Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences comparing Effexor and Cymbalta for fibromyalgia, with many finding Cymbalta more effective for nerve pain and... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences comparing Effexor and Cymbalta for fibromyalgia, with many finding Cymbalta more effective for nerve pain and anxiety, while others appreciated Effexor for providing more energy despite increased sweating and weight gain. Several members emphasized the importance of never stopping either medication abruptly due to severe withdrawal symptoms including brain zaps, electrical impulses, irritability, and instability, with some noting they felt trapped on medications that had stopped working but were too difficult to discontinue. A recurring theme was the challenge of distinguishing whether daily exhaustion, pain, and mood changes stem from fibromyalgia itself or medication side effects, with most agreeing that these drugs only take the edge off rather than providing complete relief.