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Have Weaned Down From 60 To Less Than 20 And Need Advice


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#1 Jgfergie

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Posted 24 July 2018 - 02:27 PM

Hi All,

 

I have spent the last 2.5 months weaning from 60 mg to just under 20.  I did it by taking out 5 beads a day, then beads a day and then back to 5.  I am taking the generic Duloxeteine, so there are about 280-298 beads in a capsule.  I am now down to 75 beads and holding steady there for the last several days, since over the weekend I had extreme panic for 24 hours and think the last 5 bead drop may have been too much.  The only symptoms I have been experiencing are increased panic and anxiety - sometimes paralyzing, and sleeplessness (can go to sleep, but cant stay asleep).  Since I stabilized at 75, panic is better (its always there, just not debilitating) and my sleep has improved.  What would you recommend I do from here on down in terms of weaning.  Obviously, I want off as soon as possible, but not as a basket case.  I also am on other drugs that I want to start weaning (Gabapentin is next). And are these symptoms typical?  Thanks for any advice.  This site has already been so helpful for me.  

 

Steve


#2 fishinghat

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Posted 24 July 2018 - 05:24 PM

It is good to hear from you again jgfergie. You are doing great but you have arrived at the toughest part. For a starter I would do 1 bead a day and see how that goes.


#3 gail

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 06:25 AM

Hello JgFergie,

Same advice here. Get stabalized at 75 beads first, then drop the one bead. Nice to hear from you, thank you for updating.

#4 Jgfergie

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 08:43 AM

thanks for the response, and as always support.  I guess I should feel grateful that the path to below 20 was relatively easy.  Hoping that if I pull back to 1 here, it will get better again. 


#5 Jgfergie

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 03:17 PM

Can i ask a question about Clonadine and Hydroxyzine?  So I am still in the middle of a work project that is really the cause of this panic and anxiety (not to mention exacerbates depression).  I want to wean off of all of these drugs (Valium, Wellbutrin, Gabapentin).  I am taking massive doses of Amino's, as well as other supplements per my new functional Psych.  Also taking Sam-e and Lavela.  I am doing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction meditation, working on accepting and surrendering, etc. I have even been doing weekly procaine infuions to try and calm my autonomic nervous system.  But my anxiety all day is off the charts. Pure panic.  And its debilitating on so many levels.  I don't want any more dangerous drugs, but i need something to help with this -clearly what I am taking now isn't helping (exacerbating?)  would the Clonadine and/or Hydroxyzine help?  Harm?   I know part of it is mental and I'm working on that, but I have to think part is physical as in physical habit, or physical need for the drugs, etc.   Any insight or advice.  i just want some relief.  Thank you for listening.


#6 fishinghat

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 04:43 PM

OK. Lets break this down.

Weaning valium can be easy but it does need time. We can talk more about this when the time comes.

Weaning Wellbutrin is said to only be half as bad as Cymbalta for most.

Gabapentin has a very mild withdrawal for most and can be weaned over a 4 to 6 week period. I have done this twice and it took around 4 weeks each time. There are a few cases though that have had a harder time. The biggest risk is for seizures in epileptics *its main use is for epilepsy). And of course it has been linked to pancreatic cancer so the manufacturer suggests routine screening not only while on gabapentin but for a time afterward.

From drug insert from manufacturer/FDA.
https://dailymed.nlm...1b-14e8f6273b53
"Tumorigenic Potential
In standard preclinical in vivo lifetime carcinogenicity studies, an unexpectedly high incidence of pancreatic acinar adenocarcinomas was identified in male, but not female, rats. (See PRECAUTIONS,Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility.) The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Clinical experience during gabapentin’s premarketing development provides no direct means to assess its potential for inducing tumors in humans.
In clinical studies in adjunctive therapy in epilepsy comprising 2085 patient-years of exposure in patients > 12 years of age, new tumors were reported in 10 patients (2 breast, 3 brain, 2 lung, 1 adrenal, 1 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 1 endometrial carcinoma in situ), and preexisting tumors worsened in 11 patients (9 brain, 1 breast, 1 prostate) during or up to 2 years following discontinuation of gabapentin. Without knowledge of the background incidence and recurrence in a similar population not treated with gabapentin, it is impossible to know whether the incidence seen in this cohort is or is not affected by treatment."

"I am taking massive doses of Amino's"
This has frequently been a source of problems for members. Most amino sources contain tryptophan and that is not to be taken with Cymbalta. It can cause Serotonin Syndrome as well as severe anxiety.

From the thread Summary of Cymbalta Withdrawal.
"BCAAs also decrease the accumulation of tyrosine, another amino acid and an important precursor to dopamine, that reduces overall dopamine synthesis in the nervous system."
"l-leucine was inhibited by l-valine, l-isoleucine and l-methionine
l-lysine was inhibited by l-arginine, l-phenylalanine and l-histidine."
Amino Acids

Testing
https://www.mayomedi...terpretive/9265
The Mayo clinic does a complete detailed analysis of all amino acids in the body.

Amino Acid Imbalance
http://journals.lww....chronic.12.aspx
As early as in the 1960s of the last century Harper has investigated the potential effects exerted by amino acid imbalances. Adverse effects have been observed in experimental animals consuming diets containing disproportionate amounts of amino acids. Such effects may also appear in humans when homeostatic mechanisms regulating amino acid concentrations in body fluids are deficient or defective because of liver or kidney damage, malnutrition or a genetic defect of amino acid metabolism. Moreover, also an overload associated with parenteral or enteral supplied amino acids/proteins can lead to amino acid imbalances.
Note - Many amino acids compete directly with each other in the body, when that is combined with taking supplements, imbalanced diet, genetic limitations and digestive issues it can easily lead to an amino acid imbalance.
Tryptophan
https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/22683764
Tryptophan deficiency linked to depression.
https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/23904410
https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/21377656
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC2908021/
The modern Western diet often is very high in fats and carbohydrates, and sometimes complete proteins (containing all the essential amino acids) are lacking. Additionally, some seemingly healthy vegetarian and vegan diets may be lacking in sources of Tryptophan. https://nootriment.c...han-deficiency/

Threonine
http://aminoacidstud...nine_deficiency
Deficiency (extremely rare) linked to emotional agitation. Mostly occurs in vegetarians,
Isoleucine
http://aminoacidstud...cine_deficiency
Deficiency rare but can include irritability.

Methionine
http://aminoacidstud...g/l-methionine/
"deficiency of L-methionone can cause or exacerbate depression and allergies and lead to an excess of toxins"
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC5501805/
Our findings suggest that imbalances in specific metabolite levels (which included methionine) may be involved in the pathogenesis of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder).

http://ajcn.nutritio...76/5/1151S.full
Decades of research on the biochemical and molecular roles of SAMe in cellular metabolism have provided an extensive foundation for its use in clinical studies, including those on depression, dementia, vacuolar myelopathy, liver disease, and osteoarthritis.
S-Adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), first discovered in 1952 , is formed from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate.

http://www.tandurust...deficiency.html
There are several uses of methionine in our body, it is necessary in synthesis of RNA and DNA, it helps to absorb selenium. In order to make a proper utilization of methionine, it requires cofactors such as vitamin B6, B12, choline, folic acid and magnesium.
Methionine deficiency is contributory factor in causing diseases such as childhood rheumatic fever, muscle paralysis, hair loss, depression, folic acid deficiency.
Methionine deficiency is usually associated with an overall protein deficiency. http://www.ndhealthf...wiki/Methionine

Phenylalanine
http://aminoacidstud...-phenylalanine/
People deficient in phenylalanine may experience symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, cognitive impairment, poor appetite, and depression.
http://www.umm.edu/h...t/phenylalanine
Same
http://www.nature.co...lication_detail
The genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine because of a lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Phenylketonuria affects about one in 12,000 babies. Individuals treated late or never treated may develop severe behavioral or psychiatric problems (depression, anxiety, and phobias) in the third or fourth decade. In a few case reports, untreated individuals with PKU (Excess phenylalanine) with normal intelligence were diagnosed in adulthood only as a result of a sudden and severe psychiatric deterioration.

Uncommon - From eating a low protein diet or from genetic mutations.
http://www.tandurust...ncy-causes.html

Tyrosine
http://aminoacidstud...d_mental_health
Due to the important role tyrosine has in producing neurotransmitters there has been several studies looking at the relationship between this amino acid and depression. It has been established that women taking oral contraceptives tend to have lower tyrosine concentrations and this may trigger depression
It’s possible that the metabolism of tyrosine is abnormal in people suffering from depression. There is some research to suggest that tyrosine supplementation may help elevate people out of a depressed state.
The best results have been achieved when taken together with 5-HTP supplements. 5-HTP is a phytochemical similar to that amino acid tryptophan. It helps to elevate serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood.
Rose D and Cramp D. 1970. Reduction of plasma tyrosine by oral contraceptives and oestrogens: a possible consequence of tyrosine aminotransferase induction. Clinica Chimica Acta Volume 29, Issue 1, (pp. 49-53).”
Moller S. (1981). Effect of oral contraceptives on tryptophan and tyrosine availability: evidence for a possible contribution to mental depression. Neuropsychobiology. Volume 7, Issue 4, (pp. 192-200).”
Kishimoto H, and Hama Y. (1976). The level and diurnal rhythm of plasma tryptophan and tyrosine in manic-depressive patients. Yokohama Medical Bulletin, Volume 27, (pp. 89-97).” \l "
Gelenberg A and Gibson C (1984). Tyrosine for the treatment of depression. Nutrition and Health. Volume 3, Issue 3, (pp. 163-73).”
Low energy levels and an erratic mood may be linked to a deficiency in l-tyrosine. Often the symptoms of low tyrosine are similar to that of hypothyroidism. People may experience flu-like symptoms, unexplained weight gain, poor temperature regulation, low blood pressure, sluggish metabolism, depression, dry skin, constipation and brittle hair or fingernails.

 

More to follow...


#7 Jgfergie

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 04:57 PM

whew!  I have alot of reading to do tonight.  I will wade through this, thanks so much for gathering.  Most concerning is the Gaba.  I have been on the withdrawal sites that say its hell, etc and its terrifying, so good to hear from you that that wants your experience.  They say it culd take a year to taper off of 600 - which is insane since I have only been on it 5 months.  I am on 600 a day, and have been since Feb.  What would you recommend as a weaning schedule for that?


#8 fishinghat

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 05:18 PM

Continued...

Information on SAM-e, L-tryptophan and 5htp.
Special Note
Metabolic limitations - All of these items mentioned above are 'natural' in our diets and/or body. However, each has to have certain enzymes, vitamins (such as B6, B12, Vit C, etc.), minerals or other components to be processed into dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline or other neurotransmitters. They may also have items which compete with them in the body such as tyrosine or phenylalanine. The reactions may or may not produce more or less of a neurotransmitter but will that even get to the brain? Many of these products just don't cross the blood brain barrier (a membrane around the brain) so even though they are produced they do no good for mood. Some require special enzymes, insulin, certain proteins, etc to cross the barrier and all these items have their own requirements and limitations. This becomes clearly evident in looking at all the individual comments on these supplements. The effects are all over the place. Each persons body is different and has its own nutritional shortages or overages and therefore it may be impossible to tell in advance what reaction may occur to one of these supplements.
L- Tyrosine
An amino acid. Tyrosine is a hydrophilic amino acid and is significantly less soluble in water than its precursor, phenylalinine.
L-phenylalinine is converted by the body to L-tyrosine which is changed to L-DOPA then to dopamine followed by norepiniphrine and finally epinephrine (adrenaline).
Tyrosine is a precursor to neurotransmitters and increases plasma neurotransmitter levels (particularly dopamine and norepinephrine),but has little if any effect on mood in normal subjects. The effect on mood is noted in humans subjected to stressful conditions.
A number of studies have found tyrosine to be useful during conditions of stress, cold, fatigue, prolonged work and sleep deprivation, with reductions in stress hormone levels, reductions in stress-induced weight loss seen in animal trials, and improvements in cognitive and physical performance seen in human trials. Wiki
If you don’t get enough l-tyrosine in your diet, or your body doesn’t properly convert it, you won’t be able to synthesize adequate dopamine. When looking for a supplement, consider n-acetyl-l-tyrosine. This is a highly absorbable form of l-tyrosine that readily enters the brain. L-tyrosine and phenylalanine compete with tryptophan for absorption. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin by the body so if too much L-tyrisine is present n the blood stream then serotonin levels may decrease. One of the functions of Vitamin C include the synthesis norepinephrine from dopamine and the synthesis and catabolism (breakdown) of tyrosine. So vitamin C may increase tyrosine or decrease tyrosine in the body depending on conditions. Webmd.com
Note - So excess L-tryptophan or L-tyrosone is converted to extra serotonin and adrenaline respectively. The mayo Clinic does an amino acid analysis before putting people on amino acids for psych issues.
Phosphorylated Serine - An amino acid not to be confused with Phosphatidylserine although similar in structure and action and is mostly used to improve clotting and cognition. Taking it with Cymbalta reduces the essential amino acid serine in the body and should be avoided. NCBI

https://www.drugs.co...949-2273,2568-0
tryptophan duloxetine
Applies to: tryptophan, Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Using tryptophan together with DULoxetine is generally not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

SAMe - S-Adenosyl methionine is a common substrate involved in methylmethyl group transfers, transsulfuration, and aminopropylation. Although these reactions occur throughout the body, most SAM-e is produced and consumed in the liver. More than 40 methyl transfers from SAM-e are known, to various substrates such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids etc. The half-life is about 100 minutes. Wiki
Safety and side effects
Side effects from SAMe are rare and, if they occur, usually mild.
SAMe can cause:
⦁ Upset stomach
⦁ Nausea
⦁ Mild insomnia
⦁ Dizziness
⦁ Irritability
⦁ Anxiety
⦁ Sweating
⦁ Constipation
⦁ Diarrhea Mayo

Possible interactions include:
⦁ Antidepressants and other drugs and supplements that increase levels of serotonin. Don't take SAMe with antidepressants. The combination could cause effects similar to a condition caused by high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body (serotonin syndrome).
⦁ Antipsychotics. Be cautious when taking these drugs with SAMe. The combination could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
⦁ Amphetamines. Be cautious when taking these drugs with SAMe. The combination could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
⦁ Dextromethorphan. Taking SAMe with this cough suppressant could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
⦁ Narcotics. Taking SAMe with meperidine (Demerol) or tramadol (Ultam, ConZip) could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
⦁ St. John's wort. Be cautious when taking this supplement with SAMe. The combination could cause serotonin syndrome.
Mayo

#9 gail

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 05:22 PM

JfFergie,

I've been on Gabapentin for a year. I was at 600mg and that 3 times a day. 1800mg daily.
I went down to 900 daily. Dropping 100 mg every week or so. No sign of withdrawal at all.
It was easy for me. I need it for neuropathic pain.

#10 fishinghat

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 05:40 PM

Lavela WS 1265 is an exclusive lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, known as Silexan™. Remember that essential oils are absorbed through the skin and collect in the liver in toxic amounts if overdone.
Mindfulness - Excellant

https://www.omicsonl...-use-68323.html
Procaine (or Novocain) is an anaesthetic used to treat pain. Infusions are used to treat numerous medical conditions by honeopathis drs. The routine application of 2-3 ml pure procaine (1%). The infusion takes place over approximately 45 – 60 Minutes. In steps of additionally 50 mg Procain-HCl and 10 ml sodium-bicarbonate (8,4%) the Procaine-Base infusion will be titrated till to the appearance of a good action. In patients with cardiovascular risk factors we recommend the use of surveillance technique (EKG, oximetry) up to 250 mg Procain-HCl. It is advised to ensure an after-treatment observation of 30 Minutes.
"(exacerbating?)" - The amino acid supplements often exacerbate Cymbalta withdrawal. I would skip it for 3 days and see if it helps. I would also skip the SAM-e until I was off the Cymbalta completely. Procaine is usually only ised with and acid base imbalance in the blood un less sodium carbonate is used with it then the risk of cardiac arrythmias is increased.
"would the Clonadine and/or Hydroxyzine help?" Both should help the anxiety (but not the depression ). Clonidine reduces the release of adrenaline and hydroxyzine blocks the H1 receptors and reduces histamine stimulation. Of course like any other medicine they work for some and not others. They should not interact with any of your other medicines.

Last but not least, Cymbalta regulates serotonin and norepinephrine use on the amygdala and hippocampus in the brain. These two areas regulate fear, panic, anxiety and worry. Your body has relied on this drug to control these neurotransmitters and must re-establish control again. That takes time. In the meantine durin g withdrawal there is a chemical imbalance in these areas and thus these emotions become all scrambled. This emotional chaos "is not you" it is the imbalance speaking.

 


#11 fishinghat

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Posted 25 July 2018 - 05:42 PM

By the way gaba and Gabapentin are two different chemicals. Gaba is a neurotransmitter and gabapentin is an antiseizure/antipsychotic medicine.


#12 gail

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Posted 26 July 2018 - 05:53 AM

Fishinghat,

Now,now, antipsychotic??? Where does this come from Fishingcat?

It is Also given for neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome.

#13 fishinghat

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Posted 26 July 2018 - 08:00 AM

Well, I have to eat crow on that one. I was thinking it treated psychosis but it is only used to treat abnormal muscle movement of psychosis. Thank you Gail for catching that. My apologies. No one should ever hesitate to challenge (politely) a statement made by me or others on this site. We must get things right.


#14 Jgfergie

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Posted 26 July 2018 - 10:56 AM

thanks both.  Wading through all of this.  And it is Gabapentin.  It was prescribed as a way to fend off withdrawal symptoms when started to taper the Valium (12 to 6 mg a day).  Ended up going back up to 8mg.  And frankly so annoyed that I'm now on another drug I have to taper from.  But lately i have been having vision issues, like tunnel vision, seeing a rim around the edges and wonder if its that or some of the supplements. 


#15 Jgfergie

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Posted 26 July 2018 - 12:04 PM

skipping Aminos today and SAM-e. will also speak to doctor tomorrow.  I believe Wellbutrin is also an antidepressant and wonder if I should skip Sam-e until I'm off that too?


#16 fishinghat

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Posted 26 July 2018 - 01:19 PM

I don't think the Sam-e and Wellbutrin is an issue but I will check.


#17 fishinghat

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Posted 26 July 2018 - 01:21 PM

Drugs.com did not list a drug interaction for those two.


#18 Jgfergie

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Posted 30 July 2018 - 10:30 AM

just an update, I tried to be a bit too aggressive and after jumping from 75 to 73, had severe panic and anxiety for a day.  I slowed to 1 bead, going from 73 to 72, and had same reaction on the jump day (yesterday).  After feeling a bit better when I cut out the amino's - actually had a very good day Saturday.  I guess I am realizing that this last bit will be hard and I have to expect a reaction after a reduction.  Does that mean I have to slow the pace - 1 bead every other day?  That seems torturous to prolong this for 140 days or 1/2  a year.  I also wonder if the drop may have been a bit more than just 1 bead (mg-wise) since my Psych changed my prescription from 60 mg capsules to 20 mg capsules, so its not exactly apples to apples. The 60 mgs seemed to have 280-293 beads on any given day and the 20 mg so far have had 98 and 93 - so it is roughly 1/3 of what the 60 mg was, but not exact.  Don't even know what I'm asking here.  I guess just posting for support. Thanks for all you have given so far!


#19 fishinghat

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Posted 30 July 2018 - 10:46 AM

"That seems torturous to prolong this for 140 days or 1/2 a year."

Not half as torturous as the withdrawal. lol

This is an endurance race. Slow but steady wins. You may need to go to 1 bead every other day for a week or so until you feel more stable and then try 1 bead a day and see how you handle that. No other way to put it but this sucks. I remember how it is.

#20 Jgfergie

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Posted 30 July 2018 - 11:16 AM

ughhh. Got it.  and yes, the alternative sucks worse.  OK, will try every other day and see how it goes.  Thanks again.  Ill keep you posted. 


#21 Jgfergie

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Posted 09 August 2018 - 03:25 PM

Hi again,

 

So, I discussed with my psychiatrist staying at my current level of Cymbalta (approx 15 mg; 75 beads) and first weaning the Gabapentin, which never seemed to have much effect anyway for me.  (It was prescribed by a previous psych in February to make my weaning of Valium easier).  I went from 600 mg to 500 mg of Gaba a couple of weeks ago without noticing any side effect.  I believe you said getting off this in 4-6 weeks was not a problem for most.  Would that mean counting beads, or just dropping one of the 100 mg pills each week?  (Seems like there could be a cliff effect if I did it that way.)

 

Also, as I mentioned before, I'm on SAM-E, which is what my psych prescribed as a more natural alternative to Cymbalta.  She didn't see any harm in having a small dose of Cymbalta at the same time.  Do you disagree? 

 

To repaint the full picture, I'm presently on:

15 mg Cymbalta

500 mg Gabapentin 

8 mg Valium

200 mg Wellbutrin

 

Although my anxiety is off the charts most days, my goal is to get off of these meds and go with more natural remedies.  The trick is how ... 


#22 fishinghat

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Posted 09 August 2018 - 06:45 PM

Is yours capsules or tablets? Mine was 100 mg tablets and I reduced by 25 mg every week or two until done. I did it by cutting the tablets. Something similar can be done with the capsules. They can be carefully opened and some of the contents removed to get the desired dose.

"Also, as I mentioned before, I'm on SAM-E, which is what my psych prescribed as a more natural alternative to Cymbalta. She didn't see any harm in having a small dose of Cymbalta at the same time. Do you disagree?"

No I don't disagree. It is unlikely to be an issue but I mentioned it just as a safety measure.

We will talk more abut the "natural methods" soon.

#23 Bailey1020

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Posted 10 August 2018 - 07:35 PM

I'm fairly new here too, have posted a few times but still finding my way around. After reading this post with such great details of what seems to be a very smart withdrawal process, I am truly asking what was my doctor thinking?! Is it no wonder I am having a terrible time right now?! I had been taking 60mg since April. She then decreased me to 30mg for 1 week, then nothing! I am now trying to work with my homeopathic doctor, to try to help me through this. But I ask you all, does it totally make sense that I feel so bad? OR...as much as I hate this drug & want it out of my system (it's now been 10 days), should I think about introducing "beads" back into my system? I really don't know if I'd want to do that or it's already too late, but would that make this more tolerable? Just not knowing how long this withdrawal will last, has me a little concerned.

#24 fishinghat

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Posted 11 August 2018 - 07:31 AM

Oh Bailey, your dr was an uninformed idiot. Don't be too concerned just take it very slow and one day at a time. We will get there together.

#25 Bailey1020

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Posted 11 August 2018 - 02:27 PM

Thanks Fishinghat. But do you have any thoughts if I'm best to just get through this now with no Cymbalta? Like I said, it's now about 11 days without it. I really don't want to re-introduce it into my system, but then again not sure if I can make it like this. Think I've made it through the worse, or is that still to come?

#26 fishinghat

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Posted 11 August 2018 - 03:59 PM

Well first of all Bailey there is a lot of ups and downs like a roller coaster. About the time you think you are over the hump you get hit again. Like I said before, some people get over it in a few weeks but most 6 to 8 months and a few 1 to 2 years. No easy fixes either. You can go on another ssri which is easier to withdraw from. There are some natural supplements that help but must be used cautiously.

L-Theanine (Suntheanine only) is probably the safest and fairly effective for most. Start slow and build up slow until you find the right dose. Very few side effects and drug interactions.

Then you have SAM-e, L-tryptophan, and 5htp. Definitely more side effects and drug interactions possible but if used with great care can be very beneficial. Some of the cold medicines (yup cold and allergy meds) have worked well for some but only certain formulas. Some of the others have ingredients that can make you worse. Omega 3 high in epa and dha is usually helpful.

Another thing I feel strongly about is getting a complete blood test done. The list of things to check are given in 'Summary of Cymbalta Withdrawal'. So many members find that during withdrawal there thyroid hormones, magnesium and calcium levels, vitamin D, blood sugar etc etc get screwed up and cause half their symptoms.

The thread 'Summary of Cymbalta Withdrawal' has great info from members in it on these subjects. And like always, read careful and if there are any questions let us know.



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