Hope
The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary from minor to severe. Those who have experienced the severe end of the spectrum know how overwhelming it can be.
It’s perplexing to figure out what to do when our doctors recommend that we stop taking medication and heed their advice. However, we end up experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms and start retaking the medication, resulting in a never-ending cycle. It’s a scary and frustrating situation, and we lose faith in ourselves.
However, I came across a solution that transformed everything.
Crisis Moment
At the age of twenty-eight, I discovered that I was a lesbian while being in an unhappy marriage and having a background of trauma. In hindsight, this was a recipe for disaster. I gradually became aware of my depressive state, which had started to engulf me rapidly. I experienced dark shadows, extreme anxiety, and compulsive thoughts, and I felt like I was inside a bubble with everything outside of it. I consulted a doctor and a psychiatrist, and they started the treatment. I began taking medication and soon felt better.
The medication
After a few weeks of taking medication, I noticed an improvement in my mental health, and my symptoms began to fade away rapidly. It was a huge relief, and life seemed much more bearable. I felt like myself again.
I went for one final session with my psychiatrist, who was very pleased with my progress. However, he did inform me that I would need to continue taking medication for the rest of my life. Shortly after our meeting, he retired, and I never saw him again.
While I was taking the medication, I gained seven stone, experienced constant sugar cravings, and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I also developed postural hypotension, and the medication largely suppressed my emotions.
25 years later
During a regular appointment with my doctor, she asked me why I was still taking medication. I explained the situation that led to me taking this medication twenty-five years ago. The doctor told me that I should have stopped taking it a long time ago, as it was outdated and not beneficial for my body.
With the help of the mental health team, the doctor devised a plan for me to gradually reduce my dosage over two weeks and stop after a further two weeks. However, two weeks into this plan, my mental state completely crashed. I felt like every thought was racing through my mind, my eye movements were uncontrollable, and my brain felt trapped inside my head. I was overwhelmed by anxiety, and my stomach felt tense and under pressure. I had paranoid thoughts, and the dizziness was so intense that I almost fell over. These symptoms were worse than anything I had ever experienced before.
The only solution was to go back on my medication. I knew that stopping this medication would require a miracle, and the psychiatrist’s comment echoed in my mind.
‘You will always have to take medication.’Never Give Up
I Believe in Miracles
After experiencing withdrawal symptoms, I spent a significant amount of time scouring articles and reading stories of people who had gone through similar situations. It was heartening to see how many people courageously shared their stories and offered advice, tips, and reassurance to struggling people. I was determined to find a solution that worked for me, and that’s when I came across an article by Dr Mark Horowitz, MBBS PhD, who has been conducting extensive research on withdrawal symptoms.
As I read through his research, I noticed the thoroughness and attention to detail with which he approached the problem. Not only did he identify the root causes of withdrawal symptoms, but he also developed a simple plan that has proven highly effective in helping people overcome the challenges associated with withdrawal.
With Mark’s guidance, I was able to wean myself off of my medication over 18 months. Some might think that 18 months is a long time, but as I learned, taking a slower, more deliberate approach is often the best way to ensure a successful outcome. And despite my initial fears, the withdrawal symptoms I experienced during this time were negligible and easily manageable.
Looking back on the experience, I feel grateful to have had access to Mark’s research and the wealth of information and support provided by others who have experienced similar experiences. By sharing our stories and working together, we can all find the hope and healing to overcome life’s challenges and achieve our goals.
A few of the fantastic changes I have noticed are;
My head feels clearer.I noticed emotions that I had long forgotten.My desires and dreams have resurfaced.When I wake up, I’m happy to get out of bed.My confidence is returning.My thinking is quicker and sharper.I’m losing weight without much effort.I have found myself again.
Dear readers
I want to share some valuable information about Mark Horowitz and his research. Below is a link to Mark’s Website and more detailed information about his work, book, and research.
I recommended reading and listening to Mark’s solution to withdrawal symptoms. He has invested much time and effort into this, and his findings are truly remarkable.
This article will significantly benefit and value all those who have experienced the problems I have encountered. Many others can attest to Mark Horowitz’s incredible contribution to research in this field.
Dr Mark Horowitz MBBS PhD Website
Contact Dr Mark Horowitz, MBBS PhD
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Intense Withdrawal Symptoms: A Welcome Solution was originally published in Mindful Mental Health on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.