Symptoms: Akathisia, Severe anxiety/panic, Suicidal ideation, Insomnia, Cognitive impairment, Agoraphobia, Monophobia
I was prescribed Zoloft by my GP to deal with life stressors and mild anxiety. The Zoloft caused panic attacks, so the GP increased the dose. Then as I got worse on the drug I was swapped to Lexapro. From the first dose of SSRI I was unable to think or speak. Instead of being taken off, I ended up in hospital and my dose was increased even further to maximum dose in 2 weeks. I became suicidal, was pacing uncontrollably, wasn't sleeping, was in terror constantly.
I had akathisia completely misdiagnosed as anxiety and panic disorder. I never had this in my life. I wanted to die every minute of the day. I couldn't work or function, became agoraphobic, monophobic, suicidal. Lost family and friends and myself. The doctors wouldn't listen. I was bullied and gaslit by the psychiatrist.
I got a second and third opinion. Both diagnosed akathisia as anxiety adverse reaction. I tapered off quickly due to the risk of suicide. I am 9 days off and hoping I will not get withdrawal effects and praying for this to go away.
I didn't need the drugs. I had no concept, just a script and off you go, no talk of side effects or risk of withdrawal. I was not listened to at any point and just dismissed. It has ruined my life currently. I pray to get through this.