Symptoms: Akathisia, Brain zaps, Suicidal ideation, Severe anxiety/panic, Anhedonia, GI disturbances
I have been on SSRIs since I was 19. I am now 44. I have general anxiety and panic attacks. The medication was mostly effective in quelling the anxiety. If it's on the market, I tried it: Trintellix, Zoloft, Paxil, buspirone, Buspar, fluvoxetine, Wellbutrin.
Six months ago, I decided I wanted to give my brain a break. I suffered from lack of libido and was having small anxiety attacks, so I thought, why not? Maybe my brain will feel better and be healed.
I tapered off the SSRI with the guidance of my family doctor. Weeks after being off, my anxiety started spiraling. I was having panic attacks every time I drove. I didn't drive for 5 months after that. I developed depression, which I never had. I had suicidal ideation, a severe lack of pleasure in my life. I cried all the time, uncontrollably.
I developed akathisia. It literally felt like jolts of energy were going to come out of my feet and fingertips. I had severe GI issues, and my gut and my mental health were so connected that my depression would lift slightly after a BM.
I lived in constant fight or flight for 6 months until I couldn't take it any longer. I had to go back on the SSRIs. After being back on them, the symptoms are minimal. I am disgusted by this loop and honestly think these pills are evil. I would caution anyone thinking of coming off of these to seriously consider the acute long-term withdrawals that come with it. I hated my life during this time.
Thank you for letting me share.