72 replies to this topic

[sarah]

I'm in the process of tapering from 60mg- I've made it down to 22.4mg over the past couple months and am taking it more slowly as the dosage decreases to help keep some of the worst discontinuation symptoms at bay...

Recently I opened a 60mg capsule to count the beads and figure out how many beads will make up the next decrease- I realized that the beads in the 60mg capsule were larger than those in the 30mg capsules I'd been opening. I was glad I realized this, because I had assumed they would be the same size, and that I could follow other people's guidelines for how many beads make up a mg. There were 200 (large) beads in the 60 mg capsule! This means a lot fewer beads per mg than I'd heard were in the 30mg capsules! I figured out the strength of the bead (one bead= .3mg) and had my boyfriend recheck my math to make sure I hadn't made any mistakes... (I'm sort of foggy these days, and don't have a lot of faith in some of my basic cognitive skills...)

These 60mg capsules were from Target pharmacy, but today when I opened a 60mg capsule from a free sample from Lilly the beads were smaller- they seemed to be the same size as the beads in the 30mg capsule. (I counted 456 beads)

I don't know if anyone else has ever experienced this, but it seemed bizarre and like it could lead to some really unexpected (and bad) results if someone assumed all beads were the same size.

Ach- this whole process is getting so frustrating!

[MaureenV]

I'm in the process of tapering from 60mg- I've made it down to 22.4mg over the past couple months and am taking it more slowly as the dosage decreases to help keep some of the worst discontinuation symptoms at bay...

Recently I opened a 60mg capsule to count the beads and figure out how many beads will make up the next decrease- I realized that the beads in the 60mg capsule were larger than those in the 30mg capsules I'd been opening. I was glad I realized this, because I had assumed they would be the same size, and that I could follow other people's guidelines for how many beads make up a mg. There were 200 (large) beads in the 60 mg capsule! This means a lot fewer beads per mg than I'd heard were in the 30mg capsules! I figured out the strength of the bead (one bead= .3mg) and had my boyfriend recheck my math to make sure I hadn't made any mistakes... (I'm sort of foggy these days, and don't have a lot of faith in some of my basic cognitive skills...)

These 60mg capsules were from Target pharmacy, but today when I opened a 60mg capsule from a free sample from Lilly the beads were smaller- they seemed to be the same size as the beads in the 30mg capsule. (I counted 456 beads)

I don't know if anyone else has ever experienced this, but it seemed bizarre and like it could lead to some really unexpected (and bad) results if someone assumed all beads were the same size.

Ach- this whole process is getting so frustrating!

There are a few posts here from someone not so long ago pointing this out. Thank goodness the difference is significant!! If you do a search on this site you should find the posts.


The Eli Lilly bead count should be:


30mg 270

60mg 540



cheers, Maureen.

[sarah]

There are a few posts here from someone not so long ago pointing this out. Thank goodness the difference is significant!! If you do a search on this site you should find the posts.


The Eli Lilly bead count should be:


30mg 270

60mg 540


cheers, Maureen.

Hi Maureen,

Thanks for your reply! I am new to this forum and I tried to find if anyone had experienced the same thing with different sized beads, but I wasn't able to. I'm glad that others are aware of it, though...

I am confused about why I counted 456 beads in the Lilly 60mg capsule I got- I'll definitely double check my count to see what happened. (I was pretty shaky when I was counting- I'm guessing I just got mixed up)

Sarah

[cookie]

Dear Sarah:
Congratulations on your process!

I´ve been lucky that my beads in each capsule have always come in the same size an number.

I have been on this site since April, and I have read other posts of people counting around 200 beads (do not remember the exact number) in the 60mg capsule instead of 540 beads. I guess there are different manufacturers, and the sizes and number of beads depend on each manufacturer.

So it is important that you always check the number of beads and size in your 60mg capsule. Otherwise you won´t be weaning properly, or making mistakes, or thinking you are at a certain dose when you really are at another dosage.

The important thing is that you know how many beads are equivalent to 1mg.
In the 540bead capsule: 1mg equals 9 beads.
You´ll have to do the math to determine the bead-mg equivalence in the other version of 60mg capsule. For example: you´ll have to divide 200beads (or whatever number) divided by 60: that makes 3beads for 1mg.

Hope this helps
cookie

[sarah]

Dear Sarah:
Congratulations on your process!

I´ve been lucky that my beads in each capsule have always come in the same size an number.

I have been on this site since April, and I have read other posts of people counting around 200 beads (do not remember the exact number) in the 60mg capsule instead of 540 beads. I guess there are different manufacturers, and the sizes and number of beads depend on each manufacturer.

So it is important that you always check the number of beads and size in your 60mg capsule. Otherwise you won´t be weaning properly, or making mistakes, or thinking you are at a certain dose when you really are at another dosage.

The important thing is that you know how many beads are equivalent to 1mg.
In the 540bead capsule: 1mg equals 9 beads.
You´ll have to do the math to determine the bead-mg equivalence in the other version of 60mg capsule. For example: you´ll have to divide 200beads (or whatever number) divided by 60: that makes 3beads for 1mg.

Hope this helps
cookie

Thanks, Cookie.

It's so good to find support in all of this. It means a lot from someone going through, or who has been through, the same withdrawal process... Friends and family try to be supportive but the only people who really know what this is like are those who are experiencing it themselves.

It sounds like there are just the two different sized beads, but I'll still count them for a while to be absolutely certain I know what I'm dealing with. (And it looks like I should re-count the 60mg capsule with smaller beads- my count was coming out lower than the 540 I've been seeing here...)

I'll try to do more exploring on this site, too- I'm guessing a lot of my experiences are similar to those of others, and it is good to see how other people are coping...

Sarah

[cookie]

Thanks, Cookie.

It's so good to find support in all of this. It means a lot from someone going through, or who has been through, the same withdrawal process... Friends and family try to be supportive but the only people who really know what this is like are those who are experiencing it themselves.

It sounds like there are just the two different sized beads, but I'll still count them for a while to be absolutely certain I know what I'm dealing with. (And it looks like I should re-count the 60mg capsule with smaller beads- my count was coming out lower than the 540 I've been seeing here...)

I'll try to do more exploring on this site, too- I'm guessing a lot of my experiences are similar to those of others, and it is good to see how other people are coping...

Sarah

Keep us updated on your progress!
hugs
Cookie

[MaureenV]

Thanks, Cookie.

It's so good to find support in all of this. It means a lot from someone going through, or who has been through, the same withdrawal process... Friends and family try to be supportive but the only people who really know what this is like are those who are experiencing it themselves.

It sounds like there are just the two different sized beads, but I'll still count them for a while to be absolutely certain I know what I'm dealing with. (And it looks like I should re-count the 60mg capsule with smaller beads- my count was coming out lower than the 540 I've been seeing here...)

I'll try to do more exploring on this site, too- I'm guessing a lot of my experiences are similar to those of others, and it is good to see how other people are coping...

Sarah

Hi Sarah,


you don't need to count the lot - just use a dark plate and visually divide them into even groups, then count one group. Obviously there has to be some margin for error this way, but it's usually good enough to know what the overall count SHOULD be.

regards, Maureen.

[Likeable]

I have been decreasing the beads in 60mg capsules, each capsule has had anywhere from 196 -187 beads. NOT GREAT QUALITY CONTROL!! Anyway...I am in need of help in going from 60 mg to 30mg capsules. I don't know how many beads to start with. If anyoneone knows please help! Thankyou!

[FiveNotions]

Hi Likeable! Welcome!

By any chance do you have the generic Cymbalta, not the Lilly brand? Check your pill bottle, it should say the name of the manufacturer. Quality control in the generics can be pretty bad ...

Also, I didn't bead count, I quit cold turkey (never do that ) ... so, we'll need to wait for some of the bead counters with experience to turn up here, which they will do, soon.

So glad you found us!

[Carleeta]

Likeable, welcome to the forum. As you have noticed many members here will be popping in lending, their love, support, knowledge, and experiences with you. As for the quantity in your cymbalta capsules, these beads will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. As FiveNotions stated, please check the name of the manufacturer on your capsules and double check all the pills for the same manufacturer and see if there is a difference within one manufacturer.

I need to ask if the beads inside the capsules consisted of just 196 and 187? Or if all capsules differed between 196 and 187 inside of them?

Once you post us further on these differences, we will take it from there and help you adjust properly.

[Likeable]

The capsules never had the same amount of beads just as many as 196 and as few as187. the duloxitine i have in the 60mg is Lilly.

[FiveNotions]

Well damn ... evil drug, evil company ...

Here's a topic thread I started on bead counting yesterday ... we're trying to put into this one central location links to all the other good bead counting threads and individual posts we've had over time in the forum ...

Start here ...
https://www.cymbalta...g-how-to-do-it/

Then, the other's who've done it will need to weigh in. As I said, I don't dare advise, as I haven't done it.

Just hang in there! Don't drop any further in dose until we help you get a system sorted out.

[Carleeta]

Likeable, ok thank you for answering my questions. It seems then within a month supply you are still getting an equal amount each month. I'm going to check a few things on other posts here where members have encountered the same issues as you with the beads. Will get back to you shortly....

[Carleeta]

Likeable, I've read through older posts, and found this is not uncommon. I believe what you need to do is take the average of the beads....In your case you would add 196 plus 187...this will equal about 191 or 192. From there you could start using the bead counting method provided in this forum under the bead counting thread. Of course, you will need to count all the beads and them place them back into the capsules once your reduction is made. If this sounds confusing, it should be classified once you read the bead counting method.

Please do not hesitate to keep asking us any questions you may have, and as often as you like, as this will be a bit confusing at first and a bit to remember.

Best of luck to you....

[Carleeta]

Bead Counting - How to do it......this is for Likeable. .....

[Carleeta]

Likeable, I've read through older posts, and found this is not uncommon. I believe what you need to do is take the average of the beads....In your case you would add 196 plus 187...this will equal about 191 or 192. From there you could start using the bead counting method provided in this forum under the bead counting thread. Of course, you will need to count all the beads and them place them back into the capsules once your reduction is made. If this sounds confusing, it should be classified once you read the bead counting method.
Please do not hesitate to keep asking us any questions you may have, and as often as you like, as this will be a bit confusing at first and a bit to remember.
Best of luck to you....

likeable, I forgot to mention once 187 +196 =383 then you would divide this by 2 and this is where the average of 191 or 192 comes from......

[Likeable]

Carleeta...I have been taking 5 beads out every day. So far I seem to be handling it well. Saturday i will be at 140 beads and then my 60mg capsules will be gone. I have 30mg capsules now. That is what my doctor wrote the prescription for when i told her i wanted to taper off and be done taking it. I dont know how to go from 140 beads of the 60mg capsules to starting to decrease the 30mg capsules. Any suggestions from you or anyone else?? :-D

[Carleeta]

Oh likeable, I'm sorry I misunderstood your question. This could be tricky due to the fact you are not down 1/2 of the 60 mgs. You might need to call your physician and ask for the prescription for the 60 mg again, until you reach the half way point on the 60 mgs which would take you to the 30 mgs and then bead count from there,

Tried looking through old posts, although unsuccessful with your question. Therefore sticking with the 60 mg till you are done bead counting would be the best way to go. You could always tell your physician you want to stay on the 60 mg for now, or explain the bead counting method (if he/she accepts this) and the need for them.

Please keep us posted.....

[Likeable]

Thats what i was affraid of. I dont think she would be on board with the bead counting! :'( ok thank you for checking for me. How will i know when i am 1/2 way to the 30mg mark from counting beads from 60mg?

[FiveNotions]

Likeable, just tell your doc you've decided she's right ... that you don't want to get off, and would like to go back up to the 60 mg. Ask her to write / send in an Rx for the 60 .... then, go right ahead with your bead counting. Once you're off the shit, tell her then.

 

She's freakin' clueless about how to get you off it, so why bother telling her about the bead counting?

[BelaLugosisDad]

Likeable, just tell your doc you've decided she's right ... that you don't want to get off, and would like to go back up to the 60 mg. Ask her to write / send in an Rx for the 60 .... then, go right ahead with your bead counting. Once you're off the shit, tell her then.

 

She's freakin' clueless about how to get you off it, so why bother telling her about the bead counting?

 

Yes. Choose your battles. Sound advice FN.

[Carleeta]

Likeable, I would only be guessing if I told you when you would be down to half of the 60mg which would indicate it was 30mg.  Truthfully, its just a guess and I wouldn't go with my guess.  The safest way to do this is to ask your doctor for the 60mg again, and indicate to her/him that you don't want to get off Cymbalta just yet.  From there you could just continue to remove the beads as you are doing.  The doctor does not have to know about the bead counting anyway.  Then once you are off and doing ok, you may want to let your physician know. 

 

I believe this to be the best way to approach this and keep you as stabilized as possible.

 

Please keep us informed.....

[Likeable]

Thanks for your help, I will do just that!

[Carleeta]

Likeable, please let us know if you have contacted your doctor and will resume with the 60mg to complete your bead counting.

[Likeable]

Yes i just told her that i wanted to go back on the 60mg. I had no problem. It just sucks that i already spent the $$ on the 30mg. But looking ahead it was money well spent i guess!

[Carleeta]

Likeable, this is good news. I understand about the cost, it's a shame. On the positive side, you will be less anxious removing the beads from the 60mg.

Keep us posted, we will need your posts to help guide others, you are a big asset to this forum. We love having you aboard....

Anymore concerns, just shoot out a post.

[Likeable]

Thanks! You have been most helpful! I didnt know what to do...i am so glad i found this web site!! I will keep you posted on how things are going. I plan to take things slowly! I have tried reduction before without success but never with bead counting. I hope this works without a hitch!

[Carleeta]

Likeable, you will do fine. Just listen to what your body is telling you through all of this. You know your body best. This way you will know to slow down if need be and stabilize a bit before you continue to remove more beads. Any questions, just jump on and ask away...

[FiveNotions]

Likeable, you can still use the 30 mg. Just take two of them to make the 60. And then, when you bead count, remove the beads from just one of them.

[Carleeta]

Likeable, you can still use the 30 mg. Just take two of them to make the 60. And then, when you bead count, remove the beads from just one of them.

FiveNotions, I believe she was able to get the prescription for 60mgs. Although curious to what you said about using 2 of the 30mgs.. wouldn't she run short?