When will you feel like yourself again after coming off psych drugs?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- It’s taken a long time for me to feel like myself, even a little bit, after discontinuing a psych drug cocktail. It’s happening slowly, but I’m getting there. This is a quick little unscripted video that will hopefully give you a little inspiration as you make your way through the process of discontinuing psychiatric drugs. If you can keep going, no matter how far away from yourself you may feel, you’ll get closer and closer in time to who you were-and are-meant to be.
Thanks for watching!
~~~~
Note: I still have limited mental stamina and am a bit disorganized in my thinking (not in a schizophrenic kind of way, but in a brain-that’s-still-recovering kind of way) so I apologize for the video being a little rambly and not as on-point as it could be. I’ll get better. Thanks again for watching.
Hang in there.
~~~~
About Russell B:
I was 11-years-old when I was first taken to a psychiatrist. Like so many children, I was struggling to deal with a stressful home environment. Rather than embarking on the complicated, difficult, and delicate task of thoroughly exploring all of that and attempting to solve the problems at their origins, the psychiatrist instead gave me a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and promptly prescribed the antidepressant Luvox to treat its “symptoms.”
This sequence of events kickstarted nearly two decades of wandering through psychiatry’s labyrinth of symptom management and prescribing cascades. By the time I was 25, I had received a half-dozen diagnoses, taken countless psychiatric drugs - including ten straight years on antipsychotics - and had more side effects than I could keep up with or manage. I weighed 400 lbs (181 kg), had out-of-control Type 2 diabetes, and felt like I was dying. And honestly, I had felt so bad for so long, I sometimes welcomed it.
I didn’t know where the DSM labels and all the treatments for my supposed “disorders” stopped and I began. I was sad, broken, and worst of all, someone I’d never had the chance to know.
But then I experienced a spark of hope. A light bulb-over-the-brain moment. Maybe I didn’t have to live that way. Even though the belief had been drilled into me for so many of my developing years that coming off the meds would surely seal my doom, something deep inside told me to take a chance and bet big on Russell B. Using this internal guidance, I began a psych drug taper and slowly started coming off every single one of the drugs in a psych drug cocktail: Lexapro, Concerta, Ritalin, Geodon, Klonopin, and Rozerem. None of them were safe. All were on the chopping block.
It took 5 god-awful years to complete the taper and with almost no help from the docs who’d put me on them. But I succeeded.
I’ve been off all meds for 10 years now (as of August 2023) and haven’t seen a psychiatrist since way back in 2009. It’s been a brutally long journey down a nightmarish path. One that was often too dark to see in front of me and littered with steep drops and soul-testing trials. But you know what? I survived. And my life has been improving, slowly but surely, ever since I escaped the house that psychiatry built.
If you’re wandering down the same path, please know you’re not alone. You’re not fated to lose your way - or yourself. You can succeed. We all can.
~~~~
Support Calls:
Support Call appointments are not currently available, but you can send an email to RussellBYT@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the list of folks who will be notified as soon as more Calls are being scheduled.
Just put “Support Call Notification” in the subject line and you’ll be added to the list!
~~~~
Disclaimer:
Any advice given on this channel is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a licensed medical professional before coming off psych drugs.
It’s not fair how can it be legal for a doctor to destroy lives like this.
Eva SS they are still doing it .
Frances Gillotti I never knew evil existed to this level until my understanding of this
It is absolutely disgusting how many lives that have been destroyed, including mine. By wealthy greedy companies and doctors.
Everyone look at Ketamine infusion clinics in the USA.
yeah. they only gave me injected psychotics because I had bad insomnia(i could not sleep for two weeks and more) and i lost all my thoughts. I stopped since almost two months and my thoughts are still not there... I was so happy before starting this shit now I feel like I lost myself and I dont know when its gonna come back...
You are giving me hope. These drugs have murdered my soul and almost killed me, I want to be my old self again.
Glad I could help! It takes time, but we do get ourselves back eventually.
How are you now
@@russellbytthat is a good thing to know
You're not alone abilify is horrible for me these people aren't listening to me
You not alone I hope for the same thing..all I want is to feel myself..let's hope for the best.God is Great 🙏
I am 22 years old and I’ve been on anti psychotics and ADD medications since I was 6 years old. So about 16 years. I really pray my psychiatrist listens to me when saying I want to slowly withdraw from my antipsychotic injections. I’ve always felt out of body and schizophrenia really affected me since I was 6. Please pray for me
you are not alone just take care of yourself start meditation it boosts serotonin naturally and increases neuroplasticity of brain trust me it will help you in process like its helping me
@@gamingthunderbolt1621 what’s neuroplasty?
@@alisha0122 in simple words if a brain has increased neuroplasticity you can readjust neural network of brain easily i mean better control with thoughts and emotions better control over your brain
@@gamingthunderbolt1621 wow cool thanks
@@alisha0122 hope you are doing fine even im going through hell but its willpower which keeps person going against all odds
I went off of antipsychotic drugs a few years ago and it was 100% worth it for me. It was a slow process like you said. It took me about 2 years (the same amount of time I was on the meds) to feel fully like myself again. In hindsight I wish I hadn't taken them, but I did recover and I want more people to know that's possible.
Thanks for sharing! Recovery stories need to be shared as often as possible and it’s much appreciated. Glad you’re doing better and much love to you.
Can you describe in more details how you felt each and every month since you started tapering off, and each specific dosage (in milligrams) and how long you were on each dosage?
I also want to come off them. Can you please tell me if we ll have another psychotic episode. After leaving
@@vikrantthakur5504 I did have an episode of rebound psychosis, unfortunately. I believe I tapered off too quickly. If I had to do it again I would taper as slowly as I could, but I really can't say how slow a taper is needed. All the best to you both!
@@-Kal- can you tell me how much you tapered?? N after How much time rebound psychosis occured? N did you take antipsycotics again for rebound psychosis..
I'm 61 and was able to wean myself off all psych meds. I've been off them successfully for 10 years now. No doctor would help me. I had to do a lot of research and trial & error to be successful. Cold turkey is the worst thing to do. What did work was something called a 'water titration method.' I created a spreadsheet to calculate and track my titration off of the meds. I did one at a time. There is no quick path. I had to do it at the pace my body would allow. I would go along and when I started noticing symptoms arise I would back up a step and then hold for 3-5 days and then begin again. I used this method for all of the meds. I only would taper one medication at a time. Once I was successfully off of that one I would choose the next one to go off of. Do a search online. I was able to find instructions on how to do it. I am so thankful to be off of them and have my mind and my life back.
Congrats on your success! And thank you for sharing how you did it. It’s really sickening that we often have to do this with little or no help from docs. Makes our accomplishments all the more remarkable. Glad you’ve gotten yourself back and much love to you!
Also I should add that slicing and dicing the pills doesn’t work. It was too much of a jolt to my system. I used a mortar and pestle to grind the pill up, a graduated cylinder for measuring the water & a latte frother to suspend the liquid. It was very gentle to my body. There’s detailed Instructions on the Internet. I figured that the doctors have done enough to screw me up already. If I continued with the doctors prescribing to me I could expect more of the same. I couldn’t screw it up any worse. And I had a hope of a possibility of things improving if I took some action. The doctor was so shocked that I was able to get off of 5 years of benzos and everything else. He hadn’t been able to do it himself even with an MD after his name. He asked me where I got my spreadsheet from to taper the meds. I told him I created it myself. What? Like it’s hard? Lol I felt so good taking back my power. Keep looking. There are answers out there.
I found a “coach” and went off Wellbutrin and Lexapro in 30 days. Just starting year 3, don’t know if I will ever feel any enjoyment for life again. Antidepressants made me more depressed after tolerance and increased doses. I was on 3, suicidal. Went off too quickly. Have seen some recovery but not nearly enough. At this rate, possibly looking at another 2-3 years? I am 62. You younger ppl have your whole life ahead. Keep on,,
You might be the only person who has been realistic and has actually given me hope so far. So thank you
I know how scarce hope can be, so I’m happy to have helped!
Me too ….I’m in a freaking mess over Effexor withdrawal
@@rustymullins6623 update
@rustymullins6623 I have/want/need to get off of antidepressants. I've been on one brand or another for 2+ decades.
I currently take Cymbalta & Pristiq (Effexor ER). I have heard that Cymbalta and Effexor have the worst withdrawal symptoms of all ADs. One of the symptoms for Cymbalta was called "brain zaps," no joke.
I curious about how you are doing today, and if you have any advice on how to manage this process.
Thanks Dude! 🫠
@@russellbyt Russell, I have/want/need to get off of antidepressants. I've been on one brand or another for 2+ decades. Also, and I believe this is relevant, I was put on opiate pain medicine which was continued by many different specialists, for over 25 years. In May of 2023, the mass hysteria over prescription pain meds finally got me too. I am no longer taking anything but Tylenol for pain.
I currently take Cymbalta & Pristiq ER (Effexor). I have heard that Cymbalta and Effexor have the worst withdrawal symptoms of all ADs. One of the symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal is called "brain zaps," no joke.
Breaking apart the capsules and counting the individual prills inside is required by a long, rigorous, titration schedule.
I have been on psych meds for so long due to depression caused by chronic pain. "Chronic" doesn't do it justice, because it hasn't stopped for one second in 30 years. IT, is a migraine headache. Deemed untreatable.
All I do know is that my brain is turning to oatmeal. I am 56 years old now. I have 5 or 6 different mental disorders and twice as many physical ones.
My question (finally, right?) is, in your OPINION, can I expect to see any significant changes (specifically, in my anhedonia) in my lifetime? Especially if my pain is now so much worse?
This guy is saying exactly what I’m thinking…it makes you feel so lost
Doing better?
You’re such a nice man. You deserve every happiness. I’ve been on my psych meds for 25 years & I want to stop. I wish I had never taken them all these years ago.
Even i feel the same ......with resperidone
@@russellbyt how many years u feel depersonalization a flAt feeling ple ans 297 days sober
What are you taking and what dosages?
why you not stop meds early you almost take olanzapine half of your age dont listen to doctor if doctor feel your pain he would not give you olanzapine
You should try some speed and coke once you can get high.
Put my foot down a few days ago. The withdrawals have been bad. Shit’s dark lol. I’ve been in agony but there are moments of brightness that shine through the cracks if I’m paying attention. I’m excited to rediscover myself again 😊
@@russellbyt can I talk to you on email
Can you describe in more details how you felt each and every month since you started tapering off, and each specific dosage (in milligrams) and how long you were on each dosage?
Just in the off chance you didn't know, please be careful to do a taper and make sure you are taking the right steps to do it safely. If you already knew all of this, good job keep it up!
@@Auntie909 Where is Russell?
I gotta rediscover myself again…I don’t know if I’m strong enough
I’ve had such a brain fog and memory loss since being on my meds. I’m almost 32 and haven’t been able to get a job, go back to school or actively raise my children. I’m starting to detox my body off lithium, Lamictal and Wellbutrin. My doctor said not too because I need them, I know I need a mood stabilizer but probably a very low dose. I’m tired of feeling like a numb zombie. Wish me luck!
How u doin now?
how are u
I’m still dealing with a little bit of brain fog but I’d say I’m 90% back to my normal self and feel so much better. Recognizing when your going manic/depressive and having a good support system helps out tremendously!!
@@shannonuebler1388 Thank you so much for the update. I'm experiencing the same thing and it's terrifying. I'm hopeful that I'll be back to normal in a few weeks/months.
@@shannonuebler1388 so good to hear. It takes the brain/body a long time to adjust.
My parents have made me see all kinds of psychiatrists. By the Lord above they don't know what they are doing to me as well as other people too. They are always saying that I need help. So wahla here they come with their rescue medicine that leaves me disabled. Wow what kind of love in this world is that?
THE LOVE OF MANY HAVE WAXED COLD SAYS THE LORD
😮❤
It's been 2.5 years and I have not recovered after coming off of lexapro. I'm a young man in my 20s and this has utterly affected my life.
Hey Tom, I’m really sorry you’re still struggling. It’s both understandable and relatable. One of the reasons I started making videos about this stuff is because of how ridiculously long the recovery timelines can be.
This video was made in 2018. At that time I’d been off meds for around 4.5 years. My taper was 5 years just on its own. And I still had a ways to go healing-wise when I made this vid. It really can take forever to make progress!
It’s a bittersweet message. None of us want to lose a second of our lives to this crap and there's no erasing the horrible impact this has had on us. It's deeply traumatic. But, given enough time, progress _should_ happen. That’s the “sweet” part of the message. It may not seem like it, but it really is worth holding on to hope that things will someday improve.
@@TomArto-rg3cr Same for me but I am suffering from 2 months now. I don't understand if this is a withdrawal symptom or the main problem has come back. But I have researched that if you suddenly stop your medicine, it creates problems, then you should start taking them for a week again, just to adjust your brain.
The anxiety and panic attacks are the worse for me. Its been 3 months, my doctor let me go cold turkey my life is hell right now.
"the mental-health’ industry was not established to support people, but to individualize and medicalize the social misery created by capitalist rule.” Susan Rosenthal (2019). Rebel Minds
Psychiatry is a communist institution. It is furthered by capitalism but it was created during the Soviet Union to silence dissenters. Blame communism.
any other books like this you recommend?
@@dreamznaspiratons7064 I think a good source of information is on the website madinamerica.com A site started by Robert Whitaker. There are research reports that are not biased by pharma and personal stories. For a vision of what care should look like take a look at this video from a farm in VT where they help people get off the meds and live a better life. Robert Whittaker gives a talk as well which is eye opening....ruclips.net/video/wwEQ1tDz0_4/видео.html
If there is anything specific you were after I might help you locate it. Best
Marz. Robert Whittaker has a couple of good books and he started a website devoted to changing the paradigm. madinamaerica.com ....at first glance it looks skinny but there are so many research studies and blogs etc. Peter Gotzsche has a pretty amazing book called Deadly Medicines and Organized Crimes......he examines how big pharma bribes people at the FDA to approve drugs that do not do anything more then a sugar pill....
@@dreamznaspiratons7064 Dr. Peter Breggin has numerous books pertaining 2 ur inquiry. My Dave's "Your Drug May Be Your Problem: How & Why To Stop Taking Psychiatric Medications".
I wish I could hug you, its so refreshing to just hear one positive voice who understands. You truly are a voice in the wilderness. I wish more people could be honest about the reality of psych drugs and how their effects are not really something that can be easily put into black and white categories and they go beyond just physical suffering. Its just like it snatches your soul away and you no longer remember who you are. I wish they would list those side effects on the blackbox warning or their websites: "May suck your soul out of you along with your personality and will to do things."
Great idea! “May rend the soul” would be a warning that’s pretty hard for a doc to wave away like it’s nothing. Many would try. But it’d be awfully tough to do.
Glad I could give a little help to you on your journey 😀 Big virtual hug and much love to you!
@@russellbytDID U HAVE WITHDRAWALS THAT MADE U WANNA GO BACK TO THE PSYCH WARD AFTER U GOT OFF?
AND DID U WEAN YOURSELF OFF?
@@russellbyth
You spoke to my soul when you mentioned getting your “inner monologue” aka “thinking” back; I got off Zoloft in October of 2022 and my brain has never felt the same. The way I describe it is like static on a TV, except I can’t change the channel a lot of the time. Everything just seems fuzzy. I have been told by numerous friends and family members that I seem different and more quiet, which is true because I literally can’t think sometimes. You saying that you got your inner monologue back gave me so much hope!!! Withdrawal has been incredibly difficult but your video gave me encouragement.
It’s like being quiet isn’t even a choice - it’s the only option, right? A quiet mouth accompanies a silent mind. Glad the vid helped and stay hopeful about the return of those thoughts!
@@russellbyt exactly!!
I'm 70 and I've been off drugs for 2.5 years. I'm in school and have an online business. You are correct. Give it time. Get a Pell grant and go to school to get out and meet people and examine yourself. You can do this.
Thank you - and congrats on your own progress!
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 last year and have been seeing a new therapist recently. She keeps pushing me to go on a mood stabilizer and I keep telling her I do not want to put that into my body. When I mentioned this in a support group I had so many people lashing out at me saying that if I don't need medication I'm not really Bipolar. Just because I am making the hard choice of trying to live healthy without harmful side effects and permanent damage my suffering is not real. I love your videos and I think people need to wake up. I hope more people see this so that maybe someday people realize help comes in more forms than pills and labels.
THeres nothing like bipolar
...good on ya ❤🎉😊
It takes grit, guts, courage,instinct and an admirable amount of intelligence to stand strong and be yourself. I have a friend who refuses to be prescribed " poisons", who campaigns for the right to be herself.
I am going to detox these drugs and get better. 😊
@@pennycoyote3855 nutritional lithium ...see the website Dr James Greenblatt, Psychiatry redefined.
He is an orthomolecular medicine practitioner and psychiatrist
Thanks for saying it will get better. I’m in this situation on my own and can relate 100% I feel so lost and don’t know what to do with my life. The withdrawal is lasting so long and it’s terrible. Brother please pray for me !! Praying for you and for everyone here in the comment section.
You’ll be in my thoughts. You will get through this and you _will_ find yourself. Much love to you!
I have been off my antidepressants for a week and I'm not sure I can do this 🥺😭
Thank you for making this video and enlightening people. My son's first psychotic episode was when he was put on ANTIpsychotics - no Dr would even acknowledge this, they just said the dose isn't high enough and kept upping it until he lost the plot. Took another similar episode for me to figure it all out. Now I know his genetic makeup has a mutated CYP450 enzyme which does not metabolise these meds. His body was filled with toxins that affected his brain.
Thank you for sharing...I was CAPTURED BY PSYCHIATRY as well.
Most psychiatrists are CRAZY themselves:/ Im so sorry about your son.
I'm happy to see what a great Mother you are in noticing your child's harm and advocating for him. You are truly wonderful! Don't blame yourself. We didn't know. Now that we do the word is spreading fast. Children 2 years old being treated for bipolar! All foster children must see a psychiatrist. More military die from psych drugs than in active duty. Teenagers and hormonal women during pregnancy being given medications for normal feelings? One has to ask what are they trying to do to us besides making money? We're being duped.
Ritalin shrinks the brain and even a makes penis. Drugs that make men lactate! No wonder we have ppl confused about who they are and what gender. Evil exists. Protect your loved ones.
You are just telling yourself made up pseudoscience because you cannot accept the truth. The truth is that the "meds" are merely addictive neurotoxins, that make it easier for society to enforce conformity and mass brainwashing.
My son got worse on them for years! Now he has depajote n im using that as a buffer to get him off antipsychotics safely with his dr. Then after that I hope to get him off thevdepajote!
Thanks for the video.
It really gave me some hope.
After the use of psychiatric drugs I have the feeling that I lost myself. I can't think and feel the same way before I was put on the meds. I used to daydream a lot, but can't anymore and I am not as deeply aware of the world as I was before. It really sucks not to be able to daydream anymore, because it gave me always some sort of energy and motivation. My inner monologue is also gone and the inner world, which was filled with my desires, dreams and hopes too. I was always optimistic, had many hobbies and interests, but it's all gone now. Have zero motivation to do something. It's like my brain is broken, feel so dumb now.
Dropped out of the university and just don't know what to do. At least I have a very supportive and understanding mother.
I hope that I will heal and have my old self back.
Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you good luck:)
How are you now Dima? Are you better? I really hope you are better and living your life again
Dima how r u now my friend
How are things now? I'm very sorry for your suffering.
@dimachan try speaking to someone about taking small doses of NAC...N-Acetyl-Cysteine. It changed my life! I was taking lots of different anti-psychotic medications over 30 years. I take it...I came back to life!
It will make you cry maybe, because you will start to think again and night dreams will emerge. But then your thinking will improve.
There are videos on RUclips about its benefits ;) Good luck!
@@paulaannstewartTHANKFUL2024 is that good to recover emotions and libido ? Really it can improve your life after antipsychotics medication ?
It was my 29th Birthday yesterday and I couldn’t even get out of bed. I’ve been coming off Lexapro whilst taking a myriad of other drugs that I honestly hate…
I feel like I’ve wasted a third of my life chasing this cure that doesn’t exist. I pursued medical advice because I wanted to be more self aware and yet I feel like I don’t even recognise myself when I look in the mirror…
I appreciate this video, I was on generic ambilify and schizophrenia meds and stop taking them and haven’t felt myself. My motivation and all are gone. I will keep pushing. Thank you
Try N-Acetyl-Cysteine...meet with a nutritionist.
Check your B12, B6 ...eat bananas and sunflower seeds, hemp hearts!
keep up im also in same hell start meditation it really helps
Am on abilify for schizophrenia too, are you still off your meds, how are you doing?
@@kerriesmith7903 I’m doing well Love. I’ve been taking Ashwagandha now it’s a natural herb they sell at Whole Foods and Down to Earth and I’ve been clean and sober. It’s a process but I am happy I made the decision
@@damarismoulterie4349 so glad to hear your doing well lovely! :) just wondering with the ashwagandha are you still on some antiphyscotic medication or off the meds completely and just on the ashwagandha? If its helping alone how many mg are you taking etc? Im trying to come off my meds completely cause they just arent helping and was hoping id find something natural to help manage my symptoms. Its so bad here we havent had a physcriatist with our mental health check up community team for sick patients in months,thats why i feel ive to come off cause theres no doctor to even change me to something else and even at that ive the whole settling in period of the drug which will be atrocious too just as bad as probably coming off them altogether what am doing at the minute.
yeah coming down of my tablets is the best thing i have done and i am coming down once again soon i know my Brain has been damaged but because I'm a Christian i believe in a God who can heal so you can give me all the negative comments in the world not here to argue but share my story with you all and i cannot just leave god out of the picture he has healed me in so many ways i am so thankful
matthew Hughes that’s right always put him first in your life ,he is the healer.
Antipsychotis and God are in the oppsite stance? no it is not
ha ha please please pray for me
I’m asking Jesus to heal my mind, too!
@No name with all respect to you I’m so sorry that religious people reflected Jesus wrong to you. I hope you will consider getting to know the Jesus of the Bible for yourself
Bc he’s nothing like the religious people he actually was against them in the Bible. God bless
God bless you!
I thank God for people like you...for your honesty.
Thank God you are alive!
Thank God you can communicate your feelings clearly.
I was in the same boat. It took me 10 years to turn my health around.
Im still on meds...and my psychiatrist took me to court to keep me drugged against my will.
Its been 30 years in total...I have been assaulted and verbally and psychologically abused.
I am a Survivor of psychiatric abuse!
Good luck to you and thank you!
Paula did you recover from antipsycothics ? did you take any supplement?
I relate so much to your story. I'm in the process of coming off of 400 mg of seroquel, 2 weeks into coming down to 200 mg. So far so good. It's a struggle to get connected to others and find resources with similar like minded people seeking the same sort of path alternative to meds.
How do you feel about that you are off medication?
I was on Seroquel too
@@adriangraham1868 who know in which hospital she is now, and whether she is alive at all
@@Chantellio12 how is your taper going? I recently tried to taper the same- but I had trouble I went back up to 250. I am terrified. I want to taper off.
take care drinking seroquel can raise your blood sugar. make sure you get it checked regularly.
also it gave me insomnia
Thank you for this hope.
I couldn't imagine being on psych drugs for years. I'm off zyprexa two months after being on it for two and I'm feeling myself again. It's criminal the way the industry victimizes people.
@@russellbyt Too right brother, we shall overcome!
Did ur sex drive return?
How do you feel now that you are off medication?
@@adriangraham1868 I'll never go back on it. I feel normal again, I never should have been on it in the first place. All I needed was a voice to listen and some space for myself.
@@scissora6963 thank you I hope I feel the same way after I come off the injection haldol decanoate
Do more videos like this bro
This is so important. I'm so thankful you made this video. P$ychiatry gives no hope. In fact it destroys the future of its customers. Doses increase as the customer spirals deeper into a fog. Your message is simple and strong. It's one more testimony that there is hope for healing. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for this video. I’m 21 and have been on anti depressants and anti psychotic drugs since I was 14. I recently stopped taking latuda 2 weeks ago and I have been depressed about if I’ll ever feel like myself again. I feel like I’ve wasted so many of my formative years. I can’t drive because of the med side effects. I dropped out of college. I can barely hold down a job… I just want my life back :/ this video gives me a bit of hope at least…
Glad I could help! However long it takes to recover, and however much time you’ve already lost, it’s good that you’re regaining control over your life. Or really _gaining_ control, rather than regaining, since you’re now an adult. But if there’s a silver lining to this, it’s that it’s giving you a perspective and wisdom that will help you navigate all the years ahead. In a way, it could end up saving you some lost or simply aimless years in the future. Horrible experiences like this can help us lead more meaningful lives if that makes sense. It really helps us stay focused on what’s most important.
I wish you the best on your journey! You _will_ feel like yourself again some day.
.
.
How are you doing now?
Hi! I'm happy to say that I'm feeling much better than I was 6 months ago! a lot has changed and I'm definitely starting to feel like myself again. I'm in college again, I started driving again, and I've gotten my passion and creativity back. I have been drawing more in the last few months than I did in my entire time on Latuda (3 years). I genuinely think that my dopamine levels are back to normal now since I can actually feel happy and excited again. I don't think I ever felt genuinely excited when I was on Latuda. I've retained some of the physical side effects such as visual snow, muscle tightness, some fatigue and brain fog, but it's slowly been improving. I feel like my cognition is way better now and I'm able to think quicker and clearer. Everyone around me has noticed the massive change and my relationships are better now that I can actually go out and do things again instead of staying in my home isolated and exhausted.
The first month getting off of meds is hell because you have to go through the withdrawals. You'll be super depressed for that time and its easy to think its your "symptoms" coming back but it's not, its just your brain trying to regulate itself. after that phase is over, its a slow and steady recovery.
I don't think I'm fully recovered and it could take months or years more to un-do the damage my brain and body had to suffer through on meds, but I'm very happy with my progress so far.
Recovery is DEFINITELY possible and I hope this gives you some hope. All the best!
@@Jess-1095
@hex11144 Thanks so much for your response!
I am so worried. Unfortunately, I had an injection back in April, and I haven't seen much progress since then 😔 I worry it will take years.
I'm glad to see you are healing! I don't see too many recovery stories .
I can say through the grace of the Lord Almighty, I’ve been off Effexor Xr almost 6 months, I’m not on anti depressants, I also got off of Temazapam for sleep. I did start taking melatonin at night in place of that. Also I’m weening off Adivan, I’m still taking Tramodol for back pain, Tomamax , and bacalfen which is a muscle relaxer. The biggest side effect I’m going through is I cry a lot. And I worry about coming of the Adivan. Life can throw you some stressors at times. God bless you for your video!
How are you feeling Robin? I hope you're well now
You may need to go to rehab to get off a benzodiazepine. You could have convulsions.
Very good brother. I'm currently on a journey similar to yours. Although mine has just begun. I've been on anti psychotics for almost 2 years. I have just now realized my life isn't any better on these stupid things.its actually worse. The beautiful things in life just happen all around me while I just kinda coast through. My little boy is 2 years old. He brings me great joy. But I don't feel joy anymore. Matter of fact I don't feel much of anything anymore.
Neways. Very good video brother. It brought me courage and wisdom to do what I know is right. You keep up the good work.
Did ur sex drive return to normal?
How do you feel now that you are off medication?
How are you today?
Did everything go ok
Thank you Russel. You are an inspiration to all of us!
Really happy you help!
CONGRATS RUSSELL! Glad you’re young enough to get yourself back! GREAT VIDEO, too! Your video was perfectly spot on & I wouldn’t change a single thing about it! ♥️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
I've come of quatiapine...been on them for 14 yrs and I took it slow ...it was tough but thank god 🙏 i couldn't sleep I had to work ...but I made myself not believe that I have to take this to sleep and function...I got myself a routine and getting there...my memorie is getting there...I'm so proud of myself...its great that u have been so positive.
That's great. Well done 🤙, are you capable of sleeping normally?? I am thinking about how can I sleep normally again without meds!!
Do you have any updates to share?
what did you take for sleep? I quit quetiepine and didn't know it was a strong sedative. I'm on ziprazidone now. do you take melatonin or sleep aid @sallybush6454
These drugs ruin lifes i hope one day we can all be free of the crulety and abuse
O.k maybe this will help.
1) do intermitten fasting or omad
2) do mindfullness/yoga/meditation
3) eat a vegetarian diet as often put cilantro,chives,mint,basil,oregano in your diet
4) go for walks in the sun,take alot of sunlight ,jog/ exercise,/ swimming/cycling.
5) join a positive social club
6) drink water to detox, through the day,lemon water is excellent or ginger slices in water,sleep early
7) drink hot water with lemon,mint,ginger and honey 3 hours before sleep every day.
8) get a pet
9) read or watch anything ,positive ,motivational videos,readings daily
10) believe there is a god,prayer and read a chapter from Bible daily.
Good luck and God bless...Do and flow the above it will remove ,depression,anxiety,suicidal thought and sadness...let me know.
Forgot,take vitamin d ,potassium and magnesium .
Help me. I am sick from antipsychotics for 3 years. I have given up.
God bless you. Your video made me tear up. I was put on psych drugs (Zoloft) when I was 14 and I came off of it when I was 17. I am 21 now and I feel like I'm just now fully myself again. I can't imagine how much harder it is when you're on these drugs for longer period of time after seeing how much damage 3 years of it did to me. Things really do get better, thank God.
So glad you got yourself back!
The video and your comment gave me such relief. I been using them for just 2 months and i came offd of them 4 days ago. when i googled about them i only heard the terrible stories and i got worried until i found this amazing video
I am 10 months off a high dose of klonopin. I've seen quite a big improvement but I'm no where I need to be. My cog fog is still bad and the social anxiety is dibilitating. I used to be extremely outgoibg, made friends easily, knocked interviews out the park, plenty of female companionship and now I am a complete mess with nothing but self doubt. How am I supposed to build ANY confidence in this process if everything is so damn scary. I could really use some encouragement man :(
@@russellbyt hey man, I really really appreciate that thoughtful and descriptive insight. The social thing really is the biggest obstacle for me right now and I think its bugging me so much because I used to be really shy and introverted. I hated being like that so I started forcing myself to parties even though I was uncomfortable and would force myself to go up to random girls at the mall and try to get their numbers. After getting over the fear of rejection I finally BUSTED out of my shell and haven't really looked back since. (This was all without the help of benzo use). My biggest fear is that I won't be able to bust back out of the shell again. I don't even like talking to my friends back home cause my brain for whatever reason is having a very hard time following cinvefsation. My friend's are used to my usual sarcastic quick witted banter and I can barely hold a conversation with my mom. I am PRAYING TO GOD that this is just cog fog and will get better with time. I know my brain works cause I learned how to play guitar in the acute phase of withdrawal, I skateboard, work on a crab boat and ran a marathon. It's just the social shit that sucks....anyways man if you could write me back maybe helping me understand what's withdrawal and what's "just regular anxiety" I'd really appreciate it. :)
Oh an by the time I started to taper I was also on 8mg of klonopin :/ but I was still able to do quite a bit all the way down to .5mg. Could there be lasting damage?
We're you able to fully recover and feel normal again now?
I love your presentation and humor, my guy! As someone who has also been on meds since I was 16, and recently off of every single one of them - I can relate so heavily to all the years of our lives we missed out on. If only someone had taken the time to TALK to us instead of shoving pills down our throats…
Congrats on getting off the meds! It’s not easy for those of us who started them at a young age.
Your passion will come back that's what I wanted to hear
Thank you so much for sharing this Russell. It is so nice to know that this process takes time and that it is normal for it to take time and that others do go through this
i needed this so badly. i’m only a minute in :/ -lo
update: wow this is hard to listen to coming from somebody else literally heartbreaking i feel every word you’re saying thank you so much for making this video i’m so happy for you
I have experienced similar things. My brain just doesnt work the same as before meds. It is great to see that you have made it off psyc medication
Can you describe in more details how you felt each and every month since you started tapering off, and each specific dosage (in milligrams) and how long you were on each dosage?
Hallo after four years how are you feeling now.are you feeling now yourself again
Were you able to fully recover and feel normal again?
I'm crying from your video. I really thought that I'd lost the core of my being, so to speak. I can't think deeply, or focus, or feel my cognitive inner world ever since my experience with psyc drugs. I was only on two medications, an antipsychotic (Risperdal) and an antidepressant (Prozac). I was on those for a very short time. Two weeks, give or take.
It's been a month or two, so it hasn't been long, but a horrifying realization dawned on me. I can't think, feel, or exist the same way before I was put on the meds. I don't feel passionate, or connected, or as deeply aware of the world as I was before. I used to be an active participant of reality, and now I'm barely alive -- cognitively speaking. Which is a scary thing to experience as someone who practically lives in their head.
Thank you for sharing your story, especially sharing how the meds affected you. I'm much more hopeful now for recovery. I'm so glad you were able to feel the effects of getting better, thinking clearer, and feeling more you. The best of luck to you! :)
@@russellbyt I just wanted to come back and say, absolutely. I can relate to all of that. The external (physical?) appearance of "okay" as compared to how you internally feel and experience "okay", the frustration from others not acknowledging the difference between those two concepts, and especially mourning the loss of an inner world (like a home planet). You described it perfectly.
A friend once said to me, "Home isn't a place, it's a feeling." Just like how a house might not feel like a home, but another person's heart can. That's what I feel like I've lost during my trial with psyc meds. My personal home in the back of my mind. The intimate relationship I had with myself; and therefore, reality.
Perhaps the hardest hitting factor of this entire experience is that the very foundations of my inner home have been uprooted and nearly decimated. Foundations which seemed to have been built upon for centuries, with thousands of individual bricks of memories, feelings, sensations, and associations to show for it.
The loss of something personal hurts. The loss of a long-time reliable comfort hurts. But the loss of something you created yourself -- with the essence of your lifespan, emotions, and personal toil fabricated in the structure's very bones... it's like someone ripped your heart out and refused to even give the remains back to you.
Again, it's uplifting to hear your optimism for rebuilding what once was lost. I felt very alone by the doctors who ignored me, and the other patients who disregarded my medications fears. Now I feel so happy to relate to you (and possibly a whole community of people) who are going through a similar experience that I am. Hearing how others are recreating their old homes helps me to believe that I can too.
Thank you for listening to me ramble on, and thank you for illustrating such meaningful pieces of your experience. I appreciate it more than you know.
@@plushpencil2814 How do you feel now? Would greatly appreciate your response as I was on meds for roughly the same time as you. Thanks
would like to hear how u are now
@@SimplyApollo I'm not the OP but I seem to have recovered for the most part. I have a few other issues that may have been exacerbated as a result but the effects of the meds seem to have worn off. Grateful for the progress so far and hoping for a full recovery.
PlushPencil, hi. You’ve expressed a lot of things that I can relate on... I’d love to talk about this with you..
regards
I'm really happy for you. I kicked olanzapine and after one year I'm starting to feel better. Slowly, slowly seems to be the only way to kick these awful drugs!
thanks for your message brother, i love you and all the people who had to take meds i love you all.. i have been struggling to get my life back for 10 years! the little progresses i have made make me to continue this fight!
@raj sharma i been taking them on and off since 2006
I’ve been on risperidone meds for 23 years and I was big and slow after 10 years on the anti psychotic, the meds zonked me and now I have severe memory problems and diabetes, I know exactly what the guy in video means, thank God they cut my medication levels in half, now my life is cope able with to some extent ( clearer head, better feeling and coming back to life senses ), symptoms I have is severe insomnia , sleeping problems, medicated up chemical drunk feeling pressure brain, I wanted to batter the doctors who don’t pass on notes and things you’ve said in interviews like memory, a story of head injuries , general things like this in conversation which aren’t recorded and put on computer record for new staff who constantly come and go, you have to re explain your story again and again , then they put you on more meds for not being right then you get more and more medication related illness when it isn’t the psychosis etc again but actually the cocktail of meds and side effects showing, things are confused and the DR doesn’t understand. I feel for anyone on the Anti psychotic and to tell you the truth sometimes there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel in my opinion after being on it.
Your experiences are very relatable to a lot of folks here. It’s like you’ve fallen into a deep healthcare hole and there’s no clear way out of it. The people who haven’t had this experience are unable to understand it, which can make the hole feel even deeper, more isolating, and more inescapable.
But it’s great that you're getting that “coming back to life” feeling. It’s like a little pinhole-size beam of light shining through from the other side of the tunnel. There’s some hope in that.
I’m wondering if the sleep difficulties come from the docs reducing the meds too fast. Maybe they got you down to half too quickly. Just thinking out loud.
I am an avid #MentalHealthAwareness advocate and performer, and I love this so much. I travel the country trying to bring that awareness on stages, in classrooms, hospitals, and on my RUclips channel, so I get excited when I see other advocates. 💙❤
@@russellbyt thank YOU! 💙❤
@@GHOST2-ZERO-6 Good stuff, Felicia.
Long process indeed. Thanks for your post here. Time is certainly a 4 letter word.
I love this video, so simple and humble. It applies to so many things, not only coming off these drugs... 🙏🏻✨you seem like a sensitive soul, take care!
Yeah he's awesome. A true fighter.
This is reassuring, and I'm happy I watched this. 25 and hoping I feel like myself again but this time I will be patient and I will prevail!
Patience is key. It’s definitely not worth it to rush it. I wish you the best on your journey!
How are you feeling now. I have same intelligence same habits but my mind is not feeling excitement passion to life.3 monts ihave faced withdrawal symptoms. Things are improving very slowly.
Russ!
You're such an inspiration. It's so fantastic to see an old friend doing well!
I don't know if you will read this but.. God protects you and gave you strength and peace... I remember 18 month ago when i quite zoloft and felt the withdrawal and anhdonia will be permanent but oh god i feel like 60% of my old self thank you for sharing your experience you did gave us hope
That's amazing! So happy you're improving 😄 🙌
How long did you take zoloft for
@@baka3489 i took it only 4 months
50 mg of zolof ..
Thanks russel I was beginning to worry if my thoughts were ever coming back. I feel so lost not being able to have inner monologue, and having the fire in my belly I once had. This video gave me hope!
How are you now?
Were you able to fully recover and feel normal again?
Thank you for this! I just recently started taking lamotrigine (50mg) a month ago & reduced it to 25mg at the beginning of this month because I felt awful on it. And I just want my old self back. And that's my biggest fear is if I was ever gonna FEEL again. But hearing you & other people dealing with the same thing saying it DOES get better with time helps put my anxiety & depression at ease.
Yeah Lamotrogine is very mild. I took it back in 2018 and I never really had any problems with it
you will be fine soon just one month of medicine
@@abantika8925 I’ve been off it since June 2020 I feel completely better & fee like myself again.
@@amarie5620 did u feel depersonalization in ur withdrawal please ans I m 153 ddays sober now
@@sangeetalambh6389 Yeah that’s when I felt it the most was when I was withdrawing. I’ve been off lamotrigine now for a little over a year. I feel completely back to normal before I took the medication. I’m way happier!
I have been taking antipsychotics since i was 16 years old. It never helped and made me gain 30kg and made everything worse. My parents and bf are in the delusion that medicine is good for me and forced me to take medicine everyday. I feel so helpless and hopeless and just absolutely miserable. No one is on my side. Everyone treated me like a maniac, a mentally disabled person even though i looked normal and had no other health issues. The only person who might be able to help me is my counselor Ruth and i hope she can convince my mother to reduce my dosage even though the Quack Doctor refused to reduce my dosage for more than a year already. I hate to be at my Doctor's mercy and everyone forcing me to take poisonous drugs just because they think it is good for me and prevent me from breaking down and murdering everyone in sight. -_-
Zoe Lim Xin Yi Maybe you & your family would be interested in some of the best MDs lectures on this subject:
1). History of Medicines Involuntary Addiction (excerpt) by Dr. C. Heather Ashton on YT channel APRIL Charity (of The Ashton Manual) *The “edited” lecture is on FB below this excerpt is the link, also...the unedited version is on Vimeo, link also below the excerpted video!
2). “Psych Drugs are More Harmful Than You Think” by Dr. Peter Breggin channel on YT! Plus he has many others! Just remember...the Nervous System does heal over time!
Best wishes for your COMPLETE HEALING!
@@cynthiaennis3107Besides gradually tapering off the meds and staying off them what helps the wonderful Nervous System heal over time?
ABCD EFGH I really do believe it’s possible...belief plays a big part & it’s great to be in the Zoom Support Group I attend to be able to see many people become healthier & getting better, coming back to life & their memories coming back! It’s WONDERFUL to be a witness to this healing! It’s a HUGE DEAL! It does take time...yrs, usually, and many after they have regained “themselves,” have gone on to write books or create helpful things such as The Withdrawal Project online, etc.! And you would never know they had ever gone through such horrible withdrawal! They are amazing! One amazing lady is Laura Delano...she’s on YT & don’t let how young she is fool you! She’s wise beyond her years & with others...professionals & friends, working 6 days a week for 2 yrs created TheInnerCompass.org & The Withdrawal Project online! At one time, these people were so disabled they could not work! Some could not get out of bed for months! Also...the channel “Bloom in Wellness” by Baylissa Fredericks, who also went through it, gives a 20 minute pep talk on how “WE ALL HEAL!” Be wise in your food choices, believe you’re getting better no matter what, as the Nervous System is healing itself! Drink filtered water! Make sure you get enough electrolytes while hydrating...coconut water is great for this.,I mix it in water...the no sugar added ones! Do things you enjoy! And try & learn a skill where all your limbs are being used...whether it be dancing, juggling, Tai Chi, etc. because the more one limb crosses the center of your body (the right side of the brain controls the left & vice-versa), when you you move 1 limb past the center of your body toward the opposite side, then both sides of the brain are engaged! Marshall Arts are great for this, as well! And doing this creates new neurons & connections! The more the better & that’s part of the healing! Everyone is different...I cannot say if everyone will heal completely, because I know people who came off too fast are still not healed after 10 yrs...but they may have other underlying conditions! I do believe it’s possible, though! When I’m able, I will go to an Integrative Medical Practitioner who can do blood testing as to what I really need for nutrients & also to the best Naturopath I know...she also does blood testing that is very important! Gut health must be in good shape! That’s very important to be sure one does NOT have Permeable Intestine, I believe it’s called in the Medical world, but most docs don’t believe in it (as most are taught lies about Benzodiazepines not being harmful, or they would never have prescribed them in the first place! Integrative Med. Pros. know what this is, but not all Allopathic Med. Pros. are aware of this (also called leaky gut & very important to fix if you have it!) And if one has trouble believing he can heal, see Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Videos on how he healed himself...it begins with the mind! If you have trouble believing...as the subconscious runs one’s programming we all got in childhood & from traumatic events, there’s a man named Eldon Taylor whose subliminal technology works wonders! It’s called InnerTalk! It’s been tested in prisons & in universities to be effective! I have used them & I’m very pleased! You can read about his unique technology at InnerTalk.com! If you wait for another holiday, the offer is usually, buy 3 get 2 free! They will even send you a real catalog for free! And they are very nice people! And there is a Zoom Support Group from 7 - 8:30pm EDT from the US & I just heard more are forming! If you’d like this info on how to join, let me know! All the best to you & keep the faith! 😊.
Zoe Lim Hi there...how are you?? Did you check out the info by the experts above?? They may help with your Dr & family! Also...please see my other replies to the others for more hope! Hoping you are doing well! ♥️
Russell B I thought this was an AWESOME comment! So happy you’re doing so well! It’s always a faith builder!
You`r a brave guy Russell. Stay strong Fellow.
Thank you! And it’s great to be part of this community of strong and _supportive_ people. Much love to you.
Thanks for the message of hope. God bless you. 🌹
I'm almost half a year in now and it's been so painful. I'm very happy to have found your channel. Your story is quite similar to mine, same timeline just different drug.
It's really tough and i don't know what to do anymore. Some days suicidal thoughts are really heavy and i stay sleeping the whole day. I have no family, all my friends are away, I'm so lost and confused why i got off it to begin with
it depends on what you make out of it. if you have a strong connection to who you were before then you can make it happen but every time you do this to yourself you lose who you were
May I ask what you mean by “do this to yourself”?
@@russellbyt when you use your hands to put the drugs in your mouth
@@russellbyt you get yourself back when you learn to love yourself again. the psych drug tests your will by not having the sense of feeling good anymore. you have to create concepts and ideas in your mind to connect the correct thoughts with the right feelings. if u take care of your health and diet, you will gradually get your sense of feeling back and you’ll be mentally invincible
Thanks for clarifying. That’s a helpful thing to share!
I hope the best or you Russel! May you find love within yourself, and therefore find it in others
@@russellbyt So its very hard for me to stop victimising myself, and be a "normal" or healthy person, so they feel the need to trust my doctor now. Yes, I will suffer for a while, but maybe after some years il be okay. In Finland the doctors do not get paid for prescription, but I think relying on them is a mistake in the first place.. The best is to trust in your own instincts, and do what feels good and right
You are a very STRONG MAN.
I have been put on risperidone for 1 month, two years ago when i was 22. Now im coming of ssri after 1 year. I have been feeling immense guilt, all about the what if's. But i was too late with my research about these meds. I was a hopeless broken person, who needed help. And i thought the doctors where good people, so i did not question the meds, but i was not in a state to be able to question it, if i am honest. I was too much filled with stress, and a hopeless man will do hopeless things. I had a short drug abuse history, wich revealed my underlying problems. I am apparently mildly autistic. My mother abused me as a child, alot. I would get hit for no reason, on my head, multiple times. I really think these experiences let me to be very self destructive in my teens (when i began smoking thc and doing hard drugs when i was about 19.) All i can think off is what if. But it is such an irrational deluded thought. The what if is a trap. Its a neverending guilt ridden painfull loophole. But a person who has been having to deal with alot of stress, anxiety and depression for a long time, will become vulnerable to these thoughts. Its not easy, its really hard. Since i stopped my ssri, 3 months ago, i am feeling much better. While i still feel bad for the abuse i did to myself, i cannot change the past. I was young, i was stupid. I was also ridden with emotional undealt trauma and spiritual pain. You are a shining light for people like me, you are an amazing person. Very strong, very courageous. You are the hero in your own story. You have saved the one they wanted to take away from you, you yourself. God will be proud of you. You give people like us hope and renewal. Thank you, and i wish you all the best, you will get yourself back, 100 percent. And i hope, one day, i will be able to feel like myself again, and cry out of joy.
@@russellbyt Much much love to you also my dear friend. This is a very ensuring and encouraging message you wrote me. Thank you for letting me have a glimpse of your heart. I will overcome all of this, i will have a full filling life. You are the example!!
I have the same story to tell and same what ifs
So calm voice god bless you
Watching this a few days into the process of getting off medications for the last 5 years. Physical symptoms are rough enough I haven't even considered the mental changes yet... I am another almost 35 yo man getting emotional watching this then realising - wow I'm actually feeling feelings - albeit all over the place 😅 I'm positive about the future. Would just love the dizziness and migraines to hurry up and go away.
Feeling so physically unwell can be oddly reassuring during withdrawal. It can help us reason with the mental difficulties and see that they may not be the worsening of “mental illness symptoms” and could very well be withdrawal related. If tapering can be so hard and destabilizing for the body, then it stands to reason it can do the same for the brain.
That’s the only positive thing about the physical symptoms but we’ll take what we can get, right? Every little bit helps! And it’s awesome that you can feel again. It’s a powerful thing when all of that comes back online.
hey russell. Now that it is 2022 and 4 years since this video, how are you feeling now and how have you improved?Thanks for this encouraging video btw. It brings 34K+ people hope, including me.NOTE, I am using Certain breathing excersizes to induce fresh oxygen and stimulate new cell growth in the brain which I thought you may find useful. Such as square breathing. Helps to grow the CNS too. Thanks again
Thanks for making this video. I have been on medication for 4 years now and I am gradually reducing the dosage. I personally feel I don't need these drugs anymore. I feel I have gained enough insight into my psychosis. Staying on these drugs is just making me put on weight etc. Can't wait until I see my psychiatrist again in December.
Happy to have helped, and I wish you the best as you continue with your taper and overall wellness journey!
How are you now?
@rocketmantheone I see my psychiatrist on Friday. Hoping he reduces it further.
@@hannah1234xo I’m praying for you, let’s take on this battle together! Just know you’re not alone and If you ever need somebody to talk to you can reply to me anytime and I’ll be here for you as a brother in arms! I’m currently taking risperdone, my doctor just switched it and put me on Seroquel cause I was having problems getting sleep at night without waking up over and over but I haven’t taken it yet. I wanna be free of medication.
I'm not on any kind of medication but i admire how clearly you explained it here.
Thanks for your comment! It always helps to know I was more coherent than I thought I was at the time :)
Very encouraging. Thanks for this vid! Ive been on 2-3 psych drugs for 5 years. With no major symptoms, I was rather diarupted by those meds. Recently I started to taper and felt like regaining myself again, but with no assistance from doctors and therapists (only knowledge from books) it turned out a little chaotic and I came back to psych drugs, but new ones.. I hope I will regain my strenght and make a new attempt soon, maybe in spring..
Ginkgo bilobia herb and saint johns wart are alternatives... As well as verlieran root..if you need something to calm you with withdrawal... Fish oil tablets everyday also
Hi. The first withdrawal last year failed. I finally managed to find a doctor more willing to help me with that, but after reducing to a small dose she said that my symptoms are coming back and she prescribed me twice as much meds as I have taken initially so I left her. Now I try the process once again, I reduced the dose to lets says a half, but I still feel numb. I hope that when I get to 0 I will slowly start to regain my mental faculties..
@@budda777pl In case if a person stopped medicine without tapering, and if some symptoms come back, will they go away after some days?
Were you able to fully recover and feel normal again?
Great video. I’m toying with coming off psych drugs. I had a traumatic storm 25 years ago and I was put on Prozac, Trazadone and Seroquel. I wasn’t equipped to deal with life and every time things happened, my doctor increases the Prozac. I’m not on 60mg of Prozac and I’m a shell of my former self. I now am without a psych doctor and my GP is prescribing my psych meds-unbelievable. Yes, I have Kaiser-the one that just got fined 200 million for not providing mental health services in a timely manner. I’m going to start researching getting off of these meds. I will have to do it alone but I do everything alone, just how it is. Best of luck to everyone who’s trying to get off❤
Glad you found the vid helpful! People do succeed without a psychiatrist's help. (Not that we should ever have to but that’s its own discussion.) Family docs had to do psychiatry's job in my case since I was without a psychiatrist after the first year or so of my 5-year taper. So it is possible! Having access to a prescription pad is what matters most in the end.
It obviously won’t be easy if you choose to start tapering, but the goal of coming off meds _is _ achievable. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to ensure success. I wish you the best on your journey to refill your shell :) Much love to you!
Wow.... thank you so much this is a great video, I am on medication at the moment for Bi Polar Affective Disorder and looking to come off of it slowly. I have been on it for about 4 years and I'm 20 years old now. I found this really inspiring and it really spoke to me. Thank you so much for making this video, honestly. It really spoke to me.
Russell B Thank you and all the best to you too :)
I thought one needed to be on medication for life if you have bipolar. I have it too .have you been able to come off meds by now?
@@danielahoxha28 how long are you on medication if you don't mind me asking
@Nancy I have been on and off meds for 15 years but taking it regularly for a year and a half.
How about you?
@@danielahoxha28 me too since 2014 on and off it sucks
Im very grateful for coming across this video..i was on Seroquel 800mg for 8 years..the journey is tough please pray for me to be successful in this.
Wishing you much success on your journey!
Coming off meds now 4-5 days now i feel HORRIBLE!! Like flu stomach bug all in one. These hot flashes cold chills are so bad stomach pain muscle pains. I was told 23 yrs ago i had bipolar. I had a nervous break down few weeks ago had to go to the hospital they tell me there you don't qualify under someone has bipolar (this was a Dr at a actual mental hospital)so I'm like okay I've been taking these meds for 23 years and now this doctor telling me that I don't have it wth more confused than ever i came home haven't taken a med since I kept feeling all these other things going on with me actually feeling pantic so speedy all the time panic attacks so amped up all the time. Now that i stopped taking everything i dont feel like that anymore panic attack are down thinking is so much clearer. NOW these withdrawals are KILLING me!! Mentally i do feel better physically not at all . After 23 yrs i just want to see who i really am again never been so confused 😮😢 in a ball crying from so much pain and maybe for NOTHING possiblity of being misdiagnosed when i was told 23 yrs ago I had it i truly believe i was going through postpartum depression when i was told i had bipolar BUT i have faith everything will be ok God is with me just very hard time right now. God bless you all pls be so careful with all this stuff❤
I’m so sorry you’re going through all this! None of us ever knew to expect the devastation that discontinuing these drugs can cause. It’s a horrible situation and there’s no good justification for it.
Are you currently 4-5 days into your taper? Are you tapering at a particular rate? Just want to clarify where you’re at with all that, especially since you’re having such unbearable withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks Russell B. It's great to have some positive affirmation as I am going through this.
Glad it's making a difference in your journey :) Every little bit helps!
it was good listening to your encouragements, I have been reducing my Zyprexa from 10mg and now down to 5mg, its taken me 2 years and still in the process of reducing. Reducing 2.5mg each year depending on how my body is coping.....at the moment, it feels like I have been hit by a bus and has felt this way for the past 6 months....I hope its worth it! thankyou for the video
I was put on Orlanzapine after a short (what they called) psychosis following a short period on Diazepam, and the insomnia that followed. I was on Orlanzapine for 5 months at 20mg (maxiumum dose). I then started tapering down myself by 5mg first, then another 5mg, then in increments of 2.5mg. My last dose was a few days on 1.25 before going down to zero. I did it all with a pill cutter. The taper was about 3 months in duration, from start to finish, therefore going from 20mg to 0mg in 3 months. I have been pill free for about 2 months. I am living my best life, sleeping like a baby and have had no withdrawal at all. I am back finishing my masters which I had taken a year out from. It is good you're going slow but the longer you are on such medication the worse it is for the brain. In that sense, I can't help think that taking 2 years to go from 10mg to 5mg is very long and just exposes your brain to prolonged Orlanzapine exposure. I hope that my story inspires you not to waste too much more time on this medication.
I also came off 200mg of Sertraline in that 3 month period. Again very fortunate to have had no withdrawal or lasting effects. Med free is the best.
Yea I agree with you your passion doesn’t fade away last time when I went off of it while doing daily exercise my mind began to work normal and doing effortlessly production
Glad to know u got your sense of humor back too, great vid!
Thank you!
Psychiatrists have destroyed too many lives already.
My family and the Nj mental system - sick, financially broke, child taken away just because I was diagnosed with bipolar
TY, this gives me more understanding and patience for a loved one
Nothing you said was stupid. Don't ever put yourself down! This came from the heart. I loved it....❤❤❤
Russell, you're supporting us viewers too. It's a two way street...❤
We ALL change and learn and grow everyday...4 years, different diet, lifestyle, neural pathways, will all be changed...take it day by day...❤❤❤
Great advice -- thanks for sharing it! Much love to you.
I couldn't.. flu symptoms, brain zaps, dizzy, pain, ANXIETY as I woke up...like, what's there to be anxious ABOUT, I've been asleep...must be pure chemicals, not life circumstances ...
This video helped me massively although I'm still extremely depressed with my condition. The first few months of my treatment went exceptionally well! In fact it seemed like magic. It solved all my issues. But then the dark side of it slowly raised its head. I started experiencing a lack of fluency in communication. (I had developed an American accent after constant exposure to American media for sometime. Ever since the side effects I've never been able to speak with that accent). My accent now, keeps switching between the American accent and the accent that I originally had before I learnt English, which is extremely frustrating because, 1) ppl notice the constant switching of accents and think I'm faking it 2) sometimes my brain gets confused between both accents(my local and the American) and results in me stammering not being able to get my words out. The crazy thing is I get it back from time to time but it goes away again. I now avoid speaking as much as possible.
It's been almost a year since I've stopped taking the meds. To this day, I have no sex-drive. I'm apathetic towards everyone. My mood swings are unpredictable. My brain functioning is all over the place. It's a big mess. Worst of all I don't see any progressive improvement going on. Everything just comes and goes from time to time. I don't know who I am anymore. I feel like ending my life sometimes especially since I've tried multiple times to get my brain to relearn everything, which was completely useless since my brain, unlike before, just can't seem to retain anything. No skill I develop reaches it's potential. I've given up on everything because no matter how much effort I put in, my brain just won't allow any improvement. Don't know how long I can go on like this. It's been a little over a year after I discontinued the meds. It's not just my speech, it has also affected my writing, thinking, breathing pattern (taking frequent deep breaths in a short period of time), singing, etc. I just can't function the way I used to.
I'm sorry for bringing negativity when you're all trying to be optimistic here. I'm just expressing how I genuinely feel right now. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe things will get better. I just have a hard time believing it.
@@russellbyt hey, I went ahead and watched your video. I can relate to almost everything you mentioned. It's incredibly relieving to hear you share your experiences, especially since these past few days have been utter hell for me. I've had recurring nightmares of my own mental breakdowns. It's scary. I don't get to stop crying even after I go to sleep.
Not being able to express myself as I please, is probably the most frustrating part. I can't even begin to imagine how it must've been like for you especially since you had nobody to tell you, from experience, that it gets better. Feeling like you've lost yourself and not knowing what to do is SCARY. I think it's very big of you to share your experience by reaching out to the rest of us, in hopes of helping us out. Thank you so much for that! Hope things will only continue to look up for each and every one of us suffering silently! None of us deserve this.
how are you feeling now Jane? Are you better? I really hope so 🙏
How are you today?
How are you now. No we have bear this pain .this is the stage where we can share our pain .may god give you strEngth.
Take name of god in this hard time.
Dude, I can unfortunately totally relate to you.
I’ve been on amisulpride for a year. And I’ve stopped taking it since for a year now.
But now my life is a nightmare, I’m not the same that I used to be. Every single day is a fight : can’t concentrate, forget everything, can’t do simple task such as printing documents that I have to. So basically it’s nearly impossible to work.
I can stand this state, and I’m hoping that, I will recover.
Thanks for your video, it gives me plenty of hope.is it possible to be in touch with you, in order to talk about that. I’m French btw...
Best regards.
It s just temporary u will heal
@@marianb2515 how do you know?
Change is the only constant in nature
I also speak from my experience with psych drugs (partial healing up to now, it takes time to fully heal
Still pretty messed up!
How do you feel now that you are off medication?
It’s one of many videos I’ve watched whilst coming off my meds, I’ve been on Celexa for 9 years, been weening off for 3 months, just as I stop the tablets, bam, a few troubling events happen, not only has that set of my anxiety & depression, I also have to deal with not having the back up from the tablets. An utter mess right now in my lowest point in life ever, fighting to survive this…….. I hope in a few years I look back and can say the same…. 🤞
@@russellbyt Hi Russell, no sorry required. And thank you for even replying.
Sadly I’m nearly 9 weeks in and it’s not getting any easier at the moment at all. Each days filled with severe depression, bouts of anxiety, weird and wonderful emotions etc….
I’m still managing to work, just, I’m seeking help via Therapy and starting Hypnotherapy next week also.
Spoke to my doctors and there solution was to put me onto a different, older style anti depressant which I’m very sceptical to start taking. I have however started taking St Johns Wort to try and ease something….
I really am fighting to not go back into the medication, but I’ve never felt so low and lost in existence… it’s truly unbearable.
Plus today I have found out that an old school friend of mine gave up the fight with depression today. So it’s just made today a lot harder…
I’m very lost, and not sure how to move forward. But what can I do, but keep fighting on….
Thank you for the page suggestion and link, I will be taking a look at it now.
Hey were you able to fully recover and feel normal again?
Thank you for the positive message. I’m currently in my antidepressant drug taper. It’s long and hard. I want those passions and dreams to come as well.
Happy to help! Recovery can be excruciatingly slow but we do get better 😀
Thanks mate. Im coming off antipsychotics this january and i think i have myself sorted out. Im praying that this time ill be okay now that ive had my realization from my trauma. It makes me feel relieved that someone successfully recovered after medication.
@@russellbyt thanks. Ill just be finishing up. Tbh im scared but curious as to what’ll happen 😄
How do you feel about that you are off medication?
@@adriangraham1868 hey thanks for checking in ! So far so good. I feel i still retain my calmness but im more happy and confident. Its literally been a month since i got off and im noticing the changes in my body. So far its been mostly positive to be honest 🤗👍
@@onemjst great to hear! Hopefully I will feel the same way when I come off the haldol injection
@@adriangraham1868 oh, i wish you the best of luck! When are you coming off of it?
God Bless and good luck to you and everyone making this effort to be their truest and best self.
I just got off risperidone completely it took a year-and-a-half finally
what dose was you on and have all the side affect gone?
Please post update
Did you go thru any psychosis?
mike 13 that’s what I want to know
@@chinedumuzic yes and it was introduced Adderall
Respect to you brother you replied 90% of the comments
Thanks for noticing! Around a thousand of my replies were auto-deleted by RUclips when I changed from a personal to a “brand” account. (Just a frustrating thing RUclips does…) So there are a lot of older comments that look like I never replied to them.
I don’t reply to the same percentage I used to though. I’ve had some burnout the last year or two and had to deal with some life stuff, and just needed to recover a bit before getting back into it. Which I am planning to do soon. Much love.
@@russellbyt youtube delete my comments also frustrated
@@russellbyt I want to meet you real life brother I please it will be more good counselling
I was wrongly Baker acted and misdiagnosed and overmedicated on antipsychotics and antidepressants. I felt like a zombie. I stopped taking them and have no side effects now but getting a job or studying in college seems a challenge to even work out and exercise.
@TheAlex0903 Hate you’ve had to go through this. Are you attributing your difficulty with working and going to school to taking the meds? (As well as any trauma related to being baker-acted.) Or is it due to struggles and circumstances that were already there that the treatments didn't help with, or made worse?
@@russellbyt struggles and circumstances and trauma. I had the spirit of the Lord after answering my prayer and I said I was jesus christ and I haven't been able to sleep
I always feel like doctors get so unfairly blamed for this epidemic. The reality is the training for doctors in medical school needs to be updated . So many doctors just don't know, if you want to blame someone, look at big pharma first. They know what these drugs do, yet they push them on doctors to prescribe telling them they are safe often without disclosing all the side effects or the reality of neurological damage and withdrawal.
Great video! Very positive , it's nice to see someone not attacking doctors for once.
a 15 year old should never be prescribed anti psychotics, in this case that doctor was very irresponsible, I'm so glad you made it through. It probably took you longer than most because you were so young and your brain never got the fully mature before it was being chemically damaged. Very inspiring!!! Well done 👏
@UndeadAaronGames Well I’m certainly not above criticizing and poking fun at docs, lol. They have been known to deserve it. But I do believe it’s important to tap into your empathy when discussing the other side.
Thanks for your supportive comment, I really appreciate it!
Russell B, thank you man. Currently coming off Seroquel and it's been a really tough WD. Really helped me watching this
Datavoid how r u now
SSRIs deplete serotonin in the long run.
SNRIs deplete serotonin and norepinephrine in the long run.
Benzos deplete GABA in the long run. And that's why people are hooked onto them and shrinks keep on increasing the doses.
how about adhd stimulant medications? Such a vayvance and dex
Going through this now, after 15 years on them. It's hell earth. God help me. Thank you for the hope.❤
I see what these drugs do, my best friend is useless on these life takers, and yet so worthy. She is numb
Hey Char, I'm so sorry for your friend's struggles. Much love to both of you.
Russell i take my hat off too you sir. I suffered a traumatic brain injury after car crash 2009. Couple year later diagnosed with ptsd. Been on many antidepressant and still am. But my specialist put me on Epilim 2012 and have been in them ever since. Saw a physciatrist this year and he said mixing antidepressants with epilim is not good. Opposite chemicals and with a brain injury! I feel simular to how you said you did, my brains pickled!! Bit spoke to my doc and have been reducing the epilim and hope to be off in next month. After hearing you i WILL HANG ON AND TAKE IT SLOW. ive been having outburts of anger whilst coming off these and i hope that passes with time to.
Take it easy bro👍💪💪
I'm so sorry about your brain injury. That definitely increases the need to take it easy. Just be patient with the process -- and yourself -- and you can succeed. Much love and respect to you!
THANK YOU FOR THIS ❤️❤️❤️
Insightful video. I want to come off anti psychotics in the next year or two, slowly starting to reduce in the next few months (currently swapping teams and doctors) but they obviously try and talk me out of any sort of reduction. I don't want to go down the route of refusing my injection but I've had enough of feeling like half a person. Stay strong bro thanks for this video.
How do you feel now that you are off medication?
How are you doing now Russell? These videos are the best on the internet on this subject. I've rewatched them so many times. The antipsychotics are devastating. I only took olanzapine for one month buts it's taken me four to get anywhere near normal. Still huge absences in my thinking, ambition and wit. Sleep is better but fragile. How is your sleep now?
@@russellbyt thanks brotha. I'm glad you're continuing to get better. It would be great to perhaps record a podcast with you on the subject. But I appreciate if you want to move on from the subject.
@@russellbyt Well, you're maintaining a positive presence 24/7 with these videos. I was doing a podcast called Stoned Ape Theory during lockdown. I want to record something on the prison system in the UK (for reasons I can explain) and psych med effects, possible even a recovery-based series. I'd love to at least organise a chat and perhaps riff some ideas.
How are you today?
@@Гермес-я6ю I'm 100% back to normal - it took around 8 months but I'm back.
@@spo0ny2kthats great, took risperidone for 6 weeks and now 1 month and 3 weeks off, definitely better since being of them but with withdrawals which make me doubt recovery, I need hope that I'll recovery fully 😢