From The Lily: In light of the recent New York Times article highlighting the effects antidepressant withdrawal, Ashley Abramson shares her personal story of deciding to come off antidepressants after taking them for almost 20 years.
“Four months ago, I started a liquid version of my pill so I can minimize the dosage by one milligram every few weeks. My goal, under the care of my doctor and therapist, is to be completely off the medicine within the next year.
Each decrease feels like a jolt to my brain and body. I’m dizzy, tired, agitated and sometimes nauseous. The withdrawal symptoms sometimes feel like too much to deal with, and it would definitely be easier to go back on the full dose.
But like running a long race, I’ve made painful progress, and I don’t want to turn back.
