Everyone Is Different
#1
Posted 07 April 2018 - 08:10 PM
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#5
Posted 08 April 2018 - 08:07 AM
Welcome to our forum. Come by anytime you wish. You seem to know yourself in that matter. Let's say that about 30% go through tough withdrawal, 40% are mild and others don't have any withdrawal. Correct me if I'm wrong Fisherman.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
#9
Posted 08 April 2018 - 10:08 AM
Everyone is different...
I went off cold turkey over 4 yrs ago (which was a stupid thing to do) as I did not know better. Once I found this forum I found help and great people.
My withdrawal lasted a yr and it was Hell
The drug leaves your system in a few days, but it is your brain and other things in your body that take time to heal. This is different for each person.
Fisherman will come along and be able to explain this much better than I - hang in there!
#10
Posted 08 April 2018 - 10:19 AM
Cymbalta and other psych meds actually change the synapses where the neurotransmitters bond. Changes their shape. TFL is right, the medicine is out of your system in a few days but it takes up to 2 years for nerves to slowly heal. There are several factors in play.
The synapses change shape and only slowly return to normal.
The medicine is no longer controlling your neurotransmitters and your body must readapt to controlling them.
During your withdrawal there continues to be outside stress that causes this process to slow and alter your concentrations of neurotransmitters.
As we all know, nerves heal and adapt slowly.
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#11
Posted 08 April 2018 - 11:05 AM
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#13
Posted 08 April 2018 - 12:24 PM
Hi! I'm new to this forum. I was taking 120 mg of Cymbalta for arthritis and fibromyalgia pain. It never really helped with the pain, but I was afraid to wean off because of all the things I read on the internet. But, after 40 lbs weight gain, and can't seem to lose weight, I am attempting to wean. Heck, all this weight gain has added to my pain and it makes me sedentary. The Cymbalta makes me feel so numb. I don't have any real joy in life. I don't feel like exercising (which helps with the pain eventually). I had major heat intolerance. The vivid dreams were almost nightmares. I felt dizzy at times and would run into furniture, door facings and get horrible bruises. The dizziness kept me from doing yoga. And, my libido is gone. So, I hoping to get back to my normal self soon.
I cut down to 60 mg for about 3 days. Then I started to take 60 every other day. Now, I plan to try 30 every other day. So far, I have had no withdrawal symptoms! Am I in the minority here? I was taking a generic. Maybe, that's why?
#14
Posted 08 April 2018 - 02:15 PM
Welcome p1n...
It looks like you may be in that minority 20% that has little to no withdrawal. I would warn against the every other day thing as Cymbalta has a 12 hour half life and the every other day thing jerks your blood levels up and down too much. Instead I would just pour our half the beads that are inside and take that every day. If the bottom falls out and suddenly things get overwhelming just go back up to the next higher dose you used and then let us know and we will set you up with bead counting to finish your wean.
Your doing great so far. Hang in there.
#16
Posted 09 April 2018 - 09:17 PM
#18
Posted 13 April 2018 - 03:39 PM
Hi I have been doing a lot of reading of past posts on this site when I came across Fishing Hats posts from 2014. I was wondering if Fishing Hat would mind if I asked some questions. I have been on here before and told you a little of my story but I'd be more than happy to share again. I wasn't aware of this site and counting beads when I stopped taking cymbalta and gabapentin (which was prescribed for fibromyalgia) and I was starting to get problems with my kidney and I only have one so I decided on my own to wean myself off. Shortly after dropping from 30mg to nothing on Cymbalta and 100mg of Gabapentin to nothing, I started getting 24/7 fear and anxiety, heart palpitations, I wasn't able to eat or sleep. The worst I have ever felt in my whole life. this was back around December 1. Up until March 20 I was taking a small dose of wellbutrin(1/8 or less of a 75mg tablet) to help with the panic attacks but I wasn't able to eat or sleep on wellbutrin so I needed to get off. Since that time the fear has gotten progressively worse and now is almost completely unbearable. My doctor was nice enough to give me a small prescription of lorazapam .05 which I treat as gold and only take it if I can't deal any longer. Maybe once a week. Lately it has not been helping. The attacks start when I wake up (unfortunately 5:30am) and continue until about 8pm. If I have trouble sleeping I have been chewing up a melatonin and that has been keeping me sleeping. My biggest question to you Fishing Hat is did it ever stop? When? As I said I know its different for everyone but I was just wondering if you had to go back on antidepressants. Where do I stop and give up? I don't want to take them because I am worried of the long term side effects and I don't like the dizziness so I would rather not take them but seriously I can't live like this!! I can't keep curling up in my closet and avoiding anything too stressful. Thank god for my daughter, she's been pushing me into doing things so my world doesn't fall apart. Please let me know what you did, what worked for you, and how long did it take for it to go away or did it. I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thanks so much
Linda
#19
Posted 13 April 2018 - 03:42 PM
Hi I have been doing a lot of reading of past posts on this site when I came across Fishing Hats posts from 2014. I was wondering if Fishing Hat would mind if I asked some questions. I have been on here before and told you a little of my story but I'd be more than happy to share again. I wasn't aware of this site and counting beads when I stopped taking cymbalta and gabapentin (which was prescribed for fibromyalgia) and I was starting to get problems with my kidney and I only have one so I decided on my own to wean myself off. Shortly after dropping from 30mg to nothing on Cymbalta and 100mg of Gabapentin to nothing, I started getting 24/7 fear and anxiety, heart palpitations, I wasn't able to eat or sleep. The worst I have ever felt in my whole life. this was back around December 1. Up until March 20 I was taking a small dose of wellbutrin(1/8 or less of a 75mg tablet) to help with the panic attacks but I wasn't able to eat or sleep on wellbutrin so I needed to get off. Since that time the fear has gotten progressively worse and now is almost completely unbearable. My doctor was nice enough to give me a small prescription of lorazapam .05 which I treat as gold and only take it if I can't deal any longer. Maybe once a week. Lately it has not been helping. The attacks start when I wake up (unfortunately 5:30am) and continue until about 8pm. If I have trouble sleeping I have been chewing up a melatonin and that has been keeping me sleeping. My biggest question to you Fishing Hat is did it ever stop? When? As I said I know its different for everyone but I was just wondering if you had to go back on antidepressants. Where do I stop and give up? I don't want to take them because I am worried of the long term side effects and I don't like the dizziness so I would rather not take them but seriously I can't live like this!! I can't keep curling up in my closet and avoiding anything too stressful. Thank god for my daughter, she's been pushing me into doing things so my world doesn't fall apart. Please let me know what you did, what worked for you, and how long did it take for it to go away or did it. I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thanks so much
Linda
Sorry looks like something's got erased as I was writing. Upon reading your posts I realized you went through the same feelings as i did "FEAR" based anxiety. I try to explain to others about it and its hard for them to understand. so hopefully you will and may be able to help.
#20
Posted 13 April 2018 - 05:36 PM
Hi again Linda. I really sympathize. That was probably the worse thing I have ever experienced. Cymbalta caused complete shutdown of testosterone production so when the withdrawal and fear started the drs did not want me to go back on an AD. Normally testosterone production returns within 3 months if you stay of ADs. After 3 months of steady 24/7 fear they tried everything including benzos and 3 ADs and it did nothing. They raised my clonidine and put me on hydroxyzine and that reduced it some. They finally raised my hydroxyzine to 50 mg 3 times a day and 100 mg at bedtime. This cut the fear in half. I continued to bear with it until finally after 9 months it was just too much. I went on a low dose of Zoloft to finally get relief. (months of steady fear, even in my dreams). I don't know how my wife handled it. God bless her, she tried to console me but I am sure you know there is no way to console a person going through that.
If I had it to do over I would certainly start by focusing on the clonidine and hydroxyzine. I have spent the last 5 years coming off the other drugs they tried on me and probably have another 2 years to go before I can try and reduce my Zoloft. As fear is centered n the hippocampus and amygdala I would assume this condition is related to a serotonin imbalance. (makes sense since Zoloft was the AD to help and it regulates serotonin.)
With that in mind you might lean toward trying 5htp or L-theanine. At the time I could not try those because of the testosterone issue and other meds I was on. If you decide to try them go with just one at a time and start with a low dose and work your way up. Of course be sure it is compatible with any other meds you are taking.
Feel free to ask questions at any time. Glad to help.
#21
Posted 13 April 2018 - 08:05 PM
Hi again Linda. I really sympathize. That was probably the worse thing I have ever experienced. Cymbalta caused complete shutdown of testosterone production so when the withdrawal and fear started the drs did not want me to go back on an AD. Normally testosterone production returns within 3 months if you stay of ADs. After 3 months of steady 24/7 fear they tried everything including benzos and 3 ADs and it did nothing. They raised my clonidine and put me on hydroxyzine and that reduced it some. They finally raised my hydroxyzine to 50 mg 3 times a day and 100 mg at bedtime. This cut the fear in half. I continued to bear with it until finally after 9 months it was just too much. I went on a low dose of Zoloft to finally get relief. (months of steady fear, even in my dreams). I don't know how my wife handled it. God bless her, she tried to console me but I am sure you know there is no way to console a person going through that.
If I had it to do over I would certainly start by focusing on the clonidine and hydroxyzine. I have spent the last 5 years coming off the other drugs they tried on me and probably have another 2 years to go before I can try and reduce my Zoloft. As fear is centered n the hippocampus and amygdala I would assume this condition is related to a serotonin imbalance. (makes sense since Zoloft was the AD to help and it regulates serotonin.)
With that in mind you might lean toward trying 5htp or L-theanine. At the time I could not try those because of the testosterone issue and other meds I was on. If you decide to try them go with just one at a time and start with a low dose and work your way up. Of course be sure it is compatible with any other meds you are taking.
Feel free to ask questions at any time. Glad to help.
Thank you so much for your insight. You do get it. Its the worst thing I have ever experienced. Its not very encouraging, however. 9 months!! Was that because of the testosterone issue that it took so long to repair ? I'm at the end of my rope. Benozo's aren't even helping that much anymore because it seems to be getting worse. I think I mentioned I try not to take them as much as possible because of the problems benzos cause. I thought for a while it was getting better but then bam it got worse. I'll check into the 5htp or L-theanine. Have you heard of anyone else going through this? Have you heard of anyone getting past it without going back to AD? I don't want to go back but i don't know how much more of this I can take. The only other meds I'm taking are inhalers for COPD, Opioids for pain (3 crushed discs) tylenol and occasionally 1/2 metropol when my heart is racing at night. I've tried to get off as many meds as possible and even decreased the amount of opioids i take. I wish i didn't have to take any meds. They all have such awful side effects. Did Buspar do anything for the fear? That was one thing they recommended and Paxil. My mom takes Zoloft and said it works for her. What corrects the seratonin levels? You seemed to have done so much research and I sure need to do that myself. I just don't trust the meds doctors are always trying to push on us. Thanks for your help and sorry if I sound a little scattered I try to keep my thoughts together but as you know it can be difficult.
Linda
#22
Posted 14 April 2018 - 08:13 AM
"9 months!! Was that because of the testosterone issue that it took so long to repair ?"
No the testosterone had nothing to do with it other than limiting what medicines I tried. I went on testosterone replacement therapy on the end of month three and was at normal levels a week later but yet the fear continued for about 6 months longer.
"Have you heard of anyone else going through this? Have you heard of anyone getting past it without going back to AD?"
We have had several members who have had fear issues but not as much as you and I. Some recovered without ADs but most went back on a gentler AD like Zoloft, Prozac or Lexapro and then when stable weaned off of that. Sucks.
"Did Buspar do anything for the fear? "
No, it is too weak a AD for much effect on withdrawal. And by the way, Paxil is just as hard to get off of as Cymbalta. I wouldn't think that is a good choice.
"What corrects the serotonin levels? "
Most antidepressants correct serotonin levels except Wellbutrin which acts on dopamine. Also in the Medical Support section is a thread called "and the answer to your question is...". It is a summary of what people have done to raise their levels as well as research into foods, meds, etc that can raise serotonin. You might check that out.
Hang in there Linda. Its tough but you will make it through this.
#23
Posted 14 April 2018 - 01:55 PM
"9 months!! Was that because of the testosterone issue that it took so long to repair ?"
No the testosterone had nothing to do with it other than limiting what medicines I tried. I went on testosterone replacement therapy on the end of month three and was at normal levels a week later but yet the fear continued for about 6 months longer.
"Have you heard of anyone else going through this? Have you heard of anyone getting past it without going back to AD?"
We have had several members who have had fear issues but not as much as you and I. Some recovered without ADs but most went back on a gentler AD like Zoloft, Prozac or Lexapro and then when stable weaned off of that. Sucks.
"Did Buspar do anything for the fear? "
No, it is too weak a AD for much effect on withdrawal. And by the way, Paxil is just as hard to get off of as Cymbalta. I wouldn't think that is a good choice.
"What corrects the serotonin levels? "
Most antidepressants correct serotonin levels except Wellbutrin which acts on dopamine. Also in the Medical Support section is a thread called "and the answer to your question is...". It is a summary of what people have done to raise their levels as well as research into foods, meds, etc that can raise serotonin. You might check that out.
Hang in there Linda. Its tough but you will make it through this.
Thanks so much. Im just getting to the point where I have to do something about it. If I go on something like zoloft and wean off that will it go back to the same thing all over again? Will it repair itself while on the zoloft? I'm so glad I asked about the paxil as its sitting here filled but not taken. Thats what my primary prescribed but as I said I am so much more careful on what I take from now on. I just hate to go back to taking something like zoloft and having to go through this whole thing all over again from the beginning. I've suffered so long already. Thats the thing, like you said in one of your posts, living with the uncertainty of it all. I don't know what I should do. Everyday is just such a struggle. Well thanks again.Linda
#24
Posted 14 April 2018 - 02:04 PM
Cymbalta regulates norepinephrine and serotonin. If you switch to Zoloft it should take care of he Serotonin part of the withdrawal. While on Zoloft the norepinephrine system should recover. After being on Zoloft for a few months you can start withdrawing from it. Zoloft has a much longer half life so it is easier to withdraw from it. At least for most.
Almost forgot to mention, Zoloft, like other ADS, takes about 6 weeks to kick in so you would need to go up in baby steps. Say 25 mg for 6 weeks, then 50 mg for 6 weeks, etc until you get to a minimum dose that works. You could just start up on 150 mg and get it over with but then you have farther to wean alter.
#25
Posted 14 April 2018 - 05:41 PM
I had been on 120 mg of Cymbalta for 3 and 1/2 years and I weaned down and quit cold turkey after about 2 weeks. Yes, I may be in the lucky percentage, but in my humble opinion, I am working on healing my brain. I am taking double amounts of B complex vitamins, eating as healthy as I can and supplementing with melatonin to sleep. I have finally felt like exercising to also increase endorphins. It's been a week and yes, I have had side effects. Short temper now, but this to shall pass. I have done this in the past with tofranil a horrible drug and Xanax another one. I've finally come to the conclusion that pharmaceuticals don't help and cause too many side effects. Natural is the way to go. I am almost 60 years old and I'm tired of all this mess.
So in summary, get off the crap. Ride the tide; it will get better. Don't trade a demon for a devil.
#26
Posted 14 April 2018 - 06:03 PM
P1nk..
I had suggested clonidine and/or hydroxyzine to help her get through the tough times but you do have to realize that people have committed suicide during AD withdrawal. I want to be sure that everybody realizes there is an option. Supplements can be wonderful but even they can be dangerous. We have had many members take supplements only to find they have severe side effects, allergies, to them. Everything carries a risk. Multivitamins are the number one source of ER visits for supplement poisoning/allergies. Care must be used with all things. Do your research and then start out with a low dose and raise it slowly just to be safe.
#27
Posted 15 April 2018 - 11:37 AM
I agree with both. While I really want to do this naturally my body can only take so much. Its been since december with this anxiety/fear 24/7. I just want it to be over!! If I could get a definitive ending to this I could get through it but to hear going a year to two years I just don't think I can do this. Its driving me insane. I can't even live my life because I am afraid of everything.I have never in my whole life been afraid of everything which scares me in itself. I have been doing research into the things you've said but the fear has taken hold and I'm afraid to take anything. Clonidine is for high blood pressure, isn't it? and the hydroxyzine, is that just sedating? I get a lot of heart palpitations so my doctor prescribed Metoprolol. It messes with my eyesight so I only take 1/2 tablet at night but it helps. Its worse the first thing I wake up. Its like the adrenaline peaks and I feel like I'm jumping out of my skin. Nothing so far has helped with that. I get up and turn on the tv which helps sometimes as a distraction as long as what I'm watching isn't too scary. As p1nkr...said everything has side effects so I'm trying hard to get off as much as possible. But looking into the natural way looks as if it has side effects as well. 5htp sounds like it should work but has so many side effects and interactions. Is it the serotonin deficiency thats causing this fear? Did the fear stop when you went on Zoloft? Thanks so much for all your advice. I am sincerely taking all in consideration and researching to see whats best for me.
Thanks
#28
Posted 15 April 2018 - 12:03 PM
"Clonidine is for high blood pressure, isn't it? and the hydroxyzine, is that just sedating?"
Clonidine has FDA approval for high blood pressure and anxiety. Not including ADs it is the second most prescribed medicine for anxiety. Hydroxyzine is approved for sleep and anxiety. It is the 3rd most prescribed anxiety medicine.
"I get a lot of heart palpitations so my doctor prescribed Metoprolol. It messes with my eyesight so I only take 1/2 tablet at night but it helps."
Drs, urgg. Metoprolol. The heart pounding and fast pulse is a condition called adrenergic state. It is caused by a constant production of adrenaline. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker which means it blocks the beta adrenaline binding sires and slows down the pulse, lowers blood pressure and helps with heart pounding. The number one Beta-blocker used for that condition is atenolol which also is more effective for anxiety than Metoprolol, and 2nd is propanolol. Neither atenolol or propanolol will effect vision unless your bp drops too low.
Natural or prescription, you are asking a chemical to control your emotions. It is not possible to achieve that without the risk of side effects.
"5htp sounds like it should work but has so many side effects and interactions. Is it the serotonin deficiency thats causing this fear? Did the fear stop when you went on Zoloft? "
5htp and tryptophan have had some very good effects for many who are going through withdrawal but do have a high number of side effects and drug interactions. You must understand most of the prescription and homeopathic supplements lower blood pressure. That is how we calm a person down is to reduce their metabolic rate. Of course here are many ways to do that. It should be noted that neurotransmitters like serotonin and adrenaline and norepinephrine are literally used throughout our body. The control not only our emotions but also our heart, pituitary, reproductive organs, thyroid, bladder, GI tract, muscles, etc etc. It is almost impossible to take enough of any of these treatments to help with emotions and not effect other systems. And then, well we stop the medicine and our nervous system goes crazy. The medicine is no longer present to control the neurotransmitters and the body reacts. It has been shown that it takes the body's nervous system around 2 years to totally recover.
I started on 50 mg of Zoloft for one month, then 75, then 100,... Each increase in dose brought more relief until I finally hit a level of being comfortable.
I have a large medical library I have collected over the years on nearly all of these types of concerns. If there is something specific you want to know about I would be glad to share. By the way, the thread "and the answer to your question is..." in the Medical Support sections includes a lot of details on nearly all the research on anxiety/depression/medication/supplement questions as well as what members have tried and what worked and what didn't. It should help answer a lot of questions for you.
#29
Posted 15 April 2018 - 06:31 PM
"Clonidine is for high blood pressure, isn't it? and the hydroxyzine, is that just sedating?"
Clonidine has FDA approval for high blood pressure and anxiety. Not including ADs it is the second most prescribed medicine for anxiety. Hydroxyzine is approved for sleep and anxiety. It is the 3rd most prescribed anxiety medicine.
"I get a lot of heart palpitations so my doctor prescribed Metoprolol. It messes with my eyesight so I only take 1/2 tablet at night but it helps."
Drs, urgg. Metoprolol. The heart pounding and fast pulse is a condition called adrenergic state. It is caused by a constant production of adrenaline. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker which means it blocks the beta adrenaline binding sires and slows down the pulse, lowers blood pressure and helps with heart pounding. The number one Beta-blocker used for that condition is atenolol which also is more effective for anxiety than Metoprolol, and 2nd is propanolol. Neither atenolol or propanolol will effect vision unless your bp drops too low.Natural or prescription, you are asking a chemical to control your emotions. It is not possible to achieve that without the risk of side effects.
"5htp sounds like it should work but has so many side effects and interactions. Is it the serotonin deficiency thats causing this fear? Did the fear stop when you went on Zoloft? "
5htp and tryptophan have had some very good effects for many who are going through withdrawal but do have a high number of side effects and drug interactions. You must understand most of the prescription and homeopathic supplements lower blood pressure. That is how we calm a person down is to reduce their metabolic rate. Of course here are many ways to do that. It should be noted that neurotransmitters like serotonin and adrenaline and norepinephrine are literally used throughout our body. The control not only our emotions but also our heart, pituitary, reproductive organs, thyroid, bladder, GI tract, muscles, etc etc. It is almost impossible to take enough of any of these treatments to help with emotions and not effect other systems. And then, well we stop the medicine and our nervous system goes crazy. The medicine is no longer present to control the neurotransmitters and the body reacts. It has been shown that it takes the body's nervous system around 2 years to totally recover.
I started on 50 mg of Zoloft for one month, then 75, then 100,... Each increase in dose brought more relief until I finally hit a level of being comfortable.I have a large medical library I have collected over the years on nearly all of these types of concerns. If there is something specific you want to know about I would be glad to share. By the way, the thread "and the answer to your question is..." in the Medical Support sections includes a lot of details on nearly all the research on anxiety/depression/medication/supplement questions as well as what members have tried and what worked and what didn't. It should help answer a lot of questions for you.
WOW thank you so much for all the information. I will definitely read that section. My eyes get kinda wonky after a lot of reading and have been doing a lot of other research but will definitely take the time to read that section. I thank all of you for doing such great research and helping people like me. Just to know someone else out there has gone through what I'm going through is a big help. I will talk to my doctor about the clonidine and hydroxyzine first and see if that helps. I've just been so stuck and haven't asked her yet. Shes a great doctor but I don't think she quite understands the effects of antidepressant withdrawals. I'll read that section and if I have any other specific questions I'll let you know.
Thanks
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