Age: 26–35 · Duration of use: 5+ years · Current status: No longer taking
Symptoms: Akathisia, emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, insomnia, depersonalization/derealization, suicidal ideation, tinnitus, neuropathy, severe anxiety/panic, muscle/joint pain, GI disturbances
Symptoms: Akathisia, emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, insomnia, depersonalization/derealization, suicidal ideation, tinnitus, neuropathy, severe anxiety/panic, muscle/joint pain, GI disturbances
After suffering an adverse reaction to a 2 week course of Ciprofloxacin that nobody could piece together for 2 years, I was finally referred to pyschiatry where I was prescribed a cocktail of antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics (Seroquel to help me sleep apparently). The ensuing harm was catastrophic. After 6 weeks of Ativan daily I finally figured out what had happened to my GABA receptors this whole time and, with no other choice, cold turkeyed the medication. I suffered akathisia for 2 years, pacing miles daily. Something horrific also happened to me neurologically and hormonally. I am now an emotionless wreck with a body I don’t recognise. I have lost everything.