suffering

[NiBa5]

I've been suffering from PAWS, post acute withdrawal symptoms for 3 years since I quit antidepressant.

I've recovered a lot but my brain is still not ok yet.

I'm tired of waiting for my recovery and and scared of wondering if my normal brain function will be back again.

I need support....I'm alone with my cat.

[Pugglesworth]

Cats are great support.

Coming of meds in no picnic for anyone. I've been there and will return as I'm currently trying a different med. I tried to quit (and was close), but the physical symptoms were too much for me to carry on being productive. I, unfortunately, have too many responsibilities towards other human beings. If it was just me, I would've kept going.

I had a host of symptoms I don't want to scare you with. Some of us need meds for whatever reason. Others can see the path to clarity without them. Like anything, they are a tool. And tools carry a risk of injury. Side effects. Changes in our body.

I will try to get off them again. I'll stabilize and come off slower this time. My doctor has informed me he'll assist with this. There are support boards for those coming of meds. Just need to look for them.

Your brain will return to default. As will your body.

It takes time.

[NiBa5 in reply to Pugglesworth]

Thank you for reaching out. I'm doing a lot better now. I have no acute symptom anymore. It took such a long time to get to this point. But my brain still isn't totally ok. Brain recovery is very slow as you say.

I studied neuroscience (brain) a lot for my work so I know....nobody really knows how a long time use of psychotropics modulate our neuro- transmissions in our brain...knowledge scars me a lot to be honest.

I hope your coming off process will go smoothly.

Thank you so much for your support.

[Hidden]

I had no idea that coming off of a long term antidepressant could cause PAWS. Having been on Clonazepam, and thus doing much research on benzodiazepines, I did know that PAWS was a very real concern after long term use.

I was under the impression that an antidepressant was a safer choice, at least much safer than a benzo. Benzodiazepines have been vilified for quite some time now, and perhaps justly so. Like I said, though, I had no idea about antidepressants.

NiBa5, I am so sorry that you are suffering so badly. Thank the stars above for your sweet cat. I sincerely hope you will find peace with all of this.💗

Recovery is very real, and you will get there, it takes time, but you will get there.

[NiBa5 in reply to Hidden]

Hello

Thank you for your response. Yes any psychotropic med including benzodiazepine affects our brain pretty seriously even if nobody really knows how a long term use of them modulate or change receptors of our neurons....it's really a scary part. Nothing is truly a safer choice.

I already went through a serious acute phase but my brain function hasn't totally come back yet. Brain recovery is so slow....sadly.

I hope you're doing ok. And again thank you. Hugs

[Hidden in reply to NiBa5]

You are very welcome. 🌸

I am doing well, day by day, thank-you.

You are absolutely correct, nothing is truly a safer choice. I have learned so much since my journey with clonazepam began. Benzobuddies forum came up during my research and I was shocked by the stories I read there. It is a wonderful forum, with so much vital information to be had.

One particular article "What is Happening in your Brain" was an eye-opener. They also have a Success Stories section, which I found to be very positive and encouraging.

Best of luck to you, NiBa5.

[NiBa5 in reply to Hidden]

I hope your smooth recovery too.

I studied neuroscience (brain) a lot for my work. It helps me but it also scares me since I know the fact we still don't know much about our brain. So I tend to make p catastrophic scenarios....😵

I took Lorazeoam only for a very short while. I switched it to Mirtazaoine 7.5mg for sleep (I don't need it anymore). I take only Prozac 40mg.... Finally, I can sleep and eat well without med.

Best wishes Hugs to you too. Thank you.