Role of Wellness Company's "Mind Lift" in Anxiety and Depression
Case example of successful taper and discontinuation of Cymbalta
By Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH
As an internist and cardiologist I frequent encounter patients with anxiety and depression. The popular SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors,Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor) have been an advance in medicine with established indications. While SSRIs affect serotonin only, SNRIs affect serotonin and norepinephrine, which can influence mood and pain perception. However, I have encountered patients who end up on these medications for years, have more drugs added, and become stuck in polypharmacy with seemingly no way out.
Recently I consulted on a complex patient with a serious neurological and psychiatric history who had a great desire to get off Cymbalta. Cymbalta is not considered addictive like opioids or benzodiazepines. However, physical dependence can occur, meaning if stopped suddenly, the patient may experience withdrawal symptoms (often called discontinuation syndrome), such as dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, or flu-like symptoms. To avoid this, I recommended gradual tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation. As a natural approach for mood stability and prevention of relapse I suggested Mind Lift. The patient found one capsule a day worked well, but two a day felt excessive to her. Alter AI assisted in this review.
🧠 Mind Lift Review (2025): Natural Support for Focus, Mood, and Cognitive Clarity
Mind Lift by The Wellness Company (TWC) is marketed as a natural nootropic designed to enhance mood, clarity, and cognitive performance without the harsh effects of synthetic stimulants. According to TWC’s product page and their accompanying blog “Unlock Your Mind’s Full Potential – Naturally” (2024), Mind Lift blends adaptogenic botanicals, amino acids, fatty acids, and trace minerals to support mental wellness in a holistic, synergistic manner.
🌿 Core Ingredients and Mechanism
Mind Lift draws upon six key natural compounds that have been individually studied for brain support:
Lithium Orotate – A low-dose, bioavailable form of lithium that supports neurotransmitter regulation and mood stabilization. Studies have associated nutritional lithium intake (through drinking water or trace supplementation) with reduced rates of depression, violence, and suicide. In this formulation, it is used in very small physiological doses — far below pharmaceutical lithium carbonate — to promote mental equilibrium without toxicity risks.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – A powerful adaptogen shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep and focus. It modulates stress hormones while supporting adrenal balance, making it valuable for those experiencing chronic stress or brain fog.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) – The body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Supplementation with GABA promotes calm focus, reduces anxiety, and may improve sleep quality by reducing central nervous system hyperactivity.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – An omega-3 fatty acid derived from algae that supports cellular membrane integrity, neuroplasticity, and anti-inflammatory signaling in the brain. DHA is vital for cognitive resilience, particularly under stress.
L-Theanine – A calming amino acid derived from tea leaves, known for increasing alpha brain waves and enhancing attentional focus without sedation. Often paired with caffeine for optimal synergy, but here it acts alone to temper over-firing circuits while maintaining alertness.
L-Phenylalanine – A precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It supports motivation, drive, and memory through supporting monoaminergic neurotransmission.
⚙️ Overall Efficacy and Intended Benefits
Taken together, Mind Lift aims to:
Improve focus and working memory by balancing excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Enhance resilience to stress through adaptogenic and neurotrophic effects.
Promote positive mood through regulation of dopamine and serotonin synthesis.
Support long-term cognitive function via the neuroprotective effects of DHA and lithium.
Patients should expect subtle improvements over 2–4 weeks rather than a stimulant-like “kick.” This slow, cumulative synergy aligns with the neuroadaptation required for sustained mental improvement rather than temporary overdrive.
Independent reviews on sites such as Health4LifeNow (2025) describe Mind Lift as uplifting but gentle, noting clearer thinking, calmer mood, and more consistent energy without jitteriness.
⚠️ Cautions and Considerations
Because lithium orotate, while safe in trace doses, can accumulate in individuals with kidney impairment or those on other psychiatric medications, patients should consult a doctor before starting — particularly if they are pregnant, nursing, or managing thyroid or renal conditions. Notably my patient tapered off Cymbalta over three months using Mind Lift under my direct supervision with in-office visits.
💬 Verdict
Mind Lift stands out as a sophisticated, research-informed nootropic for individuals seeking a natural lift in cognitive and emotional balance. Its formula reflects a thoughtful integration of neuroscience and herbal medicine. For those open to holistic approaches — and patient enough to let the adaptogenic effects accumulate — Mind Lift could be a legitimate tool for restoring focus, calm, and clarity. In the case of my patient, Mind Lift was critical in the safe tapering and discontinuation of Cymbalta.
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Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH
Chief Scientific Officer, The Wellness Company
www.twc.health
🔗 References
The Wellness Company – Mind Lift Product Page (2025). https://www.twc.health/products/mind-lift?_pos=1&_sid=8091b7390&_ss=r
Unlock Your Mind’s Full Potential – Naturally, The Wellness Company Blog, Nov 2024.
Health4LifeNow.com – The Wellness Company Mind Lift Formula, March 2025.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): Lithium Orotate (PMC6443601); Ashwagandha (ODS, NIH); L-Theanine (PMC8080935); DHA and Cognition (PubMed 25790022).
Great that you are promoting natural nootropics to replace SSRI and SNRI dependence, but it seems that you still believe in the "chemical imbalance" causal mythology for anxiety and depression. A landmark 2022 umbrella review by Moncrieff et al. (the largest of its kind, covering 17 major serotonin research lines) concluded:
There is no convincing evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels or any measurable deficit in serotonergic function.
• No correlation between serotonin metabolites and depression
• Depleted serotonin does not cause depression in healthy subjects
• SSRI benefits do not imply serotonin deficiency
• Long-term antidepressant use may itself downregulate serotonin receptors
Ditto for SNRIs. In short: the chemical imbalance story has no empirical validity. Even top psychiatrists now openly admit this.
I have family members taking cocktails of these types of drugs. Is 'mind lift' a way of filling the gap as the SSRI's are tapered off? Long term perhaps yoga and exercise could help lift mood, as well as psychotherapeutic analysis and support.