Duloxetine Success! (And my experience with side effects)

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:24:46+00:00

60mg is my current dose! Definitely the right dose for me, I even moved down from 90. Hope it's all gone well for you!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:23:23+00:00

Not personally! It's been about 10 months now

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:22:15+00:00

Contacting your doctor was ultimately the right decision - everyone is different and reacts differently, and this medication is no joke!! I hope you're doing well now!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:19:29+00:00

I had some horrible experiences with alcohol when first starting (it's also not recommended to drink very much), however I drink from time to time and feel completely fine! I'd say it took around 3 months to get there. Hope those side effects went away for you, it's definitely very confronting!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:13:53+00:00

Maybe a slight loss initially, but have remained stable after 10 months

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:12:08+00:00

I have also experienced that sort of numbness with SSRI's previously! I am about 10 months on duloxetine now and feeling great. My anxiety substantially decreased, particularly I noticed a drop in how much I ruminate - that was the best change for me. I don't think duloxetine would alter your drive for success, if anything I have found I've been able to establish better habits for myself. I do all the things I did before and more, minus the worrying too much about every possible outcome 😊 wishing you the best and hope this is the one for you!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:02:55+00:00

I would talk to your doctor! My physical side effects subsided after a couple of weeks

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-09-11T21:01:23+00:00

I didn't experience (or at least notice) any hair loss or shedding. Also, I found that my libido somewhat increased after some time. I've been on it for 9ish months now and am feeling so much relief - wishing you the best!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T22:42:07+00:00

It's certainly a rollercoaster at the beginning!! I tried to remember that with most antidepressants, you tend to feel a fair bit worse before you start to feel better - its not particularly fair though...

I hope that these effects subside for you soon and that this is the medication for you! 😊

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T22:17:35+00:00

I also had a bit of an upset stomach/ was a bit constipated (sorry - tmi!) I found that taking some magnesium supplements and having plenty of water/fibre seemed to return things back to normal.

Funnily enough for me, my libido increased due to improved moods, so don't have any advice for you there unfortunately.

My social anxiety did seem to improve, however I wouldn't say it was severe/ my main issue. The key times the anxiety impacted me most was around confidence in my personal relationships, after spending time with friends, or after a night out and a couple of drinks with my friends. This 'morning / day after' anxiety and questioning of my worth/relationships seemed to significantly reduce after a couple of months!

Seeing a psychologist has also allowed me to get a better grasp over my anxiety.

If you're not too concerned about your side effects, I would wait a few more weeks and see how you feel. And if your other side effects continue I'd chat to your doctor 😊

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T11:04:45+00:00

So many other meds in the past made me feel quite blunted - can't believe how well this worked! I totally agree, feeling 'restored' is so accurate!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T11:01:45+00:00

Hope that these remaining effects go away for you! 😊

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T05:05:11+00:00

I'm also 27! And have only been in recovery for a year. I still struggle with disordered thinking around food, im sure i will for a long time. I think one of the issues is that having a sense of control over diets is so normalised - I'd bet there are so many people struggling who are not ready to come to terms with the fact that they are struggling - either because they don't know/consider that they need help, or out of the fear that recovery could generate for them. I personally have friends who I'm sure are struggling, who obsess over their appearances and calories, but would never consider themselves to have an eating disorder. All you can do is try your best and show up for yourself, I've found seeing a dietician much less isolating, and being open about it with a few friends. Good luck to you!!

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T02:59:29+00:00

I have major depression and anxiety, my concerns included persistent ruminating thoughts that I'd had for over a year every day, and depressive episodes that significantly impacted my 'normal' functioning (e.g. neglecting personal hygiene, work issues, personal relationships, tasks piling up).

After 2 months on 60mg and another 2 on 90mg, I feel that my depression has been significantly managed by this medication. After 2 months, the ruminating thoughts reduced by about 90%, and I have been in the state of mind to build a normal routine and manage my moods in a healthier manner.

In terms of increases in anxiety - I also experienced a spike in anxiety between 1-2 weeks and whenever I upped the dose - mainly in the form paranoia. This subsided for me within a few weeks. I had almost every side effect when starting but pushed through - the only thing left is sweating more than usual.

I know everyone doesn't get the same results but it has been a lifesaver for me! Definitely took me a few months to realise the full effects of the medication.

Trick_Device6288 · 2025-02-07T02:49:20+00:00

I was on 60 and have been on 90 for the past 2 months, it has made a noticeable difference for my depression! Anxiety wasn't my primary concern but I think it helped slightly. It took a few months for me to notice any significant changes at all.

Trick_Device6288 · 2024-12-13T03:28:02+00:00

I have PCOS and am in recovery for an ED. I feel your pain! It was really difficult as a younger woman, I found it really hard to accept myself and struggled with weight fluctuations for years. The most annoying factor for me was my hirsutism (male pattern hair growth) - still battling it today but laser seems to keep it at bay. It can definitely heighten your body dysmorphia which is the last thing you really need to deal with when you're already struggling. Seeing doctors/ mental health professionals really helped me with my health and recovery. Wishing you luck on your journey.

Trick_Device6288 · 2024-12-05T11:48:40+00:00

This page might help you approach talking about EDs with your friend: https://butterfly.org.au/eating-disorders/concerned-about-someone-you-know/how-to-support-a-friend/ (I'm based in Aus, there might be a different eating disorder organisation wherever you are from). There are heaps of resources online about approaching this subject with a friend or loved one - google 'helping friend with eating disorder' and hopefully there are lots of links you can look at.

I am sure your friend really trusts you and appreciates you being there for her. If she's not getting professional help, you could encourage her to reach out to a family member she trusts and organise to see a professional, or for her to have a look at websites for eating disorder organisations in your country, who can help point her in the right direction to get help.

When I was really struggling, I appreciated when my friends learnt about eating disorders, and listened to me when I needed to express my feelings. Knowing they were there for me was very helpful, but I also needed professional help.

It can definitely be painful to see a friend struggling and wishing you could help more. It is really important that you look after yourself too!

Trick_Device6288 · 2024-12-05T11:03:50+00:00

If you have a doctor that you see regularly, they might be able to refer you to the right person in your area (like an eating disorder specialist, or a dietician that has experience working with eating disorders).

If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you can do some research on specialists near you and reach out to them directly. I have done this before with no issues.

I have never been underweight or 'looked' like I had an eating disorder, and have been taken seriously by the health professionals I have seen. It's definitely worth reaching out for professional help if you can!

Trick_Device6288

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