I spoke too soon

A follow up to the last video on my taper experience going from 40mg to 20mg of lurasidone (my antipsychotic medication). I thought I had evaded intense withdrawal symptoms, but they showed up about a week and a half later. I share more about this experience and my shifting plans for the rest of my medication taper.
Relevant videos:
'I'm almost off meds' (May 27, 2024) - • I'm almost off meds
'What's going on with my meds?' (March 28, 2024) - • What's going on with m...
Helpful resources on tapering:
'Tapering Psychiatric Medications on Keto' - • Tapering Psychiatric M...
'The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs' - www.amazon.com/dp/111982298X?...
'Functional Medicine for Antidepressant Withdrawal: An integrative and Functional Medicine approach to the treatment and prevention of antidepressant withdrawal' - www.amazon.com/dp/1039136176?...
MEDICAL KETO RESOURCES
You can learn more about medical keto for mental illnesses on the Metabolic Mind KZbin channel (@metabolicmind) and on their website www.metabolicmind.org/
You can also learn more about metabolic health and mental illness from the book 'Brain Energy' by Dr. Christopher Palmer - brainenergy.com/
You can find more about my keto coach Nicole Laurent and her work on her website:
www.mentalhealthketo.com/
OUR PICK FOR TESTING KETONES -
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• Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
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SOCIALS
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#schizophrenia #schizoaffective #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness #metabolichealth #keto #metabolichealth #medicalketo #medication #withdrawal

[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com

[@anamegoeshere]

12:23 of just blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah FEEL SORRY FOR ME

[@Robert-tn7yz]

Have you done any research into GAPS diet by Dr. Natasha Campbell? For anyone looking to cure schizophrenia with diet that should be the first place to start, lots of people have had success with it, more so the just medical keto alone

[@LucianMitoseriu]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIOyYWCAjdp5g7s

[@gardenerguerilla]

Hi Lauren, I have been silently following your journey; I generally don't comment on KZbin, but I feel I need to right now, seeing your suffering and reading the comments that oscillate between extremes. I and multiple members of my family are very familiar with mental health issues and the neuroscience of various drugs. I personally took SSRIs in the past and I understand withdrawal to some extent, but my son's methadone treatment is probably a better comparison. Knowing my son's struggles with tapering off opiates (I know, not the same mechanisms and receptors, however somehow similar concepts), I was concerned when you reported going from 40 to 20. I believe what you are experiencing now is effects of rapid tapering, which can have high chances of episode relapse, whereas most success happens for VERY GRADUAL tapering. Basically, you have to think percentages, not quantities. So if 60 to 40 was doable, which meant a 30% reduction, next would be another reduction by 30%, that is by 12mg (which I still think is a bit abrupt). I would personally go back to 30mg right now and then create a very thorough tapering plan on something like a 20% reduction each time, giving yourself enough time with each tapering to do what you call brain re-calibration (meaning, until you feel stable and OK on that dose). My son stayed on certain doses 6 weeks at a time and then lowered a tiny bit again. This process can be quite long and you may end up getting off fully and feeling stable only in a year or longer and THAT IS OK. We are learning in research more and more about the long term effects of various drugs on the brain and how the repairing process can be difficult and incomplete, depending on multiple factors. I believe following advice from the psychiatrist who reached out to you is a great idea and at the same time listen to your brain and customise your plan so both you and your family are comfortable with it. I don't see a benefit in your suffering (and your children and husband along with you) by trying to shoulder on this phase; I believe in very gradual tapering having lasting benefits. My advice and comment is from the bottom of my heart, my late brother suffered immensely from poorly treated schizophrenia. Wishing you the best outcome, I commend you for knowing yourself so well and for having the courage to expose your journey to the world.

[@savtala]

My experience with my son's tapering is the same. Very, very gradually.

[@irishgirl1753]

You know more than the care team just go slower

[@mama_j1629]

I agree with you, I have this same discussion with my boyfriend a lot because he always wants to taper fast and it just doesn’t work that way and he ends up giving up on the tapering all together. Not saying it’s impossible but in order to taper and also feel good then tapering really slowly and waiting weeks or even months between reducing mg each time to allow your body and brain to get used to the new norm is super important for success, IMO 🫶 good luck to you Lauren 😊

[@094Dasha]

I'm on methadone and tapering . You are absolutely correct. Slower is better.

[@77777sadie]

Lauren, it can take a long time to safely taper off from psychiatric drugs. I plan on taking at least a year or longer to taper off my last med. Thank you for sharing your life with us. If it wasn't for you, I would be living a life of pain and suffering instead of recovery. I hope you feel better soon. Hugs ❤

[@AngelaVEdwards]

I’m so glad this channel helped you so much. ❤️

[@Kristen10-22]

Yep… takes longer than you’d think

[@EmTheAdventurousPea85]

Came here to say the same thing, that with one of my meds they recommended taking up to a year to slowly titrate down to nothing and it was still really hard. Keep doing your research and glad you've got so much great support in your care team. Was def key to my healing and journey overall ❤️‍🩹🪷🙏🏻

[@77777sadie]

​@AngelaVEdwards thank you!

[@77777sadie]

❤❤❤

[@roses.trees.ocean.sky.90]

Cool that Pyschiatrist reached out to you. Whether you need to remain on low dose meds or can go off them, time will tell. ALL THE BEST Lauren. 🌺🌼🌷 I'm thinking "Slow and Steady Wins the race." 😊

[@kavitadeva]

YESS!!!

[@tashabryenton]

that’s great that this psychiatrist reached out and was able to give you some resources about de-prescribing/to help you in your tapering process! :) especially since like you mentioned, not all psychiatrists are super familiar (or less familiar than this specialist) with the de-prescribing process and all that.

[@myrnaedmisten599]

The fact that you’re making this video says volumes. With you❤❤

[@Prototype3710]

You're amazing. My wife is dealing with this as well. You give me so much hope. Stay blessed lovely sister. May God continue to heal you.

[@arlenefisher1164]

You are a trailblazer!!!! Go as slow as what is working for you. I hope that one day you and your psychiatrist and coach can write a book, and teach others how it all came together for you. Sending prayers your way.

[@krystinamckiernan3192]

I agree! Keep going, Lauren. You may very well change many lives with your tenacity and courage to find other options. I do believe there are answers out there other than medications. Not that meds are bad at all (life saving in many situations) , but alternative ways need to be an option too.

[@henryzhao4622]

Ebbs and flows are normal. Don’t listen to these folks who are gonna say “I told you so”. These are the same people who never dared to start keto at all. Risk is part of the process; now you’ve learned that the speed of tapering is slower than we thought these few months, which is faster than we thought before. Part of the process.

[@queenofdramatech]

I second all of this!!!!

[@antonialeitz9179]

With every psychotic relapse comes more damage to the temporal lobe volume and cingulated cortex. Risk is not one of those glib phrases to roll off the tongue when speaking in this context.

[@henryzhao4622]

@@antonialeitz9179 with every day on antipsychotics, especially 100 mg, comes the risk of metabolic syndrome, cognitive damage, mitochondrial damage etc. antipsychotics are not healthy, they’re just less damaging than psychosis. It’s all about the specific situation.

[@Kevin_Finch]

@@henryzhao4622Wondering if you can cite specific sources/studies?

[@antonialeitz9179]

@@henryzhao4622 "They’re just less damaging than psychosis" ... Yeah, you kinda answered you're own criticism. I guess you could say you'd rather have the heart attack than angina?

[@joankilroy1171]

Lauren, I started going off psych meds, after 36 years on them, in 2016, I tapered very slowly, and now, 2024 I'm just beginning to feel normal, and the withdrawals have been horrendous! My diagnosis was the same as yous! Keep going Lauren, you are doing really well, and after a few years, you will be so glad that you have gone down this road! I live in Ireland, with no support whatsoever in this journey! I wish you well, and I've been so encouraged listening to your videos! God bless you! Joan

[@kathfennemore1131]

Well done Joan, I'm on a similar journey in the UK - Oxford. I have a psychiatrist in South Africa (where I'm originally from), who isn't on board with it, and neither is my NHS Psychiatrist. Wondered how you managed?

[@kima9181]

Progress to date is beyond amazing --- so many wins already.

[@callabeth258]

I was really worried for you (as an Australian pharmacist) when in the last video you said you were on a sub therapeutic dose. And then when i saw the title of this video i thought my fears had been realised and you were in psychosis. I’m so relieved you’re not in psychosis and its just more withdrawals. I will admit i don’t know a huge amount about the ketogenic diet and how it can effect a psychiatric condition. I do know it has been shown to be beneficial in some forms of epilepsy but that’s the extent of my knowledge. Good luck, take care, and prove me wrong again. Xoxox

[@BeatrizHatfield-vc4ig]

My son is tapering off shitalopram and olanzapoo using the keto diet and hyperbolic tapering. We are in Australia too. We have a group. SSRI tapering support group Australia and New Zealand. He is also way below therapudic dose. He is going very slow 2% drops now and holding for a month.

[@suzycanfly]

​@@BeatrizHatfield-vc4ig i am so happy to hear you have an online support group. I didnt even think there was one....for this specific disease. Tapering off meds....that gave me a sigh of hope. I dont want to do it alone. I want to find a group like yours but for the U.S. when i have the support system and money to start. I want to have a keto coach accesible for me. Im working on it. But this was great to hear. Happy for you and your son!

[@isabelpires3605]

⁠@@BeatrizHatfield-vc4igLmaoo shitalopram. 😂 I took it like a few years ago for a few months then stopped cold turkey. Had no info about psych meds. They even prescribed the wrong dose. 20 mg. I was supposed to start on 10 mg. But they gave me 20. When I stopped taking it everything went haywire from there. Still going through it. Crazy insomnia. My main issue now is

[@Millenimorphose]

There is recent research that shows that Keto can be an effective tool for managing both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dr. Tracy Marks has an overview video.

[@4GSLmusic]

Therapeutic is different for everyone. What’s “therapeutic” per big pharma isn’t therapeutic for each individual. What I’m more concerned about is the high 50% drop of the drug. This doesn’t allow for receptors to upregulate/ downregulate properly. I’ve lived this. I’m going to be a pmhnp and have helped many people through this. Hyperbolic tapers are best for most people. Compounding pharmacies are best during this process and a 5-10% dose reduction every 4-6 weeks is what is truly best for most. It can take longer for some, but that’s just a standard and good rule of thumb. Lived experience and schooling.

[@keepitmoving8787]

Your self awareness through these changes is astounding. I relate to the being on your hubbies end of the aggression that goes with trying alternative meds and changing levels. I can't tell you how many times I've had to clean up after med changes for my adult sons bouts of nausea, because the doctors have had to fluctuate his levels, with his levels of self medicating/treatments. He too goes through the bouts of argumentativeness when he is becoming unwell again. Even the lower levels with your Keto is a great achievement and I hope between you and your follow up care psychiatrist you find the best balance that works for you. If you find that balance and are still on meds please take that as a huge win. Keep up with your journals for your medical team. I wish you and your family the best

[@richardjessiejohnson9108]

wow, this whole saga is /has been nothing short of miraculous and inspiring for myself/people with mental health issues. thanks you.

[@KRB84]

You are such an incredible inspiration, a true mental health warrior. Your vulnerability and transparency not only humble me but also give me strength and hope. Thank you for sharing your story with such courage.

[@ToniMonteroroman]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@BestOffer-ii9ny]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Australia. Really need!

[@FabioPioFersini]

Yes, dr.porassss. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@Somusicais]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@BestOffer-ii9ny]

Is he on instagram?

[@FabioPioFersini]

Yes he is dr.porassss.

[@maryann823]

My daughter in law took five plus years to come off Cymbalta. Her meds were in capsules with beads. She found a Facebook forum which really helped her. They counted beads, went down 10% at a time. When the symptoms (brain zaps, emotions, etc.) were to much they ( my son was a huge part) might add it back stay there for a few more weeks before trying the taper. She never went down when big events ( holidays, etc) were on the horizon. Side notes: she would keep with the same brand if it meant calling several pharmacies and having to drive several miles to get it. She started out by weighing but for some reason went to bead counting. She has been off all med for 3 years now and is in the best mental health in years. Don’t give up Loren, do the slow taper and take as long as it takes to do it safely!!

[@tmm4461]

Scary how exact one has to be with these things.

[@iank.8876]

I DID THE SAME THING! Lol It worked incredibly well! I took one bead out of the capsule each week, much more slow than what your daughter did but this trick is great! Sadly most meds doesn't have little balls like that.

[@maryann823]

@@iank.8876 That was great. I wish she had tried the one bead at a time. I think it would have been easier. She reminded me it took her seven years. 😬

[@plainseed]

Also the last bit of antipsych are the toughest tapering phase is a common knowledge in antipsych support group. Olanzapine, quetiapine, lorazodone etc. The golden rule of tapering that most doctors dont even acknowledge is 10% reduction at a time. You know 40mg to 20mg is a 50% drop. Its not impossible but its definitely not easy

[@meg285xo]

Such good points brought up about deprescribing! I’m a crisis clinician, so I play a big role in people undergoing psychiatric crisis’ oftentimes psychotic episodes. While I don’t have anything to do with medication, when I was in school taking psychopharmacology, I remember my professor spending several weeks talking about the deprescribing process and need for the standard of care to change working the psychiatric system!! I am wishing you the absolute best on your journey!

[@jeremy454]

Lauren, your body is healing and going through rapid changes as it assimilates. With regard to your running, try doing 80% of your run in zone 2 with only 20% in zones 3,4 and you will rebuild your cardio structure to match your new biochemistry your heart needs time to adjust as well as your brain. You are probably still doing great overall! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jacquelineleitch7050]

Lauren a doctor once clarified exercise for me: “it’s meant to improve your health not endanger it.”Dial back. Get some blood work also. At this point I had a minimal count of white blood cells.

[@annaz3266]

I love it that this communtity consists of doctors and other specialists and we can learn so much about such a modern approach and discuss it. And someone could say its "just" a KZbin channel!

[@visionvixxen]

There is. No point for psychiatrists to bother with weaning people off… they wouldn’t get paid if this happened

[@Yur_wey90]

I've had schizophrenic symptoms since I was 16, it was really hard at first. I don't take any medication, people see me as a "regular" person because I can keep my composure, despite the screams, whispers, i call it the legion of voices, which mine is composed of all the people i have ever met or talked to for more than 10 min. At some random point I'll get a voice of someone whose name I can't recall but their voice reminds me of the face, super creepy... It's hard to explain how I've learned to cope with the voices during a conversation or even mid sentence, it just takes a lot of patience, practice, and courage.

[@user-iq1ne3gz6o]

same difference.. a question of habit...

[@UniDocs_Mahapushpa_Cyavana]

Technically, you cannot have Schizophrenia if you are functional, because the DSM necessitates the psychosis to affect your functionality ⚙. It doesn't matter how severe, frequent, or uncaused the psychosis is. If you are competent enough to deal with it, you don't have Schizophrenia. That is rather arbitrary 🎲, but that's the system we have.

[@jellevanderpal]

You are not schizophrenic. Self-diagnosis does not work this way. We - actual schizo's - have a history of traumatic events that often lead to involuntary forced medication. Because we could not cope with life, could not form coherent speech, could not think straight. Your response here, shows great cohesion of your mental ability. If you achieved this state without medication. Or if you never even visited an actual doctor that told you you have schizophrenia, then you don't. One does not self-identify as a schizo. One in 10 people hear voices. One in a hundred or so, suffer from schizophrenia.

[@nodawnnoday34]

@@jellevanderpal they didnt say they were schizophrenic they said they were experiencing symptoms. Please be kind

[@zzyyxxzzyyxx]

You’re amazing this is a HUGE accomplishment. I am proud of you!

[@laurasofiabayona2288]

Thank you for all you do, so deeply appreciated ❤

[@alexyssaubrie1606]

Thank you for being honest in this whole process. I have bipolar and just started lithium and it’s hard for me to imagine being on medication forever. I know I need it for now, but it’s hopeful knowing there may be other options in the future. Anti-psychotics were rough for me so I completely understand the need for this.

[@abivise7756]

This is why I like my psychiatrist. He put me on depression medication and three years later when I wanted to get off he started tapering me so now four years later, I am almost off it.

[@kavitadeva]

So very true. it takes a very very long time to taper off of psych meds especially antidepressants and you're doing it the perfect way most people want to get off their psych meds you know in a month It doesn't work like that though does it? I am so proud of you and I don't even know you that you are willing to take the time to do it right so you don't have a freak out.

[@androgynylunacy]

What?😮 I was on the highest dose of Effexor- SNRIs have the worst withdrawal symptoms,- and I was off of it in like 2 months. It taking 3 years to get off of an antidepressant seems insane. 🫤

[@helengarrett6378]

I had chronic pain from an elbow injury and the doctor prescribed an antidepression medication. But it caused heart palpitations and I asked to go off the medication. I failed the first taper and had to wait a bit and do it again. I succeeded the second time, partly because I was very motivated due to the heart issue. Tapering off was not easy or pleasant. Now when I complain of back pain, I have scoliosis, stenosis and ankylosing spondylitis, the G.P. want to do the antidepressant thing again but I refuse! Oh, and by the way. I've had a cardiac ablation for an arrhythmia so that's a further complication. I don't know why doctors push antidepressants on people who have real pain but not depression. Antidepressants are a Godsend for people with depression and some, I'm sure also experience pain as part of their depression, but these meds are hard to taper off of and should not be prescribed casually to everyone.

[@Codisrocks]

That's wild that it's taking more time to get off than you had been using it.

[@carolcarol3938]

​@@CodisrocksSadly, this a very common experience.

[@annettemonty7350]

Its going to take time.... Its a good thing that you are so Intune with your body and understand when you not feeling well. Its not an easy journey but one day it will fall into place... Glad you have so much support...

[@LoveFlatfootin1]

I usually loosely follow the Ashton Manual's advice on tapering by 5-10% of the dose every one to two weeks (or more as necessary). Has worked well so far.

[@nobodyimportant7804]

Yup, and I have had to step up another week or two a few times to minimize the pain. It can be a long process but I learned to never listen to my doctor about tapering after he had me taper off Effexor over three weeks. That was horrific so I do it on my time and my schedule and have fired shrinks who tried to speed it up.

[@htm8851]

Cutting a dose in half is huge .. should be 5-10 % of previous dose for several weeks until no withdrawal symptoms present. Psychiatrists are given false tapering protocols by Rx companies.

[@jenwalker9391]

#FACTS

[@caitlinhoey841]

The improvements on medical keto haven't been linear for me either. 2 weeks after coming down 50% of my original dose of antipsychotics I thought I was in the clear. This was not the case. About 3 weeks into it I had intrusive thoughts and I didn't feel as energetic and clear thinking as I had in the previous couple months. It is clearing up now, and I don't have the intrusive thoughts anymore. I'm definitely not back to 100% though. I had two days where I gardened (tilled the soil with heavy tilling machinery) and it was very hard for me to recover. I started taking 2 hour naps a day again (sometimes 2 naps a day). My care team is not well versed in medical keto, but after coming down 50% my psychiatrist said " Now your done tapering down." I do intend on asking her to let me continue tapering off my meds, but I will be taking an extra 3 months at 50% after having the set back I mentioned. I also agree with you about the compounding pharmacy. I have located one in my area, and my thoughts are to use them for the last 25%. Jan Ellison Baszucki said they can be expensive though, so I hope its not too hard on my pocketbook. I'm wishing you the best, Lauren. Thanks for the updates. They are very helpful!

[@77777sadie]

I wish you the best! I'm in the process of slowly tapering off from my last med

[@ElizabethAtkinson-mx7zg]

Hang on , honey. It is a ride but doable. Take good care of yourself and one day at a time. Thanks for sharing and enlightening others. God Bless!

[@caitlinhoey841]

@@ElizabethAtkinson-mx7zg thank you!

[@dyawr]

I hope you get through this withdrawal well, Lauren 🙏

[@Neptunia98]

I am so glad that someone knowledgeable in de-prescribing reached out. It took me a year to safely get off an SSRI, and though I was frustrated during that slow tapering, a liquid compound at a 5-10% drop at a time is 100% worth it!

[@bipolarway]

When I was tapering down on Lamictal (from 100 to 25 mg) for my bipolar 2, for about a month I felt brain fog and muscle aches and lots of other nasly withdrawal symptoms. It was the toughest time even tougher than when I was off the meds whatsoever. Stay strong and keep up your journey, Lauren!!!! Sending love to all the brave people out there!

[@watchthisheadspace]

I found I was SUPER irritated tapering down. It took so long. Back on it now as I stupidly thought I could manage without

[@goopy69420]

Just remember Chris Palmer's Brain Energy. I experience a change in my depression and anxiety after more intense life events and around exercise intensity, I always have to remind myself that if this comes down to metabolism then it would make sense if increase or decrease my exercise or if life circumstances change then my mood etc will shift, just need to be aware of this change.

[@burymewithabook]

❤

[@geraldinemelia7476]

Good idea to taper reduction. I reduced my medication by 1mg at a time. It took about 8 months to come off my medication altogether but I had very little side effects as a result. Best of luck with your journey.

[@jenstokes1565]

I admire your level of self awareness. You put so much thought into things.

[@robertoswalt319]

Thank you so much for continuing to share your journey with the world. I am sorry that you aren't feeling well and hope that your body recalibrates quickly.

[@adragon0306]

No rush! Take you time it’s not a race. But I follow your journey and I’m confident you’re going to be successful. Setbacks are part of the process and it is not surprising that much. Even if you have to increase your medication to than decrease it slower is NOT a failure by any means.

[@ashleywalkersharp]

Lauren, you are doing amazing! ❤

[@SacredSecret]

Take as much time as you need with your med change Lauren. I am impressed at how much you have accomplished so far. Wishing for the best outcome and thanks for the update. 👍

[@enjoyyourlife279]

Good for anyone who thinks of trying out this path to hear your experiences Thanks for your sincerity!!! Lots of good wishes.

[@kavitadeva]

Hi Lauren I really sincerely want to just encourage you by saying getting off of psych meds and antipsychotics it takes a lot longer than most people think there's a guy on KZbin I don't think he's Mr Dr perfect but he does talk only about tapering off of medications psych meds and I mean some people it takes years. So please don't think you're going backwards Please don't listen to anybody that says well I knew this would happen once your schizophrenic or have schizoaffective disorder, always you'll have it. Well that's just not true because you're changing your brain. That takes time Please give yourself a lot of grace You are the most courageous person I have ever ever tuned into. It's going to be Rocky from time to time due to all the things you talked about but I think you're right on track there. And you know I tried getting off some meds once and I just wanted to happen in two weeks. Was I just a little bit too eager? Heck yes. I'm rooting for you Lauren you're going exactly the right way and you're getting better. A SETBACK IS NOT A RETURN OF THE ILLNESS.

[@kathyfinnegan7152]

Your honesty, vulnerability and humility ❤️ so appreciated

[@edgirl3115]

Your honesty is appreciated ☀️

[@barefootlumberjack]

You're doing great!!! Running is indeed very hard on the body and is metabolically taxing. I hope you'll stay the course and consider lots of walking instead, and taper carefully. Drugs are very serious and difficult to taper off safely, and you're doing everything right. As someone who has followed you for years (and my ex wife had schizoaffective disorder), I'm so very impressed by your courage and the way you listen to your biofeedback and pull levers. 💪🙌🙌

[@mvictorcal]

You are such an eloquent, thoughtful & thought-provoking gift to this community! Praying you feel well soon and thank you for your insights! ❤🙏🏼

[@infinitejest.4994]

❤ you are brave and honest. You are Lauren, a great inspiration to me and many others.

[@sierraansley]

Thank you for showing us this process your on, you're a trail blazer and what you're learning now will help a lot of people who want to try this in the future.

[@lizzthatvegan1207]

I think this is fascinating. I have wanted to get off most of all of my meds and watching your journey has given me a lot of food for thought around safely decreasing meds. My current psych team is not on board with even decreasing so I don't think it'll happen any time soon.

[@katherineg9396]

You are blazing a new trail. Since there is less experience and data on the ketogenic diet for schizophrenia, your experience in weaning is teaching all your caregivers and helping future patients. My best wishes to you and your family!

[@milllllllllllll]

As an aspiring psychiatrist, this video gave me so much insight. I believe that these medications are a beautiful thing. They work very well and I’m thankful that science is bringing us forward into treating debilitating disease. However I am a firm believer that permanent reliance on medication is not sustainable. Thank you so much for this channel and being so open about your life. Your honesty brings so much knowledge.

[@SerenitywithLawna-Merry]

I feel like there is some naivety to this comment. Most of the reason why medications are permanent reliance for people is because they are pushed by doctors because of the fact they are a multi-billion dollar market and they are so harmful to stop once given at high dosages. There is nothing in psychiatry in 2024 that wants people off medications of these kinds and if you are not privy to this knowledge then I don't know if you're really studying your field all that well. Just food for thought.

[@AaronX442]

Godspeed to you, and the family units. We are pulling for you all.

[@susanrombak7959]

Yes, it is acknowledged that we must listen to our bodies and know that adjustments will be necessary as we go through various aspects of physical and mental health. It is so educational and transparent of you Lauren to document and provide your community of the changes that happen, the difficulties and challenges along with the hopeful and encouraging times of daily living. You are such a positive influence and voice for mental health and for that we are grateful for your vulnerability and your grace. We will continue to emit healing thoughts and energy to you. I’m sure you are privy to know that even humans who are not living with clinical mental health disorders will also go through peaks and valleys with health and mental challenges and that we should all anticipate those times in life and to find strength, be a warrior and understand what it takes to get through them one day at a time. ✌🏽

[@helenahlstrom2418]

The observations you are doing being a live study is so impressive 🙏🏼 be careful and loving towards yourself ❤️ The most important is that you and your family are ok !

[@natashaprice9917]

You are the best!!! Keep going you’re healing yourself and the world.ive learned so much.we need practitioners who are about and taught what you’ve been doing to have breakthroughs.

[@Blumelisaful]

I haven't seen your videos in while, and I've watched this video and you look better than I've ever seen you look. Your facial expressions, the way you carry yourself, but just everything, everything about you seems so much lighter.

[@MigglesTheGidget]

So grateful for this channel. I appreciate your honest approach while trying new treatment methods ❤

[@Mary.andersen19]

I've seen a few of your videos. I love your honesty. You've got a new subscriber.

[@healingways2293]

Your body is speaking to you and you are listening. Well done!!! You will pivot and tweak as needed. You are doing so beautifully 💕

[@robinlanger3769]

Thanks for your important Imputs!

[@reettaelina]

Wau, finally, this explains it!!! I was thinking about that then, when you had that marathon last time...

[@michellegigous8911]

Thank you for sharing your journey. You are very brave and i admire your courage to share with others who suffer from this disorder. God Bless you and your family ❤️

[@carolannerobinson8351]

I so appreciate how responsible you are being by sharing your experience in a way that empathizes the many variables involved in tapering psychiatric medications. And you are so right about how many MH providers are not experts on discontinuing psychiatric medications.

[@EMILYHERRERA]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this & being so vulnerable.

[@NoName-fr9yd]

You're also a whole new person mentally. You're doing so well to cope and you're doing a great job growing into your new self!

[@Khau999]

thank you for your honesty!

[@kms3063]

This is huge and sharing your journey Is decades needed Big stuff ! For everyone in the brain disease experience

[@wren1114]

Connecting symptoms to more running or body stresses is good awareness by you. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes!

[@Winterveile]

I’m so very Proud of you ! Your tenacity to heal is phenomenal! You’re an inspiration for all who suffer from mental illness. I myself am med free though i find that thc helps me tremendously. Keep going you will find your way!

[@Overlandparkgirl]

I have schizoaffective disorder and I say this with the utmost love and respect for you….please don’t go completely off meds. I tried several years ago, had a complete relapse of symptoms and it was actually worse than before I was on meds. I had to be hospitalized and almost killed myself…and this was at a time where I was eating healthy and lost 80 lbs. While changing your diet can certainly help with the depression part and make you feel more clearheaded and have more energy, it can’t magically cure psychosis. I’m just genuinely worried for you; I’ve followed your channel for many years and you’ve been a source of inspiration for me, but I’d hate to see you spiral 😢

[@judepamment1106]

Lauren thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@richardbrewis436]

Hi Lauren, thnks for the new vlog☺. I found it flattering that you are employing the 'sports and the keto diet' methods for improved mental wellbeing! Staying motivated myself and looking frwd. to more vlogs from the channel. 🙏👍

[@Bombabingbong66]

Heàling Love to à full recovery. You àre articulate and Brilliant. Keep pushing ahead.. You know that you know your own body and mind best. Brave and Beautiful YOU, keep educating Everyone... Doctors learn info from books n case studies...but, finally, they are LOST. Please keep documenting, vlogging and researching for yourself..Diet and Holistic health. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cactusloaf]

It should be stated that when you talk about doing research so you can advocate for yourself that Google and KZbin are not where proper research is done. Videos like this can be great for getting ideas and getting conversations going, but anyone can say or publish just about anything online, and they often do b

[@glorycalabrese9705]

Thank you for honesty…excellent video

[@violiendamast]

You’re really good at explaining things. ❤❤

[@fallonrappaport5270]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@DroDro3]

Just please take your time. 20 mg is already low you're doing great there is no need to rush.

[@ammoniteashley6408]

Keep going 💪 ups and downs are normal and this journey is unique to you and we are all so proud of you ❤ Thank you for sharing with us.

[@80islandia]

Well said!

[@user-zh9sq2zk3v]

Superb video...especially about the compounding pharmacies able to titrate med drops to 5 mg!! Thanks so much!

[@BillyBulletPewPew]

You got this. I'll be praying for you

[@user-wookim007]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is really helpful who are doing ketogenic therapy.

[@SchizoDad]

As a schizoaffective sufferer, this gives me home. I'm glad you shared it. Also, are you properly hydrated? Keto can have issues with electrolyte and salt retention causing water loss even when you take in enough. It can lead to fatigue, and it can cause issues with how you metabolize medication as a result.

[@ruth6983]

I am taperin goff my med,and was only able to do it slowly because I found Dr Josef's channel here on YT. And to anyone who has tapered off something they were on for years, it can take a year, even more to feel "kinda normal" again. Sometimes you won't reach your old normal.

[@ThomasMuethingDotCom]

thank you for your transparency. Downtitration of a medication that you have be on for yrs will and should take longer because your body has become dependent on it. The most important things are that you are being respected by your clinical team and your wishes/concerns in your care are be taken seriously. Please takje the best car e of yourself, Lauren. Schizophrenia spectrum illnenesses are complex neurological conditions and you deserve not only to live well but live the BEST life possible with your diagnosis. good you are look for compounding pharmacy. Never give up on yourself. Have a great weekend - for you and you family too

[@omgthisimg1488]

As a newbie doctor and your fan, I am cheering you on!!❤

[@Psychiatricnerd]

Same and hoping she beats the odds!

[@TibiSum]

Thank you for this. I'm on the highest dose of all my psych meds and for me, this is currently working. But I have to go through a GP and while she's a great family doc, she knows sweet f all about the mechanics of my meds, the mechanics of my CNS and what it means to crash later in life into neurodivergent burn out from having lived a lifetime with untreated ADHD. I'm titrating up on ADHD meds and meanwhile managing CPTSD and fibro. I'm trying to explain to her that she and I won't know my readiness to return to work, which is why I want to stay off work until LTD kicks in, providing me then with a case worker who will either have the training to know my readiness to return or to provide me with an occupational therapist. My issue isn't the same as yours, but the gate keeping and shocking lack of education prescribers have is a constant thorn in my side. My mental health has taken me down so many times with regard to employment and as such, I want to be able to work. I want to see my own healing with regard to that. I need specialist care to safely do this and the people I have to talk to when self advocating are so intransigent. This same doc tried to get me to take anti-psychs when we had a supply issue with prazosin. I brought her research on a histamine blocker that was also used off label for sleep disturbances and it took me several sleepless weeks to convince her. The histamine blocker has way less side effects and moreover, I was worried about upsetting the apple cart of the med stabilization it took me years to build by adding an anti-psych. I didn't feel comfortable that she would know how they all interact with each other. She doesn't even know that severe PTSD starting in childhood wonks your CNS. When I refer to that she closes up and won't discuss it. This stuff is so frustrating.

[@skitzo-productions79]

Legend, cheers for letting us know your progress.. I've been lucky maintaining on meds and able to work recently.. yay Lauren ❤

[@WhatsUpEarth]

Remember there is no rush! Take your time, stay well my friend

[@Adriane2133]

You are doing such an amazing service for ALL of us who suffer from mental health issues, and your insight is absolutely brilliant❤❤❤

[@lexamdelac28]

Good luck, Lauren! We root for you! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! It'd be awesome to find out someday that keto offers some protection from withdrawal b/c like Nicole told me, medical keto is medication. But too bad we don't know now - I too want to get completely off my med (olanzapine) and see how I do with metabolic therapies and keto alone, but now I feel it necessary to go even slower on my taper and so that is no fun but we get through it and learn from it. You're going to get there. I hope you feel better each day!! :) You're doing amazingly.

[@madsvivemunk1570]

Hi Lauren. I think you are on the right track on slowing the taper down. I my self am tapering of antipsychotics and have been researching a lot what the experts say on this. There seem to be a lot of consensus in the newest science and tapering communities that the lower dose you reach the slower you should reduce the medicin giving your body time to adjust. Good luck!

[@Kernoe]

so good that you are still sharing and caring. Since the last part focused a lot on the medication and withdrawal side i double emphasize that training for a marathon puts me in a different mood as well not having a psychiatric condition. I seem to get less social and when there is over reaching to deep into the bodies reservoirs getting faster irrated. I am low carb as well because of my asthma condition. And high carb irritation would have emotional break outs even. So it is much better now. I have the feeling that especially running a lot of slow mileage can have a draining effect on the mind. I sprinkle in more faster runs now and it seems to lift me up. What i want to say with all that, maybe reduce the training load to run every other day or even less while you go so bravely through this de-medication process. all the best!

[@rbee2150]

You are brilliant, courageous and strong.

[@brittanywilcox7377]

I have a chronic migraine disorder that is well controlled. When I have break through migraines, I have stroke like symptoms that linger for days. It's awful. Brain fog, tripping on my words, making mistakes I usually wouldn't. It's scary when your brain is unwell!

[@annipsy2185]

i only had a few episodes of visual migraines with minimal headaches but a few weeks ago i got one that i thought could be a stroke too. its weird isnt it? cause they have alot of the same symptoms ,gets u worried. i even wrote down things so people could call an ambulance or something for me cause i thought any second i could fully lose my vision (it was already hard to see)

[@brittanywilcox7377]

@@annipsy2185 yes! Sometimes it feels similar to the prodromal or post removal phase of seizure as well. I had weakness in on coordination all across my left side of my body for about 2 weeks straight after my last really bad migraine. I have been getting classic migraines since I was 5 years old. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that a neurologist put me on a medication to help control them and it changed my life for the better. I would be completely disabled without the medication

[@bdegrds]

Comparing migraines to schizophrenia is like comparing a breeze to a tornado

[@brittanywilcox7377]

@@bdegrds I didn't make a comparison. I was relating to the cognitive difficulties associated with a brain that's affected by something. In her case it was withdrawal from medication and in mine it was something else. Also, not for nothing but migraine disorders are in the top ten most common conditions that cause permanent disability. It's a very painful existence. Not the same, sure, but not a breeze to a tornado. Maybe it's a hurricane and the other is a tornado. Different but devastating all the same.

[@ronnie-lynn]

⁠@@bdegrdsmaybe to you. Until you have chronic migraines. Then you be wishing & praying that breeze didn’t rock the boat 🙄

[@marelynsaez9493]

I don’t know you but I love you! I pray for you and your journey. Thanks for sharing it

[@cookie_dough_hangover]

You are one amazing human being..❤

[@LightofHope20]

Don’t get off your meds!

[@johnsturdevant8786]

Amazing how aware you are. A very complex and dynamic problem. You are on the cutting edge of the science. Even Chris discovered this treatment by accident. Trust yourself, you are up to the challenge IMO.

[@juliamollcerda2570]

It makes a lot of sense that psychiatric meds are usually prescribed for life if the illnesses they are meant to treat are chronic

[@WhatsAModderU]

Med tapers are a very delicate process! Please be safe and do give yourself credit for coming this far. Thank you for being transparent with us and I will keep you in my thoughts!