coming off/what are some natural alternatives to SSRI's?

[Truth Juicer]

Hi folks,

I am currently tapering down my prescribed used of SSRI's, namely Cymbalta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duloxetine

I am looking for natural/herbal alternatives to alleviate the inevitable withdrawl symptoms I am going to encounter as I get back to a non-chemical, natural state.

I have been taking SSRI's for a few years now and am finally down to half my dosage, but I gotta tell you, it's not easy!

I have been taking 60mg of Cymbalta since 2006: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbalta and I have been wanting to get off it and focus more on my spiritual side. Seeing that SSRI's inhibit this process greatly I have taken the long, steady and gradual step of coming off it.

I noticed on the Cymbalta wikipedia page in the 'contraindications' section the following: "MAOIs - concomitant use in patients taking MAOIs is contraindicated." - interesting considering that the only way of utilizing your natural DMT is by increasing your MAOI uptake.

Can anyone suggest NATURAL/herbal concoctions that I could take in order to stave-off the depression and anxiety that I have been feeling? I am hoping that this is just a side effect of coming off the stuff after so long and my brain readjusting back to it's natural state. Also, if anyone has personal experince with this then I'd like to hear it!

Thanks
Ben

 

[Gaby]

Hi Truth Juicer,

There are alternative practitioners who can help you balance your brain chemistry in order to come off from prescription drugs. For instance, here is a list of some practitioners: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/pract.shtml

Rodger Murphree also has a chapter on this subject in his book "Beating and Treating Fibromyalgia and CFS": http://www.treatingandbeating.com/aboutbooks.html

Q: Can 5-HTP be taken with any of
my prescription medications?
A: Yes. Remember, it has a funny
name, but it’s a perfectly natural
brain chemical.
Q: Can I take 5-HTP along with an
antidepressant?
A: Yes, you can take 5-HTP or any
amino acid along with antidepres-
sant medications. In fact, 95%
of my patients are already taking
antidepressants when they come to
see me. Most are on SSRIs—such
as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, or
Celexa—which are trying to work
with the serotonin they have. Or in
this case, the serotonin they don’t
have. Once they start flling their
brain up with serotonin by taking
5-HTP, the prescription SSRI
medications then actually have
something to work with!

Q: Is there anyone who shouldn’t take
5-HTP?
A: I wouldn’t recommend 5-HTP
for patients with manic depression
or schizophrenia. Tese conditions
are best referred to an orthomolecu-
lar psychiatrist who specializes in
these complicated disorders.

He has several recommended protocols in order to take natural remedies safely. Another good resource is The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.

It is practically impossible to reach a serotonin overdose, but a combination of 5-HTP and drugs like SSRIs (serotonin boosting antidepressants) and especially MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) can result in an overdose. Always consult your physician if you want to take 5-HTP with prescription drugs.

Also, it is less of painful process when you do this with a practitioner who is knowledgeable on natural remedies like 5-HTP. You'll find more information about it in the following threads:

Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome
http://www.cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=17292.0

http://www.cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=13270.0

Does 5-HTP+Antidepressants = Seretonin Poisoning?
http://www.cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=14389.0

Also search for "5-HTP" in the forum.

 

[Truth Juicer]

hey thanks a lot for that info. I have already ordered 3 bottle of 120 5-HTP capsules 60mg

 

[Gonzo]

Hi Truth Juicer,
I would always take the good doctor Psyche's advice over mine. However, providing what I am about to write doesn't contradict anything written in the above-mentioned forum threads, I would like to add:

Abrupt SSRI discontinuation will provide side effects of which you should be aware, so you can better prepare.

These can include a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts (even when none existed beforehand) and "brain zaps", a sensation of electrical shock that can occur every time you move your eyes, or experience jostling effects, like walking, which in turn, seem to affect the ocular nerve or something in that region.

It is generally recommended that a slow, downward titration plan be administered.

I have been off Cymbalta for 2 months and did not titrate downward sufficiently (I think) and am still experiencing brain zaps at certain times in the day.

The first thing I experienced were the brain zaps, followed quickly by crying jags that would get triggered by the subtlest of conditions. Sometimes I would be talking to someone at work (really not a good place for this to happen), when my mind would pick up on a word either I or another person would say. This would trigger an internal correlation with a wound and I would tear up and get a lump in my throat. It would take every ounce of will to hold it back. If it happened at home, I would just let the crying come on and express itself.

I have been taking 5-HTP concurrently with the titration and beyond, which certainly seemed to have helped both with mood swings and brain zaps until I recently ran out and thought I would see what life was like without it. Mistake.

Brain zaps increased and negative thoughts came to the forefront. It would appear I am not done yet.

Speaking for myself, but I think it is true for many, it is pointless to just stop taking anti-depressants or serotonin supports without having some form of therapy to deal with deep wounds. The same is true when taking SSRIs. They really work in combination with some form of therapy, although in my experience, the SSRIs blocked me from accessing the very regions I needed to access from a therapeutic standpoint.

Another important thing to note is the role diet plays in psychological health. Detoxification, elimination diet and avoidance of glutens and certain lectins seems essential.

I wish you well on your journey but caution you to become as informed as possible.

Gonzo