What's going on with my meds?

I share what has happened with my antipsychotic medication since starting medical ketogenic therapy, where things are at with it right now, and what the plan is going forward.
The research article I quote from ('The experiences of 585 people when they tried to withdraw from antipsychotic drugs'):
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
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/
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• Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: [www.schizophreniapeersupport.com](www.schizophreniapeersupport....)
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SPEAKING & CONSULTING
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www.laurenkennedywest.com/
SOCIALS
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#schizophrenia #schizoaffective #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness #metabolichealth #keto #metabolichealth #medication #antipsychotics

[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

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

[@gen.arnavpoe4633]

I'm cookoo for coco puffs.

[@TYPHON2713]

I've been a subscriber for quite a while and I don't think I've ever heard you talk about therapy. Do you do talking therapy? For me it has been as helpful (if not more) than meds alone. Did I miss that video? Maybe you could touch on that again. Love what you do! Your vids have helped my loved ones understand my illness better. Thanks for everything ❤

[@loricat5606]

@@TYPHON2713 She has mentioned in a few videos that she sees a therapist regularly, and sometimes covers it a little more in depth. She also has a few dedicated videos, such as one on ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and one called "What I Talk To My Therapist About". So it does appear that you missed some content, however, if you go to the channel page you can use the search and the playlists to find those videos! If you need any help, just let me know and I'll do my best to direct you to those (I have not included links because it is dangerous to click on links from strangers online, and I do not want to encourage anyone to trust that.)

[@drumstruck751]

talk about it, but still we need to change the definition it's NOT Hallucinating. Ludiation:chemical bonds breaking between molecules because of nutrients diminishing (ludiating) ect. Ludiance:nutrient bonds between biological molecules. (I"M NOT A DOCTOR)

[@davidcalvelage]

Yep.

[@steceymorgan814]

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

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

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!

[@APOLLINAIREBARTHOLOMIEU]

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

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

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.

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

Is he on instagram?

[@APOLLINAIREBARTHOLOMIEU]

Yes he is. dr.sporessss

[@pollynlyubenova8365]

Psych drug withdrawal is the worst thing that has ever happened to me yet doctors still deny it. Psychiatry destroyed my life.

[@tcort]

Best of luck managing the withdrawal symptoms. I just watched your "Introduction to Living Well With Schizophrenia" video from 4 years ago and your affect is so much less flat now. It feels like more of you is coming out and you're living well. Take care.

[@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia]

Thank you Thomas! I feel that way too. Thanks so much for your continued support through it all.

[@akittross]

When withdrawing from SSRIs, I discovered that these drugs have an antihistamine effect; withdrawal resulted in a histamine overload, which caused intense body aches and brain fog. I learned from a patient forum that many people take up to a year to taper. I ended up doing this, focusing on reductions of no more than 10% at a time. This needs to continue even when you drop below the lowest dose available in a pill. I used a compounding pharmacy to produce liquid preparations that allowed dosing to a precision of a fraction of a milligram. It was frustrating to take so long to withdraw, but this method worked to get me off the meds with no withdrawal effects. It might not take that long with your medication, but accepting that it might take a lot longer than you want it to can be liberating once you accept it.

[@kellmos571]

Do you mind sharing what forum? I’m trying to find some with no luck. Thanks

[@alexandramantikas3076]

that’s definitely true I felt this way after 5 htp

[@user-ik4jj5js7g]

@@kellmos571 Dr.Josef Witt has a liquid method on his channel… very informative without scaring you ❤️

[@maryann823]

@@kellmos571My DIL was on cymbalta. It took her 5 yrs to come off of it. I think the forum she used on fb was Cymbalta Hurts. Compounding pharmacy was not available. She had to count (for some reason weighing didn’t work) the beads. She would reduce by 10% every two weeks and sometimes she would have to hold a couple of weeks to a month+ until those symptoms subsided. There had been times she would have to up a little bit. Man that was a journey. But she is healthy and does not appear (it’s been 5 yrs now) to have any lasting damage. Good luck to you!

[@MrSharklet]

I found your comment at the right time. I've been having the worst allergy symptoms while I'm on my last few months of tapering off of venlafaxine. I was on it for 1 year but spent 4 years coming off of it.

[@dianasjourney27]

❤❤❤❤Hi Lauren, i was on risperdone for many years, about 17. Now I'm on lurasidone to help with negative side effects of the risperdone. I've been on lurasidone for about 9 months and doing OK. I've started the keto diet as well, about 3 weeks ago, hoping and praying for the best. You've definitely inspired me and given me hope that it may help. Thank you for being so vulnerable on social media for all of us, it truly helps!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@caitlinhoey841]

Best of luck for you!

[@stevied2710]

Hey there, I was the same to. I've been on risperdone and different medication having side effects on ever one of them. The doctor gave me tablets to counter the side effects I was having at the time. But why take another medication on top of the main one to stop the side effects? It would be best to reduce the risperdone or any main medication to treat the illness. Because the side effects are not nice and what harm can it do in the long run in the future 😳🙃

[@SHIVANSH.SINGHAL]

I'm on risperidone (5MG) per day for 15 months and I'm suffering brain fog fatigue , less enthusiasm,less focus,less confidence ,high sleep ,what should I do for it, I'm asking to you because you are talking risperidone for 17 years

[@NenadGrbic-bp5kq]

​@@SHIVANSH.SINGHAL God help you. Beginnings are always hard. First, two or tree years are hell, and you can gave up on meds, but eventually you will get back on them. Acceptance is most difficult. I am on meds since 2011. But i didn't take them constance. After 6-7 years of wondering, quitting, denial, sorrow, aggression, guilt, and etc, i chose to take them how my shrink prescribe it. Time heals everything. John Neshes schizophrenia, after two or tree decades, let him go.

[@SHIVANSH.SINGHAL]

@@NenadGrbic-bp5kq I haven't given up medicine yet and I never untill my treatment or course complete which is think two or three years?? I search on Google it looks schizophrenia or psychosis treatment is 2-3 years and then you will not be need any medicine and everything will be fine..? And thank you for your words , I will pray for you

[@Khoanhdoi]

For me, we've tried coming off my meds several times thinking that it was the answer or the ideal place for myself and my mental health so I could live happily. I have done crazy, unreasonable things off my meds. I was very much a danger to myself and others. Having said that, I knew that I absolutely needed to be on my medications, likely, for the rest of my life and I have come to terms with it. I've suffered from Schizoaffective Disorder since 2011, so roughly 13 years. I don't know if the length of time matters, but it was through those years that taught me medications are actually useful and might even be my superpower in this life of mine. I cannot explain what it is I feel, but God or a higher power played a huge role in my recovery more than every therapist or doctor I've consulted. Through prayer, I find strength, hope, and guidance. The religion I fell in to is completely self-directed. I'm not trying to convince you to become religious, but it is just what I fell into in my recovery. Hopefully you won't mind if I say a prayer for you, but I will ask for His blessing for you anyway.

[@stephieg.2580]

Please pray for me to..I've lost 54 yrs of my.life to this awful torturous illness..😢

[@Sam12361]

Yes 🙌 meditation or any religion / spirituality is very beneficial for any mental illness along with talk therapy and excercise also reducing carbs form your diet. too bad this is not talked about enough to manage schizophrenia and I recommend staying on your meds Lauren 😊 the withdrawal is the worst 😂

[@nicklowe4392]

God is Good and is our salvation whether we understand it or not. See my above post and see if it makes sense and helps you (at nicklowe4392) God bless and hope it is of some help.

[@gracegrace1896]

I hope my son can get this help. He is currently over medicated. He’s heavily sedated. I am upset that a medical doctor told him he could get off the antipsychotic in 4 weeks. He had SEVERE withdrawal, was put in the hospital. The hospitals here will not even consider the withdrawal! They only diagnose him more and put him on more medications. He sleeps most his days away. It’s very sad. Now he has more meds to reduce- it should thourouly be discussed before starting any psychiatric medication- the dependency and withdrawal. I am so disappointed in my son’s “treatment”. I am happy for you.

[@bearclaus2676]

This narrative is really common. Drs know rapid withdrawal causes symptoms. Yet they ignore and point the finger at the patient having an illness.

[@arlenefisher1164]

Maybe get a new psychiatrist?

[@TYPHON2713]

Don't despair I was on 11 different meds a day, the side-effects were so bad I regularly had to go to the ER. I finally found a doctor who would listen. And now I only take a couple things, with almost no major side-effects. I've made it a rule to ask the doctor AND therapist what their qualifications are, and demand that they explain exactly what type of meds or therapy they will be using. It was a long process, but I found the right combo and live a pretty normal life except for a short episode here and there. Main thing I learned was ask doctors and therapist everything you can possibly want to know, BEFORE proceeding. Best of luck. My prayers for you and your son 😊😊

[@4GSLmusic]

I am so sorry..this happened to me as well. Misdiagnosis from being polydrugged and then cold turkeyed off six psych meds. I'm almost off all the now and just want to give you hope that it can be done and to keep advocating for your son. he is going to be ok. Reach out anytime. Liquid tapers are the best for most patients from compounding pharmacy's so you can play with the dose and adjust it according to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. it can take some months to years to taper particular meds one at a time, and it is very daunting. but very possible and you guys will be glad you did. Life does get better again and he will wake up and be himself again. How I survived is by the grace of God, having a good bf and family, and finally finding drs who helped me and listened.

[@gracegrace1896]

@@bearclaus2676 I agree. I do not like any of his hospital experiences. He needs to stay out of the hospital. He gets blamed and the family is not welcome.

[@kylerford5522]

I did a sandpaper taper to get off the last of mine. You run sandpaper a certain number of times over a pill so you’re decreasing a tiny amount each day. Another way that’s possible is with a really sensitive scale and you grind up the pill and decrease by milligrams. Getting off the last amount is really hard. There are definitely a lot of side effects. This helped me to avoid drastic drops.

[@gracegrace1896]

Yep. A 1/3 drop is a lot. The lower you go the less of a reduction should be taken.

[@felicitythomson3397]

good idea. I've never heard of the expression.

[@louisehogg8472]

When I was put on benzodiazepines and they had the opposite effect to the intended, and were VERY strongly addictive, I tapered down by keeping timings the same but reducing dose by 10% every 3 days. I did this by putting the pill in tinfoil, hitting with a hammer, then spreading the powder flat and 'cutting' away about 10% with the back edge of a knife. I didn't waste any, but kept the 10% in the foil and used it with the appropriate % of the next day's pill. Seemed to work, thankfully. Got me off them in about 3 weeks, whereas I couldn't cope with missing even one pill at the start of that.

[@franny5295]

That's actually a really good idea. I was on really high doses of morphine for several months. I got lucky. I responded well to a treatment and didn't feel like I needed to continue the pain medicine. My pain specialist said I couldn't just stop taking it and to see how I did over the next month. I took just enough to not have diarrhea and I ended up taking tiny fractions of little pieces and at the end of that month, I was free. No most itching and no more constipation. The sand paper thing would have been more practical. Even crushing the pills with a scale would have been more consistent. It worked but I think this is a more controlled way to deal with weaning.

[@sarahjaye4117]

@@louisehogg8472That is a good idea and I am so glad it is helping you

[@Gemtiger279]

I learned by Robert Whitaker that anti-psychotic medications block dopamine receptors. Brain compensates by creating some more. When you withdraw from medication and unblock receptors you then have oversupply of receptors. So this may result in a brain that is super sensitive to psychosis. Hopefully the brain can restabilise itself in time. Slow taper and withdrawal aids this stabilisation process.

[@lindhorstellie]

You have to take it insanely slow with withdrawal, especially on lower doses. Im so glad you of all people are speaking out on this!

[@muirgirl]

You look brighter and seem quicker. Eyes look clearer and more focused. Congratulations and well done.

[@resilientmamabear9726]

Lauren I mean this from the bottom of my heart. The reason you may have been stable at 60mg is because this was keeping your illness at bay. I hate being on an antipsychotics drug. Withdrawal is hard as you know. I would hate if you had a relapse as that means going back usually on a higher dose. You look after yourself as you seem to have a good insight. Here is too living a healthy, happy life 💖

[@MsSmokeNmirrors]

I feel like the queen of psych ned withdrawal and what you’re experience sounds super normal if not mild. Coming off of Effexor was truly a nightmare even tapering it I got the worst brain zaps every time I moved my head for over a month. I was constantly dizzy and nauseated and uncomfortable.

[@WyzgalBert]

Effexor was the worst withdrawl I ever went through. Xanax was a piece of cake in comparison.

[@nobodyimportant7804]

Effexor is the worst taper.

[@77777sadie]

​@@nobodyimportant7804Same here. An aweful drug

[@DavisonVideo]

You're doing amazing and it takes years for your body to recover from psychotropic medicine. Keep going!! I'm so so so proud of you! 😊

[@MrSharklet]

I was on an antidepressant for about a year and it took me nearly 4 years to get off of them! I had panic attacks and physical symptoms, both of which I never had before during withdrawal. Psychiatrists wouldn't accept they were due to protracted withdrawal which is now being recognised by more and more doctors.

[@Iam...---]

Frustrating when meds don't work. Latuda was amazing for me - except for the Tardive Dyskinesia. Unfortunately I'm too sensitive to all atypicals. I'm bipolar. I have to be very careful of my diet - eat healthy. Down to only Serequel and Topamax. But my life is stress free too. (As stress free as possible, lol). That is a game changer. Keep doing what you're doing. You're your own best advocate. Only you know your body. 🥰

[@user-wd7lv9yl9j]

Lauren.. YES im so glad you also talked about the Problems.. i m so so glad. I wrote about that in one of my comments on one of your videos but i deleaded it because i was afraid someone might missuse the information to harm themselfes meybe. I really really love you for that. I myself was on antipsychotics and after my secound psychosis i was diagnosen with shizophrenia and was really REALLY emotionally dependent on them. I honestly think that the medication is online treating a symptom (the symptom being chemical disbalance btw) and not the root cause of the illness. Im completly symptom Free now though after changing my life and focusing on healing and not just coping throw meds. ( if someone is reading this.. it is probably best to still take the meds while healing.. this is in no way shape or form demonasing medication. I can only speak from my own experiance)

[@katherenewedic8076]

in the private health care industry here in the u.s you're lucky to get an eight minute appointment every 6 to 9 mns, so working with a professional about anything is a real joke at best and deadly at worst.

[@natashaprice9917]

Wow!!!! I’ve been praying for you since I’ve found your channel that you would be healed.Nothing compares to your channel and your presence in the lives of all of us.its been so exciting to get to go on this journey with you!!! You’re such a boss!!! I pray you keep going and improve the face of psychiatry. Thank you for your perseverance and vulnerability.you are saving lives on KZbin at a time❤️❤️❤️

[@Gemtiger279]

I reduce my medications by 2% to 5% every 3 to 4 weeks or longer till I reach a period of stability. Reducing by a third sounds way too much. Would be for me. The principle I follow is: The longer I take to lower dose of drug and allow my brain time to restabilise itself as I withdraw from it, the greater the likelihood my brain will survive well off the drug in the long run due to being in a more stable state. Withdrawing from the drug too quickly can increase your risk for relapse when you get off the drug. By not allowing the brain time to restabilise itself as you withdraw from it. It will be in a more unstable state when you stop drug.

[@nickynisbet6247]

Hi Lauren, so pleased to hear the update. Please, please don't see it as a failure/disappointment if your meds need to go back up. The main thing is that you are feeling better and its only been a couple of months on keto. Patience is hard when MH is concerned ❤❤❤

[@amadahyrose]

It is lovely to see your progress. I am so happy for you. Continued healing wishes!

[@ohlottie]

I really appreciate your videos. Thank you for creating them and sharing your experiences. I’m so glad medically supervised keto is working great for you! Good luck with your continued efforts in tapering, especially while managing family life and kids at home during Spring break.🍀❤

[@storiesofme7260]

Your amazing thank you for doing this for people. You are really helping people.

[@sasankmouli1987]

I'm so happy that you're feeling improved capacity! I love your channel, keep up the good work, and good luck ❤

[@TheGambitBandit]

So happy for you that you've had this ketogenic breakthrough with your treatment Lauren. I've been watching your videos for many years. It must be very exciting to be able to vastly reduce your meds and feel the beneficial effects of doing so. Withdrawal is never easy (I used to be a smoker) but just remember that it will not last forever, you will move on from it and beat it. Wishing you all the best for the future and your continued treatment, I hope it continues to go well. You look very healthy and happy and it's great to see that. Take care :)

[@meganjoelyn2207]

Sorry to hear that you are feeling icky, but happy your mentally still feeling strong. Hope you feel better soon. Happy Spring Break😊

[@noreensirianni3135]

Thanks for sharing your experience because you're inspirational and a trailblazer!❤

[@keitoth9697]

I am so wildly happy for you! You are doing incredible work, and your research and explanation of your process is outstanding. Thank you thank you!

[@jenniferstone2975]

Thank you for sharing. I’m glad to hear that you are working so closely with your doctor to help and guide you on your journey. You will be teaching each other! Sending you peace and love from Laguna Beach, CA.

[@bevclark8511]

Thank you for being so open with all you are going through. I never once imagined anyone could figure out what you have. Just amazing and so encouraging.

[@TorgerVedeler]

Thank you for the update. I am still holding you in the light.

[@JohnDarwin7]

You sharing your journey and your diagnosis I hope it helps you and others. Thank you.

[@wren1114]

I'm SO happy for you!! It is so exciting! Thx for doing metabolic program & sharing this knowledge! I hope it and variations help everyone!🥰

[@doloresleyva8810]

I feel it is extremely important for those who take psychiatric medications and who have other medical conditions to never experiment with medication dosages and diet due to other medical conditions can be affected in a bad way especially like with this person's dive into a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet and diabetes and psychiatric meds are not to be played with as doing so is dangerous. If one has a true psychological diagnosis and is on psychiatric medication the medication is what treats the affliction and that is that. Tapering psychological medication just because one wants to find a miracle cure to overcome a chemical disorder or to get off meds to become feeling normal is not wise. Keeping a close relationship with treating psychological therapist and psychologists and other psychological physicians who are actively treating and prescribing the meds is what one needs to stick with. Psychological illnesses are very serious and noone should be told or encouraged to in any way go off or taper prescribed therapies.The risk is dangerous on the brain and can even cause an enormous amount of stress on the persons health. I myself take medications as prescribed and they are taken in the day and at night and their actions do their job by sometimes sedating for a reason. The brain needs to rest in order to stop symptoms and to allow the body and the rest of the persons mind to level out. Personally I do not want people to have a false sense of being "cured" by using a diet and tapering off life saving medications at least this is my opinion and I would never want to go off the medication that have saved my life for 31 years. Schizophrenia is a terrible disease and it is even worse than terrible to experience unmedicated. I myself have diabetes and mental illness and the two being treated by medication work fine for me and my general diabetic diet has controlled my blood sugar to excellent levels along with the prescribed regimen I am on. I do not in my life support tampering with the body system by using a restrictive diet in order to treat mental illness. I wish no ill to anyone who wants to do that kind of thin I just hope that they do not believe that they can cure their serious mental illness. Schizophrenia bears a heavy weight on those who experience it and it can effectively be treated by medication that the brain needs to survive all the hits that the disease throws out at us at every moment we breathe. Please use extreme caution if trying a diet and tapering off meds as there are no scientific proof that a diet can treat serious mental illness. Anything that is written is not conclusive to treat one and cure them of these mental afflictions. Sincerely,

[@argusfleibeit1165]

I agree. There is also the fact that you can lose the capacity to be stabilized again, should you need to go back on meds. My opinion is, once you find a good med regimen, stay on it unless and until it stops working. Because then you have to start again searching for the next drugs that work for you. Our brains are different, we are lucky meds work. Going off of them is a fool's errand, especially trying to depend on some fad diet.

[@HurricaneHeather]

I'm so happy this is working for you. Your tenacity with improving your health despite this malady is inspiring and uplifting. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

[@jandersson2053]

Fantastic to hear, Lauren (minus the withdrawal symptoms)! Have a lovely spring break and take extra good care of yourself.💛

[@helencreedon5546]

You are such an amazing person, Lauren. ❤

[@miotat6160]

I love your channel. Its so great that you read, Brain energy, at about the same time as me. Started planning for the medical keto diet at the same time. And now youre doing it and i can follow your journey. Paving the road while i continue planning:)

[@jenjencannon3224]

Unbelievable Lauren!!! So happy for you (tears) and soooo grateful for your commitment to this work. 💖 I see big things happening for you and because of you. Thank you!! HUG

[@user-ns9rs5mz9b]

you are so brave and I love your voice. you explain things well.. keep up the good work!

[@rhodagambler5611]

I'm so proud of you! You've worked so hard to get to this point. So happy you've found relief! You have a great support team! Another example that food is medicine

[@TheTurbocheetah]

Thank you for listening to some of our concerns and really emphasising that people doing medical keto do this in conjunction with their care team and also highlighting experiences with the diet may differ :) I'm glad the diet is working so well for you

[@LG-pv8se]

so grateful for this channel

[@timarnold6473]

Lauren I really enjoy watching all of your videos on the you tube, all of your videos I watch on the you tube is so relaxing, hope you keep posting more of your videos on the you tube, hope you enjoy the rest of your day, and be safe ♥️

[@loreenahaire5257]

I am so glad you're doing well.

[@millennialstray4215]

This is like seeing a miracle happening in real time! I pray that these ARE infact just withdrawal symptoms but also that you will give yourself SOSOSO much grace if the psychosis symptoms do return. Cheering you on!

[@Mr.Bambogea]

Great update, looking for more, hope all goes well, take care , good luck and peace

[@erikrauk]

Very happy for you! I’m also looking into the keto diet to balance my schizoaffective disorder (with the help of my psychiatrist and nutritionist), and I find your videos are very educational. Also, as a side note, you seem so much more relaxed and healthy in this video, it’s really a thousand-miles journey compared to your first videos. Keep it up! 🎉

[@lexamdelac28]

I actually love that you shared your medicine, Lauren. Thank you for sharing all your details. I've been taking olanzapine since the end of 2017 which knocked out psychosis and delusions for 99% of the time compared to no relief from other meds at least not quick enough. I'm working with my psychiatrist to taper because Nicole said maybe I haven't yet realized the full benefits of the keto diet because of the effects of the medicine I'm on. I am going down by .1mg a week (compounding pharmacy) but starting from 5mg. So far no withdrawal symptoms so maybe you can do compounding. So relatable how you want to get off the medication and I hope your withdrawal stops!!! Feel better soon and yes, push through for hopefully the best asap!

[@natas12rm]

I drank water because I was told it helped end psychosis. It worked

[@maryamusmanabubakar4560]

I am happy to be here with you all. Its less lonely going through thia with no one to relate to

[@lexamdelac28]

@@maryamusmanabubakar4560 🤗

[@EmmaSuprema888]

Best of luck to you! ❤

[@lexamdelac28]

thank you soooo much! It's needed @@EmmaSuprema888 ❤

[@user-dh1fr3oq4k]

Good for you Lauren I'm so proud of you, you give me hope❤❤

[@ivacheung792]

I'm so happy for you that you have such a supportive psychiatrist.

[@loricat5606]

Thank you for sharing! This is really important information.

[@chrissy24-7]

Praying that this success continues! ❤

[@loriedmonds1364]

Because of your self awareness., your vision are so educational! Im a retired psych nurse and I wish this was an option for my pts when I worked.

[@rosebuddud0307]

Amazing Lauren that you are coping so well considering the effects of withdrawal. I went through that recently during a hospital admission where I was in the ER for the weekend for medical reasons and they wouldn't allow me any of my psychiatric medications until Monday after the pharmacist came in a okayed the meds. It was ridiculous. I was there from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning at 11 without any psychiatric meds. I had the worst headache of my life and, of course, nausea . It made my physical health seem worse than it was. And they kept me for another 3 days after that. I didn't home until Wednesday. I did have some serious medical issues. But I don't think it was right to deny me my meds. They were giving me my diabetes meds. I don't get it. It's like the hospital doesn't know anything about withdrawal. It's a real thing. Do doctors not know about this? Otherwise, you'd think we'd be warned when starting psychiatric meds that there are withdrawal issues. I am not sure that doctors are aware. If they are, they aren't aware of the severity. Or they'd make sure people get their meds when in the ER. I sincerely wish you all the best with the metabolic therapies. If I were younger, I'd give it a shot. At my age, it's too drastic, a change, and too much for my energy level. I couldn't cook to that extent. I think you and your family are so awesome. What a wonderful bunch you are. I wish you every success.

[@YeIsCorrect]

i managed heal without pharmaceutical meds or professionals, so im glad to hear you're trying to wean. no shame in taking what you need, but it is difficult seeing people who've been though similar things to us be so sedated. makes me wish there was another way, and i applaud you for taking a risk in that direction. i think it can feel a bit weird sharing our anecdotal experience because its so clear we all experience this differently, but there's something we can all share, and it's the fact we need to help ourselves. you documenting yourself doing exactly that is a great thing. thanks for sharing.

[@lolaquack]

I'm so glad that you are doing so well on this new diet and medication decrease. Withdrawal symptoms stink. When I went off of Celexa when I wanted to get pregnant, it was really hard because I felt so sick. Anyway, wishing you all the best on this journey.

[@sassysequence]

If you have to go back up, you could try tapering more slowly to mitigate withdrawal symptoms … like go down to 55, to 50, to 45… there are lots of ways to do it. But 20 mg seems like a big jump. It’s so hard getting off meds

[@jenwalker9391]

I have learned that the nervous system is literally completely rewired by psych drugs. From years of personal experience and hearing the experiences of many, many others-a super slow individualized taper often over a period of YEARS is the only way to successfully break free.

[@DarVilZ]

Thank you for sharing, stay strong.

[@MicaelladeAlencar]

Your skin is glowing....u are so fit....so happy for u ....and decided to adopt this diet and have amazing results....

[@Chris-farmer]

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your journey with mental health! my mom is dignosed with schizophrenia and bipolar. I myself have been dignosed with depression and anxiety disorder at 34. my mom and I never lived together but I can kinda get an insight to her mental struggles by research and other people who have it. wishing you the brightest days! ❤

[@healforreal9566]

Wow!! This is sooo cool, how food can increase psychological wellbeing. I'm soo happy for you that this works so well for you!! =) Thanx you for sharing your schizophrenia journey and helping others manage and heal. I think you do a very important thing to the world posting about this. 💕

[@rainydayhype]

your videos have really helped me. thank you!

[@corkycobon1481]

I had commented on one of your keto updates videos that I wanted to see if doing keto would help with my depression disorder. I did not start medical keto but I did make a MASSIVE change in my diet by just eating more veggies and fruits. Making this simple change to my diet has alleviated some of my more onerous symptoms and gotten rid of some of the lesser ones. I have gained a little weight due to the carbs I take(3lbs) but nothing that I feel uncomfortable with or made me go out and buy larger clothes. That said, watching your videos on this and my experience with just eating better has really given me hope that I can seriously reduce my meds. I doubt that I can completely go off meds but if I can reduce the amounts of some and eliminate others, then I will see it as a complete victory. Thank you so very much for sharing your journey with mental health and nutrition. This has been truly the light in the tunnel I needed. Your honesty and your willingness to put it all out there has been a tremendous gift and a source of comfort at times. Even though I don't struggle with the same types of mental health issues that you do, mental health struggles are struggles none the less. Finding the right meds that work, dealing with over medication or under medication, the cost associated with treating mental health, the social aspects of navigating mental health, ect. By you sharing your life and your brain with us, I truly have hope, for the first time in 40 plus years, that I can have a life that I want and that is MASSIVE. Thank you!!!

[@metalwarrior6657]

Thank you Lauren. your videos pushed me to go keto for the 3rd time and it is already helping a lot. Last year I started eating fruit (because I grow a lot of it) and it went really bad. So this time I might want to stick to keto indefinitely. Wish you all the best.

[@adriennewilson2057]

God Bless you! I've been watching you for a long time. What you are doing for this community is huge. Keep being vocal. Keep talking and sharing. This is an underserved community that gets drugs thrown at it, and very little empathy, compassion or good care. The pharmaceutical companies have this community in chains. God is working through you. ❤

[@candice7727]

Hi Lauren! Love how you are speaking out about your experience with withdrawal from your psychiatric meds. I found this article, interviewing Anders Soreson, a clinical psychologist whose research looks at tapering approaches that can be used to lessen withdrawal or make it more tolerable. Approaches that many of our psychiatrists may not be aware of. SUPER interesting read!! Good luck girl and all the love and light your way!! ❤❤

[@candice7727]

Correction in Anders last name. Sørensen.

[@Jabafish]

I'm sorry that you experience discomfort, but I believe that you will get thru this easily. You have an amazing husband and psychiatrist that can always help you get back on track! ❤

[@arabellathornton9386]

Lauren your so clever thanks for all the advice

[@Checker222]

Great video- you have made the situation very clear: this is wiring (thus far), for you, but may not work the same for others. Excellent If anyone misinterprets your stance on this- it’s with willful ignorance or malice. Keep on your path, continuing to navigate it with truth and bravery :)

[@violiendamast]

Very exciting to hear ❤

[@DroDro3]

im just happy you're doing better now

[@bluejay5531]

Dear Lauren I am so happy this is working so well for you and fully supportive of your journey, sending you much Love and Light, also in this difficult phase of transition with the meds, maybe my uncalled for suggestion would be to take more time before you taper off more, if you can, it's not a race right? your body needs its own time to process all the changes. As for me, I stopped trying with keto for the major depression, it really was not working for me, in spite of doing it to a T for months. But I am still off starchy carbs and grains etc. Just eating more intuitively for what feels right with my body, which for me is more healthy low glycemic veggies, and proteins and doing intermittent fasting. Still going to keep learnina about it, of course follow your journey, keep exploring and experimenting but changing route yet again I think it is SO important to net get trapped into some kind of fanatism of any kind of eating/health regimen, our bodies are different, age, story, possible disease issues, etc. it really is not one size fits all. Wishing wholesome healing to you, your family and to all who follow.

[@sophieheptinstall-bolton7994]

Pushing through was the best thing I ever did, I was on and off my meds from the age of 16 I'm now 38 and have been free for about 2 years. I remember the awful withdrawal feelings and feeling as though my brain was getting these mini electric shocks. It was tough going but I got there. It took months!! Hang in there xx

[@Bipolarafterpsychosis]

Thank you Lauren for sharing your story. I am Bipolar and I am looking into taking a more holistic route with my mental illness with the aid of my care team. You bring up a great point about how the medicine can cause psychosis to reappear if you go off of it. Kinda wild, really thankful that you are opening up this dialogue.

[@TheSapphireLeo]

Probably because repression can also make it all flood to the surface and if not acccepting your emotions?

[@uditakhare8723]

More power to you❤

[@reinerschafer1708]

I'm happy for you. Don't dismiss the idea of tapering off very slowly. That may involve a compound pharmacy. Better slow and steady than tipping the cart by trying to go too fast. I wish you the best of luck and more importantly, the best of health.

[@77777sadie]

What is a compound pharmacy please?

[@reinerschafer1708]

@@77777sadie a compound pharmacy can make non-standard doses of medications accurately. For instance, if you want to take 1/10th the dose found in a tablet, it's very difficult to cut that tablet into exactly 1/10th size pieces but a compound pharmacy can take that medication and divide it accurately into the appropriate dose.

[@user-ff2gx8fy4e]

IT IS BRILLIANT WHAT YOU ARE DOING LAUREN - I WISH YOU SUCCESS AND A GOOD LIFE - AND I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO SHARE NOT JUST THIS JOURNEY BUT THE YEARS BEFORE WITH US 💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💯💯

[@sherrinewman8642]

Agreed. Such Stigma and unawareness. Understood, we don’t know what we don’t know. Someone Very Dear to me experiences this illness and I’m praying for healing and answers. The mind is so powerful. They are not on meds and wanting to find a way out of it without meds. Many prayers for your blessings! This is amazing. Can you tell me what your diet daily looks like. This person won’t eat meat, or fish. 💔🙏🏻praying for healing and help. I’m so happy for you! Thank you for sharing it means so much and helps me see into what I don’t know my loved one experiences.

[@Lucas-uu5em]

Best of luck to you, thank u for sharing

[@stephpolka]

I'm so happy for you Lauren!! I hope you will discuss if you take any other medications for your schizoaffective. I know you did a video a while back about taking 8 pills a day and wonder if you take anything else besides Latuda. Thank you!!

[@carrief6119]

Lauren, it is so good to hear you are having success with Keto and can taper meds 👏💯 . We are about to start the process with our son. A good resource for a tapering plan for antipsychotic medications to prevent relapse is Dr Mark Horowitz, a clinical researcher.

[@bephoebe]

I am so happy for you!!

[@Hithere-dc2qx]

I'm thoroughly annoyed with the inpatient psychiatrist who only informed me that I might put on some weight upon prescribing abilify . I'm happy to see you are having these thoughts about psychiatry and every time I see your videos I want to give you a big hug, and I don't think psychiatry has helped you in the long run. Watching Daniel Macklers videos has helped me. I'm trying to avoid even thinking about my prior psychosis, and am trying to simply let it be a thing of the past

[@enjoyyourlife279]

Thanks for sharing - I am sharing this with my nephew who is a psychiatrist. I shared your other videos with him as well (and others by Dr. Palmer, metabolic Mind, Hannah Warren). Yes, get some advice and take it slowly. Lauren, many of us are roting for you and wish you the very best. You will find your way. Love.

[@craiglatta6378]

How accepting is your nephew to this I am finding it frustrating that most medical professionals don’t seem interested 😢

[@silverc4s146]

Sening love your way Lauren. You are the bravest person I know.

[@tylerwickett4592]

I've experienced many of the same withdrawal symptoms you described when trying to get off anti-depressants, thanks for sharing.

[@VerasPlanet]

So glad to hear keto is helping! Hang in there and hope you can enjoy a healthy, peaceful and medication-free life soon enough!

[@AusNetFan13]

Lauren, you amaze me. I'm learning a lot from you. Yes, certain foods are good brain foods. Time is the best element for tapering off from meds. It'll take time. I'm on your side. Lauren, much 🤗 from me to you and Rob. Please be careful.

[@melanytodd2929]

This is SO helpful ❣ A million thanks, from South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤ 🙏🙏🙏

[@80islandia]

Thanks for the update, Lauren! Might I suggest to continue drinking coffee for the time being; caffeine withdrawals for me were worse than those from antipsychotics and antidepressants. Glad you are doing well and keep soldiering through :) You got this! ❤

[@selvatica979]

Thank you for sharing 💖

[@RosalindCosta-vj1zq]

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for this illuminating video. I really appreciate you sharing the specific medication you have been taking, and the effects of reducing thereof. It is my personal feeling that when I was reduced off risperidone previously, it was done too quickly, and I, like you experienced withdrawal symptoms, that eventually led to further psychosis (similarly to how you illustrated it). When I was last hospitalised, I was put on a (high) dose of Aripiprazole (30 mg), (it seems that the medics hit you with high doses of medication when you present to the hospital with psychosis). In meeting with my psychiatrist since being discharged, my dose has been gradually reduced by 5 mg intervals every eight months (in keeping with my wish to feel less sedated and "over-medicated"), with the target of reaching a dose of 10 mg per day. (Apparently, the minimum therapeutic dose). At this slow pace, I have not (so far) experienced any of the withdrawal symptoms you describe. I would love to come off the psychiatric medications altogether, and whilst I am very impressed by your improvements and progress thanks to the Ketogenic diet you have embarked on, I feel reluctant to embark on such a course of action. Having said this, I feel delighted for you that the risks you took with this Keto experiment have paid such positive dividends in your case! Good for you! Wishing you every happiness during the Spring Break.

[@smd2000]

I am happy it is working for you. ❤

[@lizziepavlakou4440]

I’m so happy for you Lauren,Glory to God thankyou for sharing this video with everyone.My mother suffered all her life with this illness ,thank God for the internet .I wish you good health and strong faith for you and your family also.One last thing did you know the B vitamin niacin is highly effective for mental illness.God bless you and your family.

[@crazyclinically828]

This was a really great video! I have schizophrenia and I'm wanting to lower my meds and be on the least medication possible. I have been on 600 mg of seroquel for nearly 4 years and I'm ready to lower. It's really hard whenyour brain is so dependent on these meds. I wish you the best! God bless ❤

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

Wow... When I've ever been on low meds I'm always told those small doses are generally ineffective your doing so well... I was sceptical but I'm struggling being 44 and unable to work full time through anxiety which turns psychotic quickly... My volunteer job is 4 hours and when it gets too physical watch out I break... Anyway I have a book on keto (hopefully a how to) I might read it sooner rather than later... Thanks for doing this and brave...

[@jeremy454]

Good work, keep on improving!

[@user-rn4fw3tx2s]

I’m a pretty big guy, and take fairly strong doses of my meds. But it finally worked for me. But I have to say if your regime is working I’m very happy for you.