Antidepressant induced Iatrogenic neurological injury: 1 year post complete cessation update.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Celebrating my one year mark of being completely free from Psychiatric drugs. I tell a little bit about my journey to get this far and explain my battles throughout the tapering process. I explain my current difficulties from Iatrogenic damage and my positive signs of healing at this current moment. Hopefully I continue raising awareness of the dangers of these drugs and give some hope of healing from Psychiatric drug damage. 🙏💪
‘Neurological injury’ is what I’m gonna use to describe this. I’ve never been able to describe what the hell is going on. I’ve used the words ‘fried brain’ before but know I can tell people what it is. Keep pushing through. Float🌸Cope💐Distract🌻Reconstruct Thoughts🌷do anything and everything to push back. Fight Like Hell!!!💪💪💪
Yeah you can a few words to describe this process
1) Itrogenic injury
2) Medication induced injury
3) If you've taken a benzo, they have a new term called "BIND", Benzo induced neurological damage.
4) Withdraw protracted injury
5) Neurological dysfunction injury.
Any one of those will do
Neuro plasticity is real.
A year is good.
Maintain your balance, you can improve.
Three years free from the poison of the harmful chemicals that cruel treatment was all a scam against the innocent and vulnerable people.
Be gentle with your self, dear.
Be patient and continue to heal.
You are you.
Good enough.
Birds sound lovely and soothing.
@@lisamoag6548❤🙏
I dont know how to explain what is happening or what I feel to people. I can only try to use the same words to try to explain to people but it is not enough and doesnt make it justice. Its so horrific. Its been 3 years since the severe hell begun for me. Im not anywhere close to being done tapering. I feel so so bad. My family is tired of me and call me me mental. I feel I cant make it anymore. The trauma of all of it is so severe. I want to end myself when I feel that this has been a cycle and that it will never end.
I cold turkeyd klonopin and a antidepressant. I suffered hell on earth for 18 months and thing got much better around 24 months. Your 1 year away from a new life my freind. You’ll be healed by 24 months off good luck bro
how many yrs did you take meds after cold turkey?
I'm three years off of Effexor 75mg, after 15 years of being on it. I decided (against all Doctor's orders) to slowly wean off them by opening my capsule and weighing the granules. It took me one full year to gradually reduce my dosage to zero. Out of the three years, every year is better than the previous year. Even though I'm not on them anymore, Effexor is still a huge part of my life, and I wish everyone a safe journey.
I’m tappering from 75 mg venlafaxine , what exactly was your tapering schedule ?😄
@@KeishaKiger I reduced my dosage from 75mg to 37.5mg and it took a couple of weeks to balance from that. Then I used a gemstone/medication weigh scale I bought from Amazon to weigh out the granules inside the 37.5mg capsule. I didn't follow a schedule, rather, I made my own schedule as I went along based on how I felt. I wasn't sure how long it would take, but it ended up being close to a year to wean off 37.5mg as comfortable as I could make it. Example: Remove some of the granules (say 0.5mg) for a weeks worth of capsules and see how you feel each day. When I felt balanced, I would then increase the weight of the granules I removed. Sometimes I would stay at a certain dosage (ie: 37.5mg - 17.5mg = 20mg) and stay at 20mg for 2 or perhaps 3 weeks until I balanced out and felt good enough to reduce the dosage again. I really went by feel to determine when to reduce the dosage again. It wasn't an exact measurement every time, and it was really slow (one year) but it was still wayyy more comfortable than quitting 37.5mg cold turkey.
I’m 18 months off from my adverse reaction to these drugs & still going through it. You’re not alone. Congratulations on being one year off 🎉 keep fighting! We got this 😊
Y some are ok?
Took me 9 months to taper off 1 mg Ativan. Was on it for 4 years after breast cancer diagnosis 4 mg down to zero, took me 4 years dry cutting. Was off 1 year until I reacted to an allergy medication while driving. My heart rate was pounding so hard until I pulled over in a safe location. I ended up back on Ativan, taking 2 mg per day for the next 6 years. I was in constant interdose withdrawal. I ended up hitting a wall where the drug no longer worked. I immediately started my water taper. I have been off drug since 2018, and I am just starting to feel better. I just started to drive in my neighborhood. The fear of stop lights and not being able to escape is my lingering fear. I prayed, read books, and watched many youtube videos. I had so many symptoms, but I am thankful for each day. I never had anxiety in my life until this drug.
I am stuck in Ativan hell.
I am almost 3 years into SSRI injury and slowly turning a corner. I feel for you. You are not crazy, you are definitely the strongest person. You can absolutely be so proud of you! Sending you lots of healing energy! You will heal! Keep going!
how long were u on it
@@PrekshitBhargava-kl8xe 20 months
@@Cymanable i am shocked... it is not even that long period.... just 20 months of ssri and u are damaged ..... how r u now .... i have heard people go back to normal after 6 months if taken less than 2 years.... were u on benzo also or some other meds?
@@PrekshitBhargava-kl8xe the biggest change in the brain happens in the first weeks. I am getting better and better but still very very numb. It is a very individual thing. Only sertraline 50mg
@@PrekshitBhargava-kl8xe the biggest changes in the brain happen in the first weeks. I am getting better and better but still very very numb. It is a very individual thing. I only took sertraline
I'm so sorry that this has happened to you. It's a terrible trap to fall into - one that you had no way of knowing was there. Thank you for fighting through the pain to raise awareness. I wish you good healing.
Well done bro you’re doing so well. I’m 5.5 years clean but suffered many years of protracted acute withdrawal. It was the first 2-3 years of hell on earth and still have some time to go 5.5 years later. Every year I got better and my huge list of symptoms slowly got less and less. So so proud of you mate keep going and be good to yourself. Love and peace my friend.❤🙏🏻🇦🇺
I have never met you but very proud of you as I am of myself and all of us who go through this. I have followed your story and agree with everything you say, I feel it too but stay strong, it should never have happened to any of us, it is criminal. Your videos are inspirational, you say you are not ready to help people but you already are with these videos. You give us the support to know we are not alone and we will all get there. Thank you. Love and strength to us all in the community xx
I feel so bad hearing these stories. I’ve been on Cymbalta for years then changed to Lexapro NEVER realizing that these were drugs I needed to be afraid of!! I also take oxycodone 10mg, which is far less than I used to take but I thought I would have no problem getting off antidepressants because I’m not depressed! Now I’m a lot fearful of this!! I got off all of my pain meds 10 years ago including Fentanyl patches. I’ve seen several videos of people trying to stay off their ssri’s. I know what it feels like to be super sensitive to things going on in my body. I have had a brain aneurism, twice. I have low tolerance to pain and high tolerance to pain medication. My heart goes out to all of you. I know the struggle.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
❤️🙏
I was also on Cymbalta 120 mg for 3 yrs. For neuropathy. Getting off was and is “pure hell”. I’m 80 and very scared. I was misdiagnosed when I went to the ER for help and sent to a psyche hospital for a week. It’s now been a year since that horrific experience. I’m better now but my life is a lonely nightmare. Unfortunately at 80; I don’t have 5 years to recover. My Dr. at the time also switched me to Lexapro. That was the worst thing they could have done! Eli Lily should be sued out of existence.
I thought it was just me! thank you so much. I can imagine how hard this was.
I can relate to what you say, I am 2 and a half years off escitalopram after 5 years of use. You are so brave and a true inspiration. Things get better. We are all in this together. Cheers from Greece. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You’re a strong mother fu€%er, Cole. Really appreciate the vulnerability and sharing.
Cheers brother 💪🙏
Thank you so much for this... this is more consolation than you could know. And the little tid-bits of positivity... that's what keeps me alive; acknowledging that things are 5% better... that's so important for me day to day. I see how hard that was for you to acknowledge because it is still a daily, almost constant battle... not even yet considering the "normal" stressors of life. And thanks for the new verbiage - akathisia, traumatic chemical brain injury. These are helpful for more personal research.
You have every right to be proud of yourself Cole. Well said. You're as brave and tough as they come. In a few more years these symptoms will start to lighten and you will have a beautiful life to enjoy and cherish. Sending love and hugs from England.
Thank you for the feedback both positive and negative, anyone who listens to you will understand what you have been through. Your videos have really helped me feel less alone on this horrible journey. Sending Best wishes for a healthier new year and looking forward to your next video.
I have a similar journey and now I am off for 15 months. I still feel the damages as I write this and I regret a lot of things. Thank you for doing this and you are doing your best, stay strong. // Christian - from Sweden
Keep posting!! I have been on antidepressants for 25 years. I am almost accepted the fact that I may not ever be able to ever be able to taper off. I was on Zoloft for 20 and had a nervous breakdown. My doctor switched me to effexor. I now suffer panic disorder and had to go on benzos. I'm going to start tapering off in 3 months.i love the fact that you said maybe all come together. I'm all in and I have only watched this video for the first time and subscribed.You aren't a victim .. You friend are a victor! You give hope strength trust and love.Those are the 4 power words!
Thank you, all the best for your tapering journey. ❤️🙏
You’re not alone. 😊
GO SLOW on your benzo taper!! Look up BIND (benzo induced neurological dysfunction). Going off too fast will cause a brain/nervous system injury. It is a HELL you cannot imagine unless you’ve gone through it. Check out Jennifer Swan, Dr Josef, and Dr Jenn online (google or TH-cam) to get some get education before you start, so you prevent nervous system injury.
I’m right here with you brother. Don’t need to name it all. I feel your labored breathing in just speaking. I have no idea if I’ll be ok. I’m at 18 months and I’m as bad as ever. Just complete mental internal and physical torture. Terror. I have a 5 year old son which is the reason I keep going. I see you. Keep going.
Just trying to tell my story the best I can, it’s bloody tough when you’re suffering. Hang in there man, this won’t go on forever. We’ll get there eventually. 🙏😊
My grown son is the reason I'm alive too. I'm so glad you have a reason to fight, it really helps over the long haul Matthew. All the best. One second at a time. We can do one second, maybe even one minute at a time and that's all we have to do. Hugs
3 years off benzos. After 14 years on Ativan. I got clean in rehab 23 days. The first two weeks were the worst. Pure hell. I'm still damaged but I move on one day at a time.
I'm sorry you had to deal with your injury. I have depersonalization too. It sucks. My neurologist said I may never fully heal from this. I'll still fight like hell anyway.
Thank you for your story.
You’re more than welcome. 🙏
All the best to you, keep fighting on. 😊
How can your neurologist tell you that? I would try to find a more positive one. But then again, its hard as no one believes us anyway.
@@madelynhernandez7453 Well, the nervous system doesn't heal very well when damaged. The only people who heal from this are the ones who took a light dose and/or for a short time. If more people knew about the permanent damage these drugs cause, we could get a massive lawsuit going, but no they want to give people false hope cuz it's good for business.
Lol my insane doctor is the opposite. She prescribed me cortisone and then did not believe me that I felt supersuperill so she gave me antipsychotics and benzos instead of a psychologist and sick leave and proper guidance and all I did was try to find therapy and she just says with everything like "it will go away" omg. You will be fine. While I am clearly not fine because I cannot sleep, walk or talk or do anything anymore lol.
One good thing - you are keenly aware of what’s going on now, that was likely not the case while medicated/subdued. Please keep the faith in yourself, I think you are a badass for working through the difficulties….
Thanks 🙏. Yep, that was the case, in a chemical lobotomy just surviving the days in any way possible. All the best.
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849
Chemical lobotomy is exactly accurate. They are doing this everyday to the elderly as well and it’s an epidemic…. Don’t give up - you will have decades of advocacy for others to keep you going no matter what form it comes in, it will make a difference and millions need help/advocacy…. Please use your strength to help the weak…
@@Gcski will do. 🙏❤️
I'm 3 year's off. Your story is so similar to mine. You will make it. The strength is in you. We'll all make it. I took benzos and ADs. The withdrawal effects were the same.
How long did u take medications?
@@mitch5222 16 years AD, 8 Years benzos
That's awesome! How are you now?
Hey, going through a very similar injury from taking Finasteride thank you for having the strength and courage to speak out, just know you’re not alone in this hell..
so much love man - have you been thinking about making any art? even just sitting on your porch there and painting the plants - your reality is so unique and art could be a way to bring meaning to your reality. you could look at surreal art/film as it has aspects of derealisation that may interest you - making art could be a way to let your intuition do what it wants to do, if that makes sense. once again much love bro❤
Much appreciated, thanks 🙏. It’s something I’ll definitely consider. ❤️😊
6 years off benzos. Im still not the same person I was before using them. In HELL. I hope one day I make a full recovery.
All the best. ❤️🙏
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 likewise mate
Just found your channel and I just wanted to say thank you. Very similar situation to mine, 10 years on Prozac, cold turkey and reinstated after 2 months just to cold turkey again after 3 months back on and been off for 12 months now. I admire anyone who has pushed through this and lives to tell their story. It is hell on earth and people like you are the ones that keep me going. Please keep making videos
You’re welcome. Plenty more videos to come over time, stay strong 💪 🙏
Hello pal.. I’m 5 years off since a ct that was compounded by recreational drug use at the same time. It’ll be my anniversary in February. I can still be ill but am so, so much better than the first 3 years. I had a setback at just short of 4 years which took another year to improve from but am a lot better at the moment. I could definitely relate to your obvious discomfort and neurological difficulties present in your early videos but want to encourage that some of those difficulties have abated significantly for me atm. My brain still struggles with stimulating surroundings and circumstances but I can now enjoy activities and the company of family and close friends which is a serious relief and pleasure. I was severely injured but can see proof of progress and healing as time passes.
Keep up the good work man. You will heal my friend with time
You’re a true inspiration. A warrior. Thank you for taking the time to post your updates. You and I are not alone despite the experience being so lonely. I know you’re going through something hard right now but keep going. i’m sure you and I will find our peace and healing soon.
Dam Effexor is rough! I am also an Aussie and was briefly on it for 14 days had to stop due to dialled pupils and the withdrawal was hell. After only being on the drug for 14 days my body was physically dependent. I cannot even image what it would be like coming off it after years. I dodged a bullet and decided I would rather be depressed then go on an antidepressant. These medications are no joke and Drs hand them out without explaining the possible damage that can be caused. You are so inspiring thank you so much for sharing your story. You are so strong in Australia our mental health system is not great ether so it must have been a nightmare trying to get Drs to understand your pain and help you.
Thank you for continuing to share your journey Cole. Thank you for being real and honest. Very pleased for you to have made it a year drug free and to have seen some small improvements/healing. As time goes on, it will keep getting better for you. I know you will go on to help so many others, but only when you are ready and are in better position yourself. Keep looking after yourself, you are doing so incredibly well. You are an inspiration and give hope to so many ❤
I’m so scared. I wish you could keep posting and sharing this. So many people don’t know so it’s so difficult to discuss with others.
Plenty of videos to come. 😊
Your story will hopefully help someone else. I haven’t tried getting off of my Lexapro but I do know what it’s like to get off a series of pain meds. My prayers are with all of you. I was completely unaware.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
Hi Cole, l really appreciate your videos and l identified alot with the experiences you've had with these drugs. I have been through venlaflaxine withdrawal also and lve also had to reinstate the drug . Over the years lve learned from experience how my nervous system reacts when withdrawing the drug, its been very much trial and error.
One thing l released from going cold turkey is that your nervous system can't adapt and thats why you get stuck with protracted withdrawal symptoms. So l guess you had no chioce but to reinstate the drug otherwise the symptoms wouldn't go away.
When you drop doses over a period of time your nervous system adapts and eventually the symptoms fadeaway.
Any way Cole l really am so glad that you made these videos of what you've experienced because l feel like l have suffered in silence over the years .Nobody understands the pain and suffering we go through not being able to function. Then we are gaslit by the medical professionals .They wash their hads of us and we're shunned by the very people we trusted to help us! Im just so angry about the time lve lost but l hope one day there will be recognition of the harm these drugs do. All the best Cole!
Cheers man, all the best on your healing journey 🙏❤️
Im proud of you. Keep up the work. You are worth it.
Was on SSRI for 20 years and benzo and anti psychotic for 2 years. Then went off and on a couple of times now I’m on a low dose 5 mg SSRI, sometimes thinking of increasing... headaches and head pressure and no joy..or feelings..My derealisation getting better, also feeling of terror better.. we will heal..that’s what Jesus died for on the cross, believe that you receive your healing already. God bless you, if you would like to chat let me know.
I am very proud of you. 'Nurture strength of Spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune'.❤
Thankyou for sharing your story . You give me hope to being free of these drugs.
Stay strong Cole ❤
Thanks from Calif.
Thank you for continuing doing these videos 😊
No worries 😊🙏
Lots of love and many blessings to you for your recovery. Jesus loves you, and we love each other in His love.
Well done. You persevered. Hope you continue to heal x
Im tapering off Luvox from 100 to 50 and I already feel aweful. Im sorry for what your going through brother. God Bless you and I hope he heals you soon...
You are a friend for sharing this. Strength to you mate
Hi Cole thank you for what you’re sharing. I understand everything you’ve had to endure. Since you are a trainer and you want to help people in this have you thought about making training videos the best you can? Because even though you feel like you can’t do things very well right now that could help you see your progress and help other people progress because the more you do it the more you expose yourself the better you get at this you’re so strong. You could have like a little Recovery video or maybe even do a discord like some of the coaches do. I do understand how hard it is though to even try to get that stuff put together. I have had hard time with even getting on a computer because of Akathesia I also have to relearn computer stuff. Don’t wait till you are healed to help others. Your training videos don’t even have to be anything special just show a recording of maybe a day you’re trying to work out and you could even voice over it and people could follow you. I’m 2 years out ctd off lots of psych meds benZos antipsychotics antidepressants it’s sad I lost everything. I totally agree no going back on just gotta make it through. Every word you speak is truth love you too Cole ❤
Thanks very much for your lovely message ❤️😊
Thanks for the recommendations, definitely food for thought. 🙏💪
Its important to practice radical acceptance to detach from the pain and shift inch by inch towards manifesting healing in the mind body and soul. I dont know about your spiritual life but you have to allow the creator to restore you. The drugs cant change who you are deep down in your soul. Under all the pain and suffering the true you is still there. Im 3 years off cold turkey escitalopram 20 mg i also reinstated multiple times once at 3 months 6 months then another at 8 months cold turkeying reinstatement each time I also took klonopin trazadone ativan and gabapentin in between. I actually lost my mind along the way but i've gotten a lot of it back thanks to the creator restoring me.
I’ve got a lot of work to do on that side of things for sure.
I was on 40mg of citalopram for 9 straight years from only 18 years old. I believe that’s what’s done the neurological damage, the brains developmental years, and Effexor finished the job off with it’s toxicity.
It’s hard to see the light when you’re in immense pain on all forms daily. I’ll keep being brave and walking forward day by day, thanks for your input, advice, and sharing your experience. 🙏😊
As always man you are a beast
Proud of you bro! At least you know that you’re not taking that poison any longer and will never have to take it ever again. So happy your akathisia has gone! One day at a time❤️
Proud of you bro!
Very good video. Thank you for the term TCBI. I wish you well and am proud of you too! Don't limit yourself to 5 years though k? We cannot determine how long we're gonna be in this. I know it's a hell way to live but what is the alternative? More drugs or death.
I was 20 years on lots of drugs, including a/d's and benzo's plus more, now coming up to 15 years off and still everyday is a survival test. I'm a senior now, alone, in pain, damaged and neglected. I keep going though and making the best of it because I have to, even without the support I need. I want to mention that being real is way more important than being positive so you are dead right about expressing the truth of your experience. I mean how can prettying up our language help anything? That's just crazy making bs.
Also thank you for trying to unite people that are drug injured. That shows your wisdom and compassion. The infighting is destructive nonsense. I had to walk away long ago because the protracted like myself were continually shamed as though we're doing something wrong by the very people who are the supposed "experts" in this. How cruel that the very community we turn to for support, then turn against us like bullies.
I still cannot believe I survived those first few years. I do believe we are carried by something bigger than ourselves that gives us the Grace, strength and courage to endure the long suffering life we've found ourselves in.
Bless you for being brave enough to make a video. You did a very good job of relaying what it's like. Hugs.
All the best to you 🤗 ❤️
15 years has passed whoa.....you are also a hero of epic proportions. Marcus Aurelius i dare say would be inspired.
@@dianemorrell9638 Awwwww thank you. That means a lot. I very rarely have gotten kudos. Your words have teared me up.
@@Jannietime1 what you wrote should be used as a manifesto mission statement for a healing group. Hope you don't mind i took a screenshot for reference. :)
Agree with all coming together
Any drug that changes the brain chemistry can cause harm
Just found your story. I'm so proud of you too. I'm in the thick of it now with akathisia going on a year now. I pray I'll see the other side of this 🙏
I found the symptom you mentioned about people walking toward you interesting. I have visual depth of field issues. And light sensitivity - especially yellows/oranges/reds. And can't read like I did pre-injury. It is as if the reading part in my brain broke. Absolutely disabling.
Which meds did you come off from? I agree that all psychiatric drugs are damaging and we should not divide along psych drug catogories. We should refer to it as PIND - psychotropic-induced neurological disorder.
17 years total of Antidepressant physical dependency. 9 years on 40mg of citalopram and 8 years on Effexor(Venlafaxine) 75mg down to 0.30 mg as drop off point.
Yep, better to all heal and work as one. 🙏💪
HERO!!!❤
Me ( female, Europe) 40 month off medication AD, almost cured!! It’s all recovery. Not withdrawal anymore. You will get there and you will be sooo happy 🌹
Im nearly 4 years out, I fast tapered the drug in 2020. Then I reinstated multiple times, went into a rehab facility got CTd in there and then was reinstated again. Im about 3 years out from my last dose. Feeling better, but made alot of terrible choices over the years, from simply being so ill.
All the best on your healing, recovery journey.
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 you too bro
You will heal🙏🏼🕊
I've been on more or less since 2001. Not sure I'll ever heal or get off. It's beyond depressing.
I’m proud of you bro ❤️🙏
I have been in hell for 7 years and before i was like another 9 years of hell on drugs. I dont know who i am. I am partialy disabled with neuropathy that wont go away. Plus still other problems. Trauma is very difficult. He is telling the truth about everything what he said in video.
🙏❤️
What’s your diet like?
@@djammer My diet is all organic food.
Thank you...that's all..❤
It’s me. It’s me too. From Newcastle Australia. No one understands this
Keep it up man, you’re doing great. No more akathisia is huge. I’m 2 weeks off a terrible experience trying pristiq, switching to lexapro, switching to zoloft, over the course of 2 months. Poison. Dealing with insomnia. What’s your diet like? Can you tolerate supplements?
🙏❤️ Diet is extremely clean, no processed foods, raw milk, raw juices, organic meats, ultra filtered water, only treats are the occasional Cadbury dairy milk bar once a month.
So far I seem able to, currently taking magnesium glycinate, and NAC. I
I don’t feel much improvement at this stage, but if I was ill disciplined and not eating properly things could be a lot worse. All the best. 😊
I see you. 25 years in. I see you. I just want to hold you and say I understand the pain and the devastation
❤️🙏
Been like this 3 years after stopping sertraline. Was on it over 20 years. My nervous system is shot to pieces. Chronic insomnia. I’m never ever tired. Go days without sleep. Tinnitus, nerve pain all over my body. Legs constantly vibrate. You can see the nerves constantly twitching. My brain feels completely fried. No short term memory. Can’t process information. It’s torture every single day. 😔 good luck everyone
Same. Long term sertraline. How are you know?
Thanks for the update, it's good to hear you say you are seeing improvements and still fighting. When u say u suffered mental aka, what is it like for you? I have severe intrusive horrific thoughts, don't know if this is the same, i guess its different for everybody. Do u suffer from insomnia? At my worst I went two months with not a second of sleep from the severe aka. Sorry for all the questions, i'm in support groups but its discourging bc i seem to be one of worst cases or the worst cases have left this life or just leave the groups out of despair.
Thanks. 😊
Mental akathisia for me was not having my mind to my myself, constant horrific thoughts and impulses as you explain. I would simply listen to calming music, try to breathe deep into my lungs and survive the day in anyway possible.
Luckily I’ve been ok in that aspect, last year at my worst I was getting 2,3 hours sleep if I was lucky, now, still not great I’m up to about 5,6 hours a night. I know this would be a godsend for many people suffering, I don’t take getting this sleep for granted. After this experience, and in recovery process, I don’t take anything for granted.
All the best to you and know you are not alone in this journey.
Thanks. That's great u are getting 5/6h now, thats a sign of healing. Time, patience, sleep, diet and light exercise.
Thanks so much. My symptoms are very similar. How did your akathisia get better? Was it up and down? I’m 33 months out. 69 years old woman. It’s been hell O. Hang on. ❤
The only way my Akathisia improved was getting off the drug that was causing it. As I got lower and lower in my taper, the intensity of akathisia heightened, but I kept persevering, knowing the only way out was through.
I was so psych drug damaged with so many things going on, but I’d say around the 6 month off complete drug cessation the akathisia levels got extremely low, and as time went on it eventually faded.
All the best, hang in there. ❤️🙏
Hey u. Wondered how your doing? I’m still trying to dodge symptoms. ❤P
16 months since 8 days of ritalin and I'm still severely negatively affected. Trying to remember my nervous system's equillibrium helps, even though it's hard - essentially remember who I was. I have nerve pain around my forehead and face when I experience stimuli/try to think, as well as sifting and cracks and pops inside my head. Hearing is a little off too. Sexual dysfunction/ physical changes still. So I believe you.
Why can't you train?
Imagine taking 17 years of Ritalin if only 8 days did this to you.
Severely destabilised and Iatrogenically damaged Central nervous system which needs a lot of time to heal and regenerate. All the best. 😊
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849have you tried internittent and extended fasting? It helps your body clean out toxins and jump start growth hormones, stem cells and dna damage within 72 hours of complete fasting. There are studies showing it can heal nervous systems, cancers and cardiovascular disease. It has helped me I believe. I've done 52 hours so far. And 24 hour internittently at most.
@@TheDavveponken it’s definitely something I’ll consider and try in the near future. 👍
Neurological injury is so horrific. I am so so scared I will never heal my CNS. The severe panic attacks I get, I even name symptoms I get or feelings. Its so inhumane. I get a severe feeling that I am incompatible with life. It's like a deep knowing. I don't know if anyone gets this. Sleep disturbances to the max.
I also get extra sensitive about others suffering specifically animals and it all feels so over the top unbearable.
I just watched your videos, and related so much to myself.
Did your dpdr fade away?
How long you are off of meds now? I am 3 months off Alprazolam, and feeling horrible disconnection from myself and surroundings. It's not like physical dpdr, means I can see clearly, my mind knows where I am, I know and remember every person, but a feeling of disconnection is making me crazy. I don't feel grounded. Even the thought of unreality makes me extreme nervous and dizzi.
I am just passing days in a hope that one day I will heal with time.
Did the things improve for you with time?
One year off meds, still have DPDR at a relatively high level, but its improved from last year.
I’m sure as time passes things will continue to improve as the brain heals and rewires itself, rebuilds around the receptors damage.
Stay positive and don’t give up on improving. 👍😊
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 Thanks for replying.
I am glad that you have improved with time.
Keep going and hope for good.
It's a really hard journey, very frightening. We feel so alone in this, as nobody who never went through this ever understands the brutality.
I was prescribed Zoloft and xanax after my nervous system got highly sensitized after a COVID booster 2 years ago. I stopped Zoloft after 3 months due to horrible side effects, but continued xanax, but the withdrawal symptoms started still being on the med, so I tapered it and stopped.
It's a real poison and mind altering drug, I faced many horrible physical and mental symptoms.
Our body and minds will keep on healing in the natural environment.
Please stay connected ❤️
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 can you please tell me what do you feel having dpdr? Is it more in the morning or at midnight ? I have a floating and a bit spinning type of mind, more in the midnight and early in the morning, that is horrible, it feels like I am detached from surroundings and feels like no gravity in my body. I have blurry vision also , which makes this feeling unbearable.
@@Radhey2223 both morning and nights. Total detachment away from reality, have no idea who I am as an individual. I know it’s also anhedonia involved as well, no pleasure and joy in anything, very limited ability to feel raw emotions both positive and negative.
I’m just hoping with time and healing things continue to improve to a point of improvement and more stability in this condition.
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 we will heal, keep going, this is the best reminder we can give to ourselves in this frightening process.
Have you attended any coaching sessions with the benzo. coaches?
Are they really helpful?
I am 9 months off benzos now. After every few days, my symptoms keep on changing, sometimes intense new symptoms come, and sometimes old ones that had gone, come back. Even now when I was thinking that I am getting better, new horrible intense symptoms have come and this is so scary and frustrating. Is it same pattern for you also? I doubt that I am getting better or worse with time. I was on low dose of xanax and for 18 months only, but I feel so damaged and out of my mind. It' very difficult to keep going with all the frightening symptoms. Fear , dpdr is so scary.
I’m sorry to hear that. 9 months is still not very long in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes things get worse before they improve and continue to go in that trajectory. Healing isn’t always linear.
Myself I was first neurologically injured back in 2017, so it’s 7 years now. I have a high degree of injury but am noticing as time goes on, I’m slowly recovering, improving. I judge this on the things I can and can’t do, state of my neurological crashes and level of pain I feel.
With time you will improve and continue to heal, so stay as positive as you can be and distract yourself and do whatever you can to get through the days. All the best. 🙏❤️
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 thanks for the positivity you are giving me, I needed this so badly to pull myself.
You are always a strong support, whenever I fall or weak in this frightening journey, you show me some light. 🙏
So proud of you. What happened when you took your last dose? Did all hell break loose or was it no different than the hell of tapering?
This was my third attempt mate, my first attempt was back in 2017 after a cold turkey attempt after 12 straight years on these drugs. I experienced severe post acute withdrawal syndrome and was incapacitated for 9 months before I reinstated the drug to stabilise. I tapered for nearly 4 years on this attempt all the way down to 0.30mg. I’d say it was no different than the hell of tapering getting down so low. Now it’s all about recovering from the neurological damage.
I wish you well on your recovery ❤️🩹. All the best. 🙏🙏
Much love too you ❤ ps you are so handsome 😍
All the best, thanks 😊
I am really proud of you, and you are strong enough to share your feelings after one year off. Have you ever been on benzos? and whu did you cold turkey from antidepressants? Were you feeling adverse effects on them?
I am now almost 5 months off xanax, but having horrible symptoms, struggling every single day. Some symptoms fades but some other new more intense ones comes.
And I am so scared that why My symptoms are changing every day?
We can only hope that things will improve with time.
Thanks 😊 I’ve taken benzodiazepines briefly, a few weeks, Ativan, but was never physically dependent on them.
I cold turkeyed off antidepressants because of doctors advice, actually over 5 weeks, because of adverse affects, internal tremors and severe chronic fatigue and irritability issues.
All the best to you on your recovery ❤️🩹
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 thanks for replying. I wish you all my good wishes to you, keep going. ♥️
🙏❤️
I am allergic to psyche meds. Every single one, made me almost instantly suicidal.
Hey mate! You’re doing great. I’m going through same process. Would love to get in contact with you. I’m in Sydney, have quit my job and free to travel . What state are you?
Im currently residing in Auckland, NZ. All the best.
Are you doing anything for healing? Do you have memory issues? Hope you heal I had an adverse reaction to Baclofen after 2 weeks of usage
Thanks bro!!!!
Mate, you’ll get better! Have you tried a prolonged water fast?
Going to give it a try soon. I’m 6 years deep into this injury, journey so prepared to give anything a crack at this stage.
I'm about to try DNRS. Trying to reprogramming the brain
may sound odd, but try bitter chocolate (with 90-95 percent cacao). It did mirracles to me.
I had a bad reaction to it . But maybe I'll try it again
Been eating dark chocolate at 90-95 % cacao ratio for about 10 years now, haven’t noticed much difference.
Hi, I am watching your videos. You are a strong person, psych meds withdrawal is the hardest thing on this planet for mankind. I am also struggling with benzo withdrawal, it has been almost 5 months since I quit them, after tapering for 5 months, but the entire taper and during use also, I was getting horrible symptoms.
I used to think that when I come off, things will improve, but now I am suffering so badly, losing all hopes to heal.
Each day is hell, symptoms are always changing.
Sometimes I feel my brain and mind are being detached from body, this gives me extreme anxiety, an intense dpdr type feeling. Do you ever feel this way? Is it withdrawal? I am scared.
Are you functional? I do routine house hold work, but when I am occupied with work, I don't feel the symptoms, but as I am free or go to sleep, all sorts of weird feelings, sensations start, anxiety increases.
I am losing confidence in myself and my mind.
How do you pull yourself with all these symptoms, especially mental ones?
It’s hard to answer from experience because a lot of our symptoms, drug damage, recovery is different. Detachment yes, derealisation, depersonalisation I still feel currently but improving. I’ve had this sensation many years as my journey started in 2017 after a cold turkey attempt.
I’m not fully functional yet, spend a lot of time in bed and can only really do small tasks, if I overdo things I suffer huge neurological crashes. I keep pushing because I’m seeing tiny improvements, and that keeps me pushing forward despite the pain and suffering.
These are drug induced neurological injuries and they take a lot of time to heal and recover from. Be patient and congratulate yourself on how far you’ve come. You will heal in time. All the best. ❤️😊
How are you doing now? Thank you for your vids!
Still recovering, thanks. ☺️
Did you feel every cut you made? how long did you hold for?@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849
@@BongBlastai tapered off over nearly 4 years with severe paradoxical symptoms, reactions. Every cut hurt badly, but the lower I got, the more brutal it became.
The longest hold I did over this period was 8 weeks, the shortest hold was 4 weeks. I wish you well. 😊
Thank you for your reply, best wishes. You are a blessing man!@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849
When you had cold turkeyed, do you think it would be better if you insisted and did not reinstate? Or would it have much worse consequences?
If I didn’t reinstate the drug I’d be working and getting on with my life by now. That being said it gave me about 6 months of relief, but in the bigger picture it wasn’t worth it.
Reinstating the drug that far out at 9 months, then continuing to taper slowly with severe drug toxicity and paradoxical symptoms was the worst decision I’ve ever made in my life. Unfortunately I wasn’t to know the consequences back then when it happened. I can only continue to move forward now and celebrate how far I have come on this journey. Nearly 20 months free from these drugs.
It has been long you posted an update video. How are you doing now? Is there any improvement?
I am now almost 7 months off xanax, but still struggling. Very bad head symptoms, dpdr , so much confusion about myself and my life. I ask this question so many times in a day to myself, is that me? Is this my life, ( people and surroundings and my routine) I can't connect myself. My head is foggy and heavy.
We all can wish each other to heal as time passes.
Sending you love.
Will do an update video soon. Very subtle improvements but still very damaged. Taking each day as it comes. ❤️🙏
Congratulations on your milestone. It is a big mistake to go "cold turkey" from SSRI drugs, it should only be done *extremely* slow, .. but this is something the doctors don´t tell, most are clueless. If taken for more than 3 years you should slowly reduce the drug to zero in 6 months or even a year.
Keep it up and call on Jesus to heal you completely. Some symptoms could also be of spiritual nature that no amount of your own "work" can fix.
Thanks for your message, I wish I knew that at the time, especially since I’d already consumed the drugs daily for 12 straight years.
From someone who’s suffered withdrawal induced psychosis, physical and mental Akathisia, and severe PAWS, I can see how these homicides and school shootings are happening all the time.
This healing process will be incredible long but I have to have faith that things will dramatically improve over time with resilience and hard work on my part.
All the best. 🙏😊
Thanks so very much for your reply. I was wondering tho. I have dp/dr as well. Does it feel as if your flat. Can’t mentally attach to real life? Weirdest feeling in the world. Anyway hope you’re well soon. ( don’t mean to bug) lol. Paula
th-cam.com/video/i2gw6v6gEeU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LCFgnDNRPZiwIeCP
Play Bee Gees, stayin alive promo 12version in the morning. its on U tube.
Look into alternative to Medcenter in Sedona, Arizona, to heal your body from this Neurological damage. Some insurance will cover it. I think it’s like a 60 day program…
I’m so sorry you’ve been through so much almost Therapist for 30 years and I’ve seen quite a few of my clients go through a lot of problems from med damage ..
Thanks for your message. Unfortunately 60 days will not heal 17 years worth of psych med damage. It takes years of healing and self work to achieve. I know what I have to do to, it’s just a long road back with many obstacles to overcome.
Cheers. 😊
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849
Well I would look into the website they have so many testimonies of people who have been on the path that you are even like with 20 years on their meds
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849
Well I would still look into what they’ve healed people who’ve been on meds for over 20 years
I don’t know if your spiritual but definitely turn to Jesus we’re living in the end times things are getting crazy..
God bless
@@veldalyonswatchwomanim in NZ, we don’t have anything of that kind over here. Yep, it’s scary times for sure. I’ll hang tight for now, living day by day. 🙏😊
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849
Thank you so much for the video Cole!
You’ve been so strong throughout this horrifying time, and you’re an encouragement to all of us.
After wanting to cut down on my Valium, Lexapro and Suboxone, a Dr Josef video came up on my TH-cam page… I was horrified by what I was hearing, and by the many many stories I went on to hear. I was already very much against B*g P**r*a, but this sealed it for me… I know what I have to do, but because I’m 65yrs old, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life withdrawing.
Must do it anyhow, as I have been experiencing Akathisia, daily headaches, withdrawal from society, cognitive decline and memory loss (I cannot make a proper sentence or spell anymore) and that’s to name a few.
My darling daughter is experiencing cognitive decline also from Effexor, and this is deeply troubling for me, plus her opioid intake for migraines is shocking.
I had not intended to tell you any of that, but too late.
I see that you’re over the creek in NZ, and would’ve had a lot of trouble finding the correct help. Knowing that not even our GP’s or Psychiatrists understand the withdrawal process. It’s inhumane what has happened with the distribution far and wide of these toxic medications.
I pray that one day you will be whole, mind, body and soul; just as I pray for myself and daughter… Somewhere in the Bible it speaks about the word Pharmakeia, and it means sorcery. Surely that’s what is going on, because it’s evil to the core, causing us all to be dependent and cognitively impaired…
God bless you with total restoration 🙏
From Melbourne Australia ❤
My symptoms keep on changing, now at 8.5 months off benzos, new horrible mental symptoms come and they are so disturbing that I almost feel out of my mind, all type of weird thoughts, confusion about myself and reality of my life and surroundings, including my family members. I am really scared and doubt about healing. Is this common to experience new intense symptoms at this far?
Im at 18 months off and still experience all these things and more. 9 months is still very early, don’t give up hope. Be kind to yourself and take each day on its merits.
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849thanks , your validation make me feel that I am not alone. we can only hope to get better with time. 🙏
weird thoughts, like how is my mind working? Am I really the same person? will I ever recover from this? really disturb me mentally. I am 8 months off benzos now.
Do you have these types of weird thoughts or mental symptoms?
Yep, the same at 18 months off. Time is the greatest healer though, so unfortunately we must bide our time while healing and recovery ❤️🩹 is happening. Neuroplasticity is real, and small improvements will continue over time. Be kind to yourself and take each day as it arises the best you can.
@@livingunderachemicalinflue5849 thanks for replying. It's sad that we are suffering so bad without any fault of ourselves. If I ever knew that this so-called simple medicine for sleep would destroy me, my life, my own existence, I would never have taken it.
Yeh.. time is the best healer, we can only wish each other.. Happy healing 🙏
Hi mate im curious if you devoloped any histamine issues. Like allergies to certain foods and smells previously never had...
This seems very common on the benzo community. But havent researched ssri groups on this.
Some sort of histamine intolerance / mast cell activation disease....
Also includes medications (normal beign medications like Paracetamol , iburofen etc)???
And secondly my second question is that have you suffered any fatigue? Like im talking about debiliating fatigue. Out of breath can barely walk. Excess sleeping. Always tired.
God bless happy healing
No not that I’m aware of, I’ve been so badly drug damaged that even if I had them, they’d be of no issue to me at this stage of my recovery process.
I’ve never used any pain killing drugs during this process, I’m more holistic.
Ice packs on my head have been my main pain killing tool.
Yes, I’ve had fatigue issues for about six years now. I’ve experienced excess yawning for years, but I’ve always pushed on with things. Most of last year I was bed bound due to drug toxicity, so yeah. Currently a year off, I still experience debilitating fatigue, very similar to a M/E patient. My brother has M/E and our fatigue levels are very similar.
I’m hoping with time and healing, homeostasis of our bodies, neuroplasticity and so forth, this symptom will improve. Have to stay positive. All the best to you. 🙏
I'd just like to say that the worst thing l ever did while withdrawing from venlaflaxine was Drinking Alcohol. It really is something l regret . Please bare this in mind . Even though l wasn't Drinking alot it did make the withdrawal symptoms alot worse .
Thanks 🙏 man. Haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in over a year but did drink quite a lot, partying with friends during the withdrawal, tapering process to try and numb things. Only made it worse in the long run. Take care 😊
Have you ever taken any fluoroquinolone antibiotics? This includes cipro and levaquin etc. These antibiotics can be extremely dangerous to certain people. They now have multiple black box warnings. They can cause CNS damage and so many other things. I experienced toxicity and after joining some FB groups, started to heal.
No.
Hi,
1. Were you're hamstrings also stiff? Were you able to do some running, if not, why? Did your legs give up on you? Sorry my english. But my brain is f...d.
2. In your older vids. Are you talking about insomnia in depth. The ones I watched insomnia wasn't a topic. I have a difficult mind, so I would appreciate,if you could tell me if you have video covering insomnia. Thanks.
Not doing any running at the moment, my central nervous system gets ramped up very easily with high intensity exercise. Just sticking to light walking and stretching at present.
No I haven’t done a video on insomnia, it’s something I could focus on in future videos. All the best. 😊
Benzo bad Jesus wonderful. My temper horrible. Gods grace more powerful.
Do you experience fear feelings with nervousness, no confidence over your mind?
It has been 4 months since I stopped xanax, but feel stuffed type confused heavy head, blocked mind, a statue type feeling, not connecting to anything or anyone.
The fear feeling is most disturbing.
Yes, it’s all part of the drug induced neurological injury. With time, patience and perseverance you’ll heal with time. 😊
Stay strong! I had lot of help from Echart Tolle book ( also audio available ) ''the power of now'' helped me to figure out after all this torture who i am, there is also his TH-cam channel with lot of useful topics.
Hi Cole, hope you're well and improving day by day! I just wanted to ask you what your thoughts are on longer holds we'll saywhen a person gets down to a low dose.Do you think it increases their chances of getting off the drug completely without fewer symptoms?
From my experience, it really depends on the person’s level of functioning at that low dose and how well they’re tolerating the drug itself.
I was experiencing severe paradoxical reactions for the majority of my long taper which only seemed to worsen the lower I got into it so I had to speed it up.
The lower we go into our tapers, especially with long term physical dependency, the more structural changes, (receptor occupancy)is happening within the brain, so ideally you’d think the longer holds at the lower doses would be beneficial and reduce harm, symptoms. Again it depends from individual to individual.
Hope you’re going well. 😊
I'm doing OK Cole. I'm on one tablet a week at the moment and tolerating it well. I've been on that dose for 2 months now. I'm very apprehensive about making another cut .This is my second attempt at tapering. I just regret the times l reinstated although.lve found it alot easier this time around . The hardest thing is becoming more aware of the time lve lost, that's tuff but l try and let go of that and realise there was nothing l could do about it.
I think you're videos are really helpful to alot of people that going through this you articulate things very well ! Looking forward to the next one.
What about emotions? Mine were numb both on zoloft and now since i'm off. Afraid they will never come back after a long time of use. Does it get better?
Yep, I’ve been severely numbed emotionally for a very long time. A year being off things have improved a little, I cry a lot most days so I guess it’s a sign of healing. Hang in there, I’m sure things will level out over time.
Have to hope and believe that it will get better. Thanks for doing YT. It helps when you recognize things. No one else understands the level of suffering, unless you have experienced it yourself.
You will heal
How would you say you healed from akathisia after 5 years?
By getting off the offending drug that was causing it and allowing some time for the body to heal. That’s the advice I’d given to anyone with Akathisia, you have the get that drug out of your system for relief and allow time for healing to take place.