6 replies to this topic

[Kittylover]

Hello,

I have been taking 30 mg of cymbalta for depression since about October 2012. I started it as I've tried many anti-depressants and could no longer take my AD of choice, Welbutrin. I came to realize that while Cymbalta was helping my depression (and allowing me to tell at my kids less!), it was also turning me into a blob with no motivation to do anything, and really hardly any emotions at all.

So my plan was to try out lexapro, which is one I've never been on. But I need to get off cymbalta. In the past I've had trouble with brain shakes going off of Zoloft.

I read about how hard it can be to go off cymbalta, so I started trying to take out a few more pellets every night out of the capsules, but I wasn't really counting them...I've been doing this for he past 2-3 weeks with NO side effects. Then last night I think I must have tipped out too many...about 1/2, the most I had taken out. I woke up this morning with a headache and as the day progressed, I felt out of it, a little nauseous, a couple of brain shakes but not too bad. It got worse as the day went on so I decided to take my dose early.i counted out 80 pellets to remove, and it was definitely much less than what I'd been taking out. After a few hours I felt better, but I'm still feeling quite tired and spacey.

So I think I need to go to careful counting. Is there a good method for counting those tiny things?? I was using tweezers. Is there an estimate for how many equals a milligram?

I'm wondering if its safe/helpful to start the lexapro now (my dr had said it was ok but she's not a psychiatrist)

Also we have a big vacation in exactly a month, so I'm wondering if this a really bad time to even be trying. Definitely when I've gone off Zoloft, a month would have been fine but now I'm not sure!

I got some good omega 3 capsules as well as some milk thistle for liver support, but I can see this going to be really tough.

Any advice??

[Carleeta]

Kittylover. I read your determination here to get off cymbalta. I admire your strength. You will most likely try what members on here call 'Bead count". Only I'm not the expert in this area although there is one member who has the knowledge of this system who will be able to help you. The members name is Thismoment! Others have had the same, if not similar questions as you. Somewhere on this site you will find a guideline on the number of beads which need to be taken out and when to take them out. It's worth the time reading through the forums instead of the way you have been doing it. What I do know is the bead counting is a slow process and most likely will cause more of a steady decline from withdrawl symptoms which may be more tolerable for you. Wish I could be more of a help! Thismoment is who has the knowledge of the bead counting. .You might also try Fishinghat, this member is also very informative. Good luck..Hopefully I've helped a bit...Please keep us informed of your progress as we are a very loving and supporting group.

[thismoment]

Hi Kittylover.

 

Yes, it's not uncommon for Cymbalta to put us on the couch nodding in-and-out of consciousness, TV clicker in hand. And as you say, it can flatline our emotions. Cymbalta has a short half-life, and withdrawal symptoms can set in fast and edgy when the dosage is reduced or removed. So it's best to taper off.

 

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, does not recommend cold turkey. They advise a long slow linear taper (without steps), and levelling off, or even adding back some beads for a while if the symptoms become too difficult. Once you feel stable again, continue reducing the dosage. Listen to your body.

 

Starting one drug while reducing another isn't uncommon, and hopefully your physician will be able to monitor your progress regularly. It's probably impossible to identify which drug is causing which symptom when you are withdrawing one and instating another, so you will have to weather that transition.

 

Bead counting. First you need to know how many beads are in a capsule so you can calculate tapering by percentage. Let's say the 30 mg capsule has 200 beads in it and you decide to reduce by 2% per day- that will take 50 days. Day one take out 4 beads, day two take out 8 beads, day three take out 12 beads and so on to 50 days and you're done.

 

If you want to do it in 30 days, divide 200 by 30 and that gives you about 7 beads per day (7, 14, 21 etc). But many of us would consider that too steep. But everyone is different, and it could work smoothly for you.

 

It's unknown how your withdrawal will go, therefore you might consider waiting until after your vacation. If you are struggling with symptoms, everybody will be impacted and you could jeopardize your vacation and challenge relationships. 

 

Keep your physician in the loop, and please post your progress. After a short time you will be a veteran and helping others.

 

Best wishes!

[Kittylover]

Thank you for the encouragement!

Is there a thread somewhere devoted to bead counting techniques? I find them so difficult to count!

[Carleeta]

Kittylover...coming across a thread which maybe helpful for you. To get to this thread go back to the main page here in this site..Go to "weaning off cymbalta"..then go to "Starting the bead counting tomorrow"..There you will find members describing how they bead count. Best of luck to you..

[equuswoman]

KittyLover, Hi and welcome to the support forum. I am one of the members here who is in the process of bead counting. I was on 60mg and that brand name blue and green capsule contains 200 tiny beads. I have had to remove/drop only 1 bead per 24 hrs. To remove more than that caused me lots of w/d symptoms. Glad that you're here with us where there are lots of supportive ppl here willing to lend us a helping hand and encouragement along the way toward Cymbalta freedom! Prayers for you!

[Carleeta]

Equuswoman, thank you for your personal experience with bead counting for Kittylover. I'm sure she truly appreciates your assistance. You are a great supporter to all members and guests. Keep going strong my friend. We are all here supporting your courageous journey..