Symptoms: Brain zaps, emotional blunting, depersonalization/derealization, severe anxiety/panic, muscle/joint pain, GI disturbances
I started on my journey with antidepressants at the age of 25 years old. I made my first attempt to get off them at the age of 53. I went off Effexor over a 3-month withdrawal period. I made the mistake of going off this medication without working with my doctor.
I did well until I got below the 25mg mark, then I started having severe panic that lasted the entire day. From when I woke until I went to sleep. I was also troubled by night terrors that I had never experienced in my entire life. How debilitating!
I reinstated and went back on Zoloft after 6 months SSRI-free. I was so panicked constantly that I thought I had no other choice but to return to the antidepressant world.
While I was tapering I began to find my personality again and my creativity. I loved that part, it was freeing and I finally felt like I was becoming me again.
I am currently planning on tapering down again. This time using a liquid tincture once I get below the 25mg mark. I look forward to being who I am truly meant to be off of these antidepressants. This time around I will be working with my doctor to taper.