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What's your experience with duloxetine (US Brand Name; Cymbalta)?

Posted by d13 @d13, Jan 11, 2022

I was prescribed by my oncologist for the neuropathy in feet and hands. The chemotherapy treatments did this. This drug also states that it is used to treat depression and anxiety. As with any prescription medication, there could be side effects. And a huge list of what not to take with this drug. He also prescribed hydrocodone 5 mg, but to take half of pill four times daily for cancer pain. We’ll, when I got home and read about the Duloxetine use; one of the medications on the list was hydrocodone. I’m now waiting for a call from the oncologist office to see if I can take the Duloxetine with the hydrocodone. Can anyone at least tell me if they have ever taken this medication; Duloxetine? And any side effects?

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wisco50 | @wisco50 | 6 days ago
In reply to @patriciaschulz1950 "Good Morning. I was referred to a pain management doctor in February 2025, for my idiopathic..." + (show)
@patriciaschulz1950

Good Morning. I was referred to a pain management doctor in February 2025, for my idiopathic neuropathy. I had tried Gabatentin, Lyrica, and almost all over the counter meds. I was so depressed after a failed surgery which caused more pain. My family didn’t recognize me, I didn’t recognize myself. I felt like I was going down the rabbit hole…didn’t care if I just laid in pain and felt sorry for myself. And that made me even more depressed as I wanted my old personality and will to live back. Happy to share more background, move forward this Pain Management doctor suggested Duloextine 60 mg….starting with 20mg…increasing over 6 -8 weeks to reach 60 mg. After one week of 20 mg, I was a different person. I actually wanted to live…now the antidepressant hasn’t helped with neuropathy pain, however with this medication I am able to handle it. Come up with solutions, and routines that help with pain. I have read all the negatives, but at age 75 and managing this horrid illness…I praise the drug and what it does for me.

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It has helped some of my chronic pain (spinal stenosis) in lumbar and neck pain.
It used to help my depression but I have been kind of rocky lately.

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kimmiesue | @kimmiesue | 5 days ago
In reply to @d13 "Thank you, I’ll check into that. The only reaction I noticed was the lightheadedness, which lasted..." + (show)
@d13

Thank you, I’ll check into that. The only reaction I noticed was the lightheadedness, which lasted the full 24 hours.

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I've taken duloxetine for several years for depression after a previous med stopped working. I did have considerable joint pain when my depression was not fully treated. (There is a known link between inflammation and depression in some cases.) The duloxetine eliminated the joint pain almost totally. I was really surprised. I take numerous other prescription medications, but I did not experience additional side effects when started it. I hope it can be a helpful treatment for your pain.

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Shelley Renea | @shelrenea74 | 5 days ago
In reply to @ess77 "@d13, and all...I've taken Cymbalta for several years with excellent results. It was first prescribed for..." + (show)
@ess77

@d13, and all...I've taken Cymbalta for several years with excellent results. It was first prescribed for help with fibromyalgia pain, peripheral neuropathy as well. It may help with depression, I hope so since that's part of the whole picture with fibromyalgia and other health issues I have. I've tapered off several other drugs with the help of my physician, at my request as I was on far too much chemical medication and was determined to reduce the stuff.

I now take 120 mg of Cymbalta. It helps my fibromyalgia and the peripheral neurology is much improved. I'm off hydrocodone, 800 mg ibuprofen 4x daily for years, Neurontin, Lyrica, and others. Now, I take Cymbalta, use medical marijuana 1:1, CBD:THC capsules and/or tincture at night, Requip for restless legs and it helps a lot with walking and daytime movement, and other meds I'll take for a long time. But, I'm off the really strong chemicals that affect the brain and cause fuzzy brain and other side effects. Now, I'm closer to my real self than I've been for as long as I can remember. It's wonderful. I feel free. And, Cymbalta is part of that free feeling. It's a good drug for me and my needs. I will continue to take it until I'm healed or ???

I hope this little testimonial from a patient with multiple health issues. Of all the drugs I've taken over the years, it helps the best at what it does and with no negatives. I have less pain and better control with the changes I've made. I send you blessings as you walk this journey through the medical system and your health challenges. Blessings, elizabeth

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I am currently taking Cymbalta for major depression. I've been on 60 mg for about 3 months now. I am feeling no different. I'm constantly tired, have no motivation or energy. All I want to do is sleep. I have been on all kinds of different antidepressants since I was 15 years old. I don't know if I should get on a higher dosage or switch to a different antidepressant. 😕

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sharongkinney1117 | @sharongkinney1117 | 5 days ago

I’d say get off of it. I had the same symptoms when I was on in made me no depressed. I didn’t want to go anywhere, take showers, lots of fatigue, no motivation, lay in bed all day. I had my dr. to ween me off of it, with a 2 week schedule. I don’t want to ever be on it again. I read where they are taking it off the market. Best of luck.

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