OT - Has Your Memory Improved Wtih Cymbalta?

 Now that I'm been on this life-saving stuff (for me) for over six weeks now, I've noticed that my long-term memory seems to be improving (i.e. coming back).    The latest example of this phenomenon:  I was thinking yesterday about a topic discussed in my Abnormal Psych class back in college over 20 years ago ...  As part of the class discussion on that topic, we reviewed a rather landmark book written by a therapist in this rather controversial new form of therapy ..  Suddenly I was able to remember almost the book's  complete title and even the author's first name (nobody famous, exept as author of that one book, btw) ..   I can even see in my mind how the author appeared in the pic of the cover of the book ..  It's like having the proverbial photographic memory as to this one event ..     There's no way I think I could have remembered these details just two months ago .. I could sometimes barely remember what I did the hour before, then ..      Has anyone else experienced this effect after being on Cymbalta for awhile? 

I was on Cymbalta for two years after losing both of my parents. It was great, helped me with anxiety and just really leveled out how I handled stress. Help me to focus. It was great and am thankful for it..... It does affect you sexually tho......... just thought you would want to know that.........

  BOY  do I know that ..    "Mr. Happy" is often not quite so  errr happy ..  since being on it ..    the really weird thing too is that it can also act like an "****** blocker", for want of a better term  ..   been there, didn't have that ..     Still, like I told some the other day, I'd rather be a little less "happy" than DEAD ..   So I'll stick with the Cymbalta, at least for now ..     That reminds me ..  I was standing in line a couple of days ago at my pharmacy to get my script refilled ..  A young fellow behind me in line overhead what I was doing, and asked me how I liked Cymbalta ..  His shrink had just put him on it that same day and was there for his first script (sounded like he had previously been on some HEAVY-DUTY psychotrophiccs, btw)  ..  It felt kinda funny trying to relay the above info. to him in public in "man code talk" without being graphic .. 

OMGGG, "man code talk" you're not kidding.......... if they could just tweak that, that would be the perfect drug.......... Ughhhhhhhhhhh what a horrible side affect.............

Just thought y'all might want to know, was on Effexor for years and even though it greatly improved my severe depression, it caused terrible weight gain as well as the s..... decrease problem everyone is bringing up here.  Was just switched to Brintellix, a brand new antidepressant, and not only has my unmentionable problem begun to improve, but my memory is rapidly improving which is such a relief! Never was on Cymbalta, so can't make a comparison between that and the Brintellix.  Oh, almost forgot the most important part!!  My appetite has decreased by 60#!  I am eating 3 healthy adequate meals a day, but no longer get the constant food cravings I had on Effexor.  Good luck to everyone! 

Hi,

I was on backlofen for nerve damage, (had fusion on c7 in my neck, 1 ruptured, 3 bulging, 2 herniated), then the piece moved and I have problems with my hands. I "drop" things, and my hands ache.

Anyway the backlofen also made my head shake. Like someone with mild parkinson's.

So he put me on cymbalta. Before cymbalta my feet stung and ached (diabetic neuropathy).

Results, no head shaking, feet are great. Hands still mild pain, but I'll trade that for my head not shaking and my feet feeling great!

Although I don't think it's altered my mood at all. I think it's too busy working on the other issues.

As far as my memory, you know what, it did help and I didn't realize it until you posted. I was having problems and I thought it was the residual effects of the anethesia from surgery. Then all of a sudden I was back on track, after I started the cymbalta. But I didn't correlate the two.

Thanks for the heads up.

Diane

Paul, most people that take anti-depressants find that after anywhere from 4-8 weeks a little more clarity in their lives. We don't realize how "out of control" or mentally ill we are. Only when our brain chemistry is back "in check" do things begin to make sense again.
NOW, just because you feel good now and are remembering things, do NOT think that you don't need medication (big mistake of many people, present company included.)
AND make sure that you are getting the appropriate psychological counseling that go along with taking anti-depressants. It's a "package deal." One without the other for severe clinical depression is not an effective treatment.
I've been there, done that, got the t-shirt, fridge magnet and picture postcards.

Good point, Sandy ..    I think my PCP is trying to get me to do that as well, but I don't know if I'd feel comfortable and be able to "open up" to someone I don't even know ..  I'm a very introverted person in real life  (too bad they don't have "onlne therapists"!)  

No wonder I cant get off ....... and where has my sex drive gone ???  Seriously though, this has been a problem to me this time but not the first time.. The first time I was on Cymbalta for over a year...now post op I find that I have to go back on them ( shouldnt have gone off anyway considering my hx.) Life is better now and my situation has calmed down...some because of the meds I am sure. I think my memory is somewhat better too. I have noticed that it has on occasion given me explosive diareah (sp).. The sexual side affects will probably diminsh over time....there have been many others that have had this effect on me too...one in particular that I cant remember the name of at the moment....maybe Paxil?  Congrats on your better memory. I am sure if you stay on this, things will  continue to improve in the future or at least not get any worse.   Good luck and hugs,                                                                       Sandra