Jump to content



Photo

Help! Unexpectedly Pregnant.. Need To Stop Cymbalta


  • Please log in to reply
18 replies to this topic

#1 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 26 November 2021 - 07:04 PM

Hello all!

I have been trying ti stop cymbalta for years as it was prescribed for fibromyalgia when i was weary and didn’t really help.  But, coming off of it, i get horrible brain zaps if i don’t take a dose. 

I’m on 90mg.  I read a lot about supplementation and others’ plans for weaning and could really use a plan from those that had success.  

 

Biggest thing is any supplements SAFE while pregnant and that will help maybe prevent brain zaps?

 

I so don’t want to hurt this miracle that was a suprise for sure!


#2 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 26 November 2021 - 08:30 PM

Hi Julia,

 

I can see that you have been sat in the background on the site for some time so you will be familiar with a lot of what is going on here, but great that you speak out for help as that is what we are here for. And congratulations on your pending miracle!

 

Brain zaps are so common, almost par for the course when tapering. The two things that have helped the most is Omega 3 and gaterade. I would personally opt for the first, and for this you need to make sure that the combined EPA/DHA is 2000mg or more. This usually requires 3 or maybe 4 capsules per serving, but this is normal, and it a lot of cases, it DOES help. Just make sure you opt for a good brand that has been checked for heavy metals etc, and is responsibly sourced. This will not be a problem whilst you are pregnant as long as it it pure extract - do not buy any with vitamin supplementation - especially vitamin A as this could cause problems.

 

Difficult to suggest a plan not knowing what you have tried before, but if you can give me some indication, then we can work something from there. Typically you will be able to drop to around the 20/30mg mark quite well before having to slow things down, but this can be very much subjective and depending on what other symptoms appear, there will be other ways and means of treating them at the time.

 

But for now, if you are wanting to start dropping the dose, you will need to get some Omega 3 to combat the zaps. 

 

The taper will involve bead counting as well - so if you are not familiar with this, please let us know.

 

IUN


#3 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 27 November 2021 - 01:48 AM

I have been stalking the forums for awhile  :D … I so appreciate your quick reply! I have the gatorade and will buy Nordic Naturals ProOmega.  States it has EPA 1125mg, DHA 875mg and other 150mg, total of 2150mg.

 

I sure would prefer to stop cold turkey to prevent any damage to little.  Every doctor I spoke to was ignorant of these issues, even after referring to this site.  But I have one awesome. compassionate doctor that is supportive and believes me on the brain zaps so hopefully can have a bit of support as far as running my plans by them.

 

I’ve heard SAM-E mentioned? A few said it didn’t help though and i think it is not recommended in pregnancy.

 

Thank you again!! :)


#4 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 27 November 2021 - 08:31 AM

I have looked up the Omega supplement you have suggested;

 

https://www.nordicna...15/?ProdID=1741

 

It looks perfectly good to me. And the first I have seen to contain 2000mg of combined EPA/DHA in a 2 capsule serving. Nothing nasty - all natural ingredients. It should do you well. I don't know the stats, but almost all members have seen the benefits of taking Omega 3 during their withdrawal. 

 

I can't even recall a doctor - even those working specifically in mental health - who are aware of brain zaps. Much like everything else mental health orientated - if you can't see it, it doesn't exist. It is awful. We essentially have to become our own experts on our health if we are to improve. 

 

Much like the other supplements, the effects of SAM-E during pregnancy has not been established. Because it is not a mainstream drug, it is not something that will be of benefit to most journals. A lot of researchers in the medical field depend on grants and funding (I should know being a researcher myself!!), so you can imagine that this is not an area which many funding bodies would invest in. 

 

I have read a couple of papers regarding the use of SAM-E for liver issues during pregnancy, but this is only approved in certain countries. Again, it is a difficult one to say with any certainty.

 

Hat will be along later and may have read something elsewhere, but from my perspective, I would look at alternative supplements which have had a greater scope of testing during pregnancy.

 

IUN


#5 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 27 November 2021 - 04:44 PM

Welcome JG

 

Sorry, but a busy day and running late. I like the choice of the Omega 3, looks good. 

 

Personaly I would recommend against the SAM-e or 5htp. While they do somewhat help in some cases, they have their own withdrawal and you would be swapping one bad drug for another. I would strongly recommend a look at our free ebook. It has lots of pages on various supplements tried as well as medical research, members experiences and much more. The link is....

 

https://pdfhost.io/v...of_Contents.pdf

 

As far as weaning, I would recommend a slow wean over 2 or 3 years BUT with the pregnancy I can understand your concern.  There are many supplements that may or may not help but some have a better history than others. There is a section in the ebook called 'Do's and Don'ts' i would highly recommend yo9u read that over as well as a section called 'Things that may help' which is a list of supplements with the best history. As you read through the ebook you will undoubtably have questions. Do not hesitate to ask us about anything you don't understand. We are here to help. There is also information in the ebook on Cymbalta and Pregnancy.

 

Just so you are aware but most members take 8 to 12 months or even more to make it through withdrawal.


#6 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 17 December 2021 - 05:24 AM

Hi!! I wanted to give an update..some bad, but I will rise from it and use the bad to be better!  I lost the baby…pretty broken about it.  I did get down from 90mg-60mg of cymbalta in 1 week thanks to your posts! The omega has been a Godsend!

Then two weeks ago, I tried to go from 60mg-0mg….NOOOOO!  I did get awful brain ticks, sounds like “cha cha cha” non-stop, nausea, mood issues, just a mess. Unfortunately, lost little this last week too. :(  :unsure:  i, of course, blame myself.  They assure me they don’t think so, but maybe I stressed my body too much, too fast?

BUT—-little motivated me to do this —to stop the cymbalta I’ve been putting off for years. So, i’m currently taking 30mg every other day and then will try to stop 30mg-0mg next week or week after depending on severity of these brain zaps.  Quite distracting, huh?

 

I hope to be successful and then motivate and help others!  Bless you guys! :D


#7 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 17 December 2021 - 05:39 AM

Welcome JG

 

Sorry, but a busy day and running late. I like the choice of the Omega 3, looks good. 

 

Personaly I would recommend against the SAM-e or 5htp. While they do somewhat help in some cases, they have their own withdrawal and you would be swapping one bad drug for another. I would strongly recommend a look at our free ebook. It has lots of pages on various supplements tried as well as medical research, members experiences and much more. The link is....

 

https://pdfhost.io/v...of_Contents.pdf

 

As far as weaning, I would recommend a slow wean over 2 or 3 years BUT with the pregnancy I can understand your concern.  There are many supplements that may or may not help but some have a better history than others. There is a section in the ebook called 'Do's and Don'ts' i would highly recommend yo9u read that over as well as a section called 'Things that may help' which is a list of supplements with the best history. As you read through the ebook you will undoubtably have questions. Do not hesitate to ask us about anything you don't understand. We are here to help. There is also information in the ebook on Cymbalta and Pregnancy.

 

Just so you are aware but most members take 8 to 12 months or even more to make it through withdrawal.

 

 

The ebook Is AMAZING, by the way, I plan on sharing the group and book with my one doctor who is willing to listen and empathetic.  Thank you!


#8 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 17 December 2021 - 08:35 AM

Your very welcome JG. We would certainly welcome your drs wisdom and advice as well as discussing issues with him/her concerning Cymbalta withdrawal.

 

The every other day method is advised against by the FDA. Cymbalta has a half-life of 12 hours so by the time you are ready to take another capsule your blood levels are down to around 6%. You take the next capsule and your blood levels jump back up again only to crash again during the next two days. This causes you to repeat the same withdrawal over and over again. In fact the best way we have seen is to divide your Cymbalta dose in half and take it twice a day. This should provide a more stable serum level of Cymbalta.


#9 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 19 December 2021 - 08:22 AM

Hi Julia,

 

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so difficult to see from our position here on a physical realm. I am a spiritualist and trust that everything that happens to us has a reason and your son, or daughter, will be waiting for you on the other side. Again, may seem like empty words, but the reasons will become known to you in time.

 

Regarding your medication situation, Hat is right on the money. The every other day method is a recipe for disaster. You really need to slow down. Remember that 60 to 30 is a drop of 50% - a drop of 30 to 0 is a 100% drop. 

 

If you need guidance, just look at how others on the forum have approached with success, or ask Hat or myself and we can help you with a withdrawal plan.

 

Take care

 

IUN


#10 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 23 December 2021 - 12:24 AM

welll…this explains a lot.  the brain zaps were so much worse every other day than just stopping cold turkey!

 

IUN~ thank you for your kind sentiments.  I trust God’s plan and if He gives me another opportunity to nurture a little soul I plan to be better ready and taking less toxic meds like this!

 

So, am I understanding I should be taking 15 mg twice/day now? Then go down to 0mg in a month perhaps? I have seen posts of people taking balls out of their capsules wondering If i can probably split the balls in a 30mg capsule between morning & evening.

 

Thank you guys for this advice.  I was at the point, the last few days, i was getting irritable and wanting to curse (i’m not personally a curser—-strict parents ) and the zaps…i was wanting to quit, but didn’t want my loss to be for nothing.  


#11 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 23 December 2021 - 05:14 PM

JG, a little concerned here. I know because of the pregnancy you want off fast but dropping from 30 to 0 can be a disaster. Normally that drop takes 6 to 8 months. You may be lucky and do better but be prepared. 

 

Yes, the capsules can be opened and the beads counted. Take half the beads out and put the rest back in the capsule and take it. Amazon sells extra empty capsules that you can put the other half the beads in to take when the next dose is due.


#12 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 24 December 2021 - 09:02 AM

JG, a little concerned here. I know because of the pregnancy you want off fast but dropping from 30 to 0 can be a disaster. Normally that drop takes 6 to 8 months. You may be lucky and do better but be prepared. 

 

Yes, the capsules can be opened and the beads counted. Take half the beads out and put the rest back in the capsule and take it. Amazon sells extra empty capsules that you can put the other half the beads in to take when the next dose is due.

 

Hmm.. fair point and I sure appreciate your concern.  I definitely may be rushing the process and having high expectations.  i’m doing much better on 15mg twice a day and i’ll check out those capsules you mentioned.  Then, i’ll slow my roll here.  In a few months, i’ll try doing 15mg once a day.

 

Were you able to stop taking this? Can I ask about your experience going from 15mg to 0 or what you did at this point to help with the irritability and brain tics/zaps?

 

I looked at supplements in the ebook and don’t want to trade one drug for another by getting hooked to Sam-E like you mentioned or ashwaganda.  I’ll look over the contents again too.  Great info but i did get a bit overwhelmed so having you guys as been a huge blessing.


#13 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 24 December 2021 - 05:26 PM

I was able to stop taking Cymbalta but the resulting withdrawal expressed itself as excessive fear. I spent 4 months on a stack of blankets in a closet shaking and screaming in fear. I couldn't hold out any longer so I went on Zoloft to bail me out. Most people do not usually have too many issues until they get below 20 or 30 mg. Every drop after that just seems to get worse and worse. Having said that I do know people who have dropped from 30 to zero over a few weeks with little or no issues but that is uncommon. 

 

Omega 3 that was high in EPA and DHA (at least 2000 mg per day) brought the zaps to a complete help. It has also helped many members. The best thing I have found for the irritability is Clonidine and/or Hydroxyzine. Both are by prescription and very effective against the anxiety and irritability. Neither are addictive nor do they have withdrawal.  Another thing that has helped many is diphenhydramine. That is the active ingredient in Benadryl. It is an antihistamine like hydroxyzine and works in a similar way. It can cause sleepiness. Sublingual melatonin can help as well. Just a drop or two under the tongue and let it soak in. You will find a lot more items to try as you continue to browse through the ebook. 


#14 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 24 December 2021 - 05:29 PM

Items Proven to Help Many with Cymbalta Withdrawal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diphenhydramine, (over the counter) also known as Benadryl, is an antihistamine and as such is not only used for allergies/colds but also as a sleep aide. It does have a mild anxiolytic effect. May lower blood pressure and cause irregular heartbeats. Your body does build up tolerance to it after a few weeks. This medicine has many drug interactions.
Begins working in 15 to 30 minutes
Peak levels - 2 to 2.5 hrs
Half Life – 4 to 6 hrs
Use by members for anxiety releif and to help sleep is too numerous to mention. 
Diphenhydramine should NOT be taken with hydroxyzine. Drugs.com
 
serendipity - I found Benadryl to produce hangover effects, and cause palpitations when taken long term. Even if you wake up in the middle of the night, and can't get back to sleep, even a teeny amount (say, 15mg) can induce sleep again. 
Schmb - Benadryl worked on a limited basis for me, because sometimes it makes me jittery, and that only made the zaps much worse, so just use some caution in case you are sensitive to it.
FH - One caution on benadryl. It is famous for bad reactions with other medicine so check your compatability closely. The maximum dosage of benadryl is 25 to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours and do not surpass 300 mg in a day.
Benadryl Total
Medicinal ingredients:
•Acetaminophen, 500 mg
•Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, 25 mg
•Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, 30 mg
 
It contains diphenhydramine which is the active ingredient in regular Benadryl and also pseudoephedrine which is common in most cold medicines. The Diphenhydramine helps with sleep and anxiety and the pseudoephedrine helps block the action of adrenaline which produces a calming effect. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Omega 3
Dose - Omega 3 is recommended at 2000 mg/day EPA and DHA for anxiety, give or take a couple hundred depending on what research you read. It has been shown that only the EPA and DHA components effect anxiety. Any other omega 3 fatty acids don't do anything for anxiety. Life Extensions, Mega EPA/DHA, is distilled (molecularly purified) so you don't get any impurities with your product plus it contains no mercury. Some even provide a certificate of analysis if requested. They also have ones that are enteric coated now that will not irritate the digestive track and has no fish burbs to them. 
 
This thread contains a detailed discussion on use of Omega 3.
 
Also this thread....
 
Fishinghat - Omega 3 fish oils can be very high in mercury depending on the type of fish used. Some have tested at over 300 ppm mercury. There are brands out there that are mercury free or low mercury guaranteed. Something to think about. If you have thyroid issues they usually contain high iodine concentrations also. One member had an episode of high iodine toxicity I couldn't find a iodine free product. If your thyroid is fine then this should not be an issue.
Warning
Arrhythmias
Omega 3
3 Grams of omega 3 per day can worsen cardiac arrythmias.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melatonin
FH - a research article where it was shown that taking 0.7 mg of liquid melatonin under the tongue (sublingual) helps with anxiety. Place it under the tongue until dissolved and gone. In case you are not familiar with melatonin it is the chemical your body produces in the evening to make you sleepy and ready for bed. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gatorade
 
Many members found Gatorade to be considerable help in fighting most withdrawal symptoms, especially the green gatorade.
 
Kindorf - Also I have been avoiding caffeine so I cut out my coffee and sweet tea.
I replaced then with fruit juice, ( mainly apple juice ) water and Gatorade. Today no stomach cramps I think they are done. No diarrhea, Lord I hope that is gone. 
 
Judy -  I knew that Gatorade helped with the light-headed, "floating brain" feelings. 
 
watchdog -  Drinks LOTS of GREEN gatorade..... don't know what the deal is, but it helps.
 
wiraz - Drink at least one G2 Gatorade a day – stay away from the full sugar version, leads to a higher chance of diarrhea. I drink one 32 oz bottle every day plus tons of water!!
 
caroline - Vit E also for head and joints and then Gatorade's G2. I didn't want the sugars so I went with the G2
 
Rafael -  I have mild brain zaps but I believe the omega 3 Fish Oil and Gatorade are helping.
 
Sandlion - I took fish oil/other Omega 3 and also found that Gatorade helped -- maybe it's the salt replacement after all the nightsweats.
 
guppie -  I'm a month off the drug so only minor zaps now and then. Whoever gave the gatorade advice is a genius. That treats them instantly (make sure you get the low calorie gatorade since regular is high calorie). Brain zaps are minor. I grab a gatorade and that gets rid of those for a bit (electrolytes). 
 
Alisha - gatorade-had one of the big bottles yesterday and it did seem to help,
 
Vinvin - The Fierce Green Apple Gatorade, Dramamine and Boylan's Ginger Ale seem to help out as well 
 
Summary - Many members mentioned drinking Gatorade for the electrolytes after diarrhea, night sweats and when having brain zaps. G2 was often mentioned because it has no sugar (not true, see below). Also, it was suggested that one should not just rely on Gatorade alone for hydrated but should also drink plenti of water. Green Gatorade is highly recommended by some members.  Vitylite and Powerade were also mentioned a couple times for electrolytes. I would also recommend Isopure as it comes with and without sugars and proteins with a similar amount and type of electrolytes as Gatorade.
 
G2 Gatorade - It has the same amount of sugar as regular Gatorade and nearly all the same ingredients and electrolytes.
 
Gatorade Fierce Green Apple Sports Drink - This may be the "green  gatorade" that members spoke of. It contains malic acid, the active ingredient in apple cider vinager which has proved so helpful to other members. Other ingredients are the same.
 
Isopure Zero Carbs - No sugar, with some calcium. Contains Malic acid
Isopure Mass - With sugar and proteins, with calcium, Contains Malic acid
Isopure zero carb with proteins - no sugar, contains proteins. With calcium  Contains Malic acid
 
Sparkybird - I’ve found that Pur Aqua Sparkling Frost in any flavor has malic acid. I discovered it by accident. It is only 50 cents at Aldi’s. It is only 10 calories a bottle.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L-theanine 
L-theanine is an amino acid precursor to glutamate (involved in the synthesis of GABA) and glutamine. It can cross the blood brain barrier. It is only produced by plants and fungi and a component in some teas. It inhibits glutamine transporters and glutamate transporters, and thus blocks the reuptake of glutamine and glutamate. Theanine increases serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glycine levels in various areas of the brain. Caution – Most plants that contain L-theanine also contain caffeine and it can be a significant contaminant in L-theanine supplements. It is synthesized from glutamate using the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase and pyridoxal phosphate (which is the active form of vitamin B6) as a cofactor. This process converts glutamate, the principal excitatory neurotransmitter, into the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA).
Member's comments
(puritan's pride) 200 mg capsules 2- 3/ day. I have been taking this prior to cymbalta detox. It helped me reduce my dosage of clonazepam. Within 20-30 mins I feel more calm. I do believe it is helping keep the anxiety in check.
Tinabee - For now I have started taking fish oil and a supplement called Theanine Serene that is supposed to help with anxiety. I know it sounds silly since I've only taken the anxiety supplement for a couple days but I really feel like it has helped.
200mg L-Theanine in the morning with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, you can take again in late afternoon 100 to 200 mg if needed (make sure it is suntheanine - it helps with headaches and pain as any painkiller I had just did not cut it)
Member's comments were generally favorable.
 
Page 1 and 2, detailed information on L theanine and its usage.
Research
The research shows that all green tea leaves contain both L-theanine and D- theanine BUT only the special processing used by the manufacturer produces pure L-Theanine and is the choice of many of the research biologists.
 
 
Five of the six products contained significant amounts of D-theanine. Only one product, SunTheanine, appeared to contain only the L-theanine enantiomer. D-theanine is not used by the humnn body.  Suntheanine is the pure ingredient and that is what you want. 
 
Key Points
Theanine increases serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glycine levels in various areas of the brain. 
Scientific Information
A National Standard monograph that reviews current research on theanine reports that it is likely safe in doses of 200–250 mg up to a maximum daily dose of 1,200 mg. Theanine is used to help with anxiety, blood pressure control, mood, and cognition. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nutritional Blood Tests for Causes for Anxiety and/or Depression.
Items proceeded by an asterisk are analysis that are routinely performed by many Psychiatrists. Those proceeded by two astericks are ones that members have found to cause anxiety and/or depression.
Omega 3 and 6
Amino Acids
to include...
**Tryptophan
Threonine
Isoleucine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Tyrosine
 
Vitamins
to include...
C
**  *D
E
*B vitamins (**B-6)
 
 
Minerals
Calcium
Iron
**Magnesium
Potassium 
Sodium
**Zinc
Manganese
**Selenium
 
Lipid Profile
Cholesterol
Triglycerides
 
Misc.
Choline
Flouride
 
Psychiatrists also often perform the following tests
**Testosterone
**Estrogen
*Thyroid Function
*Liver Function - (FH - The AD manufacturers usually recommend an annual Liver Function Test (LFT) to keep an eye on that issue. 
Parathyroid Function
Pituitary Function
 
An increasing number of psychiatrists are also opting to do a genetic screening for genetic mutations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prescription Meds
Clonidine
Clonidine  (Catapres, Kapvay, Nexiclon, Clophelin) is a classic blood pressure medicine BUT it is very effective on anxiety. It is an alpha adrenergic antagonist which means it stimulates the alpha adrenaline synapses located in the frontal lobes of the brain. When these synapses are stimulated by the clonidine the brain thinks that it is due to adrenaline and it tells the adrenal gland to produce less adrenaline. It is a little slow to kick in, about an hour and a half. It has a 12 hour half life. Most drs prescribe 0.1 mg twice a day. One to be taken about an hour before bedtime and the other in the morning. Because it decreases adrenaline it has a strong calming effect which helps a person get to sleep and stay a sleep. It is not unusual for people to have a little drowsiness from clonidine until they get use to it (1 or 2 weeks). It does NOT work faster sublingual (under the tongue) like benzos.  These have no withdrawal but your blood pressure may spike for a couple weeks if you cold turkey. Due to the lowering of blood pressure and sleepiness it is common for the patient to start with ½ tablet at bedtime. Once the patient adjusts to the medicine they begin a ½ tablet in the morning. As sleepiness and blood pressure stabilize they are slowly worked up to the 2 tablets (0.1 mg each) a day. 
Begins working 60 to 90 minutes
Peak levels – 3 to 5  hrs
Half Life – 12 - 16 hrs
There are too many research articles on clonidine's anxiolytic properties to list here.
FH - I started clonidine but it was a relief to me NOT to be able to feel my heart pound through my chest. As long as your bp is OK you shouldn't have a problem. 
That is why the slow start up. This gives your heart a chance to adapt to the new med. I did the same slow start up and my bp stayed within normal range. Just keep monitoring your bp and you should be OK.
FN - clonidine worked wonders for me 
 
Hydroxyzine, (Vistaril, Atarax) - is an H(1)R antagonist, is very effective against anxiety in most people but some get no help from it at all. It is not addictive nor does it have withdrawal but it also can lower blood pressure some but that usually goes away with time. This medicine should be started slowly to give your body a chance to adjust to the blood pressure effect. Normal dose is 25 mg four times a day but can go as high as 400mg/day.
Begins working in 30 minutes or less
Peak levels - 2  hrs
Half Life – 15 to 20 hrs
Do not take with cimetidine as it increases hydroxyzine levels in the blood.
 
(Mayo Clinic)
For oral dosage forms (capsules or suspension): 
To help control anxiety and tension: 
Adults—50 to 100 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day. 
 
Atenolol is a beta 1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, also known as a beta blocker. It does not pass  through the blood brain barrier which limits its side effects compared to other beta blockers. It has been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. It may cause drowsiness and lower blood pressure. Typical dosage around 25 mg four times/day. Dosage should be slowly increased.
Begins working in 30 minutes to an hour
Peak levels – 2 – 4 hrs
Half Life – 6 - 8 hrs
SF - So now I am on one. It is called Atilonol (Atenolol?) and calms down your heart rate too.
 
Buspirone (Buspar) is a seratonin 5-HT1A  receptor partial agonist and a dopamine antagonist at the receptors. It functions as a weak anti-anxiety medication similar to diazepam in strength (a weak benzo). No withdrawal or tolerance issues. Dosage should be kept low if taking a ssri and/or snri or St. John's Wort as it may cause seratonin syndrome. DO NOT take with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. May lower blood pressure. Typical dosage is 10 to 20 mg three times per day.
Begins working 3 to 7 days after begin dosing
Peak levels - 1  hrs
Half Life – 2 - 4 hrs
Buspar (15mg) and Melatonin (3 mg) yielded the best anti-depressant effect of any combination concentration tested. (See Melatonin below)
Buspar and melatonin in combination is anxiolytic.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dos and Don'ts
 
DON'T ...
take Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Significant drug interactions.
omeprazole ↔ citalopram
Applies to omeprazole and Celexa (citalopram) 
Talk to your doctor before using citalopram together with omeprazole. Combining these medications may increase the blood levels of citalopram and increase the risk of certain side effects, including an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious or life-threatening. 
Caution - Omeprazole causes the increased absorbtion of nearly 500 medications. It should NOT be taken with.....
Benzos, Atenolol, Celexa, Lexapro and many other ssri and snri, st. john's wort, etc.
take St. John's Wort, 5HTP, tryptophan, SAMe, Dextromethorphan (a cough syrup/cold medicine) with an antidepressant - Serotonin Syndrome.
Don't take Stimulants (Make anxiety worse)
Caffeine 
Over-the-counter cold preparations contain phenylpropylamine and pseudoephedrine*
Sleep deprivation
Marijuana*
Magnesium*
MSG
Alcohol
Stress
amphetamines
ecstasy
nicotine
Ginseng
L-Tyrosine 
B Vitamins*
aspartame
Coconut Oil 
Taurine 
DHEA 
Ginkgo 
Iodine 
Arginine
Sugar
Kava
* - Only some people have this reaction.
 
Things containing caffeine..
Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino, some Teas,  Low calorie, non-cola soda containing aspartame,  Low calorie colas containing aspartame or saccharine, Energy drinks, Some types of alcoholic drinks.
Chocolate ....Baking, Dark, Sweet and semisweet, Pudding, Cereals, Fudge , Milk chocolate, Syrup, Mousse, Soymilk, Fat free cookies, Cookies, Cake, Frozen Yogurt, Ice cream, Frosting, and Shakes .
Java Pops, Chai Mints, Green Tea, Warp Mints, Penguin mints, and cinnamons. Caffeinated Energy Strips, Caffeinated Fruity Lollipops, HyDrive Energy Chews, Caffeinated Nixie Tubes, Foosh Energy Mints, Atomic Energy Bites, Buzz Bites, KickBricks, Energy Chews, Reload Energy Strips, Movit Gummies, Caffeinated jellybeans, Morning Spark, Oatmeal, Sumseeds (caffeinated sunflower seeds), Lightning Rods (beef sticks), Engobi "Energy Go Bites" (crispy snacks), Jolt Gum, Blitz Energy Gum, Think Gum Stay Alert, Vibe Black, Black Go Fast!, Dozens and dozens of herbal supplements.
List of energy drinks with caffiene. (over 100)
 
Don't take anything that can cause depression. 
Oxalic acid is found in members of the spinach family and cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, chives and lamb's quarters are high in oxalates, as are sorrel and parsley. Rhubarb leaves contain about 0.5% oxalic acid.
Can cause depression, lack of minerals, kidney stones, and more. Cooking does not affect oxalic acid. People with kidney disease, a history of kidney stones or suffer from depression should avoid these foods. 
other depressants:
Aspartame
Gluten
High Fat Dairy
Sugar 
alcohol
Trans fats
Sodium 
Caffiene
Pesticide residue on foods
GHB
exposure to organic solvents (paint, varnish, stains, cleaning solvents, paint thinner, etc).
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do
take 500 mg of vitamin C per day or 300 mg of NAC - (N-acety cysteine) an antioxidant
learn Cognative Behavioral Therapy or Mindfulness
sleep as much as possible
Keeping a Journal  - Don't trust your memory durinmg withdrawal.
Stay hydrated

#15 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 25 December 2021 - 08:40 AM

Hi Julia,

 

I will explain my situation. I was in the same position as you wanting to get off the cymbalta as it was causing horrendous side effects. I was still not of sound mind so it was decided that I needed to get back to Citalopram and I couldn't get back there quick enough, but I saw sense as I started getting seizures - as well as zaps, anxiety, headaches and so forth. This happened when I went too quickly from 20mg to 0mg. So I reinstated the 20mg and decided to bead count.

 

When I saw my p-doc and told him, he said that the seizures were to do with the continuing withdrawal and wanted me off them. I knew this not to be true. The PIL even said that seizures were possible and to reinstate the previous dose to combat them. 

 

However....

 

At that very meeting, the p-doc asking "Did you bring your remaining Cymbalta with you today?". I had. He asked me to hand them to him, so I did.

 

He then put my remaining Cymbalta in his draw and said "Now that is an end to it".

 

Yes. He confiscated every bead of cymbalta! I was forced to cold turkey. My seizures were awful, my anxiety was the worst I have ever known. I was admitted to hospital three times. I went through everything to get my dose reinstated - even to the point of asking people on here if they had any they could send me!!

 

Needless to say, the p-doc got the mother of all complaints, and to my knowledge was fired from his position due to negligence, but I don't care. I have suffered seizures ever since. Three years on and I still have them. I might be one of a very few cases, but it just shows it is possible. I wouldn't wish anyone to be in the same position as me.

 

Please, do yourself a favour for the sake of a few extra weeks - go slow. Bad counting is better than sudden drops - particularly when it comes to the drop to 0mg.

 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and peace to you and your family.

 

IUN


#16 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 28 December 2021 - 05:26 PM

JG, I just posted some recent medical research on Cymbalta with regards to pregnancy and Lactation. They are in the medical support section.


#17 juliagulia

juliagulia

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 7 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    To get off this silly drug that a pharmaceutical sales rep pushed samples on all my doctor’s patients for fibromyalgia. Should have listened to my instinct!

Posted 10 January 2022 - 08:06 PM

IUN—Okay, i’m LIVID! That doctor was an incompetent, in compassionate a@#hole! :angry:   I am so sorry!! I wish I would have been there with you…some consolation that the doctor was fired…definitely sounds negligent.  

I can’t believe Eli Lilly is getting away with this.  Suffering seizures years on? I’m just furious about this.  

 

and fishinghat—I can not imagine that kind of fear for a few hours, let alone 4 months?!? I sure hope you had a few loving family members or friends to help you through this? you’re spot on that the hardest taper seems to be below 30mg.  I’m at 7.5mg twice a day now and continue at that dose until a week without any brain zaps or side effects.  Gatorade has been helpful…i’m sure curious why lemon/lime (green) flavor would work better.  Going to try this too.

 

Thank you both for the help and time you have given to me and so many others.  I’m sure you have saved us from making some very health costly mistakes!  I hope I can be of values to others here too!


#18 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 11 January 2022 - 10:07 AM

Thanks for the kind words JG. Those varieties of Gatorade contain malic acid which is what helps with then withdrawal. Some products of Isopure also contain malic acid and have been found to help.


#19 invalidusername

invalidusername

    Site Admin

  • Site Supporter
  • 6,195 posts
  • LocationKent, UK

Posted 16 January 2022 - 10:20 AM

Ditto - thank you for your kind words. 

 

Things have been tough since Christmas, but these things are sent to try us!! We need to keep looking ahead...

 

IUN





0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users