The Lovely Grind by Michael Priebe offers tips and advice for total health, professional fulfillment, and soulful living. This site offers spiritual inspiration, practical health and productivity suggestions, and advice and motivation for getting off of prescription medications and/or surviving prescription drug withdrawal (i.e., surviving antidepressant withdrawal and benzodiazepine withdrawal from drugs such as Paxil, Xanax, Klonopin, Effexor, Prozac, and other SSRI, SNRI, and tranquilizer drugs). Advice on this site is not medical advice and not meant to replace consultation with medical professionals. Sign up for the mailing list at www.lovelygrind.com to get every new blog post.
I had to leave Benzo Buddies, as I found it to be just as helpful as it is toxic, even the admins themselves. I overall found it to be a dark and confusing place with a lot of negativity.
I feel like this at 35 mo ths off. It's just my sxs are so scary the dpdr and my head is numb. I thiught by now it would be easier its gotten scarier. Is this normal, I cant watch tv, music. I took,a,rescue dose today. I'm a failure. Just wanted releif. Not doing it again. Will I still heal.
You will still heal. Just focus on moving forward from this point. That is the key. There is always an opportunity to move forward and a new start in the morning!
Not typical but possible. I ct off 36 months ago after 18 years and am still struggling with symptoms some days are good some days are just as bad as acute it is truly a nonlinear process and everyone's timeline and symptoms are different. Hang in there it eventually comes to an end.
After being on the meds for over a decade and a half, not uncommon. Be patient. Some days will be harder than others, but eventually things will smooth out. Don't get impatient with yourself, or with the process. The time you have put in so far does count for a lot. Keep at it!
Michael, thank you for your channel and help and I believe the forums have their helps but you’re right initially they do help but we must move on and what works for one will not work for the other. I’ve been off everything for 90 days plus and the first six weeks were nightmare still walking through issues can you address maybe some specifics like gut issues and maybe some helps because they say serotonin is in the gut
You're so welcome for the videos. And thank you for the comments. Yes, many serotonin receptors are in the gut, and all systems of the body are connected in various ways - so these medications and the process of stopping them can affect many areas of the psyche and body. More time and self-care (and a healthy diet) will help the gut, and so does anything that helps your body and mind to relax (i.e., stress relief and management). Stress is so impactful on so many areas of the body, gut included (with increased acid production, possible leaky gut, etc.). Remember, the body and mind are so closely connected, and this actually ties in nicely with the video topic. Give yourself an information diet that helps to encourage and calm you, and avoid things that might spur feelings of fear or doubt. Bottom line: avoiding/managing stress helps the gut. Make this a part of the healing plan.
Michael...I have been suffering from withdrawals for the last 21 months...for me 15 days are good and 15 bads....I don't know how long it will take...but I'm still fatigued and sometimes the brain shakes and I feel overwhelmingly anxious during that time
Sorry to hear about the struggles. But 15 good days (per month?) is something to feel good about. Focus on those. Cope as you must through the more difficult ones, look forward to the better ones, and work on the assumption that eventually 15 good ones turns in 16, then 17, etc. Take care and God bless!
As I said in the video, find ways to work through the anger/expel it. This can help a person to avoid some of those unproductive outbursts with negative consequences.
I’ll never forget when I could hear myself 1:51 saying I don’t think it’s ever going to let me go and that was Valium! One of the hardest things to go through is prescription drug withdrawal, and I believe they make it that way on purpose.
Hi Michael. Thank you for making this video. I've slowly been coming off zoloft and are now half way there (50mg). I cut down to 50mg 7 weeks ago and experienced a range of strong mood swings. The mood seems to have stabilised but now I've been having nights were I just cant sleep at all. Did you experience this when coming off paxil and did it get better? I always have a very good sleep routine/hygiene. I just dont understand why its started 7 weeks later. Thank you
My deepest wounds were not caused by others or medication issues but by my betrayal to my intuitive self or authentic being. I can do better in my second half of my life. I can only believe in a loving God and keep religion very simple. 13 months off medication concerta methylphenidate 🎉
Great statement, April! Stay faithful, and stay committed to the process of continual improvement and self-discovery. Good things will happen that way.
Thank you for this video. I’ve got on the notifications but it’s still not sending me notifications. I will double check though. I’ve noticed that RU-vid is sending me stuff. I’m not even subscribed to. It’s not sending me notifications from places I want.
Benzos, antidepressants, sleeping pills, SSRIs, the antibiotic Cipro, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (being floxed), anti nausea meds like Reglan, Compazine, Phenergan etc and now Ozempic for weight loss. Why does the drug industry keep pumping out drugs that cause injury to our nervous system, and suicidal, and even violent thoughts?? Since the school year started, and it hasn't even been a month, there have been 3 school closings due to threats in my state and neighboring states. And, those of us who have been in this community awhile know why -kids on psychotropic meds.. or a fluoroquinolone antibiotic?? Our society is a mess with these prescription meds. I am 5 years and 4 months off of Ativan compounded by Reglan injury. I can FINALLY drive without feeling like serious crap, & get back into living more without feeling like crap. Hallelujah! - but unfortunately, this experience has not left me without issue. I had a bad setback with the flu shot at 18 months in (4 years ago now) that set me back for months. Because of that, like many people who were injured by these types of meds, I will not take ANY medications, I will never take a vaccine again ever, & hope I never need dental work. It's not a fun way to go through life. When does that fear of ever needing an antibiotic for anything, or a local anesthetic for a tooth, or needing surgery ever go away ? 8 years, 10 years? 13 years? Thanks to big pharma, & arrogant uneducated doctors for screwing that up for me.
A very timely one for me Michael. Wednesday my time over here in Taiwan as I write this and it was a nerve-wracking day on the job here at my school. On top of that, it's a tough anniversary for me being a living witness to 9/11 as I watched it from my classroom window back in college (Jersey City is less than a mile across the river from NYC). The final part of this where you mentioned inner strength really resonated with me as at the moment I'm struggling with the adjustment to my new job and the seeming mountain of work that was piled on me this first month. I keep repeating this Latin phrase I learned a while ago that goes: Vires acquirit eundo. "We gather strength as we go." This along with Unity's Prayer for Protection have and continue to help me pull through times like this.
Yes, gathering strength as you go. Keep moving forward and gathering that strength, and also remember to stick close to God and to take time to care for yourself as you do. Stress management and self-care remain important in the big picture. Keep at it and thanks for the updates. I know good things will continue to unfold for you!
All about the power. I hand my power over to the medical system, by proxy the political system. I abandon my own power and the power of my family and community. Thanks!
It’s so strange how some can stop cold turkey after decades and feel no ill effects. Avoiding all psych meds is ideal. I had no problems many years ago and never took them again, but I know others who were brought to their knees from CTs.
Yes i will never understand that. I know so many people around me that either CT or tapered off rather quickly with barely any issues, and here i am with a nervous system all over the place. Strange. I wish they would study why this happens
I'm now going through tough, dark,rough,slow,agonizing days however I'm sure that I'm going to overcome with prayers and diligence. ❤❤ thanks for the upload. I trust that someone else is encouraged to keep going
If these were street drugs they'd be classed as highly dangerous and illegal. Because a doctor prescribes them they're all safe & effective. 31 years with a drug dependency and now nearly 2 years in recovery after finally getting off. These SSRI drugs ruined my life trying to get off them and stay off. They cause chemical imbalances. Benzos, opioids, antidepressants. Devil's drugs.
Agreed. These medications definitely cause chemical imbalances (and not in a positive way). Ironic, as that is the very issue they were marketed to fix. Best to avoid them if possible, but if they do happen to be a part of one's story best to move in another direction. There is hope and a path of light. Thanks for the comments and God bless!
Man I’m 18 months off of benzos. Since the 1 year mark I’ve been feeling fine mostly but still some waves here and there. But at the 18 month mark I had 2 dental visits that sent me into some incredibly harsh waves. I was cool calm and collected before and after the dentist, it wasn’t the procedure that affected me. It had to have been the local anesthetic or something. Dude wtf I’m 34 years old. Is this what I have to look forward to? It took me 21 days total to feel better after that mess (the dental visits were spaced out 1 week apart). What the actual hell man? I want to have a family and provide and participate fully in this life. Is that just a pipe dream for me now? Ive about had it man. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I meditate, exercise, eat healthier. Like what else am I supposed to do? It just seems like there’s no end to this. Every time I think I’m free of the withdrawal effects of benzos something happens and it comes back. And it’s not a preexisting or underlying health problem! I never had these very physical issues before benzos. Physically sick after routine periodontal cleanings. I debated on going to the hospital 2 nights because I was in so much pain and I have a high pain threshold and haven’t been to the hospital or doctor in 2 years except for routine bloodwork/examinations. So like, does it really end or do people just say “keep going” so we don’t off ourselves? It really feels like there’s no end. I feel fine today, but god forbid I take a local anesthetic or something harmless tomorrow. What a pathetic joke dude.
You said that you feel fine today. Focus on that. You said that you got over the negative reaction to the dental visits, even though it was confusing and I'm sure scary because of the withdrawal you've been through. You are over it now. Focus on that. You have made progress since getting off the meds. I know you have, because I recognize your screen name from previous POSITIVE comments. You are progressing and your system will get more resilient over time. Focus on that. Don't get discouraged. Fixating on worries and negativity is not the path forward. Don't live in fear. Take things as they come and deal with them, one at a time. Be grateful for the progress and hopeful for the future and make sure to plan good, new experiences into your life to bring joy and fulfillment. This is the path forward!
@@TheLovelyGrind yeah you’re right man. I didn’t come here to be positive. I came here to be real and talk about the deep dark scary stuff that keeps us up at night. The things that eat eats away at us all at one point or another. The stuff that makes people give up all together. I’m a positive and optimistic person but I’m not that 100% of the time. I’m a go getter when it comes to recovery, but I’m not toxically positive anymore. When I need to cry, I cry. When I need to release emotion I do. When I randomly need some reassurance once every 6 months or so, I might just look for it. So sue me.
Thanks so much for this. I'm 6 weeks antipsychotic free after 3 years on a very high dose. Anxiety has gone, sleeping and eating well, although losing weight I gained from meds (2 stone!) Only thing I'm suffering with is jaw clenching and headaches which is constant. I also feel like I will never be happy and productive like I was prior to meds. But I have to live in hope that I will and my brain is still adjusting. I have found great comfort in your videos and especially your website articles as I'm about to sleep as it calms me. Keep at it, you are helping so many people find light at the end of the tunnel x
Thanks so much for the comments, so glad you've enjoyed the videos and writing. Don't fear that life will never be good, it will be. Be patient and faithful as you continue to move forward in this healing process. And continue to focus on the improvements! That is evidence of healing. More to come!
I am so so grateful 🙏 for these uploads, I felt as if I was just going to lose it and give up just a few days ago, fast forward to today, I kept believing that God was in control and I'm 97% healed. I can encourage someone today September 4,2024 that you're going to make it ❤❤. Trust the process. God's grace is sufficient
10 months 10 days on different anti psychotic drugs...prescription drugs..klonopin 1mg for days of 10 mnths 10 days....Today is 5 months 22 days cold turkey.. I was on that treatment because of a silly matter an anti oxidant supplement withdrawal... Called glutathione....today is 5 months 22 days,when i will able to function, can't do anything..'full body pain...numb system is numb..when i will heal.pls reply
I can't tell you a timeline, but I can tell you that if you keep giving it more time, and combine that time with self-care you will see improvements. It isn't always easy, but it will get easier if you keep at it!
Thanks Michael, so true! It's all so dark, disgusting and insane that these pills would be marketed as good for your well being! What a bad joke. Praying that the truth be exposed and that many lives are saved the unnecessary pain they cause 🙏💗🕊️
Thanks for the comments, Kelly. The truth is being exposed, little by little, and the biggest victory we can achieve is moving in a better direction and getting that system of lies out of our lives. There is liberation. It isn't always easy, but it is always worth it! Keep at it!
Thank you so much for your channel and information. Coming off these meds after a decade has been a nightmare, but by God‘s grace and kindness and help from my church it’s been manageable, but you’re right they don’t tell you how to get off these medications and that you will eventually have to. They also don’t tell you how bad the withdrawals are and the effect they have on your entire life and they have no clue how to safely instruct you to get off these medication’s, which is very sad.
Keep up the good work. I know it isn't easy, but it sounds like you are making progress, step by step. I'm so glad you found my channel and also found some necessary support at your church. God's strength to you as you continue to move forward in this journey!
Hey Michael, thanks for all your videos. When you tapered, were you using a gram scale and the Ashton method? Or were you just snapping pills and eye-balling it?
I was just hacking away with a cheap pill-cutter. Eyeballing the cuts. There are better ways to do it, but it got me to where I am today. Find a thoughtful method that works for you and don't get discouraged.
Thanks for this, I am on day 2 and i started feeling so scared after reading all the stories i started feeling i am better off just staying on. This was a good reminder not all our stories are the same
No the stories are not all the same. And ultimately you are writing your own story. Make it encouraging, make it a success in the eyes of you, your loved ones, and God. Keep moving forward!
I am so grateful to be watching this video. Part of my journey currently is i have reinstated. Its only been three months. But im trying again. And to know this is normal is just the relief I needed. And when I first tried things werent stable in my life. Thanks for mentioning that too!
So glad you enjoyed the video. The journey is what it is, and it isn't the same for everyone or without bumps and detours for everyone. Just focus on moving forward from where you are at now, that is all that matters!
Thank you for this video that sheds light on the “withdrawal “ process. 10 years on and almost 3 months off. You nailed it with all the side effect issues, stomach, depression, anxiety, They don’t tell you how long this process last, but it’s real and the effects are real, but as you said, there’s hope through the God of all hope and mercy 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I think this is pretty simplistic. It is a natural trajectory of an injury: denial, anger, acceptance, grief, healing. It is easy to see these steps affecting a person going through withdrawal. AND these "horror stories" do serve a purpose, they let you know you are not alone and that other people are persevering and that you can too. And many do come out and tell about them getting better later on - which is tremendously helpful. Seeing the hell they were going through and then coming out on the other side. I don't think I could have managed without getting information so that I could dig into strategies for getting better: supplements, exercise, fasting, etc. Fasting has been the one big game changer for me. I never would have known about it if I merely "stayed positive" from the start: I don't see how anyone could honestly advocate for this, while I do see the benefit of it at a later date. The grieving and accepting of the horror was healing in itself: crying and emotion activates the parasympathetic nervous system and that is of tremendous benefit, and helps regulate.
I stopped paxil 3 weeks ago. I was fine but this week suddenly having severe fatigue with extreme emotions and excessive thoughts and sad feeling . Is this all withdrawl symptoms ? Is it normal to have it ? I had these symptoms before starting paxil. Just scared if it's a relapse 😢
Barry McDonagh at DARE tells a story of a person in a jail cell desperate to get out. While trapped in a prison of bars Barry tells the inmate to look around his neck where he finds a key that unlocks the door and sets him free. To me, the jail bars represent the frightening stories of getting off benzos and SSRIs so abundant on the web. The key to freedom is always within our reach. It’s risky, sometimes dangerous, and at times painful, but it sure beats living in chains based on someone else’s experience.
