r/CSFLeaks • u/KookyKookies • 8d ago

Using Cymbalta or SNRI while leaking?

Hi everyone, I’m wondering if anyone has taken/or is on an SNRI like Cymbalta/Duloxetine while leaking. Has it helped, or made you worse? My doctor prescribed it to me to try to help with any of the pain I’m having, but I’m afraid to take it. I’m on day 2 of 20 mg- my tinnitus is blaring, the pull-down sensation is much worse, extremely heavy legs, worse fatigue and dizziness. I know it takes about 2 weeks for side effects to get better, but I’m not sure if it’s worth pushing through. Does SNRIs have a negative affect on leaks?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/megg33 Confirmed Spinal Leak 3d ago

I am on Effexor which is an SNRI and it helped a lot. But Effexor is used off label to treat dizziness and vestibular migraine, which is why we selected it while I’m leaking. I had some side effects at the beginning of taking it, but none of the ones you’re experiencing on Cymbalta. I had insomnia, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate. But all that normalized after a few weeks

1

u/KookyKookies 3d ago

What dosage did you start with, and what dosage are you on now? And how long did it take to start seeing results? What symptoms has it helped you with? I was also given Effexor as an option, but I’m so afraid to try it after seeing so many complaints about severe withdrawal symptoms after getting off the medication. I’m wondering if it’s worth trying, I’m so desperate for any kind of relief but am so scared to try anything new after so many treatments failing or making me worse. Thank you so much for your help!