Overcoming Depression My Journey: #5 Detoxing Off Antidepressants
Detoxing Off Antidepressants As I Overcame Depression
First I have to make this point very clear. I didn’t begin to detox off of my antidepressants until after I had implemented changes with exercise, nutrition and a support system. I was no longer suffering from the symptoms I once dealt with when originally diagnosed with clinical depression, and I had a physician working with me through the detox process.
The Detox Process
At the time I decided to begin the detox process I was down to only taking 90mg of Cymbalta. My psychiatrist had my lower my dosage to 60mg. This initial amount wasn’t a shock to my system. After being on that amount for about a month or so the amount was decreased to 45mg. From there I went to 30mg, and then I crept down from there decreasing dosage very slowly. So slow that we would open up the capsules and count out the little balls and encapsulate smaller amounts. During the final stages of the process over the last couple months I took a low dose of Prozac in addition to the smaller doses of Cymbalta to decrease the withdrawal symptoms. In all it took around 1 year to completely detox off of all anti-depressants.
Withdrawal Symptoms During the Detox
The worst withdrawal symptom I experienced was “Brain Zaps“. I’ve also seen them referred to as Brain Shivers, Brain Shocks, Head Shock, or Electrical Shocks to name a few. This is a common side effect that is best described as a repeated electric shock like feeling in the brain or head. For me it sounded like those toy magnets you may have seen some guys in the middle of the mall throwing up in the air and they zap back together. It was very unpleasant and was usually accompanied with lightheadedness, tinnitus, vertigo, or nausea. Also I had pins and needles in my face.
The Actual Scientific Reason Behind Brain Zaps is Unknown
There does appear to be a neurochemical change that occurs in the brain when antidepressants are discontinued. One of the theories has to do with SSRIs that mostly work by holding Serotonin for longer time periods in the synaptic spaces of the nervous system. This space is between nerve cells and has an electrical current. The Serotonin happens to transmit currents. That said it’s thought that holding onto that Serotonin longer than nature had intended could cause the misfiring of electrical current resulting in Brain Zaps.
Was It Worth It? Yes it was all worth it!
I knew while I was going through the withdrawal process that I didn’t need the medication anymore. I had reached a place where it was not benefiting me but just a staple. I had been experiencing long term side effects from being on the medicine for 18 years, and knew it was time to see what life was like without them.
I’m Happy to Say
That I have been antidepressant free for about 3 years and I experience emotions in a whole new way. I had the emotions before but they didn’t feel like they do now. I will cry easier in an emotional situation where I was once more numb, and I laugh a lot more to the point of tears.
This was the Right Path for Me!
Disclaimer: Because prescription medication can cause severe withdrawal reactions, do not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician. The decision to taper any medication should be discussed with your doctor and done with their consent and support.
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For the rest of the blogs in this series:
