Weaning Off Medication
I made the decision a few weeks ago to stop taking my antidepressant, Cymbalta, which I have taken for over 3 years.
Last year, due to a mix-up with my doctor and an abrupt change to my daily routine, I was without it suddenly for about 3 weeks. Those 3 weeks were hell on earth.
My doctor is less than understanding so I have been tapering off the drug on my own since 10/21/11. I am down to 20 mg from 60 mg and the withdrawal symptoms have been all over the board.
Suddenly this week, I have developed some boils on my stomach, chest, arms, and legs. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and wondering if it could be some kind of cleansing reaction?
I take flaxseed oil, virgin coconut oil, apple cider vinegar daily plus a complete spectrum of vitamins. I use magnesium oil on my body (which until this week had seemed to contribute to clearer skin).
I started taking turmeric (smooshed into my coconut oil) when the boils started but they seem to be no better (after 4 days) and I have more. I just read that turmeric can be used for liver cleansing so I'm wondering if I am detoxing too quickly.
Just wondered if anyone else had experience anything like this or if I'm just attributing each and every symptom to the medication withdrawal.
(Melbourne, Australia)
11/04/2011
KC, sorry to hear about your withdrawal symptoms from coming off Cymbalta. It would seem that this drug is very dangerous to withdraw from so be careful. Here is a link you should read. You may need to be monitored more closely while you are withdrawing. http://cymbaltasideeffects.com/
(Melbourne, Australia)
11/04/2011
KC here are lots of people comments when they came off Cymbalta.. A sobering read. Note these are dated 2006. I can't believe your Doctor put you on this medication!!
http://drugs.healthdiaries.com/cymbalta-side-effects.html
Magnesium chloride in your bath water is (about 2-4 pounds) is very good for depression (or swimming in the ocean). Also Dr. Hoffer treated many people with depression with Niacin. Research Doctoryourself.com
Weaning Off Medication
I have had ocd for about 14 years. I went on lexapro and switched to prozac and it was helping. I've been taking them for a bit over a year. I began taking vitamins after learning nutrition in school ( a few months ago)and was feeling so great at one point. I had energy, phobias decreased, more motivation, less anxiety in general). When I ran out of b complex I realized I am more anxious and I'm convinced its the b complex that worked so great. Anyway my question is does anyone know how to transition like wean off the prozac and only take vitamin supplement without brain zaps and other side effects? also if anyone knows how long I have to wait before trying 5htp? I know you are not supposed to take it with prozac because you can risk seritonin syndrome. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
(Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada)
11/08/2010
Please get yourself on omega 3's now. Your brain is screaming for healthy fats. Omega 3's are absolutely necessary for cognitive function and to feel energy and healthy. If you are deficient in omega 3's you will have many symptoms such as depression, phobias, poor judgement, slow cognitive function, and the list goes on. You are definitely deficient in omega 3 and today's diet over 90% of people are. The fats people eat today are horrible, inflammatory and create disease. I know that my health improved drastically after consuming omega 3s and coconut oil. These are the only two fats that anyone should consume. Although, I do consume olive oil as well, but high quality olive oil. The brand I use is made so that the molecules are intact and the oil is healthy and safe. In fact this company produces so many beautiful products and no, I am not connected to them in any way. The name of the company is Napa Valley Naturals. Use their products as they are amazing. About coconut oil, please research this oil as it is the best oil you can consume and need in your body as it removes disease in all areas from your heart, thyroid, brain, digestive tract. This oil is amazing and gives you the gift of health if you eat it everyday. I just use it instead of butter/margarine. If you research it you will know how amazing it is. Oh about getting off the prozac, please just slowly wean yourself off dropping 1 pill a day until you are done. Good luck, Ellen
(Rockland County, Ny)
11/10/2010
Hey. Thanks so much for the info and quick response. I failed to mention the prozac I'm on is time released 40mg I've been taking for a bit over a year. I hear if you don't taper slowly enough you will get side effects like brain zaps and nausea weeks later when it is out of your system. I also am considering taking 5htp when its finally out of my system. I will definately start with the omegas though. I know b complex helped. I have realized what an unhealthy diet really does.
Xanax
I would so suggest you don't take Xanax. It's a benzo I was on them for 26 years for panic attacks. I took myself off of them and I almost died. I was in the hospital for 2 months, my blood pressure was sky-high, my body did not know what to do without the benzos. I would suggest weaning yourself off of those immediately!
