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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lawrence, KS

Alright, so I am wondering if anyone has had experiences with increased anxiety with Cymbalta, and/or any experiences switching from Lexapro to Cymbalta? I was taking 30mg Lexapro for years and years, but with my Fibro diagnosis my psychiatrist wanted to try switching me to Cymbalta. I started at 30mg a day for one week (after weaning off Lexapro) and then bumped up to 60mg a day after that. I have been on the 60mg for just over a month now, and my depression/anxiety symptoms have SKYROCKETED… read more

June 28, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared widely varied experiences switching from Lexapro to Cymbalta for fibromyalgia, with many describing severe worsening of... Read more

Members shared widely varied experiences switching from Lexapro to Cymbalta for fibromyalgia, with many describing severe worsening of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and unusual side effects like night terrors, jitteriness, and bizarre dreams. Several members warned against Cymbalta entirely, citing hospitalizations, dangerous mood changes, bladder issues, and intense emotional reactions that felt disproportionate and sudden, while a few found relief when it was combined with other medications like Lyrica. A recurring theme was frustration with doctors who dismissed anxiety symptoms, and strong encouragement to coordinate care between specialists, advocate fiercely for oneself, and trust your instincts when a medication feels wrong.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I normally am not a person who says dont try something when it comes to treatment options, however, my own experience and the multi billion dollar lawsuite against the pharma company who make cymbalta the only drug i will warn you to stay away from.
I was hospitalised 3 times from side effects. I have serious bladder issues now and have to use a Cather (occasionally) to go to the toilet.
I would google the medication and see how many people have died on this med and what the side effects are.... This is one that shouldnt be prescribed.

June 28, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was on Lexapro for years and a doctor took me off because I always had no energy. I was achy, couldn't think, no energy and major back pain. I went to my GP and she gave me Cymbalta. I started to feel better. Then I went to a rheumatologist and she increased it to 60 and added Lyrica. My depression and the achy feeling is so much better. I still have fatigue and brain fog.
Good Luck!

July 3, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi Holly! Did you switch over to a different antidepressant after quitting the Cymbalta? I seriously feel nuts too!

Mostly it feels like I am reacting to things HUGELY disproportionately- for example, I'll misunderstand something small, and in an instant before I even really have time to process it, I'll be unable to breathe, panicking, and crying! It's a split second fip, that literally feels like you're flipping on the light switch to crazy! Is this something you experienced too?

June 28, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

You see your gp for your fibromyalgia? My gp used to handle my antidepressant but after my diagnosis i was strongly suggested to see a psychiatrist who has really helped find the right “combo”. Anxiety should not be shrugged off. It can make you feel so much worse and trigger your symptoms and flairs. Xxoo

July 1, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi I have been on cymbalta for a year now my anxiety has increased quite a bit but when I tell my GP he shrugs it off doesn’t want me to take anything else

June 30, 2018

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