I started out with a post-partum depression and was prescribed Imipramine, which my body became toxic on. I was taken off quickly, and cycled into deep depression/suicidal – was put in a psych hospital and placed on a cocktail of 3 psych meds.
Over the years I was tried on 25 different psych meds, was put in 16 psych hospitals and attempted suicide twice. I complained of severe side effects and was ignored, and more and more psych diagnosis’s added to my records. Some 13 years ago I said no more psych meds – but I was on other meds: nerve pain meds (Lyrica and Cymbalta), Fentanyl and Methadone for pain, sleep meds (Xyrem and Amitryptaline), Benzos, muscle relaxers, etc. Five years ago I listened to God, who told me to get off ALL medications. I was on 22 pharmaceuticals at the time.
It took me 26 months to titrate off all of it (slowly decreasing on several at a time) and I went through extreme withdrawal. I lost all balance and coordination, developed dystonia, went for five months sleeping only two hours a night, had panic attacks, lived in abject FEAR for a very long time – but I made it! Excellent nutrition was crucial, gentle exercise, good, supportive friends and avoiding chemicals like crazy! I had to want this more than I’ve ever wanted ANYTHING in my life!!
It was incredibly hard to get free, but SO worth it! Life is enjoyable again and I am free to enjoy every emotion in life, good and bad. I found out a year or so ago that I have a genetic mutation where my body cannot detoxify chemicals, resulting in severe side effects and extreme toxicity. Shame on the medical profession for prescribing anyone 22 medications and never looking for other answers!
I celebrated 3 years off all pharmaceuticals on May 27th – my day of Freedom!
