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Hubby was prescribed duloxetine (Cymbalta) it, didn't like it as much as effexor, but it did seem to have some helpful effects, reduced suicide ideation, just didn't make him "feel as good". UK GPs can't prescribe effexor, only psychiatrists. Both are SNRIs. Just that the effexor seemed to work within hours, makes him a bit "manic" but not in a bad way, just a slight tendency to megalomania, which he recognises and redirects his energy more positively/ sensibly!

Cymbalta didn't give him many side effects (minor sexual ones only, which were actually a plus for me! - you can work out this one for yourself!)

you take it am, takes a few weeks for full affect, weight gain ya but not too much if u take steps to control it. but seriously, if your only going to be taking it for a while, or plan to stop, get soemthing else. the withdrawal effects are HORRIBLE. and linked to death. there are lots of websites against cymbalta as well. be very carefull. i for one feel better being off of it

It normal takes up to 4 weeks until it reaches full effectiveness your energy should go up and it's not known to cause weight gain like other SSRI such as Paxil

anitdepressants can be hit or miss as far as effectiveness, its not unusual for someone to have to try a couple different drugs before they find one that works. it usually takes 1-2 months for them to have their full effect so dont give up on it right away. usually gives people more energy, but sometimes it makes people tired. doesnt have any major effect on weight to my knowledge anyway. ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have other questions.