Is Cymbalta addictive?

Is Cymbalta right for my needs?

• hi, recently i was prescibed a trial month of Cymbalta for my depression and stress. I am worried about taking it because i dont know if the side effects outweigh the benfits. My issues are: -depression -stress -high BP -and ED Ive had all those most of my life, except the ED, i was struck by that about 6 months ago when the stress at my place of work, and in my out of work life at the time got much much worse. Serveral sources say that anti-depressants can help lower depression and stress levels resulting in lowered BP, and since my ED is cause by stress, as i am always wound tighter than a piece of rope, will Cymbalta help me with my ED, or make it worse. The truth is that my main concern is my ED, ive lived well enough with depression and stress my whole life for that not to plague me much, dont get me wrong, it sucks, but i can deal with it. at certain times when my stress is lower, i find my ED issue subsides, then i get stressed and it comes back.. i know cymbalta can have adverse effects on sexual functions, but is it worth takeing if it stands a chance of correcting my problems. This presciption is only a trial prescipting for one month, no more. The doc i consulted said if it seemed to work after the first months doses, she would continue my treatment on cymbalta, or switch me. Also, out of what i have researched myself about Cymbalta, i havent looked for this yet, will Cymbalta have adverse effects on my already bad kidneys??? answers from thise who have had personal expreieneces with Cymbalta would be very appreciated, but also ur opinions or knowlegde on what i have said here as well. thank you

• Answer:

  Cymbalta is a very good antidepressant, very effective for depression but..... It will cause ED all by itself, it's raised my levels of AST & ALT so it's definitely not good for livers, they say it's just as rough on kidneys. I've suffered depression for 20 years, clinical depression, or I wouldn't have considered Cymbalta. I also have HCV, so my liver is borderline at best. My choices were limited, suicide or let something else kill me. The Cymbalta works and I'm still here, without it I wouldn't be. If your choices are more flexible I'd suggest prozac, an oldie but a goodie. Effexor is also good but causes weight gain and is sometimes a very difficult antidepressant to discontinue. If you had a baseline kidney function & blood test done prior to starting the Cymbalta you'll find out in a hurry if it's having negative effects. If not, have them done after a couple months. By then it will be affecting your kidneys, or it shouldn't be a problem.