Symptoms: Akathisia, emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, insomnia, depersonalization/derealization, suicidal ideation, tinnitus, neuropathy, severe anxiety/panic, anhedonia, dyskinesia
After a stress-induced panic attack, I was hospitalized and forced to take medication against my will. I was so zoned out and detached from the medication I had no voice to advocate for myself. I could barely form a sentence. I just started pacing and feeling this impending doom, which I now know is akathisia.
I was assured that the side effects would subside once the dose was lessened, but that was a lie. I have chronic akathisia, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, suicidal ideation, and loss of identity. I live in a constant 24/7 state of fear and panic and spend most of my life trying to not want to harm myself.
I was told I will recover, but deep down I know the medication has caused long-term permanent damage to my neurological pathways. Our suffering is silenced from the beginning, and it leaves you so lonely and scared.