Antipsychotic drug recovery

Hi All,

Have been searching the internet tirelessly for help. From reading some of the threads in this forum, it definitely seems like this is the best place to ask, have seen a lot of understanding and knowledgeable posts.

I'm currently being forced to take a 400mg depot of Abilify monthly, for a year in total before tapering off can commence. Currently at the 8th month mark.

Have completely lost all sense of spirituality, wellbeing, health, happiness. These were the foundations of my life that underpinned everything I did with my time.

I understand there are many out there in a similar position who have lost emotions and feeling, are experiencing the horrendous effects of these poisonous drugs, and in general who are suffering at the corrupt hands of psychiatry.

What do you guys think in terms of recovery? Will I be able to experience spirituality and happiness, etc again? I loved my psychotic episode, I see it more as a spiritual awakening. It was positive, the voices were kind and loving.

Any information on the topic of antipsychotic healing would be much appreciated, I am terrified I will be stuck in this zombie like state for life.

Anunnaki wrote:I'm currently being forced to take a 400mg depot of Abilify monthly, for a year in total before tapering off can commence. Currently at the 8th month mark.

Its your body and forcing stuff into it you don't want is rape. Bodily integrity is the inviolability of the physical body and emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and the self-determination of human beings over their own bodies. It considers the violation of bodily integrity as an unethical infringement, intrusive, and criminal.

Can I ask what country you live in and what kind of force they use ? What happens if you don't bend over and take it ? What will they do ?

I had this idea that I posted on Madinamerica.com where we could film the violence psychiatry uses to force drugs and stick it up on Youtube just like the Anti police brutality activists do.

So again when they say you must take this drug Abilify "or else" what does "or else" mean ?

Anunnaki wrote:Any information on the topic of antipsychotic healing would be much appreciated, I am terrified I will be stuck in this zombie like state for life.

I came back from Zyprexa Anhedonia and I think that drug is worse because almost everyone who writes about it online including me uses words like evil to describe it and hell to describe the withdrawals.

Stopping atypical antipsychotics suddenly leads to withdrawal reactions, but this phenomenon has not been well studied because despite the fact we quit the drugs all the time they never bothered doing a real study because they really don't give a crap about us if it doesn't make them money selling pills. Some possible withdrawal reactions that have been reported include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, agitation, confusion, uncontrollable muscular movements and sweating. These reactions are usually misdiagnosed as the "mental illness" returning and then the patient-victim is then given more of the drugs.

Anyway I made it back from the evil Zombie feel nothing and got through the hell withdrawals.

I really don't know what quitting Abilify feels like but I am fairly sure the Anhedonia is not permanent.

Lets see if anyone posts about Abilify withdrawal.

Copy_Cat wrote:

Anunnaki wrote:I'm currently being forced to take a 400mg depot of Abilify monthly, for a year in total before tapering off can commence. Currently at the 8th month mark.

Its your body and forcing stuff into it you don't want is rape. Bodily integrity is the inviolability of the physical body and emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and the self-determination of human beings over their own bodies. It considers the violation of bodily integrity as an unethical infringement, intrusive, and criminal.

Can I ask what country you live in and what kind of force they use ? What happens if you don't bend over and take it ? What will they do ?

I had this idea that I posted on Madinamerica.com where we could film the violence psychiatry uses to force drugs and stick it up on Youtube just like the Anti police brutality activists do.

So again when they say you must take this drug Abilify "or else" what does "or else" mean ?

Anunnaki wrote:Any information on the topic of antipsychotic healing would be much appreciated, I am terrified I will be stuck in this zombie like state for life.

I came back from Zyprexa Anhedonia and I think that drug is worse because almost everyone who writes about it online including me uses words like evil to describe it and hell to describe the withdrawals.

Stopping atypical antipsychotics suddenly leads to withdrawal reactions, but this phenomenon has not been well studied because despite the fact we quit the drugs all the time they never bothered doing a real study because they really don't give a crap about us if it doesn't make them money selling pills. Some possible withdrawal reactions that have been reported include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, agitation, confusion, uncontrollable muscular movements and sweating. These reactions are usually misdiagnosed as the "mental illness" returning and then the patient-victim is then given more of the drugs.

Anyway I made it back from the evil Zombie feel nothing and got through the hell withdrawals.

I really don't know what quitting Abilify feels like but I am fairly sure the Anhedonia is not permanent.

Lets see if anyone posts about Abilify withdrawal.

Thank you so much for your input Copy_Cat, it is much appreciated

Interesting point about forced psychiatry being rape, I see what you mean and agree. WIll run this by my lawyer when I speak with him next.

Unfortunately I'm in Australia, have not yet been able to find someone in a similar spot in the same country. I was given a section 32 order (for a criminal offense) which states that I must comply with forced medications until at least March, upon which time I will run away and go into hiding.

I'm looking for a way of refusing medications on the grounds that they are doing me damage, my lawyer wants me to see a psychiatrist in the private sector to help back this up. Have seen many, all of which are under the impression I have been wrongly diagnosed, could have had a minor manic episode, or no illness at all.

I'm still deciding whether to taper or quit cold turkey, can't stand the idea of voluntarily taking this poison, and would rather suffer from withdrawals knowing its my body trying to heal itself.

Thanks again for sharing,
would love to hear from someone about abilify withdrawals!

Anunnaki wrote: I'm in Australia, have not yet been able to find someone in a similar spot in the same country.

http://www.google.com/search?q=mindfreedom+Australia

Anunnaki wrote:I'm looking for a way of refusing medications

I cant stand that word "medications" I try to use words like psychotropic drugs, mind altering drugs, brain disabling drugs, neuroleptics instead.

We are forcing people to take medication... That sounds sort of OK .

We are forcing people to take mind altering drugs , brain disabling neuroleptic drugs... They don't say that cause its harder to sell that idea to the public.

Anunnaki wrote:my lawyer

In order to use the Forced Drugging Defense Package in court, people must obtain certified copies of this testimony from MindFreedom, which should make it "admissible evidence." http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/shi ... se-package

Ryan, member of MindFreedom, describing coercive psychiatry in Australia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkdaUWeausg

Copy_Cat wrote:

Anunnaki wrote: I'm in Australia, have not yet been able to find someone in a similar spot in the same country.

http://www.google.com/search?q=mindfreedom+Australia

Anunnaki wrote:I'm looking for a way of refusing medications

I cant stand that word "medications" I try to use words like psychotropic drugs, mind altering drugs, brain disabling drugs, neuroleptics instead.

We are forcing people to take medication... That sounds sort of OK .

We are forcing people to take mind altering drugs , brain disabling neuroleptic drugs... They don't say that cause its harder to sell that idea to the public.

Anunnaki wrote:my lawyer

In order to use the Forced Drugging Defense Package in court, people must obtain certified copies of this testimony from MindFreedom, which should make it "admissible evidence." http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/shi ... se-package

Ryan, member of MindFreedom, describing coercive psychiatry in Australia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkdaUWeausg

One of my psychiatrists emailed me today saying that they are starting to see that they are doing damage and may look at lowering my dose. She got me to do a genetics test to prove that I am a poor metabolizer of CYP2D6 or CYP3A4. Whatever that means, I'm not quite sure. But its in the prescribing manual for Abilify, and dosages should be reduced if it comes back I am in fact a poor metaboliser of these poisons.

Thanks for sharing those links

Hi Annukaki,

I am sorry you have to go through this. After all, the UN has already declared forced treatment a gross violation of human rights and in 2013 called for it to be banned. Unfortunately, we are a long way from seeing this in action!

I'm in Oz too and I remember how hard it is waiting out a community treatment order and wondering how the hell to find my rights..and oh wait, I don't really have any rights?! Appealing to the tribunal is one option.. so long as you're willing to talk within their limits. Ie: You could state that you are willing to be compliant but would prefer to change to tablets. Adding that since you are suffering adverse reactions, your dosages/drugs can be better managed with tablets. When your order ends, get your files transferred to an understanding GP who can prescribe your doses while you taper.

**Please taper!** I am not able to emphasise this enough. 6 months seems to be the general time-frame. (I took a year and half for mine). There may be weeks you may find it easier to stay at a certain dose for a bit longer.. this is all a part of withdrawing.

You won't be in a zombie state forever. The opposite is often true... coming off the 'antipsychotics' may bring forth various feelings, emotions, sensations. Let those feelings and thoughts come and go during that time.

The foundations of your recovery from 'antipsychotics' are the cliched simple things: good solid sleep, nourishing food, exercise, companionship.. Adding to what Copy_Cat has shared: There is also Peter Breggin's book "Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal".. The Beyond Meds site is a treasure (http://beyondmeds.com/) lots of stories and resources on withdrawing.


I had similar fears too about getting happiness and spiritual sensitivity back after antipsychotics. I got all those back.. It's been over ten years for me since I was in the system or touched a psych. drug.. There is hope. Stay strong!

flamencoflamingo wrote:Hi Annukaki,

I am sorry you have to go through this. After all, the UN has already declared forced treatment a gross violation of human rights and in 2013 called for it to be banned. Unfortunately, we are a long way from seeing this in action!

I'm in Oz too and I remember how hard it is waiting out a community treatment order and wondering how the hell to find my rights..and oh wait, I don't really have any rights?! Appealing to the tribunal is one option.. so long as you're willing to talk within their limits. Ie: You could state that you are willing to be compliant but would prefer to change to tablets. Adding that since you are suffering adverse reactions, your dosages/drugs can be better managed with tablets. When your order ends, get your files transferred to an understanding GP who can prescribe your doses while you taper.

**Please taper!** I am not able to emphasise this enough. 6 months seems to be the general time-frame. (I took a year and half for mine). There may be weeks you may find it easier to stay at a certain dose for a bit longer.. this is all a part of withdrawing.

You won't be in a zombie state forever. The opposite is often true... coming off the 'antipsychotics' may bring forth various feelings, emotions, sensations. Let those feelings and thoughts come and go during that time.

The foundations of your recovery from 'antipsychotics' are the cliched simple things: good solid sleep, nourishing food, exercise, companionship.. Adding to what Copy_Cat has shared: There is also Peter Breggin's book "Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal".. The Beyond Meds site is a treasure (http://beyondmeds.com/) lots of stories and resources on withdrawing.


I had similar fears too about getting happiness and spiritual sensitivity back after antipsychotics. I got all those back.. It's been over ten years for me since I was in the system or touched a psych. drug.. There is hope. Stay strong!

Such a great reply, thankyou so much for sharing this - am deeply grateful! Have literally been surfing the web for months to hear something like this.

Can you remember how long it took for emotions, happiness, spirituality, etc to return once you quit the drugs?

I'm fearful because i'm on the maximum dose injection of Abilify, has all but ruined my life in 8 short months.

A psychiatrist in the private sector thinks I may have been wrongly diagnosed, will present his report to the tribunal.

Appreciate any and all info if you think of something else.

Thanks again made my month!

Oh, you are welcome. I gained more than I can say from talking to other survivors when I was going through this. I understand the relief you feel.

So far as time frame.. I've been through this twice and I guess both times I felt like most of my potential was back within 6 months.. insofar as thinking clearly and feeling again. There were rough patches, like severe insomnia.. I sought help pretty damn swiftly for this (from a herbalist/naturopath who prescribed me some potent tinctures).

I am not able to tell you how things will go for you, specifically, in withdrawing.

But I can tell you are not alone in taking this journey, many others have done it. It's just you sure as hell ain't gonna hear about these stories in the pharmaeutical-funded anti-stigma and 'mental illness' education campaigns that utterly saturate our culture.

I really love this story by Steven Morgan. I came across it recently when I was looking into working in the psych. system (which I quickly realised was one of my worst ideas ever). Anyway, Morgan so eloquently describes the twists and turns so many of us take in un-covering the lies of psychiatry. He now works in drug-free/no force settings like Soteria, helping people to integrate their crises.. His writing alone shows it is more than possible to regain one's spirit - after even years of antipsychotics, of which he is now totally free. http://www.madinamerica.com/2012/08/the ... ever-lies/

Ps- it occurred to me, while you are sorting the involuntary treatment order out. Have a friend or advocate go with you to your next appointment. State it is their duty and responsibility to reduce your dose in order to check for things like tardive dyskensia.. My own attempts to have the dose reduced were never honoured until I took a friend in with me to attest to the adverse effects. Prior to, I was told my feelings of lifelessness and physical discomfort on the drug were a 'delusion'..

I have stopped trying to understand shrinks. I do genuinely think the majority are criminally insane.