"THIS DRUG WAS MEANT TO HELP. IT DESTROYED ME"
Tiffany was prescribed amitriptyline for nerve pain. When she tapered off, she faced emotional blunting, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts - leading to hospitalisation, misdiagnosis and failed treatments like Cymbalta, lithium, ECT, and ketamine. Her real recovery began when she stopped chasing chemical fixes and focused on managing anxiety through CBT, meditation, and lifestyle changes. Now, she's working full-time and emotionally stable. Her story shows how protracted withdrawal can be mistaken for mental illness - and how healing is possible.
THE PILL THAT STEALS LIVES: KATINKA BLACKFORD NEWMAN ON THE UNTOLD RISKS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS
In this gripping episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Katinka Blackford Newman - best-selling author, investigative journalist, and founder of Antidepressantrisks.org. Together, they unpack the pharmaceutical myth of the 'chemical imbalance' behind depression and explore how one pill nearly cost Katinka everything. From personal psychosis to global data gaps, Katinka sheds light on the long-term effects, the overlooked risks, and the necessity for informed consent. This isn't a call to abandon medication - it's a call to question the status quo.
THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOUR DAUGHTER TOO...
At 14, Amy was prescribed Pristiq during her parents' divorce. A decade later, with no symptoms and a stable life, she was told she could stop the medication in just a few weeks. What followed was a life-altering withdrawal injury that left her housebound, physically debilitated, and questioning everything she'd been told about 'safe' antidepressants.
I WORKED FOR BIG PHARMA: WHAT I SAW WILL SHOCK YOU
Lisa Pratta was a sales rep for drug manufacturer Questcor - then she became a whistleblower. She witnessed bribes and was screamed at to illegally sell a multiple sclerosis drug. So she went after the pharma giant. Now, she wants to see the entire system to change.
"LEXAPRO TOOK MY HEALTH, MY 30S AND MY FERTILITY"
Sheila was a therapist, leading a healthy lifestyle and tapering Lexapro under expert guidance. But when that guidance turned into a cold turkey stop, her life unraveled. What followed was protracted akathisia, hospitalization, and a desperate fight to survive.
WE LOST OUR 16 YEAR OLD SON TO A DRUG WE WERE NEVER WARNED ABOUT – VINCENT & YOKO’S STORY
Vincent and Yoko share the devastating story of their son Romain — a bright, gifted teenager whose life was cut short after being prescribed the SSRI paroxetine. What began as an effort to address obsessive thoughts turned into a nightmare of emotional instability, disinhibition, catatonia, and ultimately, suicide.
WHAT THE MENTAL HEALTH INDUSTRY DOESN’T TELL YOU: LAURA DELANO
For 14 years, Delano was a “professional mental patient,” as she puts it, after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was a teenager. Now she wonders whether the dominant, medicalized approach to mental illness is actually making us as a society sicker.
JOANNA MONCRIEFF ON THE CHEMICAL IMBALANCE MYTH, SSRI HARM, AND THE CRISIS IN MODERN PSYCHIATRY
For decades, millions have been told a simple story: depression is caused by a chemical imbalance—specifically, low serotonin—and antidepressants correct it. But what if that story was never true? In this powerful and urgent episode of Moral Medicine, psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Joanna Moncrieff joins us to expose how one of the most influential myths in modern medicine took hold—and the profound harm it's caused.
MAN SUFFERS SEVERE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE AFTER PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION CRASH
Patrick, a long-time antidepressant user from Germany, shares his harrowing story of how Lexapro—and later, antipsychotics like Seroquel and Risperidone—led to a catastrophic decline in his mental and physical health. After years of stable use with no withdrawal issues, he decided to come off the medication during a high point in his life. But what followed was a nightmare: severe akathisia, emotional numbness, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and full-body nerve damage after just a single dose upon reinstatement.
FATHER KILLS SON BECAUSE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS - INTERVIEW
How a prescribed drug changed everything. In this interview, David Carmichael shares his devastating experience with psychiatric medications, describing how Paxil triggered a drug-induced psychosis leading to unimaginable tragedy.
POST-FINASTERIDE SYNDROME ENDED MY MARRIAGE — HERE’S WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU
Thammika shares her deeply personal story of how Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) affected not just her partner — but their entire relationship, future, and family. Her ex-husband developed severe sexual dysfunction after taking Finasteride before they met, and while their love for each other remained, the loss of intimacy ultimately led to the end of their marriage.
HE TOOK PAXIL AND GOT A FAKE BIPOLAR DIAGNOSIS: MICHAEL'S STORY
In this eye-opening interview, Michael shares how a doctor prescribed him Paxil for situational anxiety, triggering a terrifying spiral of adverse effects. Instead of recognizing the drug reaction, the mental health system labeled him bipolar and placed him on heavy antipsychotic medication.
DOES A PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS NEED TO LEAD TO MEDICATION? (WEEKEND PROGRAM, FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE)
Laura Delano speaks to BBC presenter Julian Worricker about her experiences of the mental health industry and leaving it. The latter half of the program features Dr Mark Horowitz, the co-author of the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS STOLE HER LIFE: BROOKE SIEM'S STORY
Brooke Siem shares her journey from being prescribed antidepressants as a teen to rediscovering life after withdrawal. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of coming off medications, the impact on her identity and relationships, and the challenges of rebuilding her life.
MAN DEVELOPS LIFE DESTROYING SYMPTOMS FROM SSRIS (PSSD)
Jorge shares the terrifying consequences of restarting SSRIs like Sertraline and Escitalopram. After multiple attempts to restart these medications in hopes of alleviating his symptoms, he now lives with permanent side effects, including debilitating brain fog, sexual dysfunction, body numbness, and more. His powerful story exposes the hidden dangers of these commonly prescribed drugs.
HOW THE MENTAL HEALTH INDUSTRY HAS CREATED A PILL POPPING CULTURE: COOPER DAVIS
At a young age, Cooper Davis was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed a low dose of Ritalin, which helped his ability to focus but caused unwanted side effects. To counteract them, he was prescribed other medications. By age 30, Davis was dependent on six different psychiatric drugs at any given time, what’s commonly known in the mental health community as a “prescription cascade.”
SELLING SICKNESS: SSRIS & THE SIDE EFFECTS BURIED BY PHARMA | KIM WITCZAK
On August 6, 2003, Kim Witczak’s life was shattered when her husband, Woody, died unexpectedly at just 37 years old, shortly after being prescribed Zoloft. In this conversation, Kim takes us through her relentless journey to uncover the unknown risks and side effects of SSRIs and her mission to hold Big Pharma accountable.
THE HIDDEN NIGHTMARE OF SSRIS: ONE MAN’S 6-YEAR STRUGGLE WITH PSSD AFTER CITALOPRAM
Opressor reveals the devastating, long-lasting impact of taking SSRIs like Citalopram, which he was prescribed for ADHD without proper diagnosis or warning about potential side effects. After starting the medication, he experienced severe emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction, symptoms that worsened even after discontinuing the drugs.
MENTAL HEALTH BETRAYAL: MY LIFE ON CELEXA
Today, we're sitting down with Gloria, who went from treating patients to becoming a patient herself, trapped in a battle against a drug that wouldn't let go. What happens when the very thing meant to help you becomes your worst nightmare? Let's dive into Gloria's harrowing journey.
YOUNG MAN SUFFERS WITH PERMANENT, LIFE ALTERING EFFECTS FROM ZOLOFT
Hugo shares his personal story of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after taking Zoloft. He discusses his experiences, the symptoms, and how they have impacted his daily life. Hugo talks about emotional numbness, personality changes, sexual dysfunction, and the challenges he faces while trying to lead a normal life.
CYMBALTA CAUSES LASTING SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: A 14-YEAR STORY
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring speaks with Benjamin about his personal experience with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a devastating condition marked by enduring sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting that can occur after discontinuing antidepressants.
WOMAN'S LIFE RUINED BY MIRTAZAPINE INDUCED POST SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (PSSD)
Cornelia discusses how her life has been completely ruined after taking Mirtazapine for just three weeks in 2020. She now deals with persistent sexual dysfunction, anhedonia, insomnia and myriad of other life altering symptoms that has left her unemployed and socially isolated.
7 YEARS OF POST SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (PSSD) FROM SERTRALINE/CLOMIPRAMINE
Adam discusses his life with PSSD after coming off his SSRIs seven years ago. Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is the current term for a rare syndrome characterized by devastating physical, neurological, and sexual side effects that persist and progress even after stopping SSRIs.
I WAS POLYDRUGGED ON PSYCH MEDS AS A KID
Kassie shares her profound journey through childhood trauma, poly drugging, and the long-term effects of psychiatric medications. She discusses her early experiences with mental health issues, the overwhelming cocktail of medications prescribed to her, and the impact these had on her self-esteem, social development, and family dynamics. Kassie reflects on her struggles with withdrawal and the challenges of recovery, ultimately expressing a desire to help others who have faced similar experiences.
13 YEARS OF POST SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (PSSD)
Daryl shares his experience of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) for the past 13 years. He discusses the devastation this has had on his life, his experience with medical gaslighting, and the little support he's received from the medical system as a whole.
ANDY'S 13 YEAR BATTLE WITH PSSD
Andy shares his harrowing experience of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after being prescribed Citalopram at the age of 23. He opens up about the severe and persistent side effects (which go far beyond just sexual dysfunction) he has endured for over the last 13 years, the challenges of getting proper medical acknowledgment, and the emotional toll it has taken on his life.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A THERAPIST TAKES LEXAPRO?
A candid conversation with Jennifer Millard-Schmitz, MS, LPC, a mental health therapist and empowerment expert. Jenn reflects on the downsides of being medicated with Lexapro for most of her adult life and shares her ongoing journey of tapering off the medication.
IT'S TIME WE TALKED ABOUT THIS LITTLE KNOWN SIDE EFFECT OF LEXAPRO
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring interviews Erik, a 25-year-old who developed Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after increasing his Lexapro dose. Despite over 12 years on SSRI antidepressants, Erik experienced severe symptoms and details many lesser-known symptoms beyond sexual dysfunction, highlighting the unpredictable nature of PSSD.
MALISSA PISTILLO’S TRAGIC EXPERIENCE WITH SSRIS, SNRIS, AND BENZODIAZEPINES
Malissa shares her experience taking SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, and the profoundly tragic impact these drugs have had on her life. Dealing with Protractive Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS), Malissa discusses the challenges of finding medical validation, the loss of her physical abilities, and the mental and emotional toll of living with this damage.
PSYCHOLOGIST STOPS PSYCH MEDS AFTER 25 YEARS AND HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring interviews Dr. Lynn Berg, a clinical psychologist with a deeply personal story to share. After being medicated for over 25 years, Dr. Berg reflects on how these medications impacted her development and relationships. Now, having successfully tapered off all of her medications, she shares how she is feeling better than ever.
LIFE DESTROYED BY 2 CYMBALTA PILLS
Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring interviews Marchello and his mother Lisa. Marchello developed akathisia after starting psychiatric medications. Marchello and Lisa share invaluable insights into the caregiver-drug-injured person relationship, offering advice for other loved ones navigating similar challenges.
MILITARY VETERAN AND GRUNT STYLE FOUNDATION’S DEREK BLUMKE’S EXPERIENCE WITH FINASTERIDE AND SSRIS
Derek Blumke, the Veteran Impact Fellow for the Grunt Style Foundation, discusses the growing issue of overprescribing in the United States, particularly to those that wear and wore the uniform of our Armed Forces.
MADI'S LAW: MOTHER ADVOCATES FOR FAMILY INCLUSION IN CONSENT AFTER LOSING DAUGHTER
Louise Carter joins TaperClinic to share the heartbreaking story of her daughter Madi, who passed away after starting Lyrica (pregabalin), a medication prescribed off-label for anxiety. This interview explores the detailed journey Louise undertook to understand the psychiatric care Madi received before her death.
BENJAMIN’S 14-YEAR BATTLE WITH PSSD: A DEEP DIVE INTO POST-SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Benjamin shares his journey, the onset of his symptoms after taking Cymbalta, and the profound impact it has had on his life. He discusses the challenges of finding medical validation, the loss of libido, and the mental and emotional toll of living with PSSD.
INTERVIEW WITH PSSD NETWORK PRESIDENT ROSIE: SHARE YOUR STORY TO RAISE AWARENESS!
Rosie, President of the PSSD Network, shares her harrowing journey with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after being prescribed Lexapro. She opens up about the severe and persistent side effects she has endured for over four years, the challenges of getting proper medical acknowledgment, and the emotional toll it has taken on her life. Join us as Rosie provides insight into her fight for awareness and support for those affected by PSSD.
15 YEARS OF SUFFERING: JEVIN’S BATTLE WITH PSSD
Jevin, 26, has been battling Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) for 15 years. From his initial prescription at age 11 to the myriad of debilitating symptoms he endures today, Jevin opens up about his journey through emotional blunting, anhedonia, and neurological disturbances.
LIFE ALTERED BY LEXAPRO: GRANT’S JOURNEY WITH POST-SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (PSSD)
In this video, Grant shares his personal story of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after taking Lexapro. He discusses his experiences, the symptoms, and how they have impacted his daily life. Grant talks about emotional numbness, lack of libido, and the challenges he faces while trying to lead a normal life.
A CONVERSATION W/ EMILY GREY: POST-SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (PSSD)
Emily Grey is a medical activist using her lived experience of PSSD to advocate for awareness, recognition, and research for the condition. She has suffered from PSSD since March 2019 after taking the SSRI citalopram.
POST-SSRI SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (PSSD) - AS TOLD BY THOSE SUFFERING
A subset of people experience a debilitating condition known as Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) following the use of SSRI and SNRI medication. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: genital numbness, a complete loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, anhedonia and emotional blunting.
A CONVO W/ KAITLIN WILSON: HEALING FROM DELAYED AND PROTRACTED EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL
Kaitlin was prescribed Effexor at the age of 21, not knowing how this would destroy her life years later. After tapering off the drug in 2018 using a compounding solution, even though she went more slowly than doctors recommended, it was still too fast. She went into a latent withdrawal 1.5 years after discontinuation and has been in protracted withdrawal for the last 3 years.
WHAT ANTIDEPRESSANT WITHDRAWAL IS REALLY LIKE - BROOKE SIEM | SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY 192
Brooke Siem is a writer, speaker, and advocate for the practice of safe de-prescribing for psychiatric drugs. Her debut memoir on antidepressant withdrawal, MAY CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS is the long version of work that has appeared in the Washington Post, Psychology Today, and more. Her newsletter, “Happiness is a Skill”, is devoted to antidepressant withdrawal education, healing from depression, and the skill of happiness.
PSSD NETWORK PODCAST: EPISODE 1 - HOW IT IS TO LIVE WITH PSSD
In this podcast episode, Rosie, Sean, Carlton, and Emily share their experiences with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a condition where individuals face persistent sexual side effects and other side effects after taking or discontinuing certain antidepressants.
PSSD SYMPTOMS | "I CANT GET DRUNK ANYMORE" AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON
Check out the PSSD Network here: https://www.pssdnetwork.org
KATINKA BLACKFORD NEWMAN ON THE PILL THAT NEARLY TOOK HER LIFE
Katinka Blackford Newman is an award-winning documentary film director and writer with countless hours of high-end broadcast TV to her name. She has worked in television for over 25 years and has made films for major international broadcasters and streamers including Discovery, National Geographic, HBO Max, BBC TV, ITV, and Channel 4.
WEBINAR: BEING A PRESCRIBER AND EXPERIENCING PRESCRIBED HARM
Mark Horowitz and Louise Bundock are interviewed Nicole Lamberson, giving their perspective on tapering and the way tapering is influenced by external circumstances beyond our control. Both Mark, a trainee psychiatrist and Louise (psychiatrist) have personal experience with tapering and prescribed harm. The same goes for Nicole, who is very well known for her activties in the field of tapering.
KIM WITCZAK ON THE ’SPIDER WEB' OF CORRUPTION IN THE DRUG SAFETY SYSTEM
“There's been a whole slew of new drugs that are coming using accelerated approval, which you think is innovation, breakthrough…but what it really means is less rigorous clinical trials & less focus on safety.” - Global Drug Safety Advocate Kim Witczak.
A CONVERSATION W/ BROOKE SIEM: "MAY CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS"
Guest Bio: Brooke Siem is an award-winning chef and writer. She is also the creator of Happiness is a Skill, a newsletter devoted to educating people on antidepressant withdrawal, safe deprescribing, and learning the skill of happiness.
KRISTINA KAISER: LOSING NATALIE & MEDICATION-INDUCED SUICIDE
Kristina became an advocate for public health and safety in 2013 after the avoidable death of her teenage daughter, Natalie. Kristina has provided FDA testimony, presented at national and international conferences focused on crisis and risk, and authored numerous articles relating to medical harm, informed consent, and akathisia. Kristina is a co-developer of the MISSD Akathisia 101 course which is available online and free to all.
KATINKA BLACKFORD NEWMAN: ANTIDEPRESSANT RISKS
Katinka Blackford Newman is an award winning BBC trained documentary film-maker who lives in London. Her interest in antidepressants began in 2012 when she nearly lost her life because of an adverse reaction to an antidepressant. She was hospitalised and prescribed more drugs which made her extremely ill. After a year she was lucky to be taken off all the drugs and made a full recovery.
She researched the side effects of antidepressants and interviewed some of the world's leading experts. Her best-selling book 'The Pill That Steals Lives' has been featured on Radio 5 Live, BBC London, Good Morning Britain, the Victoria Derbyshire Show and in The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail and The British Journal of Psychiatry.
In 2017 her research was made into a BBC Panorama programme 'A Prescription for Murder' which investigated whether an antidepressant could be the cause of one of the worst mass killings of this century.
This year she co-founded a not for profit organisation to highlight the dangers of antidepressants. Antidepressantrisks.org is run by a team of experts including Professor David Healy, and people who have had first hand experience of antidepressants. In the Stolen Lives section it allows people to tell their stories in their own words.
KIM WITCZAK: ADVOCACY IN THE WAKE OF LOSS
Kim Witczak is an international drug safety advocate and speaker with over 25 years professional experience in advertising and marketing communications. She became involved in pharmaceutical drug safety issues after the sudden death of her husband in 2003 due to an undisclosed drug side effect of antidepressants.
GLAXOSMITHKLINE WHISTLEBLOWER CHERYL MEADS
Cheryl Meads was a top-ranking official at GlaxoSmithKline, a giant pharmaceutical company, when she discovered prescription drugs were being produced in unsafe conditions at a manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico.
On Fraud in America, Cheryl shares how she blew the whistle to protect patient safety. Also joining is Lesley Skillen of Getnick & Getnick LLP, Cheryl’s lawyer to given further insight into the case.
SURVIVINGANTIDEPRESSANTS.ORG COMMUNITY DISCUSSION
Community Discussion Panelists - Altostrata: Survivor of prolonged paroxetine withdrawal syndrome; Ed White: experienced severe venlafaxine withdrawal, co-administrated the Facebook group Effexor (Venlafaxine) Tapering, Discontinuation Syndrome and Protracted W/D; Ashli Hein: Co-administrator of the Facebook group Cymbalta Hurts Worst; Christy Huff, MD: benzo survivor, and Director of Benzodiazepine Information Coalition; Angela Peacock, MSW: former Army Sergeant.
