Taylor 🌞

What does severe antidepressant withdrawal look like? In 4 months, I went from managing a multi-million dollar budget at a Fortune 500 company to struggling to enter in someone's loyalty phone number at a local retail shop.

@AdamLuis380667 I think that's where most people are at! But I'd wager a lot of them wish they could turn to an expert to help them.

@taperingtay Nah just go online and pass it to a community

People who are struggling with antidepressant withdrawal don't want to be doing this alone. I think most would love to work with a psychiatrist or doctor who understands, validates, and knows how to help them navigate it. The problem is that most HCPs don't.

As a Democrat and someone who is not affiliated with MAHA, I want to continue to reiterate that antidepressant withdrawal is a nonpartisan issue. People are suffering and need our help. It shouldn't matter what side of the fence you are on to come together on this. I posted this video over a year ago but it still seems highly relevant today.

Hi Austin - I, like many others, tapered under the supervision and guidance of a doctor. This is not a case of cold turkey or abruptly stopping. I tapered slowly over the course of 4 months as guided by my provider. This is a case of a deep gap in care and understanding of safe discontinuation off of antidepressants. My provider didn't understand that a traditional linear taper can lead to severe withdrawal--the research at that point was still relatively new. Even hyperbolic tapering isn't a silver bullet but if it was, there are still plenty of providers who are recommending a traditional taper which can lead to severe withdrawal. Regarding reading the pamphlet--yes, in a perfect world patients would read this, but the responsibility still legally lies with the provider. We shouldn't expect patients to go through a pamphlet and understand every single possible side effect or contraindication--that's why doctors are involved in prescribing.

No they don’t. That’s just a flat out lie. How many patients actually read the information packet that the pharmacy gives them with every refill? If they did, they’d see that they VERY CLEARLY warn to not abruptly stop taking it or you will suffer nasty withdrawals. Yeah withdrawals suck but it’s not the doctor’s fault if someone doesn’t ever bother to l read the information that comes with literally every single refill every single month.

Patients who share their antidepressant withdrawal experiences get cast as fringe—anti-establishment types who always refused the medical system. But the system spat us out. Anyone who went on medication once trusted it deeply. That's why we're here.

Dang I’m new to X and these responses are wild 😭 I wrongly assumed that everyone going through med school understood that Black patients do not have the same experince as white patients. It should be ok if someone wants to see a doctor who understands their lived experience. We are in wild times!

The same people that don’t believe Black Doctors are qualified also don’t think we should have a directory for those who want to see a Black doctor! Why do they even care? Leave Black People Alone! - HBCU educated Black Doctor with friends.

@thejordanbudke It still blows my mind that so many people have gone through this. I’m so sorry you had to go through it and hope you’re doing well now ❤️

@taperingtay Been there. I was on Cymbalta. It took 4-5 months. I couldn’t have worked a normal job during it either

So many important conversations happening right now around better support for antidepressant withdrawal. As someone who had their life absolutely turned upside down due to a severe, protracted withdrawal off of Lexapro, I welcome it. Here’s some of my story

@SelphPhyll78504 100%! And Effexor is supposed to be one of the most difficult to come off. How are you doing?

@taperingtay I came off of Effexor. You are never told how hard it is when you go on them.

You’re definitely not alone. I’ve spoken with different experts on the research, clinical, and coaching side and they all say it’s possible to heal. We just need time. It’s so frustrating and I know there are days where that doesn’t even feel possible so I wanted to share that. I have an amazing coach I can recommend if you’re looking for any support ❤️

@taperingtay I decided to go cold turkey after my doctors dismissed the side effects I reported. Definitely not advisable but I felt trapped. Almost a year off everything and wondering if I'll be able to ever dream again.

It’s so unfair and I’m so sorry you’re still navigating this. I continue to see researchers and clinicians who specialize in this say it’s possible for everyone to heal so I’m holding on to that for you and everyone else in protracted withdrawal. I’m on my second taper now after years off so I could heal from the first one. Some days it feels daunting but I focus on just one step at a time and trust that these bodies of ours know what they’re doing and can guide us out of this mess. Sending a lot of love ❤️

@taperingtay I would give away everything I own to be cured. I’ve spent around 88k thus far & it’s not over yet. Still protracted at 16 months. One more taper ahead. The horror. I’m glad you are doing better. You look terrific.

@Sunny083193 @ACE_CoalitionEd Completely agree! Each voice adds momentum. Thank you for the encouragement 😊

@taperingtay @ACE_CoalitionEd Never stop!!! everyone who has been harmed or has any knowledge about it needs to speak. Regardless of how big or small our voices are.

Been on X for only 24hrs and got a d*ath threat for sharing my story about antidepressant withdrawal. A few years ago, I might’ve deleted this account. But if you saw the messages I get from people suffering through withdrawal—the desperation, the pain—you’d keep talking too. So I'll see you guys again tomorrow 🙂

@Cooperdavis Thank you for your kind words, Cooper! 😊

If you are new to the whole “tapering and withdrawal thing” and want to understand, Taylor is a fantastic communicator

@Dannyinsight2 Insane. I’m so sorry. No one should have to go through this. ❤️

@taperingtay Around 275k

@worked_over @Limessa_67 If you’re in the US, I may be able to make some recommendations for doctors depending on what state you’re in 🫶 it’s insane that there is such a huge knowledge gap on withdrawal when SO many of these meds are prescribed.

@Limessa_67 @taperingtay I’m in protracted withdrawal from Effexor 75 mg. I just went off. My doctor believed tapering was only to help deal with the initial 2 weeks. He still believes that. he doesn’t believe protracted withdrawal is a real condition. I have a new doctor who’s also baffled.😮

People who have gone through severe antidepressant withdrawal are a community. There are hundreds of thousands of us in Facebook groups, online forums, and posting on social media. This isn't a partisan topic or a political agenda. These are harmed people trying to get help. #ssriwithdrawal #antidepressantwithdrawal #fsc1

@Limessa_67 So glad you’re still here! 🫶 it’s a scary process and I’m glad you’re doing much better. I feel like so much of managing withdrawal is just time. I’m doing much better, thank you so much ❤️

@taperingtay I had a rough 5 yrs when I tapered Effexor too fast then updosed too much. Almost didn't make it. I'm better now and reducing much slower this time! Hope you're doing okay too. 💜

I’ve spoken with thousands of Americans online who were never warned about the potential of withdrawal, let alone severe withdrawal. I’ve posted videos on TikTok about potential benign side effects of SSRIs like sweating, being overly tired, etc. that have gone viral (millions of views predominately from Americans) because no one had any idea that their SSRI could do that. I know there are great providers out there who do take the time to go through side effects but I’d actually wager that the majority of Americans going on an antidepressant don’t have a comprehensive understanding of side effects or withdrawal.

@_Eric_Reinhart There’s good and bad in every occupation. Graduated residency 5 years ago and I have serious doubts that common side effects aren’t being discussed at most of these visits. In the last 2 mins of a busy PCP appt, maybe. But skeptical otherwise at least for common sxs.

🧵Many psychiatric patients report they weren’t warned of side effects. If your psychiatrist isn’t warning you in advance of signs of common side effects and reasons to consider stopping a medication, then you should get a new doc. This is an elementary clinical responsibility...

@javeedsukhera 👏👏👏

There are countless immigrant healthcare workers in America spending their days lifting the fallen while living in limbo themselves. They sit beside grieving families and absorb suffering well the absurd system still makes them wait years, sometimes decades, to become permanent residents. A healthcare system built on their labor should value their humanity.