I went cold turkey on high doses of zyprexa, zoloft, intuniv, and some other atypical add medication

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From ages 6 to 18 I was ona lot of combinations of high doses of psychiatric medications such as risperdal, prosac, lithium(I exceeded the adult legal limit when I was in 6th grade), geodon, adderall-you name it there have been hundreds. Throughout this time period I experienced symptoms such as coordination problems, problems with cognitive function, memory, drowziness and dizzyness. I also grew breasts larger than many adult females body fat distributed awkardly and unevenly. At a certain point in high school, I began to suspect that I could function well enough medication free and that severe debiliating side effects were so bad that it was worth the risk since I couldn't function any aspect of life. My parents did not support me and were not open to talking about it, and I was  trapped in my situation becuase they threatened to have me hospitalized if I stopped taking them.  When I got to college I siezed the opportunity and stopped taking the meds but I had to go cold turkey becuase my parents wouldn't pay my tuition if they found out, so as I was going through withdrawal I had to hide what I was doing from everyone. Aside from the withdrawal symptoms I realized that I was right all a long and that I didn't need the medication. I'm now 19 and it's the summer and I did this at the begining of the recent college year. My psychiatric symptoms have gone away (aside from some ptsd symptoms) but I'm still feeling some of the side effects. Ihis is a pretty big transion period for me and I have a lot of questions. How long will the side effects last post stoppage? Could I still be going through withdrawal? Is there any possibility of permanent/long term damage?  What can I expect going forward? What are some important things can I do to help clear my head, help my coordination, make myself less foggy improve cognitive function? Sorry for how long this is. I don't have any one to talk to about this and I guess I'm scared that the damage is done and my brain and body will never reach its potential. I'm really commited to being healthy and growing as a person becuase I know what it's like to not have that as an option. Any and all info would be really appreciated.

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6 Replies

  • Posted

    Aaron why were you prescribed these tablets to start with? Zyprexa which is an anti psychotic should not be stopped suddenly. It can cause some of the side effects you mention and if taken long term some are not necessarily reversible.
    • Posted

      It was part of a long term treatment plan. I was diagnosed with bipolar, depression, add and the zyprexa was to treat the bipolar aspect of it. I took a pretty high dose for around 4 years.  I did it secretly and had to hide it, i wasnt sure how to ween myself off so I just went cold turkey which I wouldnt have done now but I couldnt really think straight at that point.  My mood is very stabile now almost as if I dont have bipolar at all but I still sometimes feel the side effects. What side effects are possibly permanent? This is basically why I made this account.
    • Posted

      How do I know whether they can reversed at this point
    • Posted

      I agree with Elizabeth it would be best if you got medical advice. 
  • Posted

    Hello Aaron, I think you may be best to go to your GP and explain what you have done and why and ask about any long term problems that may occur. Write down the drugs you were on and the questions you want to ask and the side effects you are getting. This way you will get a medical opinion. The GP will not tell your parents as it's confidential. 

    Best wishes.

    Elizabeth.

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