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Crazy pills

Age: 36–45  ·  Duration of use: 6–12 months  ·  Current status: No, have stopped
Symptoms: Brain zaps, Emotional blunting, Sexual dysfunction, Cognitive impairment, Insomnia, Depersonalization/Derealization, Suicidal ideation, Tinnitus, Severe anxiety/panic, Muscle/joint pain, Anhedonia, GI disturbances

In 2011 I moved to Canada from Europe, and I experienced suicidal thoughts. I think it was caused by the sudden change in diet. I went to the doctor and was prescribed low dose citalopram. It made most of my skin numb and it made the depression I was experiencing much worse.

I switched to Wellbutrin, which made me extremely unstable, irritable, and violent. It was so bad I was worried I might hurt someone, so I stopped taking it. During withdrawal I developed brain zaps, so bad that sometimes I get dizzy from the shocks and have to hold on to things to remain upright.

After this I was prescribed Abilify, which changed my sexual orientation from straight to bisexual, and I have had insomnia and diarrhea ever since.

I haven't taken any of these medications since 2013, and I am still struggling with the side effects. I have recently started doing psychedelics and they are helping with the suicidal ideation and depression with no discernible side effects.

Has a prescribed medication affected your life?

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