36 replies to this topic

[Johnbouy]

Hi friends .

 

Over a year ago i posted here i was going to try coming off Cymbalta , so i tried going down from 60mg to 30 mg 

suddenly which didnt work , my mood became somber , i became silent etc .

 

BUT only a few months ago i think in Aug/Sep i decided to take a 60mg every second day , hmm , i started

feeling better , so i stayed with that for a month or so , then i went to 30mg every day , now i am taking 30mg

every second day and expected to be off Cymbalta early in the new year as i didnt want to rush things 

( i have been on Anti-depressants for around 25 years non stop )

 

But things are going so well i expect to be off Cymbalta by Christmas , i also take 30 mg of Avanza (Mirtazipine)

every night (it was to help me sleep (duh) as i have problems with Insomnia) but have also cut Mirtazipine in half as well

to the point its ineffective , infact 30 mg of Cymbalta is not a therapeutic dose , so im essentially nearly off Anti-depressants .

 

Saw my Psychiatrist yesterday , he wanted last time to change my anti-depressant because i said i was on Cymbalta and still depressed

so whats the point ? He gave me a prescription for a different anti-depressant but as i was feeling BETTER cutting down i thought i'd

continue on this path . 

 

Listening to my body , so i hope this helps someone , give the alternate day/s a try see how you feel , Doctors DONT always know best .

I am nearly off and feel better than i did before , I told my doctor and Pharmacist , doctors are quick to prescribe these things but make it

very hard to\come off , their is NEVER an escape plan , if your still depressed they prescribe a higher dose , which could potentially be

making your symptoms worse .

[invalidusername]

Hi Johnbouy...

 

Thanks for the post and the information and would like to wish you well in the withdrawal.

 

Now I am not one to discredit procedures that work, but we need to be very careful what we advocate on this forum and for that reason alone, it needs to be said that the "every other day" method is not recommended. I do not deny that it may have worked in your case, but in the majority, this is not a good idea. We have seen a lot of similar stories in the forum where this method has backfired and this is due to the very short half-life of Cymbalta. Within 12 hours or less, there is only 50% left in your system, 24 hours there is 25%, so after 48 hours when you would take your next dose, there is around 6%. Then to top up with 100% is akin to going through a mini-withdrawal, so clearly your system is maintaining reserves, possibly in a metabolism or fat reserves means.

 

Obviously I cannot tell how the rest of your withdrawal will go, but 60 to 30mg is usually the easier part of the process, so please proceed with caution from here on in. I would also urge you to consider taking a daily dose instead of every other day as I can see issues further down the line regardless of them not appearing already. 

 

Again, thanks for your post - ALL information is greatfully received here regardless of the method of administration. 

 

IUN

[Johnbouy]

Well the options with Cymbalta via capsules is either 60 to 30 which i found to hard as in a steep decent , or bead counting , which i guess could work . I just found by every other day i felt better so went with that .

I noticed Yesterday i took a 30 and felt like crap , today and the day before yesterday which was an off day i felt ok , so im listening to my body and it seems to be working for me .

 

If what your saying about Cymbalta half life is correct ,  it seems Cymbalta could be the very reason i was depressed for so many years .

 

Im confident i'll be off Cymbalta by christmas .

[fishinghat]

I agree with IUM. Your case is unusual but if it worked...that is great. I hope you the best and keep us posted on your progress.

[invalidusername]

"If what your saying about Cymbalta half life is correct ,  it seems Cymbalta could be the very reason i was depressed for so many years"

 

Quite possible

[Johnbouy]

I'll post updates here , i just found i felt better doing the " Every second day " , im like " What / how " ?

So i went with it as i had tried before dropping from 60mg to 30mg to adverse symptoms , mood change , very somber .

couldnt drop form 60mg to 45mg cause their aint no 45mg or 15mg , why is that ?

 

My Psychiatrist prescribed me a different anti-depressant as i said " Im still depressed while on Cymbalta so why take it ?

The one he prescribed was $68 for 28 tablets , i cant afford that and tbh was sick of the anti-depressant train .

 

Not saying they dont help and cant help but their is NEVER an escape plan its always " Take more " sick of it tbh .

I have expressed by dismay with the pharmacist and Psychiatrist as to why their isnt a 15mg or 45mg  Cymbalta ?

Its asif they want to make it impossible to come off .

 

So what im doing is working for me and i i am really thinking Cymbalta was the very reason i was " Kept " in

Depression . It is a documented fact that it Causes suicidal thoughts in young people of say 20 , duh , are they told That ?

Dont know how many times i thought of suicide . Countless . im 53 tho .

 

I will post here my progress , but i do expect at the rate im on the be off Cymbalta by Christmas .

I would suggest as im always a little bit sadder in the Winter months , it is coming into Summer here in Australia

I'll be outside more and in a better frame of mind , so this is why im nailing it now .

 

God bless you all 

[invalidusername]

The fact that there is no 15mg or lower capsule has been the subject of much debate, but it isn't going to change anything. And this is why we have bead counting. If you are not already aware of this, bead counting is the process of opening up the capsule and diving the amount of little balls inside to achieve a reduced dose. Many doctors will tell you this is wrong, but they are full of it. It is the ONLY way to safely withdraw from this crap.

 

Please do not go into this process with an end date in mind - you will come unstuck. This withdraw will take as long as it takes. Keep telling yourself this. If you rush it, you will run into problems and will end up taking you longer, so plain and simple, go slow. There is no prize for first place in this race.

 

You need only look at what 10,500 people have already said on our site here and it will tell you all you need to know...

[Johnbouy]

Yes i considered bead counting , and was going to try that , but noticed i felt better , it was my Psychiatrists advise to do every second day to see how that went , i mentioned to him bead counting and he thought it a good idea also .

The reason i am heading down this path is i noticed a considerable lift in my mood by cutting back  .

 

So after around 25 years on Cymbalta and Zoloft , i am doing what my body seems to be telling me , i have also noticed now on the off days with 30mg i feel better than the on days , i experience mild " Brains zaps " which is why im still on them at all , i feel i could come off altogether right now with just mild agitation , but im doing it at a slow pace , every other day and as i told my Psychiatrist i'll then go every 3 days , 4 days then off  .

 

As noted above it may not work for all , just sharing my experience as a possible trial for people still depressed while on them . What is their to lose by doing it every second day ? Brain zaps , a drop in mood in which case i'd consider bead counting , i was just surprised how much better i felt doing it this way . You dont seem to get an escape plan from our health professionals .

 

Depression is a real thing , i asked my GP is their a test to check my serotonin levels ? No he said , well thats helpful , cant medically prove someone has low serotonin levels but give them anti-depressants anyway . Bit like giving someone radiation tablets without proving they have cancer , my mother took anti-depressants (prescribed) because her mother passed away , grief is a normal process , but she said she needed something , so was prescribed Cymbalta to get her through her grief , thats it end of story , Dr didnt follow up with a plan to come off , she had to herself , this is a major floor in the medical INDUSTRY 

[invalidusername]

You are absolutely right in listening to how your body works with this sort of thing, which is why I say that it is not a one size fits all approach. My advice would be to do exactly what you are in listening to your body and that if you find the every 3 or 4 days does not work, then perhaps maintain the every other day, but reducing the bead count so that you are still tapering, whilst maintaining the method that works best for you.

 

Serotonin is first made in the gut and whilst there are tests which can show the efficacy of this process, that which reaches the brain and carries out the necessary processes responsible for our emotional well-being cannot, as yet, be measured. But as we do not, it is not always a LACK of serotonin, but can also be too much. It is the imbalance of it that dictates the anomalies in our mood. Anti-depressants will always be a medicinal lottery...

[fishinghat]

Just a note IUN. You will find that while serotonin is made in large quantities in the gut that serotonin does not cross the blood brain barrier. Instead carbohydrates help the amino acid tryptophan cross the blood brain barrier and one in the brain is converted to 5htp and then serotonin.

[invalidusername]

Thank you Hat. I have also been learning about the raphe neurons which also combine with the aminos in supplying the levels of serotonin, but yes, it should be pointed out that most of that in the gut stays in the gut to regulate the GI tract, bowel etc. Bet johnbouy really needed to know that too

[Johnbouy]

Its all good info , i just think their is a all to common prescribing of anti depressants when someone is experiencing grief for example . Zoloft was worse than Cymbalta imo , my mother could have died and i wouldnt off batted an eyelid , seemed they didnt give me a better mood , they took away all feeling good and bad , not so much the bad tho , taking away someones good moods (for want of a better term) it just dulls you . Makes you emotionless ...

 

And their is clinical evidence for the increasing of suicidal thoughts on Cymbalta (mainly in young 20 or so year olds ) but they still prescribe them . I had suicidal thoughts every other day , i am now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and it is anti depressant free . Good riddance too when im done , i think their the very reason i have lived (just) with depression for soooo long . 

 

So if Serotonin is made in the gut , their could be various reasons adequate levels arnt reaching the brain , Celiac disease , reflux ? And a host of other conditions , but lets just prescribe an anti depressant .

[fishinghat]

Interesting, Zoloft has worked well for me. You just never know about these antidepressants.

The serotonin that is produced in the gut will never make it to the brain as it is blocked by the membrane surrounding the brain. Instead it is produced in the brain by converting L-tryptophan (an amino acid) to serotonin. That is why white meat chicken and turkey are recommended by many psychiatrists as they are the highest in L-tryptophan and that can penetrate the blood brain barrier. The is a list of foods in the ebook which a are high in tryptophan.

[Johnbouy]

Next week im dropping down to one 30mg every 3 days .

[fishinghat]

Just a caution Johnbouy.

Cymbalta has a 12 hour half life. That means that 12 hours after taking it there is only 50% left in the blood stream. After 3 days there would only be 1.5% remaining in the blood. Then on the fourth day you take another Cymbalta and raise the blood levels right back up again, This can lead to repeating your withdrawal over and over again as the levels spike and fall. Be prepared for this just in case. Good luck and best wishes.

[invalidusername]

Just going to second that.

 

I know we spoke about this earlier in the week, but given that you felt the every other day method may have held you in depression, please tread carefully here. There are some things that will slow the overall process down, but I would be shocked to see if have the effect to this extent.

 

Please ask any questions if you feel further issues arising.

[Johnbouy]

Well folks im on every 3rd day and i see it if anything as a placebo , i know im essentially off them and 30mg is not a therapeutic dose . Im not noticing any adverse affects .

I dont remember saying every other day held me in depression (  Aug/Sep i decided to take a 60mg every second day , hmm , i started feeling better )

I noticed when i dropped suddenly from 60mg to 30mg my mood became somber , i believe i said Cymbalta has held me in depression . (This i believe 100% now in hind sight)

 

Im feeling pretty good actually better that i have in years , ive noticed to my head is a little clearer , not sure how to explain that . I took one this morning

and not sure why i did . I guess because that was my plan , every 3 days then every 4 days , i put my medication in a weekly container .

Next week i plan to to every 4 days (for whats its worth) If anything im noticing today after not having any for 3 days im getting mild brain zaps .

 

So this may be an indication im off them (listening to my body)

 

Im emotional , not crying , if anything a song will bring a tear to my eyes and the love of my kids will bring a tear to my eyes , im a man and not ashamed to admit

i have a sensitive heart , always have been emotional tho , a movie can move me to tears im a deep sensitive person and emotion isnt a bad thing ,

I found Zoloft killed emotion , Cymbalta not so much in me anyway.

 

Thankyou for your care and cautions .

 

P.S because of brain zaps this morning (and no brain zaps the last 2+ days) next time its time to take another and im feeling good

​i dont intend to take one , i think your right about the constant withdrawals , it seems by taking one im essentially keeping myself

on the edge of being off them completely , felt good yesterday and the day before .

So dont take them = feel good / take one not so good . Will see how things go but i have noticed that pattern the last couple of weeks

only getting brain zaps when i have taken one , usually you'd get brain zaps when you've missed one , reminding you , you've missed your medication .

 

Will keep you's posted.

[fishinghat]

WOW!!! That is incredible. I am really happy for you.

[invalidusername]

Very unorthodox means of approaching withdrawal, but again, if that is what is working for you, then so be it. Stick with what you know. It sounds like you are on the right route, and absolutely nothing wrong with being emotional - or admitting to it for that matter.

 

Will look forward to more of the same from you in due course!

[Johnbouy]

Maybe unorthodox , i saw my GP the other day and told him of my progress , i said when i take them after 2 days off

is when i feel bad , so he asked " Why take them then ? "

 

Yes listening to my body , yesterday i was nigly , emotional , but emotional in a good way " Im finally of this $xxT

I dont intend to take another , im done , the next few days will possibly , i'll maybe be a bit nigly at most .

 

I believe bead counting is the way to go BUT it wouldnt hurt for ppl to experiment with this method , you have nothing to lose.

It was by trialling the method mentioned by my pharmacist (actually she mentioned 60mg , 30 mg , 60mg alternating as another way.

As i didnt want to get my 60mg prescription filled i went with every other day and saw a significant lift to my mood .

 

So went with that . Not saying anti-depressants dont have a time and place but the INDUSTRY never gives you an escape plan.

I thank you guys for your input and support , im grateful for forums like this . I visited here over a year ago and the task seemed

daunting . Was i guess sheer luck that every second day alerted me to the fact my mood lifted .

 

I was going to do the bead counting , just never was a fan of counting the 200 or so beads so never got around to it .

In saying that THAT it is a GREAT way to go , take the time to count one capsule , get tweezers and maybe reading glasses

and count them in lots of 50 and separate incase you lose count , record the total number , deduct say 2 per day or 2 every second

day , whatever you think is the pace you should tackle this from , its just a matter of carefully opening the capsule and taking 2 beads out 

from then on and reducing at the pace you are comfortable with .

 

I will be around , im still on 15mg Mirtazipine at night mainly for sleep , that i will deal with in the new year but GOODBYE TO CYMBALTA .

[fishinghat]

Congratulations on your escape!! A remarkable achievement. It will be interesting to see how you are doing in a few days. How long have you been off now?

[invalidusername]

Yes - again we cannot deny what has worked for someone - regardless of the issues others have faced using the same method, and I too would be interested to see where you stand in a few days. Obviously I sincerely hope that you continue to recover the same, but just as you said, we are always around if anything should happen and advice is required.

 

Again, many thanks for sharing your story and experiences. 

[Johnbouy]

Will report back later in the week .

[Johnbouy]

Well its been at least 5 days OFF cymbalta , ive experienced very mild brain zaps which i expect to subside , infact im not counting the days it could be 6 but its at least 5

I am finding ive been fairly emotional but not depressed , but i am an emotional person anyway , watching dunkirk last night and similar movies of the good and evil of humanity will move me to tears.

 

But folks im over the worst of it , i am indeed OFF .

 

Can i please thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for guiding me and supporting me and showing me the way out in this process , no im 

not a religious person i have a relationship with my creator .

People can and will say (religion is a placebo) cant disagree there , its about finding out who and what is the TRUTH .

( i had to mention Christ Jesus as i know he has been instrumental in showing me " Its time " and supporting me in this process )

 

When i accepted Christ into my life the next day my addiction to both Crystal meth and porn vanished overnight :-)

That was 5 or more years ago .

I had a $4.500 drug debt , when you find the truth , he himself will set you free and make your paths straight .

 

Thankyou to the people here for your care and advise , i probably wont frequent these forums anymore as i have successfully

after 25 years of dependance on anti-depressants am FREE .

 

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

Proverbs 3:6

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

 

Thankyou guys much love to you all .

[invalidusername]

Lovely post... and thank you for sharing such a personal and life-changing event. There is indeed no end to how your life can change when you find what you have been looking for. I am so glad that you found Christ. 

 

You are always welcome here, for what ever reason or purpose. 

 

Take care and God Bless

[Johnbouy]

Thankyou , i will swing by occasionally im sure .

[Johnbouy]

Hi guys i thought i'd check back in one last time , its been i guess 2-2 1/2 weeks OFF Cymbalta , in fact i threw the last 5 in the box in the bin ,

i experienced mild brain zaps for about a week n a half after stopping , nothing intolerable , i have been fairly emotional but certainly not depressed .

 

Just thought i'd call in as 5 days off as before , ppl may have still been thinking how its been 2 weeks on and beyond . I think my emotions are coming

from (well Cymbalta shuts down emotion) and my brain chemicals rebalancing themselves , after 25 years .

 

Anyway almost 3 weeks off and im doing good .

[fishinghat]

That is great and congratulations johnbouy. May life be roses and wine from here on out!!

[invalidusername]

..the same from me. You are one of the lucky ones for sure! Enjoy it...

[gail]

Hello JOHN,

Well, we don't see this often. Don't forget that progress is not linear. It's a wax and sane thing. It can catch you off guard,

We would like to follow you, can you please update us? Thank you John.