 weeks to notice pain relief.

A MyFibroTeam Member

if folks use this with some so called natural products like dr Oz's wt loss formula l tryptophan Sam e, 5HTP enhancers which may be made with herbals even turmeric you may develop serotonin syndrome which can even be lethal, but it is rare, it is something to be aware of when you use other substances tho, and may be why some folks have these symptoms that they describe as brain shocks. The goal of this medication is alteration of brain chemistry, but mood changes are usually for the better, the goal is increased functionality, if any of these meds do not lead you there, they are not worth the risk of taking them.The point is that strssed ot folks and those with pain syndromes and depression which lead to sleep disorders are often naturally low in serotonin, so after you make sure you have normal vitamin D levels and folic acid levels, your B levels are OK, your bowels are working well, and gut does does have celiac diease, you look toward the SSRIs to maintain your own feel good chemicals, they don't change you like narcs do, that is they do not really give you a buzz or sedate like lyrica or neurotin

September 17, 2015 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

Worked well to start but it eventually made my pain worse

September 14, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thank you nicola I will look for one I think. My hips and legs are the worst at the moment maybe that will help them x

September 17, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Ah poor you..i only tink I'm bad..so true..always some1 worse off..only relieve i get it using my electric heat pad I bought of amazon @ £40. Make-beurer..av had it for bot 10m9nths & find it so good. Never go anywer wthout it. Better than any medication. Hope you fel better soon & find some relief & healing xx

September 17, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

It worked great for me for a year, then I had horrible side affect of short term memory loss. Doc took me off of it and my memory went back to normal. It was horrible, I was calling things the wrong names, I had horrible recall. I was upset when I was taken off of it because it worked so well for the pain.

September 16, 2015

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