Thread by @Altostrata

At age 33: "I ran into a situation that required me to confront someone. As that time approached, I became increasingly anxious about my ability to handle the situation....I went to my doctor for help. He immediately threw 20 mg of Prozac at me...." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"I left my GP & sought out the top Psychiatrist in my city...By this time, I was such a mess due to the effects of the Prozac, I was diagnosed with GAD Generalized Anxiety Disorder....We tried several other types of antidepressants...." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"we tried several other types of antidepressants over the following months....Each one effecting me the same way....Over the last 20 years I ran into a few occasions that required the medication to be increased....Again, I would lose my mind!" survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"It would take weeks, sometimes months for my brain to absorb and metabolize the increase of Prozac...I was told this was happening because I was “sensitive” to antidepressants and that I’d have to tough it out because I needed to be on them forever." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

After 20 years: "....hating the Prozac...He switched me to Lexapro in 2014...same story...massive anxiety....All this time I prayed fervently that God would tell me when I could come off of these horrid drugs that were on the verge of destroying my life" survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"I started in March [2019] with a razor blade, scraping off “dust” from the 10 mg of Lexapro. I had heard of withdrawals from antidepressants but thought if I took it extra slow I could avoid them..I tapered all year." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"All went well until August [2109]. I had gotten down to 2.5 mg [escitalopram] and thought I could stop there. So I did. After 4 days I started getting nauseous and dizzy. I called my doctor...(he was the one who told me I would be on them for life)..." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"He called in liquid Lexapro & told me to go back on where I left off (2.5 mg) & taper more slowly....with the reintroduction of the medicine, I LOST MY MIND YET AGAIN! I became almost suicidal...I stuck with it....took my last dose on November 11, 2019." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"Here I am 4 1/2 months out.....I don’t have to tell you how difficult it has been....I have experienced constant anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, dips of depression and hopelessness at times." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"I’ve needed constant affirmation from my support group that all that I’m going through are withdrawal symptoms and that I’m NOT relapsing or going crazy. I...have not missed a day of work since that last day of meds in November." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

"I am 4 1/2 months out...I’m about 85-90% healed & my symptoms are decreasing consistently. I’m certain that I will reach 100% at some point this year...but am still having good days & bad days...I am so thankful & encouraged by the bravery & courage...." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

July 2020: "I am 7 1/2 months out from my last dose of Lexapro...I don’t have to tell you it’s certainly been a most unpredictable roller coaster ride. Progress is not easily seen day by day but better seen looking back over the weeks and months..."

survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

7.5 months post-escitalopram: "I’ve had some decent windows that I am most thankful for...I have days I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to the see the next sunrise....I reread your success stories often & they give me such hope."

survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

The tragedy is, this story is not a bit different. THIS IS A CLASSIC STORY of the misdiagnosis, #antidepressant overprescription, difficult tapering, & post-acute withdrawal syndrome #PAWS suffered by millions.
survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…

7.5 months off fluoxetine: "The withdrawal symptoms change so often it’s difficult to settle in, hunker down, to endure....I’ve never had a panic attack in my 54 years...But I certainly have dealt with my share of high anxiety during this withdrawal...." survivingantidepressants.org/topic/22572-by…