11/01/2026
SURVIVORS OF PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS: THE FACES OF IATROGENIC HARM -- Jennifer (2)
(watercolor on paper 11"x15")
Disclaimer: NEVER cold turkey a medication. Consult your doctor and do your own independent research when starting or discontinuing a medication.
Today I present to you this beautiful and very smart lady, mother and wife, Jennifer. I am so impressed with her writing ability but more than that, I am impressed with her ability to keep a sense of humor in the midst of her psych drug ordeal. Today's introductory topic is informed consent, something that Jennifer clearly did not get prior to taking psychiatric medications.
"PAIN HURTS, CYMBALTA HURTS MORE"
There is a lack of informed consent by doctors and psychiatrists about what could happen to you, to your brain, body and life when you take a psychoactive drug. If you are one of the large number of unfortunate people who are damaged by psych drugs, you stand to lose your emotions, your cognition, your physical health, your career, your bodily autonomy, your parental rights, your self-respect, your family's respect, your possessions, your home, but worse of all....YOUR HUMANITY!
This model informed consent form written by David Cohen as far back as 1991 and re-published by Dr. Kelly Brogan would seem like a joke to most. Sadly, the statements on this form are very real.
http://kellybroganmd.com/consent-form-for-psychiatric-drug-treatment/
Here are some excerpts:
" understand that the drug I am about to take cannot restore any of my physical or psychological functions “back to normal.” Rather, the drug is expected to produce many new mental and physical symptoms, which might help make my original complaints seem less disturbing for a while.
I realize that FDA approval of the drug I am about to take is based upon very short-term studies (usually 6 to 8 weeks) which are designed, paid for, and supervised by the drug’s manufacturer. I further realize that the FDA does not require or expect that a drug’s full range of adverse effects will be known prior to marketing and prior to lengthy exposure of ordinary patients to that drug.
I also understand that once I have been taking drugs for months or years, I will have much difficulty to find a health professional to assist me in withdrawing prudently and safely from the drugs, if I so wish.
Having understood the above, I realize that the drug treatment may cause severe pain or discomfort, worsen my existing problem significantly, or even damage me permanently. However, most doctors or experts will never formally or informally acknowledge that the drug harmed to me in this manner. I will have practically no chance of proving that the drug caused my damage and obtaining compensation."
=====================================
"AND THE AWARD GOES TO….
I would like to take a moment and raise a toast to the Worst Health Experience Ever: Cymbalta. While I have known Cymbalta on a first name basis for eight years, and even though it was effective for the first two years, the last 17 months commandeered the sum of my focus and efforts in ways I never imagined. Cymbalta, you are truly a game changer. I thought going cold turkey from Xanax was astounding, but you take the cake.
My OB/GYN suggested Cymbalta from the list of nominees to address anxiety and depression. Due to the circumstances at the time, I was looking for a tool to function as a wife and mother. Little did I appreciate the concept of being able to function until trying to separate myself from this popular drug. In fact, the myriad side effects I endured were several times worse than treating the original issue. I wish I never filled the prescription and opted instead for cognitive behavioral therapy to develop necessary coping strategies for my particular stressors.
To use an analogy, Cymbalta is the stalker to my biochemistry who can’t take a hint. Many doctors turn a blind eye to the suffering we endure, often blaming us for causing the problem -- or worse yet, ignoring our cries for help. Many of us carry this burden alone, being told repeatedly that it’s all in our head. What two things do stalking and medicine have in common? They can result in the reality of PTSD and not speaking up about it will cause others to experience similar harm.
So, what has Cymbalta done to achieve such an honor? First, I must acknowledge its accomplishments before signing onto this current taper project. Cymbalta is especially skilled at the element of latent surprise by draining my energy, and gradually adding 35 pounds. However, it also had many hidden talents only revealed during the taper production: night sweats, headache, tight muscles, chills, tremors, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, brain fog, high blood sugar, increased lipid values, short-term memory problems, ice pick headaches, loose stool, edema, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, insomnia, panic attacks, UTIs, skin infections, the constant metallic taste on my tongue, loss of spirituality, and throwing time management out the window. There are countless others to mention that I can’t think of right now, but you know who you are.
Despite Cymbalta’s ability to make my life a living hell, I would be remiss not to admit this experience serves as a reminder of my inner strength to persevere. The endurance required for this momentous task isn’t for wimps. While I had the luxury of controlling the gradual taper, others aren’t as fortunate. At this time, I would also like to recognize the changes in insurance formularies and benefit coverage that give people no other choice but to withdraw from Cymbalta cold turkey. These are the unsung heroes who suffered the most and, statistically speaking, for the longest.
Finally, presenting this award would not be complete without mentioning the supporting actors: the drug reps and marketing team from Eli Lilly. We know them as those fresh from college, pretty faces who did a convincing job of misleading doctors by not telling them the actual frequency of severe withdrawal symptoms. The cinematography of the commercials proved touching, yet haunting, resonating with millions of consumers who are now second-guessing their treatment choices. All we have to do to get a glimpse of this marketing marvel’s dark side is by skipping a single dose. Last, but certainly not least, let’s give recognition to the doctors who blindly threw these prescriptions at their patients, hoping that something would stick.
I am forever grateful to my husband and children for their understanding and support with my journey to being free of this drug. Most of all, I am indebted to my trusty heating pads and the guidance from the online support groups at www.cymbaltawithdrawal.com and Cymbalta Hurts Worse who know this precarious struggle firsthand.
Given time, countless others will undoubtedly grant this same award for their Cymbalta experience. We now recognize this once beloved star of Western medicine is no more than a casting couch creep. Don’t expect a moment more of my attention, because your 15 minutes of fame is up. You’re a one-trick pony for me, Cymbalta. Now get off my damn stage!"
--Jennifer
