What Antidepressant Withdrawal Is Really Like | EP 171 Brooke Siem

Initial Use

Brooke Siem recounts her initial use of psychiatric medications, starting at age 15 after her father's sudden death. She was prescribed a combination of Wellbutrin XL and Effexor XR, along with other drugs to manage side effects, leading to a cocktail of six to seven medications over 15 years 1. The lack of awareness about the long-term effects of these drugs led her to a sudden realization that she had never experienced adulthood unmedicated 1. This prompted her to stop the medications, a decision that resulted in severe withdrawal symptoms 2.

I was pulled off these drugs too quickly by a doctor who didn't have any education on the subject.

--- Brooke Siem

Her experience highlights the need for better education and awareness about antidepressant withdrawal among both patients and doctors.

   

Side Effects

The side effects of psychiatric medications were profound for both Brooke and Mikhaila. Brooke experienced constant headaches, migraines, and gut health issues, which she later attributed to the medications 3. Mikhaila shared her own struggles with depression and violent thoughts, which worsened over time despite medication 4. Both women emphasize the importance of understanding these potential side effects before starting such treatments.

This needs to be a serious conversation with your doctors before these medications are started.

--- Brooke Siem

Their stories underscore the systemic impact of these drugs and the necessity for informed consent.

   

Withdrawal Decision

Brooke and Mikhaila discuss their decisions to withdraw from psychiatric medications and the challenges involved. Brooke advocates for hyperbolic tapering, a method that gradually reduces the dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms 5. They both stress the importance of having detailed knowledge about each specific drug and the potential dangers of abrupt cessation 6.

The cold turkey thing can be very dangerous, especially if you've been on a high dose for a long period of time.

--- Mikhaila Peterson

Their experiences highlight the need for patient-led initiatives and better resources for those looking to safely discontinue psychiatric medications.