Protracted discontinuation syndrome

[Whazp]

Hi,

I usually post on another forum that specializes in this but am keen to know if anyone here is or has suffered from protracted discontinuation syndrome. I stopped a SNRI anti depressant 11 months ago that i had been on for 15 years and have since experienced an array of disturbing physical and physiological symptoms that did not exist pre medication. Didn't realize it at first but later discovered i was suffering from protracted withdrawal after discovering many other people describing very similar experiences after ceasing antidepressants. I'm thoroughly over talking to doctors and the psychiatrist about it as all they want to do is prescribe more drugs including benzos and don't believe discontinuation syndrome is serious or long lasting. They think its all just anxiety and its all in my head. Interestingly Public Health England has ordered a review into antidepressants at the request of parliament members to look at withdrawal and dependence due to significant anecdotal and professional reports of serious harm & long lasting severe withdrawal. I'm hoping that this will lead to better out comes for those of us suffering & prevent others from going through this.

[Whazp]

Hi Lici,

Typo in my last response. Am requesting to see both a psychiatrist and psychologist. I think at this point the psychologist will be of more value however i am hoping the psychiatrist may be able to provide some better insight into medication sensitivity etc. The psychologist should be able to help me through some issues in my life which are causing me stress. Also being able to talk to someone about the medication may give me the confidence to try it again. After going through what i have its VERY hard for me to go back on.

I felt that the last psychiatrist was looking to prescribe benzos without a plan beyond that. Wasn't comfortable with that idea.

Did you have the sensation of the world not looking 'real' and just totally spaced out all the time with zero focus during withdrawal? A bit like being drunk and strange head pressures as-well. Its probably the hardest symptom to deal with.

[Lici]

Hi Whazp,

I found it really hard to concentrate, sleep and do anything really, for me the worst symptom was "brain zaps" which is what I found people call the feeling that would disrupt my vision, hearing etc. I was bedridden because of them for weeks and really couldn't function.

A psychologist will help with treatment for sure. If you're someone who feels better when talking about things, then find one who focuses on that type of therapy, if you're more someone who finds having homework activities to do and stuff like that then find one that focuses on cbt. I found cbt to work for me because talking about things doesn't really help.

Keep me updated with how things go when you do get in to see them, hopefully this time they're helpful!

Lici

[Ajka]

Hi Whazp, I stopped SSRI in the first quarter of 2023 and ever since I am suffering withdrawal symptoms. Weird electrical like sensations in lower limbs and insomnia. I didn't have these symptoms prior I started taking SSRI. Seems like doctors are not aware of protracted withdrawal symptoms existence and they are often trying to convince me that I am having anxiety, but I know how I feel and I clearly don't have have any anxiety, only strange physical symptoms and insomnia and after stopping SSRI.