Thread by @PSSDNetwork

Marcos was prescribed the #SSRI #Lexapro (#escitalopram) for mild anxiety at the age of 16.

When he was experiencing withdrawal, his doctor told him that his symptoms were psychological.

3 years after stopping, his #PSSD symptoms persist.

Read his story in this thread👇

1/6 "At the age of 16, I was prescribed Lexapro (escitalopram) for anxiety.

My anxiety was not severe at all, however, my doctor told me that it would be good for me to take it anyway."

2/6 "I initially took it for 6 months. When I wanted to stop, I experienced horrible depressive episodes that I had never had before. I was also having cognitive issues."

3/6 "Shortly after stopping the first time, I reinstated the medication because my doctor told me my symptoms were psychological, even though I now know that I was actually experiencing withdrawal."

4/6 "This happened to me several times. Once I realized that many of my health problems were due to the medication, I decided to stop taking it for good."

5/6 "Shortly after quitting, I crashed heavily and horrible PSSD symptoms started to appear.

I now struggle with anhedonia, sexual dysfunction, tinnitus, cognitive problems, photophobia and depersonalization."

6/6 "It has been 3 years since I crashed, and it has been very hard for me to grasp all this.

I hope that my story and the stories of many others will help raise awareness of PSSD. Us sufferers should come together and help one another get through this."