I’m going to add a different perspective…….i was on cymbalta 60 mg for 20 years. Tried getting off 3 different times because I felt I was mentally able to handle “life” now……Failed all 3 times. Now it’s 3 years later…..just tried again. Made it 3 months……my joy of Life completely gone, tired, cried, snapped,just all around miserable person. I love living life and for me, that’s going to be on cymbalta. But the great news is I’ve reduced myself from 60 mg to 30 mg in the process. I’m such a healthy person and I always want to do what’s best for my body and mind. On this issue, I give. I’m a high stress, high anxiety person. I just can’t live without them. Please don’t judge. This is what works for me. So please don’t feel bad if you can’t get off either.
Please can you tell me if with your medications you had always that joy and desire to live even if has been a long time .did the impact change or it stills do work as first??
I'm going through more or less the same stages as you. Here's my case: I took escitalopram 5 mg because of anxiety that had been ruining my life for many years. The treatment quickly worked and I felt revived. Then, after 6 months of treatment, I began a period of withdrawal. But after 2 months my anxiety came up again, worse than ever. We then increased the dosage, first to 5 mg (3 weeks) then to 10 mg a day (for the last 3 weeks). I've been back on the drug for 6 weeks now, but I'm not feeling the effects. Have you experienced the same thing? Does the relapse cause me to take longer to recover than when I first took the medication? The first time I felt fine in 3 weeks.
@@GAB-f1fsounds like you were experiencing withdrawals and not just your pre existing anxiety Going back on sometimes doesn’t work This happened to me also
Same here! I went on them in 2017 and off them. Then back on in 2018. Now In 2023 I haven’t been on them in five years and I chose to get off of them and work on myself and follow god and I’ve gotten sooooo much better. That cloud I had in my head is gone. I’ll never get back on them.
I've been on the same dose as you for 12 years. I'm 43 and just started slowly weaning off. Needless to say your videos are a blessing but a lot of the comments have me silently terrified...
I’m hoping to get off of my meds soon. I really appreciate this video. No one mentions the weight loss after weight gain and i so appreciate you as always. I love following you and support you and your journey always. Always in your corner 🫂🫂appreciate the same from you!! I feel like you’re a good friend. You make everything feel safer.
Thanks for sharing. And it is actually downright disrespectful, condescending and insulting for the doctors to downplay and even invalidate our withdrawal experiences. I’m never trusting the industry again. In my opinion, our bodies have a way of rebalancing themselves and we need to look at psychosocial and nutritional factors rather than letting these drugs and individuals interfere with these natural processes. Just my two cents.
Thank you for making this video. The weight gain really messes with your head. I just recently acknowledged to myself that the weight gain had been beyond my control and to stop beating myself up over it. It's a real side effect of antidepressants.
Thanks for sharing and for being so open with your experience. I am in the process of weaning off the same medication. I’m tired of feeling “flat”…..unmotivated, low energy, not being able to cry or really belly laugh (my fave thing). I’ve been on for a lot longer than you were and was taking 20mg. I’m now at 10mg of the weaning process and I’ve had 3 painful (debilitating!) migraines within a week, nausea, insomnia, irritability. It’s hard! I’ve always struggled with anxiety and I have zero shame if I need to go back on, but for now, I’m looking forward to feeling human!! Emotions! One of the side effects of weaning too, is kind of a nervous stomach and I told my husband I’m enjoying it!! Because I’m feeling SOMETHING!! Haha! Anyway, I will see how things go! I agree that movement is so helpful and it feels good to make that a necessary part of every day♥️
I took Zoloft 20years ago. When I weaned myself off, the brain zaps were AWFUL! I too swore I’d never take an antidepressant again and never have. I went to a specialty hormone facility that helped me more than antidepressants ever did.
Your videos save me. I'm not alone. I love hearing you voice, just talk, just be you, just state your opinions. It's all important and I appreciate you so much
I literally have gained so much weight ! It’s crazy . It helped me when my sister was killed to cope … but numbed me , caused huge weight gain and side effects .
U gain weight cause u eat to much. When u feel better your appetite gets better and u eat more. The pill has 0 kalories. U cant gain weight from the pill alone.
This is why I have followed you from Malaysia as a mother of younger kids it’s lovely to see that am not alone it’s not easy on anyone but we fight and try everyday and give each other grace .
So glad I watched this . I recently decided to ween off of my anti anxiety pills and I’ve been going through everything you described . I honestly at this point feel like it was not worth taking those pills to begin with . Thanks for this video is given me comfort I’m not alone dealing with these side effects of coming off these meds.
Thank you Amanda. I could feel what you were saying through the whole thing. I have been on an anti-depressant for 22 years. I am on a low-dose. I’ve tried to get off at least four times and it was hell each time. I had to go back on them in order to function. These anti-depressants were never designed for long-term use. They change receptors in the body. That is what keeps the nerves from re-up taking the serotonin from the synaptic space. I got to thinking that if the normal process in the body is to reuptake serotonin, and now it’s being stopped from doing so, there’s probably a problem behind the scenes that’s being created by disrupting this natural process. Sure enough there is. I don’t want this message to get too long, so I’ll just leave it at that. I was surprised to find out that you had such a hard time after only a year of taking them. I may never be able to get off them at all, and that’s a problem because I don’t like being dependent on something that I could lose access to, plus I believe it is behind most of my health problems. I literally was almost blacking out because the withdrawal was so bad. I can’t even describe how bad it feels. And reading up on studies the titration has to be super slow from 5 mgs down to 0 mgs. It has to be so slow, that you have to use a combination of the tablets and liquid. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get off, but I am determined to keep trying. I am also dealing with the weight gain issue. I’ve always been fit and in shape, but no matter what I do, it’s like my metabolism was broken. I also think that the anti-depressant is responsible for a bunch of other health issues I’m having it tends to affect electrolytes in the body and I have issues with that. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there. I will admit, I felt better when I first went on them but it’s just wasn’t worth the price I paid in the long run. It disrupts several systems in the body. My opinion is try not to ever go on them, but if you do, only be on them for a very short time to get through trauma shock or something like that otherwise find another way. If anyone reads my comment and successfully was able to get off this stuff after long-term usage, please share your experience!
I started lexapro in November until now. I feel like I can't control my own impulses the anxiety is less but I miss having my instinct back. Am a epeleptic and took the medicine for 10 years. I stopped having seizures and weened myself of the meds in my 20s . What happened is start taking low dose for a while and gradually you will be able to wean off it. Things that helped multivitamin, walking, sleep when you need it. Healing is not immediate but our bodies are so adaptable so give yourself props for even trying.
@@kenyansomalimama thank you. I have tried several times. I’ve only been on a very low dose, but once I drop below 4 mgs it doesn’t matter how slow I try to go to get off. The worst withdrawal symptoms begin once you drop below 5 mg according to the studies. In my personal experience, I have found that to be true.
I also want to get off my antidepressant but I am afraid bc I believe I'll end up almost catatonic as the withdrawal experience. I feel all the same things you do as far as not wanting to be dependent and wondering exactly what of my other struggles are a result of this medication.
Going to ask my doctor about starting a taper! This makes me feel so seen, thank you. Im so excited to have feelings and be creative again. My antidepressants have done what they needed to do and now i think im ready.
Great news that you've gone of the meds Amanda. The COVID drama and the extreme measures taken all over the world has a lot of mental and health issues. Glad you're in a better space, stick to it and stay strong.
I found that antidepressants really helped me next to nothing, if anything at all. I had told my therapist (when I used to see one, a few years ago) and she pretty much didn't believe me. She said it was still better with them. I beg to differ. That was one of the reasons that I left her practice, she didn't believe me.
today is my third day tapering down my escitalopram for the first time in 3 years! i was so excited to taper down until my side effects hit. thank you for these videos, they are helping me power through and feel less alone!
@@crescentmoonjourneys I had to go back on for about a month because I had covid and a family accident at the same time and got put on an antibiotic that really messed with my mental health!! i am tapering off once again and will report back. today is day 10 completely off after a month of already having cut down my dose from 10 to 5 to 2.5 and now 0. I'm just experiencing some crying, a little bit of anger and sadness at night. But i'm incorporating more sunlight and veggies and vitamins into my life to hopefully give me a boost.
I’ve been watching these types of videos because the past week has been really rough, doctor prescribed an ssri, I haven’t started them yet because I’d rather quick beat this. A common theme I’ve noticed is a lot of ppl who start them say it saved their life and they’re so happy… but then about a year later they wish they’d never taken them
Interesting observation. I realize that at the time (2021) my body needed help, it was maxed out and the panic attacks were terrifying. I'm in a much better place and I attribute that to the help of an SSRI. I didn't realize how long recovery would take, and that's on me for sure. That said though, 1 year later I'm back to being me.
I have a PTSD and disassociation diagnosis due to childhood and adulthood traumas and have been on and off antidepressants and anti anxiety meds for the past 15 years. I have several non medicinal coping methods but there are times when that hasn’t been enough and I go back on the meds. I know it’s time when suicidal ideation becomes a regular part of my thinking. Luckily I have found a combination of meds that doesn’t cause me side effects and starting and stopping hasn’t been a problem for me. It did take a lot of trial and error and there have been times when I swore off medications forever because of the side effects. I think it’s great that you’ve worked really hard and got yourself to a place where medication isn’t something you need because I believe strongly that medications are over prescribed and too commonly abused.
I really appreciate your insight. You bring up such an imp point about those dark thoughts - that is such an imp part of mental health. If/when that happens, serious intervention is required.
Can you share your non medicinal coping mechanisms? I also have disassociation and panic disorder from childhood trauma. I have two little boys and I feel like I haven’t enjoyed them due to this.
@@allier.9193sorry to hear you are dealing with similar challenges. Music and art are the best ways Ive found to help me with disassociation. I have made playlists of songs that allow memories and buried emotions to surface so then I can journal about them. I also do all sorts of art and that has been the one thing that allows me to feel completely anxiety free. Hope that helps.
I’m in that mind numbing part of my medication journey. I too was also having severe panic attacks and I’ve been on ssris for a few years now and I’m strongly considering going off it because of all the negative side effects I’ve struggled with. Mostly numbness and brain fog, but also some weight gain and fatigue.
I did not go on meds for my burn out and am still recovering 4 years in. But so glad because I know what havoc AD can have on the body (went on them earlier in my life and will never again hell coming off of them)
Thankyou for this video. I have been severely depressed recently and I am having some dark thoughts. I have been prescribed SSRIs which I am hesitant to take. Its helpful to hear full honest accounts from all sides.
I will say that my experience was not with severe depression or dark thoughts, so my commentary will be from a very different point of view. Wishing you all the best.
Thanks for making this video. After coming off Fluoxetine four months ago, I've steadily improved, much like you, but still struggle with some lingering weight and metabolism issues, along with some other minor disturbances. I think it's helpful for people to talk about how challenging and frustrating it can be to regain a strong connection to oneself after taking an SSRI. Feeling at home in your own body is crucial. Luckily, I haven't struggled with PSSD and protracted withdrawal (so scary!), but I'll definitely think twice before taking antidepressants again to avoid those risks and the hell of trying to lose one fucking pound after stopping an SSRI. I think your video is great in helping to shed light on a range of issues that can crop up from this class of drugs. Thank you!
I’m off Fluoxetine as well, it’s been about a month since I took my last 10mg pill. I think I may have tapering off too quickly but my withdraw symptoms are mild and I’m dealing with it, hoping I feel like myself again soon.
P.S. I really like your videos. We have a lot of similarities, I think. Anxiety struggles, age gap relationship (older boyfriend), being the primary breadwinner and that causing a lot of anxiety, depression, etc.
I’ve been on 10mg of Lexapro since Nov 2019 and was always around 115/120 lbs. Fast-forward and I’m now 160+ lbs. I feel terrible, tired all the time, and I can’t fit into any of my clothes. Idk what to do since it’s helped with my panic, anxiety, and emetophobia… 😩 Anyone else have weight gain/strong food cravings? Also, for folks who have OCD, did Lexapro make it worse, like intrusive thoughts especially?
Hi there, I have gained 20 lbs in the past 2.5 years since being on lexipro. I started off on zoloft and switched over to lexipro hoping that things would change. lexirpo has helped my intrusive thoughts for sure. However, I am weaning off now slowly and in smaller increments because I weaned off too fast and I want to have an easier experience this time, hopefully.
I feel exactly the same way. It helped me reset and I’m able to tackle things better on my own now without the medication and I also have wayyyy more energy now that I’m off of everything.
Thanks for the honest video sharing your experience. I really relate to what you had to say. I am too coming up to a year off meds and it has been one of the HARDEST things I have done, which took shook me to some of the lowest lows I have experienced. My body is only starting to feel normal again. It has been a long journey to rebuild the relationship with myself again after coming off them and I can say no matter how hard life gets I have made a vow NEVER to go on them again.
One year off antidepressants for me tomorrow after 31 and half years of dependency. I class myself as in drug rehabilitation and it's not over yet. Antidepressants are a chemical crutch that should only be used short term,6 - 12 months maximum and only for severe conditions. Severe anxiety and panic are a warning from the mind that you are in the red zone and you haven't listened to the pre warnings while in the amber Zone Stress is a killer,and the mind will warn you if you are not careful. Reliance on drugs as a chemical crutch in the long term by doctors and users will only lead to severe dependency for a lot of people like me. Long term use has caused my life to be a living hell, more than 6 attempts at stopping and failure, mental breakdowns due to relapse from protracted withdrawal after stopping,and job loss and money loss. I have had to retire early and live on my savings to get myself out of this dependency,and lost many thousands in income to do it. Drugs are not the answer.
I’m so happy for you, medication can save you but it can ruin you also. The fact that you’re 39? Wow you’re so beautiful and kind. Loved your video and wish you the best in this new year. Peace ✌🏻 😊
Amanda, as always, I appreciate your transparency. I really enjoyed watching this video. I agree with you about the benefits of movement for mental health. Hope you have a great day!
I'm so scared to get off mine but I can't even do that right now. I'm starting a new job and new state and my anxiety is rising but I have gained 40+lbs now 😢
I’m on antidepressants for the third time now. The weaning process is worth the peace I feel while I’m on the medication. Depression was ruining every aspect of my life 😰
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.
Thanks for sharing! I had a similar experience as you & I think so many other people do too, but they just don't talk about it. I believe antidepressants are important, but the real side effects deserve a discussion. I also think for those that combine them with hormonal birth control they should definitely look at that as well!
Thanks for sharing. Do you think that if you had'nt taken any AD you would have gotten rid off those panick attacks and anxiety? I'm asking because my therapist just suggested to consider taking medication because I have anxiety, sleep issues and some panick attacks, I'm oversensitive, have some weird symptoms like spasms or , but I'm able to have joy and fun moments and even if it's hard to find motivation to work, I still get good feedback with my job. Anyways, I'm scared to start that AD journey because all of the bad effects. So my question is if you believe that it's possible to get out of it even if it takes time. I know you're not an expert but I like your honest insights.
I am on day 1 of weening off of 10 mg of celexa for a year.Definitely feeling off but I am ready to get off of these things…they honestly made me feel pretty lousy the entire time I was on them…never again.
I’m trying to go off of my meds I’ve been on for almost a year. They truly helped stop my horrible panic attacks, and anxiety. But the side effects have become too much. I just fear my anxiety and panic will come back when I stop. It just feels like a lose lose for me.
There are definitely actions you can take to improve life without medications, however, sometimes meds are needed long term and there is no shame in that. Wishing you all the best.
I don't think I will ever try an SSRI again. However I have switched to one called Agomelatine which doesn't cause weight gain and doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms either, so far so good. Unfortunately it is only available in Europe and Australia (I'm in Australia). It is nice to have energy again.
Hi Amanda, I am enjoying your videos! I have started on escitalopram about 9 weeks ago for sleep anxiety and I am still having the occasional bad night which always sets me backwards. What is your sleep like now coming off the antidepressants, do you have any issues?
Thank you! My sleep now is much better. No nightmares, thankfully. No panic either. I have a much better control on my anxious thoughts & feelings. Wishing you all the best!
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Thank you for sharing Amanda! This is a very real element of our life and mental emotional health is like everything else an every day practice. I love the way you share- no judgement and open hearted ♥️ Have you heard about microdosing psilocybin? I have started and it really brings me to a calm place, no side effects yet other then feeling more in the moment, connected to my family and on purpose. Maybe something you could explore to support your system ♥️
I feel like they are not a longterm solution and lots of therapists rely too much on them. In acute times they helped me but after a while the effect wears off anyway and i spiraled into an eating disorder and hormonal disbalances because of them i think...
I love following up with your journey. I saw your other video and it was pretty informative. I’m currently almost a month off Zoloft and it’s been a freaking rollercoaster let me tell you. I’ve been getting by with cannabis. Let me tell you… I’m straight EDGE. Never done drugs, waited to drink until I was 21, etc… and my friend kept telling me how much it helped her and I was curious since it’s legal in my state. I went to a dispensary and my God… I can’t even tell you how much it has helped me. More than Zoloft ever has… I highly recommend it if you are open to it. CBD is very helpful as well. Hang in there guys! 💙🌷 I’m 1 month off and my appetite finally stabilized. Zoloft made me so freaking hungry. We get free snacks at my job and I would literally have a snack every hour at my job now… I barely eat. It’s a struggle for me to eat which is actually normal for me. It’s amazing what Zoloft does to you. I gained weight but I like it because I look less skeletal. I’m actually hoping I don’t lose too much weight now that I’m off of it but I’m not a ravaging hungry maniac anymore lol 😭
I really appreciate this post ! I tried going off duloxotene also known as Cymbalta . I be been in it for 10 years and tried weaning myself slowly off of it . I went 3 1/2 months and started having serious depression issues again and it’s so scary and now I’m back on it and 30mg and I feel so much better . I feel like myself again at a low dose but I do have that feeling of being a bit numb at times but I also am still feeling feelings but hey it’s sure better than depression. It’s a real tiff situation and I was never told by the doctor that it would be next to impossible to ever get off this stuff . It’s crazy !
A few questions if that's ok 😊 - what are brain zaps? - how long was it awful when you were weaning? I was looking forward to coming off but I didn't realise how terrible it would be and am now scared!
A brain zap feels like your eyes moved too fast for your brain, and it kinda hurts to where you want to close your eyes and hold your head in place. It’s really odd and hard to explain. It’s a few weeks, but it’s worth it now that I’m on the other side.
maybe CBD Oil that can work alot like Antidepressent medicine can work !! but ALSO WORK to help you INSTANTLY get off .. just shift from SSRI to Medical Cannabis ( CBD Oil with THC in ) what you think ? cus that also boost Serotonin
Amanda, Thank you for sharing your journey including how difficult it was to ween off. I weened off the same meds last year. However after researching the weaning process this time I decided to ween slower and longer. I was feeling anxiety and thought to myself to get back on meds, so i did. Now I am giving it another try. I can''t believe I gained 20 lbs... The meds have helped with intrusive thoughts, but I think with the right tools I can handle it better this time. We shall see.
Glad to hear you are off the anti depressants. I disagreed when you told us you were going on them. Based on my research, I believe they are over-prescribed They are very dangerous. I'm wishing you well ❤
I believe that anti depressants are wrongly advertised as "Non addictive" But I'd say, it doesn't matter! Because at the end of the day, the side effects of trying to stop taking it makes you not want to do it.
Antidepressants slow your metabolism because they alter your REM sleep phase. So yes they do cause weight gain besides causing you to have more cravings.
Just brain zaps and insomnia? I tried to quit mine and after a week I was feeling horrible. Panic, anxiety, palpitations, could hear hard sounds or people toasting glasses of wine I was going into panic … You say you could half 10mg to 5 mg and without having manor issues….not everyone can wean off so quickly within a month… How do you manage your anxiety now? Did it came back? The panic at night , etc?
I think it's important to recognise that part of the healing that comes from taking these drugs, comes after coming off them. Where they fix the brain/chemical balance at the expense of negative side-effects, I think when you get back to normality, the chemical balance is what stays - and this can relapse depending how your life turns out after, and whether we make the changes needed to avoid getting into that space again.
But the chemical imbalance theory has already been proven by scientists not tied to the pharmaceutical industry as being a myth. There is no imbalance to fix.
you are describing how informed consent is lacking. Should GPs be prescribing these meds if they do not fully grasp the implications (let alone the mechanisms involved).
I feel very much the same as you! Thank you for being so brave in putting this out. I'm also super physically active, at work and outside of it. I had to taper waaay slower than you, like painfully slowly, just to continue being able to stand on my feet all day every day. I've always taken a lot of pride in my fitness. Exercise has always been my #1 mental health coping strategy. Suddenly getting strange body aches, dizziness, nausea, and spasms from moving my body has been a borderline traumatic experience. I've spent 1.5 years on escitalopram and my taper will likely take 1.5 years, too. I'm almost at the end of this tedious, difficult journey - just over a year in. Gives me so much hope that you were able to recover fully! But never again for sure.
@@breedane in 2017 and 2018 I was on and off of them. I didn’t want to rely on them. Over the years I started to work on myself. On my childhood trauma and becoming a better version of myself mentally and physically in the gym and things have gotten better extremely. I am now 27 .
Yet 1 of the only illness they really work on is PTSD cus that totally up and down curve is danger at PTSD cus the danger the is the overeaction so i say PTSD and OCD is quality maybe social anxiety if you been bullied alot then thieres not much to find then you would love a ,,reset" option
Im trying to figure out if its best for me to start or not, im confused because i saw the video you've made saying how much it helped you, and now this. Do you regret that you took it in the first place ? you would do it again, or would have taken a different path to treat the anxiety
I’m very torn…because I was dealing with anxiety and not depression, I don’t think this was the right path for me. It’s tricky to know what to do because it’s so different for each person.
@@AmandaMuse thank you for the response, im also dealing with anxiety and not depression. I think ill try something else before the medication then 🙏 much love xx
I have persistent flat emotions and loss of libido since coming off Zoloft 16 yrs ago. An anxiety I never had before since coming off lexapro 12 yrs ago. It’s strange, Antidepressants have really helped me feel part of humanity but it also has taken being human away from me.
I'm wondering if the withdrawal from the weaning can be mitigated with Ketamine therapy. I don't mean as a long term thing but just during the weaning period. I haven't really found much information about using it in combination with current SSRI's but I would love to get off Zoloft after 20years. I am very numbed out - no excitement for anything but I also don't ever cry - it is almost impossible. Plus the weight gain...ug.
Tried Lexi pro two weeks never again I'll figure out how to heal these pills are not the answer killed my sex drive worse anxiety sucidal thoughts negative thoughts buzz feeling finally feeling better cold turkey 4 days and won't look back
Hey there yeah I was reading and listening to what you're saying and I agree to disagree with some of it I was not on medicine for years and then I had to turn to it I am 48 and I do think I'm going through that pre menopause thing and so the antidepressant side she helped with that so that's another reason why I stay on it you know exercise and try to eat right. The homeopathic remedies but they were not working as well. Everybody's different but I was on Zoloft and I still am on Zoloft even though I'm not breastfeeding anymore. To stay on the same medicine which is Zoloft now as far as the new beetle thing yes I agree to disagree with that as well it's also mind over matter with that because I did ask me the hospital I'm like wall how you know this is going to lower that and I didn't like that but at the same time sad if you got to figure out what's more important is it more important that you have a libido or is it more important you don't have anxiety and more important that you're not feeling certain things like you got to pick and choose nothing's. Perfect but again. and if you need it you need it ..
Antidepressants are not for people who are not depressed enough to need them. If you WERE depressed enough to actually need them, you would not have the energy and drive to make needless videos about your life. Antidepressants save lives.
Totally agree with you. Social media people should not document because it is always the same. This helped me. Oops I got fat. I will never take them again! Some people really need them and benefit from them. Yuk. I will never watch another video like this again. Keep it private please. You are making money off views to make money. This is irresponsible. Gross.
Thank you for sharing your story, I can relate, a LOT. In fact I'm learning from watching other peoples stories that I was living with high anxiety for a while without realizing it! It crept up so slowly over the past decades that I got used to always feeling on edge. I went on lexapro in January after 3 months of high anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, and dissociation. I was bed ridden and becoming suicidal. I knew something was terribly off in my body, but regular blood work came back normal. So frustrating when you are sick. A dear friend pointed me towards a functional Dr and in February I learned that I have a SEVERE zinc deficiency, along with elevated copper. This imbalance is very common in mental health issues and regular docs don't know to look for it, or how to test for it. For anyone out there dealing with depression, high anxiety, OCD, insomnia, etc, consider looking up the Walsh Research Institute and learn more about underlying mineral imbalances that could be the root cause of your issues. I do not exaggerate when I say these tests saved my life. I hope sharing this can help someone else who is suffering. I am grateful for medication because it got me through the worst time of my life, however, I too now feel emotionally blunted, no sex drive and sleepy/foggy most of the time. I plan to taper very slowly, decreasing by 25% and staying there for at least 4 weeks before going down another 25%. I'm hoping this will mitigate the withdrawal symptoms. Thank you for your updates, please continue them in the future. As you say in the video, this process takes a lot longer than we expect!
I was given escitalopram for 4.5 months 10 mg / 0.5mg of clonazepam and then I was tapered to 5/0.25 mg and then 5/0.125 .I still have withdrawal ..feel dull to an extent and sometimes my scalp gets heated ..will it heal ?? I am doing better ..and I will never take such pills ..i think I was misdiagnosised hope to improve to 50 percent more in next month
Full transparency, I feel like it took me a year to finally feel like myself. I’m not sure why, but happy to be on this side of things. Wishing you all the best.
Let me cut through your confusion. 1. Most all mental disorders and disease are caused by metabolic dysfunction. 2. Antidepressants cause metabolic damage, and so only worsen the problem. 3. The only solution is to regain a healthy metabolism. 4. The best way to do this is to first go on a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet for approximately 3-4 weeks. This will help give you back metabolic flexibility, enabling it once again to burn fat/ketones for fuel. (Your previously poor high-carb diet has burned out your mitochondria--we're not designed to use glucose for energy all day long. This causes insulin resistance.) Now transition your eating paradigm into something resembling the blue-zone diets and life style. The Ikarian diet paradigm is the most effective. They have the lowest rates of dementia in the world. Dementia is at root still a metabolic disease, just like your depression and anxiety, so this diet shows just how effective it is in providing what your brain needs for metabolic health long term. 5. Your so-called doctor should be arrested for malpractice. At the very least she's a complete idiot. 6. Now get to it :)
I’m going to add a different perspective…….i was on cymbalta 60 mg for 20 years. Tried getting off 3 different times because I felt I was mentally able to handle “life” now……Failed all 3 times. Now it’s 3 years later…..just tried again. Made it 3 months……my joy of Life completely gone, tired, cried, snapped,just all around miserable person. I love living life and for me, that’s going to be on cymbalta. But the great news is I’ve reduced myself from 60 mg to 30 mg in the process. I’m such a healthy person and I always want to do what’s best for my body and mind. On this issue, I give. I’m a high stress, high anxiety person. I just can’t live without them. Please don’t judge. This is what works for me. So please don’t feel bad if you can’t get off either.
If it helps you cope and live your best life, that's all that matters! Thanks for sharing
Please can you tell me if with your medications you had always that joy and desire to live even if has been a long time .did the impact change or it stills do work as first??
I'm going through more or less the same stages as you.
Here's my case: I took escitalopram 5 mg because of anxiety that had been ruining my life for many years. The treatment quickly worked and I felt revived. Then, after 6 months of treatment, I began a period of withdrawal. But after 2 months my anxiety came up again, worse than ever. We then increased the dosage, first to 5 mg (3 weeks) then to 10 mg a day (for the last 3 weeks). I've been back on the drug for 6 weeks now, but I'm not feeling the effects.
Have you experienced the same thing? Does the relapse cause me to take longer to recover than when I first took the medication? The first time I felt fine in 3 weeks.
@@GAB-f1fsounds like you were experiencing withdrawals and not just your pre existing anxiety
Going back on sometimes doesn’t work
This happened to me also
Same here! I went on them in 2017 and off them. Then back on in 2018.
Now In 2023 I haven’t been on them in five years and I chose to get off of them and work on myself and follow god and I’ve gotten sooooo much better. That cloud I had in my head is gone. I’ll never get back on them.
Did you suffer from sexual dysfunction bro?
I've been on the same dose as you for 12 years. I'm 43 and just started slowly weaning off. Needless to say your videos are a blessing but a lot of the comments have me silently terrified...
I’m hoping to get off of my meds soon. I really appreciate this video. No one mentions the weight loss after weight gain and i so appreciate you as always. I love following you and support you and your journey always. Always in your corner 🫂🫂appreciate the same from you!! I feel like you’re a good friend. You make everything feel safer.
Thanks for sharing. And it is actually downright disrespectful, condescending and insulting for the doctors to downplay and even invalidate our withdrawal experiences. I’m never trusting the industry again. In my opinion, our bodies have a way of rebalancing themselves and we need to look at psychosocial and nutritional factors rather than letting these drugs and individuals interfere with these natural processes. Just my two cents.
Thank you for making this video. The weight gain really messes with your head. I just recently acknowledged to myself that the weight gain had been beyond my control and to stop beating myself up over it. It's a real side effect of antidepressants.
Thanks for sharing and for being so open with your experience. I am in the process of weaning off the same medication. I’m tired of feeling “flat”…..unmotivated, low energy, not being able to cry or really belly laugh (my fave thing). I’ve been on for a lot longer than you were and was taking 20mg. I’m now at 10mg of the weaning process and I’ve had 3 painful (debilitating!) migraines within a week, nausea, insomnia, irritability. It’s hard! I’ve always struggled with anxiety and I have zero shame if I need to go back on, but for now, I’m looking forward to feeling human!! Emotions! One of the side effects of weaning too, is kind of a nervous stomach and I told my husband I’m enjoying it!! Because I’m feeling SOMETHING!! Haha! Anyway, I will see how things go! I agree that movement is so helpful and it feels good to make that a necessary part of every day♥️
I took Zoloft 20years ago. When I weaned myself off, the brain zaps were AWFUL! I too swore I’d never take an antidepressant again and never have. I went to a specialty hormone facility that helped me more than antidepressants ever did.
Going the route of hormones is very interesting to me. Are you a fan of Dr Sara Gottfried? I'm very interested in her hormone reset study.
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I’m having a tough day after quitting escitalopram for the exact reasons you mentioned, and this is really helping me soldier on. Thanks a lot.
How are you now? How did it go?
Your authenticity is refreshing. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. It gives me hope that I too can get through this!
You can do it!
Your videos save me. I'm not alone. I love hearing you voice, just talk, just be you, just state your opinions. It's all important and I appreciate you so much
Thank you so much for sharing this. I appreciate you. XO.
I literally have gained so much weight ! It’s crazy . It helped me when my sister was killed to cope … but numbed me , caused huge weight gain and side effects .
Hi! I'm concerned about this possibility, too, should I start taking it. Would you say it affected your appetite?
U gain weight cause u eat to much. When u feel better your appetite gets better and u eat more. The pill has 0 kalories. U cant gain weight from the pill alone.
This is why I have followed you from Malaysia as a mother of younger kids it’s lovely to see that am not alone it’s not easy on anyone but we fight and try everyday and give each other grace .
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So glad I watched this . I recently decided to ween off of my anti anxiety pills and I’ve been going through everything you described . I honestly at this point feel like it was not worth taking those pills to begin with . Thanks for this video is given me comfort I’m not alone dealing with these side effects of coming off these meds.
Thank you Amanda. I could feel what you were saying through the whole thing. I have been on an anti-depressant for 22 years. I am on a low-dose. I’ve tried to get off at least four times and it was hell each time. I had to go back on them in order to function.
These anti-depressants were never designed for long-term use. They change receptors in the body. That is what keeps the nerves from re-up taking the serotonin from the synaptic space.
I got to thinking that if the normal process in the body is to reuptake serotonin, and now it’s being stopped from doing so, there’s probably a problem behind the scenes that’s being created by disrupting this natural process. Sure enough there is. I don’t want this message to get too long, so I’ll just leave it at that.
I was surprised to find out that you had such a hard time after only a year of taking them. I may never be able to get off them at all, and that’s a problem because I don’t like being dependent on something that I could lose access to, plus I believe it is behind most of my health problems.
I literally was almost blacking out because the withdrawal was so bad. I can’t even describe how bad it feels.
And reading up on studies the titration has to be super slow from 5 mgs down to 0 mgs. It has to be so slow, that you have to use a combination of the tablets and liquid. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get off, but I am determined to keep trying.
I am also dealing with the weight gain issue. I’ve always been fit and in shape, but no matter what I do, it’s like my metabolism was broken. I also think that the anti-depressant is responsible for a bunch of other health issues I’m having it tends to affect electrolytes in the body and I have issues with that. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there.
I will admit, I felt better when I first went on them but it’s just wasn’t worth the price I paid in the long run. It disrupts several systems in the body.
My opinion is try not to ever go on them, but if you do, only be on them for a very short time to get through trauma shock or something like that otherwise find another way.
If anyone reads my comment and successfully was able to get off this stuff after long-term usage, please share your experience!
I started lexapro in November until now. I feel like I can't control my own impulses the anxiety is less but I miss having my instinct back. Am a epeleptic and took the medicine for 10 years. I stopped having seizures and weened myself of the meds in my 20s . What happened is start taking low dose for a while and gradually you will be able to wean off it. Things that helped multivitamin, walking, sleep when you need it. Healing is not immediate but our bodies are so adaptable so give yourself props for even trying.
@@kenyansomalimama thank you. I have tried several times. I’ve only been on a very low dose, but once I drop below 4 mgs it doesn’t matter how slow I try to go to get off. The worst withdrawal symptoms begin once you drop below 5 mg according to the studies. In my personal experience, I have found that to be true.
I also want to get off my antidepressant but I am afraid bc I believe I'll end up almost catatonic as the withdrawal experience. I feel all the same things you do as far as not wanting to be dependent and wondering exactly what of my other struggles are a result of this medication.
I 100000% agree with you on this! How are you today?
Thank you. Doing ok but I’m still on 4.25 mg and can’t seem to get below that. The withdrawal symptoms are too severe.
Going to ask my doctor about starting a taper! This makes me feel so seen, thank you. Im so excited to have feelings and be creative again. My antidepressants have done what they needed to do and now i think im ready.
Wishing you all the best!
Great news that you've gone of the meds Amanda. The COVID drama and the extreme measures taken all over the world has a lot of mental and health issues. Glad you're in a better space, stick to it and stay strong.
I found that antidepressants really helped me next to nothing, if anything at all. I had told my therapist (when I used to see one, a few years ago) and she pretty much didn't believe me. She said it was still better with them. I beg to differ. That was one of the reasons that I left her practice, she didn't believe me.
Sounds like you made the best decision.
today is my third day tapering down my escitalopram for the first time in 3 years! i was so excited to taper down until my side effects hit. thank you for these videos, they are helping me power through and feel less alone!
how are you feeling now
@@crescentmoonjourneys I had to go back on for about a month because I had covid and a family accident at the same time and got put on an antibiotic that really messed with my mental health!! i am tapering off once again and will report back. today is day 10 completely off after a month of already having cut down my dose from 10 to 5 to 2.5 and now 0. I'm just experiencing some crying, a little bit of anger and sadness at night. But i'm incorporating more sunlight and veggies and vitamins into my life to hopefully give me a boost.
How are you today???
Honest and raw…continue being you - refreshing and relevant.❤
Thank you
I’ve been watching these types of videos because the past week has been really rough, doctor prescribed an ssri, I haven’t started them yet because I’d rather quick beat this. A common theme I’ve noticed is a lot of ppl who start them say it saved their life and they’re so happy… but then about a year later they wish they’d never taken them
Interesting observation. I realize that at the time (2021) my body needed help, it was maxed out and the panic attacks were terrifying. I'm in a much better place and I attribute that to the help of an SSRI. I didn't realize how long recovery would take, and that's on me for sure. That said though, 1 year later I'm back to being me.
I have a PTSD and disassociation diagnosis due to childhood and adulthood traumas and have been on and off antidepressants and anti anxiety meds for the past 15 years. I have several non medicinal coping methods but there are times when that hasn’t been enough and I go back on the meds. I know it’s time when suicidal ideation becomes a regular part of my thinking. Luckily I have found a combination of meds that doesn’t cause me side effects and starting and stopping hasn’t been a problem for me. It did take a lot of trial and error and there have been times when I swore off medications forever because of the side effects. I think it’s great that you’ve worked really hard and got yourself to a place where medication isn’t something you need because I believe strongly that medications are over prescribed and too commonly abused.
I really appreciate your insight. You bring up such an imp point about those dark thoughts - that is such an imp part of mental health. If/when that happens, serious intervention is required.
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Can you share your non medicinal coping mechanisms? I also have disassociation and panic disorder from childhood trauma. I have two little boys and I feel like I haven’t enjoyed them due to this.
@@allier.9193sorry to hear you are dealing with similar challenges. Music and art are the best ways Ive found to help me with disassociation. I have made playlists of songs that allow memories and buried emotions to surface so then I can journal about them. I also do all sorts of art and that has been the one thing that allows me to feel completely anxiety free. Hope that helps.
I’m in that mind numbing part of my medication journey. I too was also having severe panic attacks and I’ve been on ssris for a few years now and I’m strongly considering going off it because of all the negative side effects I’ve struggled with. Mostly numbness and brain fog, but also some weight gain and fatigue.
Wishing you all the best if you do choose to wean.
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I'm just starting my weaning journey starting today thank you for this video!
Any updates?
I did not go on meds for my burn out and am still recovering 4 years in. But so glad because I know what havoc AD can have on the body (went on them earlier in my life and will never again hell coming off of them)
I hear you - it took so much longer to recover from the meds than I expected.
Thankyou for this video. I have been severely depressed recently and I am having some dark thoughts. I have been prescribed SSRIs which I am hesitant to take. Its helpful to hear full honest accounts from all sides.
I will say that my experience was not with severe depression or dark thoughts, so my commentary will be from a very different point of view. Wishing you all the best.
Thanks for making this video. After coming off Fluoxetine four months ago, I've steadily improved, much like you, but still struggle with some lingering weight and metabolism issues, along with some other minor disturbances. I think it's helpful for people to talk about how challenging and frustrating it can be to regain a strong connection to oneself after taking an SSRI. Feeling at home in your own body is crucial. Luckily, I haven't struggled with PSSD and protracted withdrawal (so scary!), but I'll definitely think twice before taking antidepressants again to avoid those risks and the hell of trying to lose one fucking pound after stopping an SSRI. I think your video is great in helping to shed light on a range of issues that can crop up from this class of drugs. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing too!
I’m off Fluoxetine as well, it’s been about a month since I took my last 10mg pill. I think I may have tapering off too quickly but my withdraw symptoms are mild and I’m dealing with it, hoping I feel like myself again soon.
P.S. I really like your videos. We have a lot of similarities, I think. Anxiety struggles, age gap relationship (older boyfriend), being the primary breadwinner and that causing a lot of anxiety, depression, etc.
I’ve been on 10mg of Lexapro since Nov 2019 and was always around 115/120 lbs. Fast-forward and I’m now 160+ lbs. I feel terrible, tired all the time, and I can’t fit into any of my clothes. Idk what to do since it’s helped with my panic, anxiety, and emetophobia… 😩
Anyone else have weight gain/strong food cravings? Also, for folks who have OCD, did Lexapro make it worse, like intrusive thoughts especially?
Hi there,
I have gained 20 lbs in the past 2.5 years since being on lexipro. I started off on zoloft and switched over to lexipro hoping that things would change. lexirpo has helped my intrusive thoughts for sure. However, I am weaning off now slowly and in smaller increments because I weaned off too fast and I want to have an easier experience this time, hopefully.
if its making them worse u should get off and try something else. also wellbutrin helps weight gain
I feel exactly the same way. It helped me reset and I’m able to tackle things better on my own now without the medication and I also have wayyyy more energy now that I’m off of everything.
Thanks for the honest video sharing your experience. I really relate to what you had to say. I am too coming up to a year off meds and it has been one of the HARDEST things I have done, which took shook me to some of the lowest lows I have experienced. My body is only starting to feel normal again. It has been a long journey to rebuild the relationship with myself again after coming off them and I can say no matter how hard life gets I have made a vow NEVER to go on them again.
One year off antidepressants for me tomorrow after 31 and half years of dependency. I class myself as in drug rehabilitation and it's not over yet. Antidepressants are a chemical crutch that should only be used short term,6 - 12 months maximum and only for severe conditions. Severe anxiety and panic are a warning from the mind that you are in the red zone and you haven't listened to the pre warnings while in the amber Zone Stress is a killer,and the mind will warn you if you are not careful. Reliance on drugs as a chemical crutch in the long term by doctors and users will only lead to severe dependency for a lot of people like me. Long term use has caused my life to be a living hell, more than 6 attempts at stopping and failure, mental breakdowns due to relapse from protracted withdrawal after stopping,and job loss and money loss. I have had to retire early and live on my savings to get myself out of this dependency,and lost many thousands in income to do it. Drugs are not the answer.
I’m so happy for you, medication can save you but it can ruin you also. The fact that you’re 39? Wow you’re so beautiful and kind. Loved your video and wish you the best in this new year. Peace ✌🏻 😊
Thank you, same to you!
Amanda, as always, I appreciate your transparency. I really enjoyed watching this video. I agree with you about the benefits of movement for mental health. Hope you have a great day!
I'm so scared to get off mine but I can't even do that right now. I'm starting a new job and new state and my anxiety is rising but I have gained 40+lbs now 😢
I hear you. Maybe once you’ve settled into your new role, then you may find some time to reevaluate 🩷
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I’m on antidepressants for the third time now. The weaning process is worth the peace I feel while I’m on the medication. Depression was ruining every aspect of my life 😰
Brain zaps and the rebound anxiety coming off of Zoloft is horrible!!! But I’m managing
What did you take for the absolute crazy anxiety?..Im having a terrible time with the withdrawl
How are you guys today? I'm weaning off of sertraline too
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,
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Thanks for sharing! I had a similar experience as you & I think so many other people do too, but they just don't talk about it. I believe antidepressants are important, but the real side effects deserve a discussion. I also think for those that combine them with hormonal birth control they should definitely look at that as well!
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Lovely open coversation on your experience, you will help so many ppl with this❤
Thanks for sharing. Do you think that if you had'nt taken any AD you would have gotten rid off those panick attacks and anxiety? I'm asking because my therapist just suggested to consider taking medication because I have anxiety, sleep issues and some panick attacks, I'm oversensitive, have some weird symptoms like spasms or , but I'm able to have joy and fun moments and even if it's hard to find motivation to work, I still get good feedback with my job. Anyways, I'm scared to start that AD journey because all of the bad effects. So my question is if you believe that it's possible to get out of it even if it takes time. I know you're not an expert but I like your honest insights.
I am on day 1 of weening off of 10 mg of celexa for a year.Definitely feeling off but I am ready to get off of these things…they honestly made me feel pretty lousy the entire time I was on them…never again.
I’m trying to go off of my meds I’ve been on for almost a year. They truly helped stop my horrible panic attacks, and anxiety. But the side effects have become too much. I just fear my anxiety and panic will come back when I stop. It just feels like a lose lose for me.
There are definitely actions you can take to improve life without medications, however, sometimes meds are needed long term and there is no shame in that. Wishing you all the best.
I don't think I will ever try an SSRI again. However I have switched to one called Agomelatine which doesn't cause weight gain and doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms either, so far so good. Unfortunately it is only available in Europe and Australia (I'm in Australia). It is nice to have energy again.
Hi Amanda, I am enjoying your videos! I have started on escitalopram about 9 weeks ago for sleep anxiety and I am still having the occasional bad night which always sets me backwards. What is your sleep like now coming off the antidepressants, do you have any issues?
Thank you! My sleep now is much better. No nightmares, thankfully. No panic either. I have a much better control on my anxious thoughts & feelings. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you for sharing Amanda! This is a very real element of our life and mental emotional health is like everything else an every day practice. I love the way you share- no judgement and open hearted ♥️ Have you heard about microdosing psilocybin? I have started and it really brings me to a calm place, no side effects yet other then feeling more in the moment, connected to my family and on purpose. Maybe something you could explore to support your system ♥️
Where do you get Schrooms !
I feel like they are not a longterm solution and lots of therapists rely too much on them. In acute times they helped me but after a while the effect wears off anyway and i spiraled into an eating disorder and hormonal disbalances because of them i think...
Thank you for sharing. My doctor advised 1 year and then reassess, so this checks out - I agree, I don’t think long term is for everyone.
I love following up with your journey. I saw your other video and it was pretty informative. I’m currently almost a month off Zoloft and it’s been a freaking rollercoaster let me tell you. I’ve been getting by with cannabis. Let me tell you… I’m straight EDGE. Never done drugs, waited to drink until I was 21, etc… and my friend kept telling me how much it helped her and I was curious since it’s legal in my state. I went to a dispensary and my God… I can’t even tell you how much it has helped me. More than Zoloft ever has… I highly recommend it if you are open to it. CBD is very helpful as well. Hang in there guys! 💙🌷 I’m 1 month off and my appetite finally stabilized. Zoloft made me so freaking hungry. We get free snacks at my job and I would literally have a snack every hour at my job now… I barely eat. It’s a struggle for me to eat which is actually normal for me. It’s amazing what Zoloft does to you. I gained weight but I like it because I look less skeletal. I’m actually hoping I don’t lose too much weight now that I’m off of it but I’m not a ravaging hungry maniac anymore lol 😭
I really appreciate this post ! I tried going off duloxotene also known as Cymbalta . I be been in it for 10 years and tried weaning myself slowly off of it . I went 3 1/2 months and started having serious depression issues again and it’s so scary and now I’m back on it and 30mg and I feel so much better . I feel like myself again at a low dose but I do have that feeling of being a bit numb at times but I also am still feeling feelings but hey it’s sure better than depression. It’s a real tiff situation and I was never told by the doctor that it would be next to impossible to ever get off this stuff . It’s crazy !
A few questions if that's ok 😊
- what are brain zaps?
- how long was it awful when you were weaning? I was looking forward to coming off but I didn't realise how terrible it would be and am now scared!
A brain zap feels like your eyes moved too fast for your brain, and it kinda hurts to where you want to close your eyes and hold your head in place. It’s really odd and hard to explain. It’s a few weeks, but it’s worth it now that I’m on the other side.
Thank you for all you dealt with… help me a lot!!👍👍
maybe CBD Oil that can work alot like Antidepressent medicine can work !! but ALSO WORK to help you INSTANTLY get off .. just shift from SSRI to Medical Cannabis ( CBD Oil with THC in )
what you think ? cus that also boost Serotonin
Amanda,
Thank you for sharing your journey including how difficult it was to ween off. I weened off the same meds last year. However after researching the weaning process this time I decided to ween slower and longer. I was feeling anxiety and thought to myself to get back on meds, so i did. Now I am giving it another try. I can''t believe I gained 20 lbs... The meds have helped with intrusive thoughts, but I think with the right tools I can handle it better this time. We shall see.
The weight gain was so brutal for me, it definitely made my mental health worse. Wishing you all the best.
Glad to hear you are off the anti depressants. I disagreed when you told us you were going on them. Based on my research, I believe they are over-prescribed They are very dangerous. I'm wishing you well ❤
I believe that anti depressants are wrongly advertised as "Non addictive" But I'd say, it doesn't matter! Because at the end of the day, the side effects of trying to stop taking it makes you not want to do it.
Antidepressants slow your metabolism because they alter your REM sleep phase. So yes they do cause weight gain besides causing you to have more cravings.
Just brain zaps and insomnia? I tried to quit mine and after a week I was feeling horrible. Panic, anxiety, palpitations, could hear hard sounds or people toasting glasses of wine I was going into panic …
You say you could half 10mg to 5 mg and without having manor issues….not everyone can wean off so quickly within a month…
How do you manage your anxiety now? Did it came back? The panic at night , etc?
I think it's important to recognise that part of the healing that comes from taking these drugs, comes after coming off them. Where they fix the brain/chemical balance at the expense of negative side-effects, I think when you get back to normality, the chemical balance is what stays - and this can relapse depending how your life turns out after, and whether we make the changes needed to avoid getting into that space again.
But the chemical imbalance theory has already been proven by scientists not tied to the pharmaceutical industry as being a myth. There is no imbalance to fix.
you are describing how informed consent is lacking. Should GPs be prescribing these meds if they do not fully grasp the implications (let alone the mechanisms involved).
As a male getting out of RSSI. I rather get the brain zaps vs the severe PGAD. PGAD is the worst withdrawal feeling anyone can have.
Fluoxetine is good four anxiety how much side effects please answer me
Really appreciate this video. Thank you!
I feel very much the same as you! Thank you for being so brave in putting this out. I'm also super physically active, at work and outside of it. I had to taper waaay slower than you, like painfully slowly, just to continue being able to stand on my feet all day every day. I've always taken a lot of pride in my fitness. Exercise has always been my #1 mental health coping strategy. Suddenly getting strange body aches, dizziness, nausea, and spasms from moving my body has been a borderline traumatic experience. I've spent 1.5 years on escitalopram and my taper will likely take 1.5 years, too. I'm almost at the end of this tedious, difficult journey - just over a year in. Gives me so much hope that you were able to recover fully! But never again for sure.
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Side effects of anti depressants are awful. Never again
💯
You came off them ? I’ve had to reinstate Lexapro and it’s awful
@@breedane in 2017 and 2018 I was on and off of them. I didn’t want to rely on them. Over the years I started to work on myself. On my childhood trauma and becoming a better version of myself mentally and physically in the gym and things have gotten better extremely. I am now 27 .
Yet 1 of the only illness they really work on is PTSD cus that totally up and down curve is danger at PTSD cus the danger the is the overeaction so i say PTSD and OCD is quality maybe social anxiety if you been bullied alot then thieres not much to find then you would love a ,,reset" option
Wow what a wonderful video. Thank you.
Thank you!
Im trying to figure out if its best for me to start or not, im confused because i saw the video you've made saying how much it helped you, and now this. Do you regret that you took it in the first place ? you would do it again, or would have taken a different path to treat the anxiety
I’m very torn…because I was dealing with anxiety and not depression, I don’t think this was the right path for me. It’s tricky to know what to do because it’s so different for each person.
@@AmandaMuse thank you for the response, im also dealing with anxiety and not depression. I think ill try something else before the medication then 🙏 much love xx
I have persistent flat emotions and loss of libido since coming off Zoloft 16 yrs ago. An anxiety I never had before since coming off lexapro 12 yrs ago. It’s strange, Antidepressants have really helped me feel part of humanity but it also has taken being human away from me.
How do you feel now did you improve and get your emotions back?
Yeah how are you now?
I stay completly away from alcohol because of so many terrible effects.
🆙☝️You can always order from him, he's legit & reliable,he's got em magic shrooms,LSD,DMT and many more.hit him up.
I can relate completely. Thanks for sharing ❤
I'm wondering if the withdrawal from the weaning can be mitigated with Ketamine therapy. I don't mean as a long term thing but just during the weaning period. I haven't really found much information about using it in combination with current SSRI's but I would love to get off Zoloft after 20years. I am very numbed out - no excitement for anything but I also don't ever cry - it is almost impossible. Plus the weight gain...ug.
Are you working full time?
Hey. I just wanted to say I really love your videos 🥹
Tried Lexi pro two weeks never again I'll figure out how to heal these pills are not the answer killed my sex drive worse anxiety sucidal thoughts negative thoughts buzz feeling finally feeling better cold turkey 4 days and won't look back
Update please!!
Love your realness
Hey Amanda, how well do you sleep? After coming off.
I sleep well now, I can’t recall right at the start now but I will say I was thrilled when the wacky dreams ended.
Do you get a full night sleep?
How you feel when you are awake in the morning fully rested?
Hey there yeah I was reading and listening to what you're saying and I agree to disagree with some of it I was not on medicine for years and then I had to turn to it I am 48 and I do think I'm going through that pre menopause thing and so the antidepressant side she helped with that so that's another reason why I stay on it you know exercise and try to eat right. The homeopathic remedies but they were not working as well. Everybody's different but I was on Zoloft and I still am on Zoloft even though I'm not breastfeeding anymore. To stay on the same medicine which is Zoloft now as far as the new beetle thing yes I agree to disagree with that as well it's also mind over matter with that because I did ask me the hospital I'm like wall how you know this is going to lower that and I didn't like that but at the same time sad if you got to figure out what's more important is it more important that you have a libido or is it more important you don't have anxiety and more important that you're not feeling certain things like you got to pick and choose nothing's. Perfect but again. and if you need it you need it ..
You’re absolutely stunning darling. ❤
Tried this I didn’t succeed past two years 😭 I’m back on them
That's OK, we ebb and flow. Wishing you all the best.
How are you today?
What is Brain's abs ??????
❤
Amanda can I message you directly on this topic?
You probably didn’t need it in the first place.
Antidepressants are not for people who are not depressed enough to need them. If you WERE depressed enough to actually need them, you would not have the energy and drive to make needless videos about your life. Antidepressants save lives.
How about no?
Not true. I have severe symptoms that I cannot work or live my house. Tried several and none have worked
Fkcu off thes meds
Totally agree with you. Social media people should not document because it is always the same. This helped me. Oops I got fat. I will never take them again! Some people really need them and benefit from them. Yuk. I will never watch another video like this again. Keep it private please. You are making money off views to make money. This is irresponsible. Gross.
It is just placebo ...took me ages to realise it
Hmmm sounds like it just wasn't the right medication for you.
@@AmandaMuse Tried quite a few ....if you look at the evidence even the best antidepressant is only 1.8% better than placebo.
Ssri total poison, wasted third my life so furious
Thank you for sharing your story, I can relate, a LOT. In fact I'm learning from watching other peoples stories that I was living with high anxiety for a while without realizing it! It crept up so slowly over the past decades that I got used to always feeling on edge. I went on lexapro in January after 3 months of high anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, and dissociation. I was bed ridden and becoming suicidal. I knew something was terribly off in my body, but regular blood work came back normal. So frustrating when you are sick. A dear friend pointed me towards a functional Dr and in February I learned that I have a SEVERE zinc deficiency, along with elevated copper. This imbalance is very common in mental health issues and regular docs don't know to look for it, or how to test for it. For anyone out there dealing with depression, high anxiety, OCD, insomnia, etc, consider looking up the Walsh Research Institute and learn more about underlying mineral imbalances that could be the root cause of your issues. I do not exaggerate when I say these tests saved my life. I hope sharing this can help someone else who is suffering.
I am grateful for medication because it got me through the worst time of my life, however, I too now feel emotionally blunted, no sex drive and sleepy/foggy most of the time. I plan to taper very slowly, decreasing by 25% and staying there for at least 4 weeks before going down another 25%. I'm hoping this will mitigate the withdrawal symptoms. Thank you for your updates, please continue them in the future. As you say in the video, this process takes a lot longer than we expect!
🆙☝️You can always order from him, he's legit & reliable,he's got em magic shrooms,LSD,DMT and many more.hit him up.
Has anyone tried Wellbutrin? I’ve just been RX’ed it to try, but I’m scared to try it. Has anyone taken it ? Good or bad experience????
A friend of mine swears by this medication.
I was given escitalopram for 4.5 months 10 mg / 0.5mg of clonazepam and then I was tapered to 5/0.25 mg and then 5/0.125 .I still have withdrawal ..feel dull to an extent and sometimes my scalp gets heated ..will it heal ?? I am doing better ..and I will never take such pills ..i think I was misdiagnosised hope to improve to 50 percent more in next month
Full transparency, I feel like it took me a year to finally feel like myself. I’m not sure why, but happy to be on this side of things. Wishing you all the best.
Let me cut through your confusion.
1. Most all mental disorders and disease are caused by metabolic dysfunction.
2. Antidepressants cause metabolic damage, and so only worsen the problem.
3. The only solution is to regain a healthy metabolism.
4. The best way to do this is to first go on a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet for approximately 3-4 weeks. This will help give you back metabolic flexibility, enabling it once again to burn fat/ketones for fuel. (Your previously poor high-carb diet has burned out your mitochondria--we're not designed to use glucose for energy all day long. This causes insulin resistance.) Now transition your eating paradigm into something resembling the blue-zone diets and life style. The Ikarian diet paradigm is the most effective. They have the lowest rates of dementia in the world. Dementia is at root still a metabolic disease, just like your depression and anxiety, so this diet shows just how effective it is in providing what your brain needs for metabolic health long term.
5. Your so-called doctor should be arrested for malpractice. At the very least she's a complete idiot.
6. Now get to it :)