How do you feel now? I want to come off my medicine too but I was a wreck before stating and the medication for all intents and purposes has been a success. The only problem I currently have in regards to these SSRIs is that they make me feel irritable. But even that is arguably not because the medication. Still, something about taking a drug every single day just sucks.
I weened off of my SSRI's, starting Jan 27, 2024...Now at day 14. Your video hit so close to home I cannot even tell you. Between the brain zaps, mood swings and 'other' issues---it's been a living nightmare. Currently at that stage where EVERYTHING triggers me--NO Hallmark commercials for this guy!! I NEVER want to go thru this again. Again--thanks for taking the time Amanda, it TRULY made a huge difference for me as I've been wondering just what in the sam hell is going on with me lately---NOW I know.
I’m a pretty fit person and I was a personal trainer for a long time. Zoloft made me feel absolute zero interest in working out and physical exertion was actually super hard and more tiring. I never ended up gaining weight but I was definitely more interested in savory foods like Mac n cheese and chips that I never cared for before. Hearing her experience is super validating.
Omg same, working out for me used to be my thing, now it’s a huge chore :( my doctor just sent me a lower dose to try and wean off so hopefully my workout drive comes back, did yours?
Lexapro significantly helped me with anxiety and panic attacks. I started at 10 mg and was on that for several years. Then went down to 5mg and sat there for several years. Now I am down at 2.5mg a day and plan to be for at least a year, and then will alternate that and nothing for several months before stepping down to nothing. Slow is fine. And taking the time and see at each step how you are managing is so important. I will say that at this incredibly slow pace I have had zero side effects. Never had a brain zap once.
Thank you for this video, you have no idea how much it helps to know you’re not alone.. ❤️ I was on Antidepressants for over two years and I finally decided it was time to come off. On May 21st, 2023 I came off cold turkey. I’m day 26 without medication. I’m still struggling, especially with anxiety. I’m so overwhelmed and I’m feeling so many emotions that I’ve been numb to for over two years. I’m reminding myself that it’s going to take some time to heal & have my serotonin produce normally again. Some days I want to run back but hearing other peoples stories and struggles reminds me that this is normal and I’m not alone. It gives me hope & motivation. So again, thank you for sharing your journey, it definitely helps others. And congratulations to you on you’re journey! 💕 anyone reading this just know you are not alone, we are capable & this to shall pass. May God bless you all & his peace abound in you.
Thanks for sharing. I'm currently going through withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and panic attacks are the worst. I actually ended up in the emergency room twice thinking I was dying 😢
I’m currently going through antidepressant withdrawal and I watched this video a few times as it is really validating my struggle because I feel absolutely I’m horrible and out of mind going through this - I want to make a video on this topic myself to help other people. Thank you so much for sharing! And I know this nausea, lack of appetite and heart palpitations will end ❤
What I don't understand is why people get on these antidepressants and then want to get off of it? If you had anxiety and depression in the beginning surely it will not go away when you stop taking them. Your brain has been altered to do what that pill tells it to do to your transmitters and when you stop taking them your brain tries to readjust itself back to the way it was. Your body and mind suffers in the process. You’ll have side effects that can last weeks, months and years ,and with some people they never go away. The doctors give us this poison and then we’re left alone to deal with the horror. All they can offer us is an increase in dosage, another brand or instances where they seem to have no idea what we’re talking about when we tell them what we’re experiencing. The cycle of trying to find help from another source continues.
Your explanation of the cycle of antidepressants is the most comprehensive and truest I've ever seen. If I could have made a video myself to explain to people exactly what happens,this would be it. And I've taken SSRI'S for 30 yrs. The origins of anxiety, panic and depression,stress,the relief from taking antidepressants by having your emotions compressed,the eventual side effects with no energy,weight gain etc and lessened motivation,sex drive. Then the desicion to come off and the withdrawal symptoms. The initial feeling of euphoria as the floodgates of emotions return, energy and sex drive return. The only part that's missing is the return of original symptoms of anxiety and depression months after discontinued use,worse than it was before,causing you to run back to the doctor begging to go back on them. That's what I experienced over 30 years, leading to the cycle of antidepressants. On,off,on,off. Though they are not technically addictive,lots of people,including myself develop a dependency.Again I am withdrawing off another antidepressant,but this time I know that the return of symptoms is due to withdrawal and not the return of my original anxiety,and now it is finally admitted to the public that a chemical imbalance and a lack of serotonin is not how antidepressants work. I am now concentrating on mindfulness, meditation,breathing and neuroplasticity, rewiring the anxious brain to rid myself of antidepressant use and the cycle of antidepressants.
@@nili3529 After a 3 month withdrawal period,I have been off antidepressants for 10 weeks. I did spend 8 months off prior to this stint,but I was relying on CBD oil and 5-htp. I will not be relying on pills or supplements now as it just reinforces my dependence on having to take something to feel better. In my experience there is no pill or supplement that truly gets rid of anxiety,they just mask the problem and take the edge off temporarily. The true way to combat anxiety is in the reply,but it takes commitment and working on,not pill popping.
@@nativechique7589 Hi, taking it day by day. It is now known that antidepressants can create a dependency with its effects lasting months after stopping,and symptoms returning worse than before. That could explain why I have never lasted more than 6 months antidepressant free over a 30 year period. It has now been 3 months and I consider myself like an ex alcoholic that has to take it day by day,and manage and accept my own anxieties drug free. There is no going back. ❤️ Take care.
Been on Cipralex for a year and started my wean off. Went from 10 mg to 5 mg for about 4 weeks and now I’m on 2.5 mg for 2 weeks until I stop taking it completely. During this wean off period, my naturopath asked me to take two capsules of Neuropas Balance by Pascoe and two capsules of AOR relax and recharge. Neuropas is a combination of St. John’s wort, passionflower and valerian root. These are mood stabilizers and natural antidepressants. So far my main symptoms are major fatigue, vivid dreams and a lack of energy. Also major sugar cravings. Luckily, no brain zaps so far. Best of luck to everyone who is weaning off antidepressants.
I was on 10mg escitalopram for 4 years and I was tapering at 5mg for over 2 months...I got brain zaps throughout my medication if I even changed the time I took my dose. I constantly felt imbalanced or nauseous. I wont deny it definitely helped with some of my mood swings and anger issues, but I felt trapped with this medication. I accidently went off for 3 days and I went insane quite literally. I needed those damn drugs back in my system or I felt like I would die. I'm struggling physically without them now that my tapering is over...but I'm so thankful to see your video as well as how many others have gone through the same thing. I sometimes wish I never went on them to be honest...I just wonder if I did more damage to myself than good if that makes sense.
I am weaning of Lexapro... After you take 5 mg for 2 months then try and pick one day a week, let's say Thursday not taking the depressant. Let say for 2 weeks. Than pick another day, let's say Monday so now 2 days without taking a depressant ....and so on. Hope this helps us.
@FranTangles read into the 10% method. You need to taper off consistently, 10% each. The gist is: from the current dose, you take out 10% for 1 month. For example: I took 60mg duloxetine -> so I lower the dose by 6 percent to 54mg, by taking out doses. Not taking your antidepressants once or twice a week doesn't make sense, because you go through sudden withdrawal for always 1-2 days at a time before going back. It is not useful in tapering off.
@@FranTangles If this works for you, awesome. But i don't recommend others doing this without speaking to your doctor. Discontinuation symptoms will be worse after 3 days because of the half life of the tablets. Yeh just don't do this 😅
No no. Do not ever go cold turkey please. I have tried that. It was day 5 and I started feeling severe symptoms. Brain zaps, extreme feeling of loneliness and depression, feeling sad for the mistakes that I did and feeling sad for some family members etc (weird and so unpleasant feelings briefly). Now we made a quitting plan with a close relative and I am sticking to it.
Best feeling ever is to start to feel like yourself again coming off of Zolof. I Can sneeze, I Can eat, I can sleep, I can feel my body and not feel numb all the time in my head and body. I relate to all your symptoms the brain zaps are the worst
Being one's real vulnerable and sensitive self and giving oneself the permission to feel all emotions (both good and bad), having a critical mind, and knowing that's all part of the human experience (and we are all together in this), so similar and at the same time so different in many ways (not having to be like everyone else) being HUMAN and YOU in other words - that is a real revolution - but very few people/doctors will talk you into that
Thanks so much for this in my first week of coming off my anti depressants, my anxiety is also health based as so the brain zaps really took me by surprise you description of them are exactly what am experiencing so good to hear I am not the only one having these❤
People don’t realize how debilitating health anxiety can be. It’s almost a joke. I was a little bit of a hypochondriac and then covid hit and I spent the first entire year of 2020 terrified I was going to get sick and die. It’s constant fear. Eventually moved to thinking I have some sort of cancer all the time. I was constantly checking my self in the mirror. Literally as soon as I rolled out of the bed somedays, I’d go straight to the bathroom and start looking in the mirror trying to find something wrong This type of behavior eventually leads to depression. You start thinking “Why can’t I just be normal. Why am I terrified all of the time?!” It makes you angry too I got to where I didn’t want to even get out of the bed in the mornings because I knew my day was going to be filled with fear and panic about the possibility something was wrong with me and so was missing it Through a low dose of sertraline (I was on 50mg for a few months then went to 25mg for a little over a year now), getting on TRT (I had extremely low testosterone levels) and a closer relationship with God, I have been able to manage the anxiety and go on with life. I still have the occasional anxiety but it is nothing like it was and I am able to pray and relax and it goes away. SSRI have helped but yea I’m ready to come off of it
That dose of sertraline is going to get in the way of your relationship to God too. Glad it helped when you really needed it but glad you are coming off too.
I'm tapering off zoloft as of today. I miss my old self. I noticed the "numb" and zombie like feeling recently. That's what made me decide to taper off. Thank you for this video!
Hi I just started my half dose this week and I am struggling with it already, I’d love to hear how you are doing after one month? We need more support groups for this kind of thing
@lucywright3312 sorry I didn't see this. I've gotten off zoloft, went to prozac. I'm now off ssris. Feel SO MUCH better. Finally got my adhd diagnosis, on the proper adhd meds and my life has changed so much within the last few months. I agree. I wish more people would be open about this!
Today Is my first day trying to ween down. This video is the best video I could have found that motivated me to do so. The numb feeling is horrible. I want to feel again!
words cannot descrie how thankful i am to you. You explained everything i was going through and i felt so lost. i didnt knew what brain zaps were and they scared me to hell. I went to my therapist and she just told me to start taking a bigger dose even when i told her my medication dont work on me anymore. I felt so lost and tought there were no escape. Thank you so much. I am going through exact same like you were and this video i could safely saved my life. thank you once again
-stop arguing with people who are not willing to listen -start prioritising your own needs and wants -stop being always available and trying to save everyone -sometimes your helping is actually sabotaging god's plan -start being okay with people misunderstanding you -realise that you can only change yourself, and you can change others giving them an example -stop needing people to validate yourself worth -Talking with myself is the best way to solve and change what i dont like about me or my personality -less chasing more attracting -being more selective and only adding great people to my great life -stop seeking people's validation or permission to do what you want Helps with depression ! God Bless you Amanda! Great details !
Psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelics, as a whole, have shown substantial promise as beneficial agents that can truly aid individuals grappling with mental health difficulties.
I totally agree! Psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelics in general have shown great potential in helping people with mental health issues. It's truly remarkable how effective they can be in treating depression and anxiety.
Mushrooms played a pivotal role in my journey to conquer addiction, and I've never experienced a greater sense of self-control. I'm proud to say I've been clean for one year.
Be careful though! Don't take mushrooms if on prozac or other certain medications for mental health. It can be a disaster and cause severe longterm damage to your nervous system. Sometimes irreparable. Proceede with caution. Trust me on this.
Congratulations on getting off the meds! I’m 11 days Paxil free and I’m feeling so much better! I was on it for 10 months. I quit cold turkey because it seemed like my body was rejecting the medication and I got a panic attack half an hour after taking it so I stopped it completely out of fear of getting another panic attack if I take it again. The first 5-6 days was horrible. I was even getting vertigo in the first week which is a side effect. But I kept myself busy with work and my hobbies. Now I don’t feel any withdrawal symptoms except a little bit of vertigo that lasts a couple seconds but it’s starting to go away day by day. I thought the symptoms were going to last a long time but it’s almost gone and I’m glad because taking medications is the last thing that I would want to do take to heal myself when we have fruits and vegetables as our natural medicine
That's so great! i'm happy for you! i was on 3-4 different kinds of antidepressants for almost a year and a half on and off. i also stopped recently (Aug 6.) i'm experiencing really bad insomnia. the first week i stopped drinking the meds, i couldnt't sleep a wink for about 2 weeks! it gradually got better tho. i've been sleeping 4-6 hours a day now. i still don't get sleepy or tired, but i'm glad i can sleep now. i know u're not supposed to stop cold turkey but i just HAD to because it affected my eating. it made me feel really bloated so i wasn't eating much. now that i'm off then, i've been getting my appetite back. reading comments like yours make me feel less lonely. i'm sorry you went through this, but i'm happy you're better. 💖
So nice to not feel alone! I’ve always been a thin person, but after being on sertraline for roughly 16 months, I definitely notice that I constantly think about food and I’ve gained about one pant size. Size 00-0 to more 0-2 now, which I know is not “big,” but it’s really messing with my mental health as someone with dysmorphia/ disordered eating struggles. I’ve also noticed that I just don’t have the motivation to work out anymore like I used to. Increased appetite + decreased motivation to workout = bad combo. I am beginning to wean off. I was only on 25 mg the whole time, but now splitting the pill in half. Plan is to be very slow about it - do 1/2 pill for at least the next 4-6 months. Great video!
When I started SSRI's last year, I found your video about your first 3 months on meds. Now that I am in the process of coming off it, I found this video of yours. Both of those made me feel so much better! I feel like my resons to even start SSRI's were very similar to yours, the dosage and timeline is pretty much the same and I have almost identical side effects as well so .. thank you for sharing all of this and making it a bit less weird and lonely journey 🙏
@@Polecat-qz5om I did :) one month without and my stride is coming back, I'm just a bit grumpier when stressed but I suppose that will get better again 🥰
@@michaelakubinova629Hi! I know this is an older comment, but would you mind sharing which medication & dosage you were on, along with how long you were on it? What did your tapering process look like? And as far as physical withdrawal symptoms go, did you do anything to help relieve them (even if it was a temporary fix)? Sorry for all the questions! And thanks in advance, if you happen to end up reading this haha. (Also if anyone else would like to chime in on their experience regarding my questions, please feel free to share!)
I've been on Lexapro/Escitalopram since 2005. Started out on 5 mg, then 10, and now 20 mg. A couple years ago I tried weaning myself off. I thought I was doing good by cutting my dose down every couple of weeks until I got hit by a major panic attack - end of the world type. Of course I tried doing this in the middle of Covid and didn't use any vitamins or supplements like other videos have said to do. I tried quitting cold turkey once also and dealt with the brain zaps and couldn't handle the emotional overload. I too fight for motivation on a daily - vitamins, minerals, nitric oxide boosters, coffee, etc... I intend to try to wean off again, but this time while taking 5 htp and the vitamins and minerals to help my body create the serotonin that it needs. Congrats to those that have succeeded and good luck to those on the journey to get off antidepressants.
Buspirone helps me with panic attacks. I'm now off anti depressants and hope to lose weight as antidepressants causes low metabolism on some people and I'm one of those people 😢.
The reason why you felt little symptoms dropping half the first two weeks is Dose effects are important; using citalopram as an example, halving the dose from 60 mg to 30 mg reduces the pharmacological activity at the SERT transporter only by a couple of percentage points. Dose reductions at the bottom end of the dose range have a much larger effect, and this is where care is needed. Tapering should be parabolic not linear
This is so relatable. I have been on an SNRI for YEARS for fibromyalgia and I am just now tapering off. I am feeling nervous about it. Hearing your experience has helped me.
If it helps I was on pristiq for 12 years ( an snri) and tapered with very little issue. Not every story is a horror story. Taper slowly. Slow and steady
I feel like this was the most useful video Ive seen on RUclips for me personally in a long time. Really grateful that you and your family have agreed to your story sharing. Thanks so much, really appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing your story, I’m happy to hear that we are on the same medication. Mine of course a higher dose. I have been on mine since I was 15 in high school, I am now almost 23. I have decided to stop taking mine because I feel like I no longer need it, with the help of Jesus I believe I can do it. I have struggled so hard in the past to stop taking it, but now I feel that with my faith in Jesus anything is possible and I’m trying again. I do not want to take this medication my whole life, I have hit my point where I do feel numb and have no sex drive and feel like I don’t need a medication to make me happy. Thank you so much.
I’m withdrawling now. Working out doing weight training, barre, yoga, eating clean, and taking vitamin b complex is helping. I have the worst headache and Advil doesn’t help. I got emotional over some things but realized it’s just cuz im off the pill. I’m def more moody and get annoyed over stupid things. My nose is runny, not sleeping well and brain fog. Im doing this cold turkey. But I feel working out being active is making this possible to do cold turkey.
Great video! I’m currently weaning off of citalopram. I was on it for 14 months because I had extreme anxiety, fear and sadness from living and caregiving my elderly mother. I realized that I was storing all my negative emotions in my body and they locked in there, even though I wasn’t triggered as easily. I couldn’t even release my stuck-in-the-body sadness by watching a movie and crying because only a few drops came out. 😢 so I’m getting off of it with the help of my nurse. I’m having bad headaches and waves of irritability. And my body is very tired. I want to feel my feelings again. I don’t caregive or live with mother anymore, so that stress is gone. ❤ I’m going to start swimming outside this weekend. That’s what makes me super happy and helps release stuck emotions.
@@Eoj24I’m on half dosage. Only 5mg but I’m finding that I have to take a lot of cbd to stay calm because I’m going through my deceased mother’s things now.
Thank you! It's great to know that your symptoms are not unique and you're not alone in this unusual feelings. I'm in the beginning of coming off with nausea and brain zaps, I feel like my weight is not more than 20kg and that it's easy for me to be gone with the wind literally
Thank you for making this video. It often feels like your journey with antidepressants can be so lonely and no one understands... but it feels so nice having validation that someone else has experienced the same shitty side effects I have (both on and coming off)! The head spins coming off made me feel like I was going crazy and what made it worse was i didnt expect it cause my doctor didnt warn me that even if i weaned myself off correctly I could still get BAD side effects
This was so beautifully done, Amanda! My experience with SSRIs seems to mimic yours. I’m about a year in and have really started to notice the numbed out feeling. I have always been a very high highs, very low lows type of person, so while the level of stress that can bring has subsided, so has the joy of the human experience. I am in the process of weaning now and it’s encouraging to hear the good and the bad as well as the “light at the end of the tunnel” sort of message this conveys. If possible, I would love to see a video from you specific to the non-medication ways you look after your mental health. I think it would be incredibly helpful to have and reference when needed! Thank you for the light you put into the world! 💛
Thanks for sharing your experience. Many are deficient in vitamin D (which is really a hormone), which is associated with depression and anxiety. It's important to take vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 with a fat for proper absorption.
Amanda, your video is lovely and I’m glad you are speaking about this. However, I am a health care provider and AND any drug that causes withdrawal means that it is addictive or your body becomes dependent. Plus don’t sugar coat it like the manufacturers do. And most providers don’t know because they’ve never taken the drug themselves! I’m finding this out with beta blockers too. Don’t ever miss a dose, it could cause a heart attack! MDs don’t tell you that, because they don’t know that. My PMHNP failed to mention this when she prescribed them for me because my ADHD meds gave me palpitations. I have come off of the ADHD meds. Tapering off of Zoloft. Then need to taper off beta blockers. Providers need to stop handing these out like candy because they are not to be taken lightly. I’m glad they helped you and I’m glad you were able to eventually get your body off of them. 😊
Off of Effexor after being on Anti depressants for over 27 years… omg. Did not know what to expect 😅 it is definitely not for the weak of heart. Crying, major irritability, anger impatience and quick temper! Boy hoping it’ll get a little easier but detox is a really major trauma in itself. Did not know enough to put 2 & 2 together until,I found websites like this. WhT a help. Thank u. I feel a little better now just knowing that this is my body, brain and emotions DETOXING off of all,of this RX
27 years on Effexor, holly shit. yeah you never gonna be able to stop without pernament damage. Protracted withdrawal for rest of your life .nothing compares to this not benzos, no other ssri/snri not even heroin. Taking Effexor was biggest mistake in my life.good luck
Day 5 dropping from 20mg to 10mg of pax-HELL. The withdrawal side effects have been brutal. Ive no delusions that im getting clear of these in a week or two. Perhaps weeks or months. Life is a battle and this is just another bump in the road.
Your videos have been so helpful! I am going through the exact same process! Since titration, my desire to strength train and work out has re-emerged. Thank you❤. Totally validating
This just makes me understand that all the success stories of people with antidepressants that encouraged me to go on medication are with just situational, anxiety or depression not a deep rooted issue which makes all the difference for someone who has a real difficult deep problem i just honestly say just try to fight it as much ans as long as you can cause honestly it’s almost no turning back after that and also the problems and side effects that come with the prolonged use just makes it even worse, cause not to minimize her problem but these cute stories of going on the meds and coming out of them like that it’s just not the actual experience, antidepressants should be the absolute last resort, cause some people really be taking meds because they just don’t feel exited to work out anymore or they cum really fast so these people would obviously have a much more positive experience which i wish i knew that before going on the meds
Well after watching this I really feel like I’ve screwed up my whole life taking antidepressants since I was about 20 yrs. old. Ugh. I really think I did not have a good support system, etc. In all of these years of taking them I go through periods of thinking I can reduce the amount slowly and do xyz to stop taking them. I was never successful because I would always end up in a major depressive episode after about 6 months of tapering off them. I am glad you had good perspective and good reasoning, judgement when you began and tapered off it. I am very interested in hearing about someone’s journey that has taken them for a longer amount of time and been successful getting off them. It would be inspiring to know if it is possible.
I've messed up my whole life taking rjfm from not feeling, now I'm off them the trauma is so great from the realisation of what I've done I'm in shock and trauma every day. I split up with my children's dad when baby was 2 months old,then had to go back to work when he was 4 months old so I could keep house,the pain of hanging my children over to his mum so I could work instead of me looking after my own children is vile. I kept making impulsive decisions for 10 years, ruining friendships, relationships, left me job. Nearly losing my children Now. I should never have gone on them . Now I've nearly lost everything coming off them again. You need a supportive family who can take over and keep you safe if you do chose to come off them. I think I have to go back on them just so I don't feel this and lose my children. Good luck ❤️
Antidepressants have always caused me emotional blunting, depersonalization, and numbness, this year I am ready to get off them after being on them for five years
I quit Paxil and Adderall in late August after using them for 25+ years and now I'm back to being the spiritual me that I seemed to have lost a long long time ago. Now I've quit pot ganja for the past 30 days as well and I can actually truly meditate for the first time in years and feel so much better and good. Quit the meds for 30 days as a meds breaks but continued and feel awesome. Should have done it years ago. It wasn't easy quitting them but this is the new me and I feel its a positive change for the better.
I had to come across this today, I'm so so tired, will this horrible feeling ever stop. Being pregnant with no appetite and nausea from both pregnancy and withdrawal is just so tiring. I'm going to listen to this over and over again.
I really needed to see this to make me realise I’m not alone in this journey!❤ I’ve wanted to stop taking these for soooo long, but I struggle the withdrawals are insane I need to start slowly down on them !
@@AmandaMuse most drs I’ve seen say to stop them cold turkey, which is so not good everyone knows you can’t just do that as the side effects are so bad, I have been told by one dr to half my pill to slowly cut down on them I can’t wait to start to feel again, and just in general I’m ready
I struggled more with tapering down from a higher dose but after I reached the minimum dose tapering below minimum was fairly easy, then when I stopped it was harder again, but it is manageable you just need to have a support system or a therapist.. good luck you are not alone ✨️👍🏻
Since I've been taking Zoloft I have been experiencing everything you have described and I don't like it. My weight has not been able to lower no matter what I do but I gained so much weight. I am currently weaning off and I'm so excited to stop
So so glad you decided against benzos. Withdrawal is HELL. First-hand experience here. Your video is very informative and relatable! Thanks for helping others become more informed. I love how you say that they helped until they stopped helping. So very true! There's definitely a place for antidepressants and also a time to discontinue them for many people.
I’m going through extreme nausea at the moment but I’m hoping to see the light soon lol. I even had pregnancy tests that’s how bad it’s been! And I tapered off so slowly. I’m just about to hit 2 weeks off of it. Im wondering if anyone experienced extreme fatigue? I slept for 17 hours twi days after with zero in my system, but that’s when the nausea began. Im still experiencing very bad fatigue. I can relate with the hunger loss wow. Thank you for your video as it’s comforting. Lots of love and take care!
Hi All I’m here 21/09/24 yesterday was my last official day off paroxetine meds. Was on it since the first lockdown in 2020. How good it is to feel emotion again. I embraced that wholeheartedly cause the meds made me numb to emotions. Have worked on my wean off meds the last 6 weeks, your channel is so relatable THANK YOU. ❤ My meds helped mentally but destroyed my health physically. I gained over 30kgs and I struggled so much trying to lose it. It caused ripple effects of other issues, sleep apnea, diabetes extreme fatigue. So bad it made me resign from my job of 15 years cause I could not fulfill my role 😢 it’s still a process and I’m not 100% peachy yet but I’m determined to get myself right again. Thanks everyone for sharing your journeys too ❤ I hope to hear updates on progressions. It gives us hope and encouragement 😊
I want to go off sertraline but my Dr said no. It's only been a year and the Dr put me on it because my husband died of colon cancer. I was sad about him dying but I couldn't cry because of the drug. This isn't fair. I need to cry and get it out. God gave us tears for a reason. I just wanted to know how to taper off.
As a retired nurse your doctor can’t tell you what you have to take! It’s your body and your choice. You have the right to refuse any medication or treatment. To wean off depends on the dose you’re on. I’m not a doctor so this isn’t giving you any medical advice. When I did it I was on 75mg. daily. I decreased by 25mg. every 4 weeks. My doctor recommended every 4 to 6 weeks, I choose 4 weeks. I had been on it for over 15 years. After each decrease about 3 days after I went through 3 to 4 days of symptoms ie:anxiety, nausea, chills, insomnia, brain zaps, intense anger, crying, etc. After the last dose and nothing else was being added to my system it took about 6 weeks for it calm down. Your brain has to learn how to make serotonin again red x , I I’m a Christian women and when I say anger I mean anger! I cursed everyone out all day long then cried along with all the other symptoms. I just hit the 6 weeks and I’m not doing too bad. Finding the balance is hard. I still have anger, but when it’s appropriate. lol. But self control works. Learning about yourself and why you made the mistakes and decisions in the past helped me to understand how to go forward without the medication. For me prayer is how I get through it and past my triggers. Instead of blaming myself for everything and all of self loathing I had when I started the medication, I’ve learned a lot. The last week I was so bad I almost went to 1/2 dose, but I wasn’t to start over. Best wishes on on stopping
This is no imbalance of Serotonin! This is grief! You have to cry for your husband and you have to grief! Why does your doctor numb your sadness? That is not healthy!
It is good to go of as soon as you can. Don't get trapped on them. If you want to go off, do it slowly and actually find joy in crying and feeling those emotions. The truck is give yourself a set amount of time to dwell, and sit in those emotions. Then step back into Good emotions. You can do this.
P.S. some things that folks can discuss with their doctor if they want help weening: 1) St. John’s Wort (a natural, serotonergic over-the-counter supplement), 2) Fluoxetine (generic name for Prozac which Amanda mentions in the video, cited by National Institutes of Health as a useful taper helper because of its long half-life) 3) Breathing exercises and meditation 4) 5-HTP 5) CBD
@@hanifanabukeera375it's not ideal but if you need it it's one of the better ones to use. It does have a very long Half-Life which makes it one of the easier antidepressants to wean off of.
Little neuro tidbit 🤓 SSRI’s are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, so it works by blocking the reuptake/absorption of serotonin in your brain which therefore increases the amount of serotonin “floating” around. So the pill doesn’t necessarily make you produce more serotonin but the concentration will be higher due to the blocked reuptake into the neurons.
This is true Erica. The only problem is that the human body is clever, so once the brain realises that something is trying to interfere with the natural serotonin process it shouts to itself "Eeeekk..now I must do something to counteract the effect of the meds", and it starts a process whereby the brain decides to reduce serotonin. So in the end the body is losing serotonin instead of gaining it.
Interesting fact..your guts are producing 90% of your serotonin,brain just 10%..I know pill can help you and give you that push but they're not gonna heal you..if people check their guts and change their lifestyle and food their eating,there would be much less people on pills..
Also little neuro tidbit. Serotonin is not linked with depression at all. SSRI method is outdated.there are tons of studies on this topic.But its good if you want to destroying your sex drive or gaining weight.
I tried coming off Zoloft and omg the nausea and the headache and dizziness was so bad it was brutal. I started the pills again. But I'm taking them 3 times a week now trying to lower it so I can get off of them. Thank you so much for sharing your story
can i ask how you have got on? I am on week 2 tapering off sertraline(Zoloft) and this wierd sensation in my head is driving me insane. its like head zaps but without the zap and some other weird dizzy sensation.
Thank you for this video… I have gained so much weight on this medication. It did what it was supposed to do but I don’t like the weight gain at all and it makes me feel insecure. I was diagnosed with depression and been on this medication for 4 years and now I am ready to come off with help of therapy. I sleep so good but always feel tired and lazy.
Currently tapering off Sertraline that I’ve been on for 18 months. Was on 100mg now 50mg and can already feel a lot of symptoms so coming down further is gonna be a heavy process but one I’m anxiously excited about trying. Hearing your experiences was so validating though in every stage so thank you for sharing ❤
9 months later and I’m off sertraline and on duloxetine instead. So far it’s working amazingly for me. Sertraline withdrawal is no joke but so worth it :)
Great video, ive been taking escitalopram for 3 years and last week i decided to quit full cold turkey. Im currently sitting with some very unpleasant brain zaps, and i really needed to hear these things from someone else. Now i feel like i am able to push through these upcomming days of going cold turkey from antidepressants. Thank you!
I appreciate your video. I am in the process of coming off SSRI'S after 15 years under the supervision of my Dr. 2 weeks in and I can actually feel again. I was watching some sweet animal videos on RUclips lately and I actually felt an emotional response. It was so cute I welled up tears (in a good way) I'm starting to feel a little more human again.
Wow!!! You hit the nail on the head. I’ve been on Zoloft for about 15 plus years for clinical depression, anxiety and PTSD. I decided a few months ago I wanted to start tapering off and about 3 weeks ago I started with not taking anything and about 3 days in at zero dosage it hit the fan! I’m a bit better tonight, but it’s like someone opened the floodgates to 20 years of emotions, hurt, pain, and a whole lot of anger! More things than I could handle alone, I’ve been trying to talk to my sister and it helps some. I’m know it will pass , but again WOW!!! The things I thought I had put behind me, had let go of, even being so angry made me angry. And then there are all of the things, crying, nausea, dizziness, the brain zaps, etc. I’m generally a very easy going, laid back, loving, caring person. Right now I can’t stand me. I was starting to think I was losing my mind. Thank you so very much for this video! One difference is now I have an appetite whereas on the medication I had no appetite, slept a lot,no energy to do anything. But I also have severe arthritis and fibromyalgia so my movement is very limited. And now I have a lot of insomnia. Thank you again for the video. 💜
All of a sudden I started to get agitated and was going to call my dr right up to go back on antidepressants when I came across your video. Made me rethink that I still may be having withdrawal symptoms. Covid hit me in the midst of the withdrawal process and I thought all my problems were related to that.
Thank you for your video! I'm coming off Lexapro. It's been 2 weeks. I still have low motivation to move and it's hard to move. I gained 7-8 kilos and can't get rid of it yet but I hope I will manage to lose that weight. But I noticed I don't experience that hunger anymore. I'm more into going out to museums and beaches, the things I love but I didn't enjoy on Lexapro. I have had severe headaches after I changed from 10mg to 5 mg but I didn't have many issues after I jumped from 5mg to 2.5. I hope I'll be my old self soon
Just decided to begin tapering from 20mg to 10 on cipralex starting this morning. I’ve done a fair bit of research into Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome and the FINISH side effects, so I think I have a basic roadmap for what might happen over the next 1-3 weeks. Thankfully my boss is very understanding and as it’s the 27th of December I can take 2 full weeks without having to go into the office. I tried this back in 2016 but thought I could just gun it cold turkey, which was a nightmarish, foolish mistake. I’m really thankful for this video and for RUclips’s recommendation engine for guiding me to it, especially given that the creator is in Ontario like I am and sounds like she’s from the Maritimes originally, like my Mom’s whole side. I’ve been taking Cipralex for 11 years straight, except for that one misadventure in 2016 described above. Here goes nothing.
Wow! Thanks for sharing! I'm coming off and struggling extremely. Literally every word you say here, even about who you are as a person, I'm like, this is me!
I'm on 150 mg of some antidepressants and I just said I'm done. On day 5 and holy molly, this is so strange. I've been on this for 6 years, and honestly, I can feel again.
Oh wow! I'm so happy I found your video, my experience is almost identical and I'm on the stage where I'm about to start weaning off escitalopram, thank you for your very detailed explanation, I know each body is different, but it's so relieving to hear your experience and how much I can relate. Thank you Amanda, really!
I started generic Prozac around the same time you started, like August 2021. It was supposed to be just about a temporary thing until I could get my finances together. Well, two years later and they still aren’t under control. So it’s a little disheartening that I probably have about another year before things will actually be stable. But thanks for posting this video. I feel a little less “broken” knowing someone else was able to thread the needle like you’ve done. 👍🏻
I appreciate you sharing your journey; it's really valuable for others in similar circumstances. I've been on Paxil at 37.5mg for about 7 months, which led to several issues. Now, my doctors have recommended a tapering approach, gradually reducing to 25mg, then to 12.5mg, while introducing 10mg of vortioxetine at the same time. I'm looking forward to being free from antidepressants. Initially, I was quite apprehensive after reading various online accounts about long-lasting side effects. Your story, however, has offered me a glimmer of hope and encouragement to discontinue these medications.
I have searched all over the internet what is happening with my brain when I'm moving my eyes left to right I didn't got any answer I have actually reduced the dosage of my SSRI and now I understand what's happening 😅 Thank you really very much ❤️
thank you for making this. I just started an SSRI as well for generalized anxiety disorder and OCD and it answered a lot of questions I had. Knowing that it is totally OK to ween off of them when they stop working was really helpful.
I've been diagnosed wirh hyperthyroidism that comes with severe anxiety and panic. April 2021, I took my first tablet of antidepressant. Now, I still do. It's more than a year since then. One time, I forgot to take a tablet and I had really bad headache, dizziness, and just bad gut. I was just in bed and almost couldn't function. It was terrible. And that, I knew, it'll be a bumpy ride if ever my doctor finally decides to stop it. Good luck to me. My next checkup is on the 23rd of September. Part of me is happy to cut this expense which can get really expensive in my country, but I'm not ready for the withdrawal.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I am working up the courage to taper off of Lexapro and the way you talked about your experience coming off of it helped me view the fear of FEELING all the feelings again in a different way.❤
Thank you for this! I just wtarted coming off of mine. Felt perfectly fine for 3 days, and then felt super weird and off today. Honestly thought I needed to go to the hospital until I saw your video and did some google search 😅
I’m 61 in the middle of being told to come off Paxil, after being on Wellbutrin and celexa for over 15 years, and the doctor wants me to go on Effexor which I hear is worse to get off. Offing myself seems like a better option at this point. My business is dead at this time of year. I’m supposed to be the primary provider yet no income. My wife’s income comparatively is neglible. So our savings are depleting rapidly. Your situation is a glamour trip compared to ours.
I'm so relieved to find this. Im withdrawing from 2 SSRIs. Stopped on 3/24. I've been on them, or others since post-natal depression in 1999. So, a long time. The zaps are terrible, crying about anything and everything... Thanks so much
I finally broke down and saw my doctor recently. I knew something had to change and so I am just starting this RX journey and found this video to be very informative. It can be scary but still glad there are options and hope to get to a better place soon.
❤️ hope you're doing well. I'm trying to wean down my escitalopram, but not off of it, because it has been so helpful for me. I've been on bupropion too, to help manage some (sexual) side effects, but it hadn't entirely worked, so hopefully working my way to a lower dose will be a better balance for me. I'm gonna stay on bupropion, but if I have mainly anxiety symptoms and it turns out to be anxiety and not escitalopram causing my side effects, and I start getting more frequent/secret panic attacks again I'm gonna try to talk to my doctor again.
I would appreciate an opinion I tried to get off prozac and I suffer from fibromalgia and as was reducing started feeling the pain getting worse,awfull needles on joints, widespread pain! I thought that stopping ant. Would not cause such horror! It is 2o MG. Of prozac for years. I feel like my life is not ending listening to you,,,😊
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m just starting my antidepressant journey due to anxiety and panic attacks. I also have health anxiety. I worry about coming off of them but I’m trying to not think about that since I’m just starting out.
Hi Amanda! My antidepressant start was horrible, the side effects almost made me give up. Numbness in some parts of my body, nausea, no energy, etc … And my withdrawal after 1 year was ok, not so bad as the beginning… My panic attacks didn’t stop, but because manageable… But I don’t want to go back into meds again 🙏🏻 Happy to know that you are fine Amanda! 😘
@@MisS_Anabiya now I am feeling good! Thank you for asking ! Now I can say that I “learned” how to manage my anxiety attacks. When I feel that is coming I take relaxing teas, homeopathic remedies, take deep breath’s…
Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing so openly! I am considering an ssri and videos like these, as well as your original video about going on them, have helped ease my mind on the process
I was on citalopram for 8 years and had gone up to 40mg until May 2023 I decided to start weaning off of it. Man it was rough!! I had lots of energy work done, acupuncture and took lots of different supplements(5-htp, Sam-e, l-tryptophan, melatonin, vitamins) I had to deal with a lot of emotions that I had blocked out for years but now I am feeling great! It is now April and I am down to 10mg and hope to be off of that by the end of May. I feel so much more happy and like my true self and more energetic!
Thank you sooo much! Ive been on my antidepressant (it was an SNRI though) for 5 years and just went off of it completely about a month ago (after tapering with doctor supervision). I have been struggling so so so much with anxiety since being completely off and this video finally made me feel okay for the first time in a while. My brain needs to hurry up and readjust! But ur video gave me so much hope.
I began Abilify almost 2 years ago now and it has made me gain so much weight and slowed down my metabolism and made me have little to no motivation. I have numbed out too. I was at 15mg, my physiatrist has weaned me to 10mg. I’ve been on 10mg for almost a month now. The next step is going down to 7.5mg. Hopefully she agrees to let me do that sooner rather than later but I have to be patient. I am just grateful that I found a psychiatrist willing to work with me as far as weaning off.
What are the ear things you mentioned? What do they do and where do you get them if I wanted to?? I just found this video and I’m definitely going to go back and watch all of your videos. Thanks❤
Funnily enough my antidepressants journey ran the same timeline as yours. I am 26yr male and live in the UK and in June 2021 I went on Citalapram 30mg. Which knowing what I know now seems stupidly high and given without even seeing a doctor face to face. In that year, I gained an enormous amount of weight for me, lost my sex drive & started to numb out. However these things didn't seem to worry me at the time, most likely because of the medication lowering the intensity of negative emotions. I have now been off meds for 10months and in that time I have done everything to put myself back together. I workout 4-5 times a week, priorities sleep, go to support groups and meditate. I am now in good physical shape again. My sex drive has returned somewhat, but not to where it once was, however have seen gradual improvement and vastly improved from what it was when on the meds. (P.s. if any fellas have questions regarding this I am happy to answer, as this cause me EXTREME depression & put me in the worst state I have ever been in). Personally I would never touch meds again & like Amanda says treat your body and mind like a house plant - do everything to keep yourself health physically, emotions, mentally & spirituality.
Hi,i am 22,i used sertraline (SSRI) for 12 days and i already have sex drive issues so i am quitting it, will the withdrawals be that severe even after just 12 days? Will i ever get my libido back?
Hey, i can only speak from my experience but I think you should be able to make a good recovery. In terms of sperm production (because it almost immediately effected this for me) this may take a couple of months - as I believe it takes something like 90 days for the full cycle of sperm production. But I know this was one of my concerns. Other sexual physical thing do come back also over time & may be quicker in your case as you've only been on them for 12days. Libido is an complex issues because things like phycology, self image, confidence all play apart. But there is not reason this shouldn't come back also. Just be very kind to yourself - it may take a while & don't lose hope. Sex & intimacy take many forms. I would just focus on getting yourself health mind / body and let things unfold naturally. Hang in there I know what your going through, you are already braver than most. 👊
@@bensto8979 hey how about your anxiety and deppression after stopping SSRI .Did you stop it cold turkey ? How are you feeling right now .plz give an update .
@yasithavas8859 Hey, They come and go like they have always done. But I now see it as something that needs to happen and probably the bodies way for releasing things in this unhealthy society. I am doing a lot better than I was though and going through that experience for coming off SSRI and then rebuilding my life has left me in a stronger position. I came off over a course of a month. However, this is probably not widely recommended. Incase your interested (as I would be) my sex drive has largely returned and I am overall now a lot healthier. If you feel like you need to take medicine to assist you in healing, I would say look into M Mushrooms instead for pharmaceutical options. Thanks, I hope this finds you well
The best thing about coming off meds is feeling again. The worst thing about coming off meds is feeling again.
Truth.
I hear you ,it's been horrendous
what do you mean feeling again is a bad and good thing ?
@@rania5602yes. We begin to feel all the good that we were numb too before. And also all the bad.
How true!
I love being clean of all psychiatric drugs!! 🎉🎉🎉 Thank you for sharing your story!!
Congrats! I’m in the process of weaning off of Abilify. I want to feel like myself again.
How do you feel now? I want to come off my medicine too but I was a wreck before stating and the medication for all intents and purposes has been a success.
The only problem I currently have in regards to these SSRIs is that they make me feel irritable. But even that is arguably not because the medication. Still, something about taking a drug every single day just sucks.
I weened off of my SSRI's, starting Jan 27, 2024...Now at day 14. Your video hit so close to home I cannot even tell you. Between the brain zaps, mood swings and 'other' issues---it's been a living nightmare. Currently at that stage where EVERYTHING triggers me--NO Hallmark commercials for this guy!! I NEVER want to go thru this again. Again--thanks for taking the time Amanda, it TRULY made a huge difference for me as I've been wondering just what in the sam hell is going on with me lately---NOW I know.
It can be absolutely brutal to wean...I totally get it. 2 weeks down, you've got this!
you need to be more passion . it takes a lot of time to become to yourself . this is like a heal .
@@mohamedfarahi5399 How much time ? Its been 5 years that I completely withdrawn SSRIs and still struggling with the emotional blunting side effect .
I’m still struggling after 2 months off of ssri’s
I was on antidepressants as long as you been alive.The best thing I ever did was wean myself off. I’m myself again, feeling all the feels and happy!
No emotional blunting ?
I’m a pretty fit person and I was a personal trainer for a long time. Zoloft made me feel absolute zero interest in working out and physical exertion was actually super hard and more tiring. I never ended up gaining weight but I was definitely more interested in savory foods like Mac n cheese and chips that I never cared for before. Hearing her experience is super validating.
Omg same, working out for me used to be my thing, now it’s a huge chore :( my doctor just sent me a lower dose to try and wean off so hopefully my workout drive comes back, did yours?
Eu também engordei bastante com o uso do zoloft
Did you wean off?
Dangerous drugs
You are spot on
Lexapro significantly helped me with anxiety and panic attacks. I started at 10 mg and was on that for several years. Then went down to 5mg and sat there for several years. Now I am down at 2.5mg a day and plan to be for at least a year, and then will alternate that and nothing for several months before stepping down to nothing. Slow is fine. And taking the time and see at each step how you are managing is so important. I will say that at this incredibly slow pace I have had zero side effects. Never had a brain zap once.
This is my plan too
Wow this is great to read. How long have you been taking lexapro?
Thanks for sharing, how was it going on at the start?
Do a hyperbolic taper! 2.5 is NOT a low dose. Skipping days is not recommended.
Thank you for this video, you have no idea how much it helps to know you’re not alone.. ❤️ I was on Antidepressants for over two years and I finally decided it was time to come off. On May 21st, 2023 I came off cold turkey. I’m day 26 without medication. I’m still struggling, especially with anxiety. I’m so overwhelmed and I’m feeling so many emotions that I’ve been numb to for over two years. I’m reminding myself that it’s going to take some time to heal & have my serotonin produce normally again. Some days I want to run back but hearing other peoples stories and struggles reminds me that this is normal and I’m not alone. It gives me hope & motivation. So again, thank you for sharing your journey, it definitely helps others. And congratulations to you on you’re journey! 💕 anyone reading this just know you are not alone, we are capable & this to shall pass. May God bless you all & his peace abound in you.
Thanks for sharing. I'm currently going through withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and panic attacks are the worst. I actually ended up in the emergency room twice thinking I was dying 😢
Oof cold turkey is really tough, I hope you're starting to feel better. Wishing you all the best on your weaning journey.
@@AmandaMuse thank you! 💛
Why did you stop cold turkey?
@@judymahabir899 I’m just now seeing this, I hope you are doing better & all is well 🤍 it’s definitely a hard journey!
I’m currently going through antidepressant withdrawal and I watched this video a few times as it is really validating my struggle because I feel absolutely I’m horrible and out of mind going through this - I want to make a video on this topic myself to help other people. Thank you so much for sharing! And I know this nausea, lack of appetite and heart palpitations will end ❤
How are you doing now?? Still going through it?
How are you double now? Xx
Propranolol is medication from GOD!!! It helps take away like 30 to 50% of physical withdrawal symptoms. Especially the HEART PALPITATIONS ❤️
What I don't understand is why people get on these antidepressants and then want to get off of it? If you had anxiety and depression in the beginning surely it will not go away when you stop taking them. Your brain has been altered to do what that pill tells it to do to your transmitters and when you stop taking them your brain tries to readjust itself back to the way it was. Your body and mind suffers in the process. You’ll have side effects that can last weeks, months and years ,and with some people they never go away. The doctors give us this poison and then we’re left alone to deal with the horror. All they can offer us is an increase in dosage, another brand or instances where they seem to have no idea what we’re talking about when we tell them what we’re experiencing. The cycle of trying to find help from another source continues.
I needed this comment so much!
Your explanation of the cycle of antidepressants is the most comprehensive and truest I've ever seen. If I could have made a video myself to explain to people exactly what happens,this would be it. And I've taken SSRI'S for 30 yrs. The origins of anxiety, panic and depression,stress,the relief from taking antidepressants by having your emotions compressed,the eventual side effects with no energy,weight gain etc and lessened motivation,sex drive. Then the desicion to come off and the withdrawal symptoms. The initial feeling of euphoria as the floodgates of emotions return, energy and sex drive return. The only part that's missing is the return of original symptoms of anxiety and depression months after discontinued use,worse than it was before,causing you to run back to the doctor begging to go back on them. That's what I experienced over 30 years, leading to the cycle of antidepressants. On,off,on,off. Though they are not technically addictive,lots of people,including myself develop a dependency.Again I am withdrawing off another antidepressant,but this time I know that the return of symptoms is due to withdrawal and not the return of my original anxiety,and now it is finally admitted to the public that a chemical imbalance and a lack of serotonin is not how antidepressants work. I am now concentrating on mindfulness, meditation,breathing and neuroplasticity, rewiring the anxious brain to rid myself of antidepressant use and the cycle of antidepressants.
Are you better now and did you successfully wean yourself off
@@nili3529 After a 3 month withdrawal period,I have been off antidepressants for 10 weeks. I did spend 8 months off prior to this stint,but I was relying on CBD oil and 5-htp. I will not be relying on pills or supplements now as it just reinforces my dependence on having to take something to feel better. In my experience there is no pill or supplement that truly gets rid of anxiety,they just mask the problem and take the edge off temporarily. The true way to combat anxiety is in the reply,but it takes commitment and working on,not pill popping.
@@celticwarrior5646 that’s great. I’m sure you will learn to deal with your anxiety too
How are u doing
@@nativechique7589 Hi, taking it day by day. It is now known that antidepressants can create a dependency with its effects lasting months after stopping,and symptoms returning worse than before. That could explain why I have never lasted more than 6 months antidepressant free over a 30 year period. It has now been 3 months and I consider myself like an ex alcoholic that has to take it day by day,and manage and accept my own anxieties drug free. There is no going back. ❤️ Take care.
Been on Cipralex for a year and started my wean off. Went from 10 mg to 5 mg for about 4 weeks and now I’m on 2.5 mg for 2 weeks until I stop taking it completely. During this wean off period, my naturopath asked me to take two capsules of Neuropas Balance by Pascoe and two capsules of AOR relax and recharge. Neuropas is a combination of St. John’s wort, passionflower and valerian root. These are mood stabilizers and natural antidepressants.
So far my main symptoms are major fatigue, vivid dreams and a lack of energy. Also major sugar cravings. Luckily, no brain zaps so far. Best of luck to everyone who is weaning off antidepressants.
I was on 10mg escitalopram for 4 years and I was tapering at 5mg for over 2 months...I got brain zaps throughout my medication if I even changed the time I took my dose. I constantly felt imbalanced or nauseous. I wont deny it definitely helped with some of my mood swings and anger issues, but I felt trapped with this medication. I accidently went off for 3 days and I went insane quite literally. I needed those damn drugs back in my system or I felt like I would die. I'm struggling physically without them now that my tapering is over...but I'm so thankful to see your video as well as how many others have gone through the same thing. I sometimes wish I never went on them to be honest...I just wonder if I did more damage to myself than good if that makes sense.
I am weaning of Lexapro... After you take 5 mg for 2 months then try and pick one day a week, let's say Thursday not taking the depressant. Let say for 2 weeks. Than pick another day, let's say Monday so now 2 days without taking a depressant ....and so on. Hope this helps us.
@FranTangles read into the 10% method. You need to taper off consistently, 10% each. The gist is: from the current dose, you take out 10% for 1 month. For example: I took 60mg duloxetine -> so I lower the dose by 6 percent to 54mg, by taking out doses.
Not taking your antidepressants once or twice a week doesn't make sense, because you go through sudden withdrawal for always 1-2 days at a time before going back. It is not useful in tapering off.
@@FranTangles If this works for you, awesome. But i don't recommend others doing this without speaking to your doctor. Discontinuation symptoms will be worse after 3 days because of the half life of the tablets.
Yeh just don't do this 😅
Taking yourself down with a one day off actually works. You are reaching your body to make the receptors again without the total withdrawal.
No no. Do not ever go cold turkey please. I have tried that. It was day 5 and I started feeling severe symptoms. Brain zaps, extreme feeling of loneliness and depression, feeling sad for the mistakes that I did and feeling sad for some family members etc (weird and so unpleasant feelings briefly). Now we made a quitting plan with a close relative and I am sticking to it.
I don’t know why you would stop cold turkey. You could get seizures
Best feeling ever is to start to feel like yourself again coming off of Zolof. I Can sneeze, I Can eat, I can sleep, I can feel my body and not feel numb all the time in my head and body. I relate to all your symptoms the brain zaps are the worst
Being one's real vulnerable and sensitive self and giving oneself the permission to feel all emotions (both good and bad), having a critical mind, and knowing that's all part of the human experience (and we are all together in this), so similar and at the same time so different in many ways (not having to be like everyone else) being HUMAN and YOU in other words - that is a real revolution - but very few people/doctors will talk you into that
Thanks so much for this in my first week of coming off my anti depressants, my anxiety is also health based as so the brain zaps really took me by surprise you description of them are exactly what am experiencing so good to hear I am not the only one having these❤
People don’t realize how debilitating health anxiety can be. It’s almost a joke.
I was a little bit of a hypochondriac and then covid hit and I spent the first entire year of 2020 terrified I was going to get sick and die. It’s constant fear. Eventually moved to thinking I have some sort of cancer all the time. I was constantly checking my self in the mirror. Literally as soon as I rolled out of the bed somedays, I’d go straight to the bathroom and start looking in the mirror trying to find something wrong
This type of behavior eventually leads to depression. You start thinking “Why can’t I just be normal. Why am I terrified all of the time?!” It makes you angry too
I got to where I didn’t want to even get out of the bed in the mornings because I knew my day was going to be filled with fear and panic about the possibility something was wrong with me and so was missing it
Through a low dose of sertraline (I was on 50mg for a few months then went to 25mg for a little over a year now), getting on TRT (I had extremely low testosterone levels) and a closer relationship with God, I have been able to manage the anxiety and go on with life. I still have the occasional anxiety but it is nothing like it was and I am able to pray and relax and it goes away.
SSRI have helped but yea I’m ready to come off of it
That dose of sertraline is going to get in the way of your relationship to God too. Glad it helped when you really needed it but glad you are coming off too.
I'm tapering off zoloft as of today. I miss my old self. I noticed the "numb" and zombie like feeling recently. That's what made me decide to taper off. Thank you for this video!
Hi I just started my half dose this week and I am struggling with it already, I’d love to hear how you are doing after one month? We need more support groups for this kind of thing
What about weightgain while on zoloft
@@keransohail9590 I gained almost 30 pounds. So yep!
@lucywright3312 sorry I didn't see this. I've gotten off zoloft, went to prozac. I'm now off ssris. Feel SO MUCH better. Finally got my adhd diagnosis, on the proper adhd meds and my life has changed so much within the last few months.
I agree. I wish more people would be open about this!
Today Is my first day trying to ween down. This video is the best video I could have found that motivated me to do so. The numb feeling is horrible. I want to feel again!
words cannot descrie how thankful i am to you. You explained everything i was going through and i felt so lost. i didnt knew what brain zaps were and they scared me to hell. I went to my therapist and she just told me to start taking a bigger dose even when i told her my medication dont work on me anymore. I felt so lost and tought there were no escape. Thank you so much. I am going through exact same like you were and this video i could safely saved my life. thank you once again
-stop arguing with people who are not willing to listen
-start prioritising your own needs and wants
-stop being always available and trying to save everyone
-sometimes your helping is actually sabotaging god's plan
-start being okay with people misunderstanding you
-realise that you can only change yourself, and you can change others giving them an example
-stop needing people to validate yourself worth
-Talking with myself is the best way to solve and change what i dont like about me or my personality
-less chasing more attracting
-being more selective and only adding great people to my great life
-stop seeking people's validation or permission to do what you want
Helps with depression ! God Bless you Amanda! Great details !
very good ! The LIght of Heaven to You 🙂
Psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelics, as a whole, have shown substantial promise as beneficial agents that can truly aid individuals grappling with mental health difficulties.
I totally agree! Psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelics in general have shown great potential in helping people with mental health issues. It's truly remarkable how effective they can be in treating depression and anxiety.
Yeah,
he also offers anonymous delivery if that's a concern for you.
Mushrooms played a pivotal role in my journey to conquer addiction, and I've never experienced a greater sense of self-control. I'm proud to say I've been clean for one year.
Be careful though! Don't take mushrooms if on prozac or other certain medications for mental health. It can be a disaster and cause severe longterm damage to your nervous system. Sometimes irreparable. Proceede with caution. Trust me on this.
Congratulations on getting off the meds! I’m 11 days Paxil free and I’m feeling so much better! I was on it for 10 months. I quit cold turkey because it seemed like my body was rejecting the medication and I got a panic attack half an hour after taking it so I stopped it completely out of fear of getting another panic attack if I take it again. The first 5-6 days was horrible. I was even getting vertigo in the first week which is a side effect. But I kept myself busy with work and my hobbies. Now I don’t feel any withdrawal symptoms except a little bit of vertigo that lasts a couple seconds but it’s starting to go away day by day. I thought the symptoms were going to last a long time but it’s almost gone and I’m glad because taking medications is the last thing that I would want to do take to heal myself when we have fruits and vegetables as our natural medicine
That's so great! i'm happy for you! i was on 3-4 different kinds of antidepressants for almost a year and a half on and off. i also stopped recently (Aug 6.) i'm experiencing really bad insomnia. the first week i stopped drinking the meds, i couldnt't sleep a wink for about 2 weeks! it gradually got better tho. i've been sleeping 4-6 hours a day now. i still don't get sleepy or tired, but i'm glad i can sleep now.
i know u're not supposed to stop cold turkey but i just HAD to because it affected my eating. it made me feel really bloated so i wasn't eating much. now that i'm off then, i've been getting my appetite back.
reading comments like yours make me feel less lonely. i'm sorry you went through this, but i'm happy you're better. 💖
I’m glad you’re better now! I’m 41 days Paxil free and I feel like myself again. Hope you’re doing alright and keep up with staying off the meds
So nice to not feel alone! I’ve always been a thin person, but after being on sertraline for roughly 16 months, I definitely notice that I constantly think about food and I’ve gained about one pant size. Size 00-0 to more 0-2 now, which I know is not “big,” but it’s really messing with my mental health as someone with dysmorphia/ disordered eating struggles. I’ve also noticed that I just don’t have the motivation to work out anymore like I used to. Increased appetite + decreased motivation to workout = bad combo. I am beginning to wean off. I was only on 25 mg the whole time, but now splitting the pill in half. Plan is to be very slow about it - do 1/2 pill for at least the next 4-6 months. Great video!
Boy that's my life everyday and I'm not on meds. So what's wrong with me??
When I started SSRI's last year, I found your video about your first 3 months on meds. Now that I am in the process of coming off it, I found this video of yours. Both of those made me feel so much better! I feel like my resons to even start SSRI's were very similar to yours, the dosage and timeline is pretty much the same and I have almost identical side effects as well so .. thank you for sharing all of this and making it a bit less weird and lonely journey 🙏
Did you make it?
@@Polecat-qz5om I did :) one month without and my stride is coming back, I'm just a bit grumpier when stressed but I suppose that will get better again 🥰
Yea I’m on Paxil 9 yrs now at40mg a day seems to work. I’m almost 70 and I don’t want to hurt my brain.
@@michaelakubinova629 congrats. There are some really good supplements that help. Also fish oil and salmon. Low stress.
@@michaelakubinova629Hi! I know this is an older comment, but would you mind sharing which medication & dosage you were on, along with how long you were on it?
What did your tapering process look like? And as far as physical withdrawal symptoms go, did you do anything to help relieve them (even if it was a temporary fix)?
Sorry for all the questions! And thanks in advance, if you happen to end up reading this haha.
(Also if anyone else would like to chime in on their experience regarding my questions, please feel free to share!)
I've been on Lexapro/Escitalopram since 2005. Started out on 5 mg, then 10, and now 20 mg. A couple years ago I tried weaning myself off. I thought I was doing good by cutting my dose down every couple of weeks until I got hit by a major panic attack - end of the world type. Of course I tried doing this in the middle of Covid and didn't use any vitamins or supplements like other videos have said to do. I tried quitting cold turkey once also and dealt with the brain zaps and couldn't handle the emotional overload.
I too fight for motivation on a daily - vitamins, minerals, nitric oxide boosters, coffee, etc...
I intend to try to wean off again, but this time while taking 5 htp and the vitamins and minerals to help my body create the serotonin that it needs.
Congrats to those that have succeeded and good luck to those on the journey to get off antidepressants.
Buspirone helps me with panic attacks. I'm now off anti depressants and hope to lose weight as antidepressants causes low metabolism on some people and I'm one of those people 😢.
I’m 3 weeks of Prozac . Don’t get me wrong it was hard tapering off but so worth it! I am starting to feel so much better
The reason why you felt little symptoms dropping half the first two weeks is Dose effects are important; using citalopram as an example, halving the dose from 60 mg to 30 mg reduces the pharmacological activity at the SERT transporter only by a couple of percentage points.
Dose reductions at the bottom end of the dose range have a much larger effect, and this is where care is needed.
Tapering should be parabolic not linear
Hi! Can you explain what you mean by parabolic? I’m currently trying to wean off and I’ve tapered my med to half.
Amazing videos that reflect my struggles. Antidepressants worked for me for years and now am switching to an SNRI for pain. This take courage 😊
This is so relatable. I have been on an SNRI for YEARS for fibromyalgia and I am just now tapering off. I am feeling nervous about it. Hearing your experience has helped me.
If it helps I was on pristiq for 12 years ( an snri) and tapered with very little issue. Not every story is a horror story. Taper slowly. Slow and steady
@@MrCjchamp I’m about to start slowly tapering off 150mg Pristiq and am terrified so I appreciate this message ❤️
Dont compare SSRI with SnRI, its another level of withdrawal.
I feel like this was the most useful video Ive seen on RUclips for me personally in a long time. Really grateful that you and your family have agreed to your story sharing. Thanks so much, really appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing your story, I’m happy to hear that we are on the same medication. Mine of course a higher dose. I have been on mine since I was 15 in high school, I am now almost 23. I have decided to stop taking mine because I feel like I no longer need it, with the help of Jesus I believe I can do it. I have struggled so hard in the past to stop taking it, but now I feel that with my faith in Jesus anything is possible and I’m trying again. I do not want to take this medication my whole life, I have hit my point where I do feel numb and have no sex drive and feel like I don’t need a medication to make me happy. Thank you so much.
Wishing you all the best
How is it going now
I’m withdrawling now. Working out doing weight training, barre, yoga, eating clean, and taking vitamin b complex is helping. I have the worst headache and Advil doesn’t help. I got emotional over some things but realized it’s just cuz im off the pill. I’m def more moody and get annoyed over stupid things. My nose is runny, not sleeping well and brain fog. Im doing this cold turkey. But I feel working out being active is making this possible to do cold turkey.
Great video! I’m currently weaning off of citalopram. I was on it for 14 months because I had extreme anxiety, fear and sadness from living and caregiving my elderly mother. I realized that I was storing all my negative emotions in my body and they locked in there, even though I wasn’t triggered as easily. I couldn’t even release my stuck-in-the-body sadness by watching a movie and crying because only a few drops came out. 😢 so I’m getting off of it with the help of my nurse. I’m having bad headaches and waves of irritability. And my body is very tired. I want to feel my feelings again. I don’t caregive or live with mother anymore, so that stress is gone. ❤ I’m going to start swimming outside this weekend. That’s what makes me super happy and helps release stuck emotions.
How are you doing now? I’m trying to help my ex gf get off of them
@@Eoj24I’m on half dosage. Only 5mg but I’m finding that I have to take a lot of cbd to stay calm because I’m going through my deceased mother’s things now.
Thank you! It's great to know that your symptoms are not unique and you're not alone in this unusual feelings. I'm in the beginning of coming off with nausea and brain zaps, I feel like my weight is not more than 20kg and that it's easy for me to be gone with the wind literally
What an amazing video. Thank you for sharing, I’m going through truly agonizing withdrawals as I write this comment. I feel validated. ❤
Thank you for making this video. It often feels like your journey with antidepressants can be so lonely and no one understands... but it feels so nice having validation that someone else has experienced the same shitty side effects I have (both on and coming off)! The head spins coming off made me feel like I was going crazy and what made it worse was i didnt expect it cause my doctor didnt warn me that even if i weaned myself off correctly I could still get BAD side effects
Yes I agree with you. My doctor didn’t even give me advise on tapering. She just said to go off it slowly. Nothing nothing...can’t believe it
Thank you for giving us a full picture on this journey with your medication. I’m debating if I should take the meds and your video is so helpful.
This was so beautifully done, Amanda! My experience with SSRIs seems to mimic yours. I’m about a year in and have really started to notice the numbed out feeling. I have always been a very high highs, very low lows type of person, so while the level of stress that can bring has subsided, so has the joy of the human experience. I am in the process of weaning now and it’s encouraging to hear the good and the bad as well as the “light at the end of the tunnel” sort of message this conveys. If possible, I would love to see a video from you specific to the non-medication ways you look after your mental health. I think it would be incredibly helpful to have and reference when needed! Thank you for the light you put into the world! 💛
Thank you for sharing! This is a great idea for a video. I’m going to start working on this.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Many are deficient in vitamin D (which is really a hormone), which is associated with depression and anxiety. It's important to take vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 with a fat for proper absorption.
Holy crop girl. This is exactly how I feel at this time. This is my sign that I don’t need them too.
Amanda, your video is lovely and I’m glad you are speaking about this. However, I am a health care provider and AND any drug that causes withdrawal means that it is addictive or your body becomes dependent. Plus don’t sugar coat it like the manufacturers do. And most providers don’t know because they’ve never taken the drug themselves! I’m finding this out with beta blockers too. Don’t ever miss a dose, it could cause a heart attack! MDs don’t tell you that, because they don’t know that. My PMHNP failed to mention this when she prescribed them for me because my ADHD meds gave me palpitations. I have come off of the ADHD meds. Tapering off of Zoloft. Then need to taper off beta blockers. Providers need to stop handing these out like candy because they are not to be taken lightly. I’m glad they helped you and I’m glad you were able to eventually get your body off of them. 😊
I tried to wean off of beta- blocker and went into SVT
Off of Effexor after being on Anti depressants for over 27 years… omg. Did not know what to expect 😅 it is definitely not for the weak of heart. Crying, major irritability, anger impatience and quick temper! Boy hoping it’ll get a little easier but detox is a really major trauma in itself. Did not know enough to put 2 & 2 together until,I found websites like this. WhT a help. Thank u. I feel a little better now just knowing that this is my body, brain and emotions DETOXING off of all,of this RX
It took me 6 months to taper off. Terrible withdrawal.
27 years on Effexor, holly shit. yeah you never gonna be able to stop without pernament damage. Protracted withdrawal for rest of your life .nothing compares to this not benzos, no other ssri/snri not even heroin. Taking Effexor was biggest mistake in my life.good luck
Day 5 dropping from 20mg to 10mg of pax-HELL. The withdrawal side effects have been brutal. Ive no delusions that im getting clear of these in a week or two. Perhaps weeks or months. Life is a battle and this is just another bump in the road.
How are you doing ?
Your videos have been so helpful! I am going through the exact same process! Since titration, my desire to strength train and work out has re-emerged. Thank you❤. Totally validating
This just makes me understand that all the success stories of people with antidepressants that encouraged me to go on medication are with just situational, anxiety or depression not a deep rooted issue which makes all the difference for someone who has a real difficult deep problem i just honestly say just try to fight it as much ans as long as you can cause honestly it’s almost no turning back after that and also the problems and side effects that come with the prolonged use just makes it even worse, cause not to minimize her problem but these cute stories of going on the meds and coming out of them like that it’s just not the actual experience, antidepressants should be the absolute last resort, cause some people really be taking meds because they just don’t feel exited to work out anymore or they cum really fast so these people would obviously have a much more positive experience which i wish i knew that before going on the meds
Well after watching this I really feel like I’ve screwed up my whole life taking antidepressants since I was about 20 yrs. old. Ugh. I really think I did not have a good support system, etc. In all of these years of taking them I go through periods of thinking I can reduce the amount slowly and do xyz to stop taking them. I was never successful because I would always end up in a major depressive episode after about 6 months of tapering off them. I am glad you had good perspective and good reasoning, judgement when you began and tapered off it. I am very interested in hearing about someone’s journey that has taken them for a longer amount of time and been successful getting off them. It would be inspiring to know if it is possible.
I've messed up my whole life taking rjfm from not feeling, now I'm off them the trauma is so great from the realisation of what I've done I'm in shock and trauma every day. I split up with my children's dad when baby was 2 months old,then had to go back to work when he was 4 months old so I could keep house,the pain of hanging my children over to his mum so I could work instead of me looking after my own children is vile. I kept making impulsive decisions for 10 years, ruining friendships, relationships, left me job. Nearly losing my children Now. I should never have gone on them . Now I've nearly lost everything coming off them again. You need a supportive family who can take over and keep you safe if you do chose to come off them. I think I have to go back on them just so I don't feel this and lose my children. Good luck ❤️
Antidepressants have always caused me emotional blunting, depersonalization, and numbness, this year I am ready to get off them after being on them for five years
Wishing you all the best with this.
@@AmandaMuse thank you
I started taking a supplement it helped a lot
@@davefisch-y1twhat supplement?
@@davefisch-y1t which supplment
I quit Paxil and Adderall in late August after using them for 25+ years and now I'm back to being the spiritual me that I seemed to have lost a long long time ago. Now I've quit pot ganja for the past 30 days as well and I can actually truly meditate for the first time in years and feel so much better and good. Quit the meds for 30 days as a meds breaks but continued and feel awesome. Should have done it years ago. It wasn't easy quitting them but this is the new me and I feel its a positive change for the better.
I had to come across this today, I'm so so tired, will this horrible feeling ever stop. Being pregnant with no appetite and nausea from both pregnancy and withdrawal is just so tiring. I'm going to listen to this over and over again.
I have been feeling so alone! I greatly appreciate running across your comment.
I really needed to see this to make me realise I’m not alone in this journey!❤ I’ve wanted to stop taking these for soooo long, but I struggle the withdrawals are insane I need to start slowly down on them !
Definitely speak to your doctor about a tapering plan, it’s hard but it’s worth it.
@@AmandaMuse most drs I’ve seen say to stop them cold turkey, which is so not good everyone knows you can’t just do that as the side effects are so bad,
I have been told by one dr to half my pill to slowly cut down on them I can’t wait to start to feel again, and just in general I’m ready
I struggled more with tapering down from a higher dose but after I reached the minimum dose tapering below minimum was fairly easy, then when I stopped it was harder again, but it is manageable you just need to have a support system or a therapist.. good luck you are not alone ✨️👍🏻
Since I've been taking Zoloft I have been experiencing everything you have described and I don't like it. My weight has not been able to lower no matter what I do but I gained so much weight. I am currently weaning off and I'm so excited to stop
So so glad you decided against benzos. Withdrawal is HELL. First-hand experience here. Your video is very informative and relatable! Thanks for helping others become more informed. I love how you say that they helped until they stopped helping. So very true! There's definitely a place for antidepressants and also a time to discontinue them for many people.
Oh yes! I think more folks need to hear that it’s not necessarily a forever thing to be on meds. Thank you for sharing.
How did you come of benzo😊?
Also Slow taper?
@@andersbunemann7169 taper and addition of Sertraline. It took me a while tho. Time is the biggest thing . I'd also recommend cardiovascular exercise.
I’m going through extreme nausea at the moment but I’m hoping to see the light soon lol. I even had pregnancy tests that’s how bad it’s been! And I tapered off so slowly. I’m just about to hit 2 weeks off of it. Im wondering if anyone experienced extreme fatigue? I slept for 17 hours twi days after with zero in my system, but that’s when the nausea began. Im still experiencing very bad fatigue. I can relate with the hunger loss wow. Thank you for your video as it’s comforting. Lots of love and take care!
Hi All I’m here 21/09/24 yesterday was my last official day off paroxetine meds. Was on it since the first lockdown in 2020. How good it is to feel emotion again. I embraced that wholeheartedly cause the meds made me numb to emotions. Have worked on my wean off meds the last 6 weeks, your channel is so relatable THANK YOU. ❤
My meds helped mentally but destroyed my health physically. I gained over 30kgs and I struggled so much trying to lose it. It caused ripple effects of other issues, sleep apnea, diabetes extreme fatigue. So bad it made me resign from my job of 15 years cause I could not fulfill my role 😢 it’s still a process and I’m not 100% peachy yet but I’m determined to get myself right again. Thanks everyone for sharing your journeys too ❤ I hope to hear updates on progressions. It gives us hope and encouragement 😊
I want to go off sertraline but my Dr said no. It's only been a year and the Dr put me on it because my husband died of colon cancer. I was sad about him dying but I couldn't cry because of the drug. This isn't fair. I need to cry and get it out. God gave us tears for a reason. I just wanted to know how to taper off.
As a retired nurse your doctor can’t tell you what you have to take! It’s your body and your choice. You have the right to refuse any medication or treatment. To wean off depends on the dose you’re on. I’m not a doctor so this isn’t giving you any medical advice. When I did it I was on 75mg. daily. I decreased by 25mg. every 4 weeks. My doctor recommended every 4 to 6 weeks, I choose 4 weeks. I had been on it for over 15 years. After each decrease about 3 days after I went through 3 to 4 days of symptoms ie:anxiety, nausea, chills, insomnia, brain zaps, intense anger, crying, etc. After the last dose and nothing else was being added to my system it took about 6 weeks for it calm down. Your brain has to learn how to make serotonin again red x , I I’m a Christian women and when I say anger I mean anger! I cursed everyone out all day long then cried along with all the other symptoms. I just hit the 6 weeks and I’m not doing too bad. Finding the balance is hard. I still have anger, but when it’s appropriate. lol. But self control works. Learning about yourself and why you made the mistakes and decisions in the past helped me to understand how to go forward without the medication. For me prayer is how I get through it and past my triggers. Instead of blaming myself for everything and all of self loathing I had when I started the medication, I’ve learned a lot. The last week I was so bad I almost went to 1/2 dose, but I wasn’t to start over. Best wishes on on stopping
This is no imbalance of Serotonin! This is grief! You have to cry for your husband and you have to grief! Why does your doctor numb your sadness? That is not healthy!
It is good to go of as soon as you can. Don't get trapped on them. If you want to go off, do it slowly and actually find joy in crying and feeling those emotions. The truck is give yourself a set amount of time to dwell, and sit in those emotions. Then step back into Good emotions. You can do this.
P.S. some things that folks can discuss with their doctor if they want help weening:
1) St. John’s Wort (a natural, serotonergic over-the-counter supplement),
2) Fluoxetine (generic name for Prozac which Amanda mentions in the video, cited by National Institutes of Health as a useful taper helper because of its long half-life)
3) Breathing exercises and meditation
4) 5-HTP
5) CBD
Prozac??? Wouldn’t you just want the natural stuff whilst tapering off
@@hanifanabukeera375it's not ideal but if you need it it's one of the better ones to use. It does have a very long Half-Life which makes it one of the easier antidepressants to wean off of.
Gaba as well:)
Pharmacist told me to take 5-HTP and Gaba.
Little neuro tidbit 🤓 SSRI’s are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, so it works by blocking the reuptake/absorption of serotonin in your brain which therefore increases the amount of serotonin “floating” around. So the pill doesn’t necessarily make you produce more serotonin but the concentration will be higher due to the blocked reuptake into the neurons.
Thank you for this!!!
Thanks
This is true Erica. The only problem is that the human body is clever, so once the brain realises that something is trying to interfere with the natural serotonin process it shouts to itself "Eeeekk..now I must do something to counteract the effect of the meds", and it starts a process whereby the brain decides to reduce serotonin. So in the end the body is losing serotonin instead of gaining it.
Interesting fact..your guts are producing 90% of your serotonin,brain just 10%..I know pill can help you and give you that push but they're not gonna heal you..if people check their guts and change their lifestyle and food their eating,there would be much less people on pills..
Also little neuro tidbit. Serotonin is not linked with depression at all. SSRI method is outdated.there are tons of studies on this topic.But its good if you want to destroying your sex drive or gaining weight.
I tried coming off Zoloft and omg the nausea and the headache and dizziness was so bad it was brutal. I started the pills again. But I'm taking them 3 times a week now trying to lower it so I can get off of them. Thank you so much for sharing your story
can i ask how you have got on? I am on week 2 tapering off sertraline(Zoloft) and this wierd sensation in my head is driving me insane. its like head zaps but without the zap and some other weird dizzy sensation.
Just hearing you state my withdrawal s helps me feel so supported. I’m in week 3 and boy it hit
how are you now?
@@burdoc all better
Thank you for this video… I have gained so much weight on this medication. It did what it was supposed to do but I don’t like the weight gain at all and it makes me feel insecure. I was diagnosed with depression and been on this medication for 4 years and now I am ready to come off with help of therapy. I sleep so good but always feel tired and lazy.
Do you think the weight gain is related to the medication making you hungry? Or do you think the pill itself is doing it?
Currently tapering off Sertraline that I’ve been on for 18 months. Was on 100mg now 50mg and can already feel a lot of symptoms so coming down further is gonna be a heavy process but one I’m anxiously excited about trying. Hearing your experiences was so validating though in every stage so thank you for sharing ❤
how are you doing?
How are you now? How slow you reducing?
9 months later and I’m off sertraline and on duloxetine instead. So far it’s working amazingly for me. Sertraline withdrawal is no joke but so worth it :)
Great video, ive been taking escitalopram for 3 years and last week i decided to quit full cold turkey. Im currently sitting with some very unpleasant brain zaps, and i really needed to hear these things from someone else. Now i feel like i am able to push through these upcomming days of going cold turkey from antidepressants. Thank you!
I appreciate your video. I am in the process of coming off SSRI'S after 15 years under the supervision of my Dr. 2 weeks in and I can actually feel again. I was watching some sweet animal videos on RUclips lately and I actually felt an emotional response. It was so cute I welled up tears (in a good way) I'm starting to feel a little more human again.
Wow!!! You hit the nail on the head. I’ve been on Zoloft for about 15 plus years for clinical depression, anxiety and PTSD. I decided a few months ago I wanted to start tapering off and about 3 weeks ago I started with not taking anything and about 3 days in at zero dosage it hit the fan! I’m a bit better tonight, but it’s like someone opened the floodgates to 20 years of emotions, hurt, pain, and a whole lot of anger! More things than I could handle alone, I’ve been trying to talk to my sister and it helps some. I’m know it will pass , but again WOW!!! The things I thought I had put behind me, had let go of, even being so angry made me angry. And then there are all of the things, crying, nausea, dizziness, the brain zaps, etc. I’m generally a very easy going, laid back, loving, caring person. Right now I can’t stand me. I was starting to think I was losing my mind. Thank you so very much for this video! One difference is now I have an appetite whereas on the medication I had no appetite, slept a lot,no energy to do anything. But I also have severe arthritis and fibromyalgia so my movement is very limited. And now I have a lot of insomnia. Thank you again for the video. 💜
All of a sudden I started to get agitated and was going to call my dr right up to go back on antidepressants when I came across your video. Made me rethink that I still may be having withdrawal symptoms. Covid hit me in the midst of the withdrawal process and I thought all my problems were related to that.
I've been on them 4 days only. I felt tremors and discovered it comes from my Antidepressant. I am getting off this stuff.
Going on, and weaning off antidepressants is a bit rough. Best of luck.
Needed this. Im 6days post treatment. I feel alil bit nauseous.. but thanks for this. I believe God will help me out of it ❤
Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for your video!
I'm coming off Lexapro. It's been 2 weeks.
I still have low motivation to move and it's hard to move. I gained 7-8 kilos and can't get rid of it yet but I hope I will manage to lose that weight. But I noticed I don't experience that hunger anymore.
I'm more into going out to museums and beaches, the things I love but I didn't enjoy on Lexapro.
I have had severe headaches after I changed from 10mg to 5 mg but I didn't have many issues after I jumped from 5mg to 2.5.
I hope I'll be my old self soon
Just decided to begin tapering from 20mg to 10 on cipralex starting this morning. I’ve done a fair bit of research into Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome and the FINISH side effects, so I think I have a basic roadmap for what might happen over the next 1-3 weeks. Thankfully my boss is very understanding and as it’s the 27th of December I can take 2 full weeks without having to go into the office. I tried this back in 2016 but thought I could just gun it cold turkey, which was a nightmarish, foolish mistake. I’m really thankful for this video and for RUclips’s recommendation engine for guiding me to it, especially given that the creator is in Ontario like I am and sounds like she’s from the Maritimes originally, like my Mom’s whole side.
I’ve been taking Cipralex for 11 years straight, except for that one misadventure in 2016 described above. Here goes nothing.
How are you doing? It’s such a tricky experience to wean, but I hope it’s going well for you.
How’s it going now??
Wow! Thanks for sharing! I'm coming off and struggling extremely. Literally every word you say here, even about who you are as a person, I'm like, this is me!
Glad it was helpful! You've got this, it's really tough but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm on 150 mg of some antidepressants and I just said I'm done. On day 5 and holy molly, this is so strange. I've been on this for 6 years, and honestly, I can feel again.
Please tell me how you are doing. I'm fixing to do it and I'm scared to death
Oh wow! I'm so happy I found your video, my experience is almost identical and I'm on the stage where I'm about to start weaning off escitalopram, thank you for your very detailed explanation, I know each body is different, but it's so relieving to hear your experience and how much I can relate. Thank you Amanda, really!
I'm so glad it's helpful. Wishing you all the best.
How long were on on it? Did it help? Why are you getting off of it? Thanks in advance
@@AmandaMusedid you experience weird head sensations pressure at temples when coming off ?
What an absolutely incredible video. Thank you so much.
I started generic Prozac around the same time you started, like August 2021. It was supposed to be just about a temporary thing until I could get my finances together. Well, two years later and they still aren’t under control. So it’s a little disheartening that I probably have about another year before things will actually be stable.
But thanks for posting this video. I feel a little less “broken” knowing someone else was able to thread the needle like you’ve done. 👍🏻
Today is the first day of weaning off. I related fully to your experience going on them and your desire to come off. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your openness and vulnerability. You are very real and very helpful, relatable. Helps me realise im not alone!
I appreciate you sharing your journey; it's really valuable for others in similar circumstances. I've been on Paxil at 37.5mg for about 7 months, which led to several issues. Now, my doctors have recommended a tapering approach, gradually reducing to 25mg, then to 12.5mg, while introducing 10mg of vortioxetine at the same time.
I'm looking forward to being free from antidepressants. Initially, I was quite apprehensive after reading various online accounts about long-lasting side effects. Your story, however, has offered me a glimmer of hope and encouragement to discontinue these medications.
I have searched all over the internet what is happening with my brain when I'm moving my eyes left to right I didn't got any answer
I have actually reduced the dosage of my SSRI and now I understand what's happening 😅
Thank you really very much ❤️
This is extremely helpful. I stopped mine that helped for a few years. Life is better and i want to give it a try! Thank you so much
You can do it!
thank you for making this. I just started an SSRI as well for generalized anxiety disorder and OCD and it answered a lot of questions I had. Knowing that it is totally OK to ween off of them when they stop working was really helpful.
I’m so glad to hear this. We hear so much about people being on them (which is great!) but the weaning process is still unknown to many.
@AmandaMuse the ween process is unknown to the Doctors
I got panic attack when i go outside and its a struggle to fight but i think made my mind stronger with determination. I never took any meds
This is my first day on 5 m .. I enjoy your video and makes me feel happy and less scared of the side effects
I've been diagnosed wirh hyperthyroidism that comes with severe anxiety and panic. April 2021, I took my first tablet of antidepressant. Now, I still do. It's more than a year since then. One time, I forgot to take a tablet and I had really bad headache, dizziness, and just bad gut. I was just in bed and almost couldn't function. It was terrible. And that, I knew, it'll be a bumpy ride if ever my doctor finally decides to stop it.
Good luck to me. My next checkup is on the 23rd of September. Part of me is happy to cut this expense which can get really expensive in my country, but I'm not ready for the withdrawal.
It’s really hard but I found knowing it was going to be hard was really helpful to keep going. Best of luck to you!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I am working up the courage to taper off of Lexapro and the way you talked about your experience coming off of it helped me view the fear of FEELING all the feelings again in a different way.❤
How long have u taking lexapro? I take only 5mg 1 times i cant take the side effect now i want to stop... should i worry about side effects??
You started to feel numb cause you was already healed and your serotonin was normal, cause when is low it really helps
Thank you for this! I just wtarted coming off of mine. Felt perfectly fine for 3 days, and then felt super weird and off today. Honestly thought I needed to go to the hospital until I saw your video and did some google search 😅
Hope you feel better soon. The weaning process is really hard. Many people have suggested weaning slower, as it may reduce many of the symptoms.
I’m 61 in the middle of being told to come off Paxil, after being on Wellbutrin and celexa for over 15 years, and the doctor wants me to go on Effexor which I hear is worse to get off. Offing myself seems like a better option at this point. My business is dead at this time of year. I’m supposed to be the primary provider yet no income. My wife’s income comparatively is neglible. So our savings are depleting rapidly. Your situation is a glamour trip compared to ours.
I'm so relieved to find this. Im withdrawing from 2 SSRIs. Stopped on 3/24. I've been on them, or others since post-natal depression in 1999. So, a long time.
The zaps are terrible, crying about anything and everything...
Thanks so much
How are you feeling right now?
I finally broke down and saw my doctor recently. I knew something had to change and so I am just starting this RX journey and found this video to be very informative. It can be scary but still glad there are options and hope to get to a better place soon.
❤️ hope you're doing well.
I'm trying to wean down my escitalopram, but not off of it, because it has been so helpful for me. I've been on bupropion too, to help manage some (sexual) side effects, but it hadn't entirely worked, so hopefully working my way to a lower dose will be a better balance for me.
I'm gonna stay on bupropion, but if I have mainly anxiety symptoms and it turns out to be anxiety and not escitalopram causing my side effects, and I start getting more frequent/secret panic attacks again I'm gonna try to talk to my doctor again.
I would appreciate an opinion I tried to get off prozac and I suffer from fibromalgia and as was reducing started feeling the pain getting worse,awfull needles on joints, widespread pain! I thought that stopping ant. Would not cause such horror! It is 2o MG. Of prozac for years. I feel like my life is not ending listening to you,,,😊
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m just starting my antidepressant journey due to anxiety and panic attacks. I also have health anxiety. I worry about coming off of them but I’m trying to not think about that since I’m just starting out.
Hi Amanda! My antidepressant start was horrible, the side effects almost made me give up. Numbness in some parts of my body, nausea, no energy, etc …
And my withdrawal after 1 year was ok, not so bad as the beginning…
My panic attacks didn’t stop, but because manageable…
But I don’t want to go back into meds again 🙏🏻
Happy to know that you are fine Amanda!
😘
How are you now???
@@sonamwangmo5012 now I am fine. Having anxiety attacks sporadically, but they became manageable! 🙏🏻
How are u noww
@@MisS_Anabiya now I am feeling good! Thank you for asking !
Now I can say that I “learned” how to manage my anxiety attacks.
When I feel that is coming I take relaxing teas, homeopathic remedies, take deep breath’s…
Thats greattt happy for ur
Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing so openly! I am considering an ssri and videos like these, as well as your original video about going on them, have helped ease my mind on the process
I was on citalopram for 8 years and had gone up to 40mg until May 2023 I decided to start weaning off of it. Man it was rough!! I had lots of energy work done, acupuncture and took lots of different supplements(5-htp, Sam-e, l-tryptophan, melatonin, vitamins) I had to deal with a lot of emotions that I had blocked out for years but now I am feeling great! It is now April and I am down to 10mg and hope to be off of that by the end of May. I feel so much more happy and like my true self and more energetic!
Thank you sooo much! Ive been on my antidepressant (it was an SNRI though) for 5 years and just went off of it completely about a month ago (after tapering with doctor supervision). I have been struggling so so so much with anxiety since being completely off and this video finally made me feel okay for the first time in a while. My brain needs to hurry up and readjust! But ur video gave me so much hope.
I began Abilify almost 2 years ago now and it has made me gain so much weight and slowed down my metabolism and made me have little to no motivation. I have numbed out too. I was at 15mg, my physiatrist has weaned me to 10mg. I’ve been on 10mg for almost a month now. The next step is going down to 7.5mg. Hopefully she agrees to let me do that sooner rather than later but I have to be patient. I am just grateful that I found a psychiatrist willing to work with me as far as weaning off.
Currently considering going off Luvox, which I have been for the past 6 months. Certainly found this video very insightful. Thanks a bunch!!!
Doctors could do better advising a slower reduction
Perfect description of how this feels!
What are the ear things you mentioned? What do they do and where do you get them if I wanted to?? I just found this video and I’m definitely going to go back and watch all of your videos. Thanks❤
Day 3 saw your first video to 3 months amazing settled my nerves and anxiety but this has raised them a little . 🙏
Funnily enough my antidepressants journey ran the same timeline as yours.
I am 26yr male and live in the UK and in June 2021 I went on Citalapram 30mg. Which knowing what I know now seems stupidly high and given without even seeing a doctor face to face.
In that year, I gained an enormous amount of weight for me, lost my sex drive & started to numb out. However these things didn't seem to worry me at the time, most likely because of the medication lowering the intensity of negative emotions.
I have now been off meds for 10months and in that time I have done everything to put myself back together. I workout 4-5 times a week, priorities sleep, go to support groups and meditate.
I am now in good physical shape again. My sex drive has returned somewhat, but not to where it once was, however have seen gradual improvement and vastly improved from what it was when on the meds. (P.s. if any fellas have questions regarding this I am happy to answer, as this cause me EXTREME depression & put me in the worst state I have ever been in).
Personally I would never touch meds again & like Amanda says treat your body and mind like a house plant - do everything to keep yourself health physically, emotions, mentally & spirituality.
Hi,i am 22,i used sertraline (SSRI) for 12 days and i already have sex drive issues so i am quitting it, will the withdrawals be that severe even after just 12 days? Will i ever get my libido back?
Hey, i can only speak from my experience but I think you should be able to make a good recovery.
In terms of sperm production (because it almost immediately effected this for me) this may take a couple of months - as I believe it takes something like 90 days for the full cycle of sperm production. But I know this was one of my concerns.
Other sexual physical thing do come back also over time & may be quicker in your case as you've only been on them for 12days.
Libido is an complex issues because things like phycology, self image, confidence all play apart. But there is not reason this shouldn't come back also. Just be very kind to yourself - it may take a while & don't lose hope. Sex & intimacy take many forms.
I would just focus on getting yourself health mind / body and let things unfold naturally.
Hang in there I know what your going through, you are already braver than most. 👊
@@bensto8979 hey how about your anxiety and deppression after stopping SSRI .Did you stop it cold turkey ? How are you feeling right now .plz give an update .
@yasithavas8859 Hey,
They come and go like they have always done. But I now see it as something that needs to happen and probably the bodies way for releasing things in this unhealthy society.
I am doing a lot better than I was though and going through that experience for coming off SSRI and then rebuilding my life has left me in a stronger position.
I came off over a course of a month. However, this is probably not widely recommended.
Incase your interested (as I would be) my sex drive has largely returned and I am overall now a lot healthier.
If you feel like you need to take medicine to assist you in healing, I would say look into M Mushrooms instead for pharmaceutical options.
Thanks,
I hope this finds you well