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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Denver, CO

I have taken myself off of all the horrible drugs that the doctors have prescribed me. But I am still taking Cymbalta and Xanax because my depression and anxiety is unfortunately through the roof.. but I still always feel like crap especially fatigued when I take it. Is there a less scarier antidepressant that helps with pain and fibromyalgia or is this the only one?

August 25, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and depression, with some finding it life-changing for mood and pain relief,... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and depression, with some finding it life-changing for mood and pain relief, while others reported side effects like increased depression, grumpiness, dizziness, and even suicidal thoughts that led them to stop the medication. Several members recommended alternatives including Effexor (which many found worked quickly for depression), Celebrex for pain, Pristiq, naproxen, and gabapentin, though experiences varied widely with each option. A recurring theme was the importance of slow weaning when stopping any medication, the trial-and-error nature of finding the right combination, and the value of tracking symptoms daily to identify what truly helps.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Cymbalta is one of the few drugs I've taken that actually made a tremendous diffence in my life. Having been diagnoised with clinical depression in my twenties I've tried many different drugs and they usually just make me tired and feel odd. Cymbalta worked in the first week. One day I noticed the bacground noise in my head (negative thoughts and fellings) was gone and I havent felt them since. I only take 60mgs daily. Effecsor made me feel awful and didn't work for me at all. They are two types of drugs, which are chemically different.

August 28, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I didnt like cymbalta. Felt like it qork at first but then depressed worst, eye twitch, and dizzg for me. I did naproxen and helps for pain but ny doctor down here al wanted me off of it becasue of liver which mine is fine. Effexer and gabapentin didnt work for me. I do take muscle relax and sleep med at night. I sleep 15% and rest 85% i dream. Food, sleep test and other meds its error of learning. Write everything daily. If you havent had sleep test i would do that. Hugs and loves. Hope this helps

August 26, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have been on most of the antidepressants at one time or another over the last 30 years and they all worked on the depression to a greater or lesser extent, however I believe Cymbalta is the only antidepressant that also helps fibro pain.
As Nannyann said you need to slowly wean yourself off any tablets and that is especially true for Cymbalta.
I hope you can find something that helps.
Sue xx

August 26, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Sorry your having a rough time at the moment , I think with all medication it’s trial and error what suits one , can have a really bad effect on another , when I first got Unwell i was put on Prozac I must say it did help for a while but like all meds the body gets used to them , and I would never advice anyone to just stop taking the meds as the body can’t cope with just stopping , think weening off any meds is best x

August 26, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Cymbalta turned me grumpy very mooded and short fused

August 25, 2018

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