Hi all! I see all the horror stories here, and I wanted to chime in with a positive post about Cymbalta, as well as some nifty information. Keep in mind that I am what some would call "violently anti-drug", particularly when it comes to ADs.

I suffer from PTSD, and about twelve years ago, I was put through the ringer with SSRIs and mood stabilizers. They messed up my cognitive function terribly, and did nothing for my depression. Since that time, I have been as anti-drug as you can get. Recently, my symptoms really got severe and were accompanied by a crushing depression. I stayed on the couch for a month. Eventually, I realized I really needed help, and decided to try the sample of Cymbalta that my PDoc gave me last year. I tried it once before, but it made me so sleepy, that I never got off the couch then either. Desperate, I decided to try again and ride out what I hoped was temporary lethargy. Sure enough, the 30mg once daily dose knocked me on my rear every day. I slept constantly and awoke tired. But, I noticed that when I woke up and the medicine was wearing off, I felt oddly good. I was able to focus, plan, accomplish a ton of household tasks, and even shower and go out in the world (I usually stay home if at all possible). I began to reason that perhaps I only needed a very small dose. I have always suspected that I react to medicines much more than most people. So, I began to dump about 1/4 to 1/3 of each 30mg capsule into an empty gel cap and take that as my dose. Well WOW! What a difference! I cannot say enough positive things about the experience. On 30mg, I had a lot of chest tightness, teeth grinding and lethargy. On 5mg to 10mg, I am like my old self from twelve years ago, before the event that caused the PTSD. As anti-drug as I am, I have to admit that I am very happy with this. I will be taking this for my A.D.D. symptoms as well from now on, since it really seems to help that too. Whoopee! Now let's just hope the effect doesn't stop after a few months. This rocks!

That's great! I've been on Cymbalta 30mg now for a week and I really think it's helping as well. I've been avoiding going on meds for quite a while and realized I can't do it alone after battling depression and severe mood swings for a couple years now. I really think it's helping too. My body is adjusting still, but i definitely have noticed a difference in the way I feel. I'm accomplishing more and just feel more peaceful, not so tense and irritable. I'm hoping this continues...and that I can stay on 30mg. It seems that most people get bumped up to 60mg or higher, but I would love to stay on a low dose and keep seeing positive results.

I also love Cymbalta... its the only anti-depressant that has ever made me feel like I have a life again!!

I'm so glad you guys are doing well. We need more people to come on here and be positive. Not that i don't appreciate the people who come here looking for answers for serious issues, it's just hard to start a new medication, come on here, see 980984095830 posts about scarey side affects, and still remain calm and think, "Well, gee, I might have to deal with THAT for a few weeks". I can't say enough how good it is to see this, it gives everyone hope that with the right medication, therapy, and a good outlook, thanks CAN get better!

I'm also doing really well on Cymbalta (and Buspar), I seem to be climbing out of the hole, which is always a nice feeling. It's not gone (it never is), but I can deal with this type of depression! Yay!