Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Hi Everyone ... I'll try to keep this as short as possible, but I've had something happen to me and I wanted to post a warning for others.
I experienced what my doctors termed as Withdrawal Syndrome that put me in the hospital for three weeks.
I was gradually being weaned off of one antidepressant before I was to be started on another one. Normally the docs don't see problems with the med I was being weaned off of, but I guess I am hyper-sensitive to medication.
The first week was fine, but something was 'off' the second week. I was having some physical symptoms, but it was more an emotional thing that I couldn't put my finger on.
Although my depression and anxiety had been a bit worse in the previous weeks (hence the medication change ... a medication that I had been on for over 10-years with no incident by the way), I wasn't feeling suicidal nor had any thoughts of any other self harm.
My family doc was due to leave on vacation so she called to check in with me. My gut instinct was going to ask her to put me in hospital because as I said something didn't feel 'right', but I shrugged it off, told myself to put on my big girl panties and deal with it. Two days later all of proverbial hell broke loose.
It was a normal Saturday morning and I was going about my normal routine. Later that afternoon I came do some work on the computer. It's the last thing I remember. My husband told me something on the computer must have triggered me because I went into the worst anxiety attack he has ever seen. Bits and pieces of memory are coming back to me over time, but long story short (sorry), although I had no thoughts of suicide or other self harm, that's exactly what I did. Attempted suicide. I spent four days in ICU and the remaining weeks on the ward.
I experienced what my doctors termed as Withdrawal Syndrome that put me in the hospital for three weeks.
I was gradually being weaned off of one antidepressant before I was to be started on another one. Normally the docs don't see problems with the med I was being weaned off of, but I guess I am hyper-sensitive to medication.
The first week was fine, but something was 'off' the second week. I was having some physical symptoms, but it was more an emotional thing that I couldn't put my finger on.
Although my depression and anxiety had been a bit worse in the previous weeks (hence the medication change ... a medication that I had been on for over 10-years with no incident by the way), I wasn't feeling suicidal nor had any thoughts of any other self harm.
My family doc was due to leave on vacation so she called to check in with me. My gut instinct was going to ask her to put me in hospital because as I said something didn't feel 'right', but I shrugged it off, told myself to put on my big girl panties and deal with it. Two days later all of proverbial hell broke loose.
It was a normal Saturday morning and I was going about my normal routine. Later that afternoon I came do some work on the computer. It's the last thing I remember. My husband told me something on the computer must have triggered me because I went into the worst anxiety attack he has ever seen. Bits and pieces of memory are coming back to me over time, but long story short (sorry), although I had no thoughts of suicide or other self harm, that's exactly what I did. Attempted suicide. I spent four days in ICU and the remaining weeks on the ward.
In any case please, please, if you have to come off medication and you feel that anything isn't right contact your physician right away and don't let them try to pooh pooh any concerns you might have.
Conversely please don't try to stop any medication on your own without medical supervision.
Although what I experienced is rare from what I understand, I'd hate to see anyone go through what I went through, and am still dealing with.
Thankyou for the warning I'm sure it will helps a lot of people here who are in a similar situation was very kind to warn people
Hugs I hope you're recovering and feeling better
((((((((((HUGS ))))))))))
LMT
Thank you for sharing your story. We never know when we will be that one person who has scary side effects.
LIKE SHE SAID, WORK WITH YOUR DOCTOR WHEN YOU STOP TAKING A MED!!!!!!
I'm struggling with things right now. A lot of confusion, frustration and becoming easily overwhelmed.
When I wrote this post I think it was because I was most concerned about the folks out there that stop taking medication on their own, without medical intervention, because they think the drug isn't working or because they don't want to be on it any more.
And for those of us who are being withdrawn under the care of a doctor that we still need to listen to what is going on with us physically and emotionally during that time, and if something doesn't seem right, to be our own advocate and bring it to the attention of our health care provider.
Best of everything to you all.