Hello forum members. I have a question about psychiatric medication which I was wrongly prescribed.

Firstly, I suffer from Chronic Lyme Disease. For those who don't know it is a quite serious bacterial infection that causes profound physical fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, and depression and derealization. However, as I have just learned recently, the physical and psychological aspects of the disease are completely due to the bacteria infection of the brain and body, and will disappear completely once treated with antibiotics, which I am now taking regularly. I was unfortunately only diagnosed properly 3 months ago, after having suffered 5 years of debilitating physical illness.

Ok, so my problem is this:

Before I was diagnosed, I was suffering the severe psychological effects of this physical illness (Lyme), but I did not know what I had and whether it was real or not. I went (a decision I now regret) to see a psychiatrist to see if they could help me with the psychological side of things. After explaining everything, I was "diagnosed" (mis-diagnosed), with depression and somatic symptom disorder. All along I knew I had a physical illness anyway which was causing things, but had no idea it was affecting my mind too, as the bacteria burrows into the brain causing psychological symptoms. I unfortunately trusted the psych diagnosis. I was given a combination of Cymbalta for depression and Respiradone 0.5mg for anxiety related to my apparent somatic symptoms.

It is the worst decision I have ever made in my life and I am only 18. Ever since taking the Respiradone, I have felt permanently emotionally disconnected, numb, void of any real feeling, and my libido has decreased, even though I have been off of it for 3 months now. I gradually came off of it, when I got my Lyme diagnosis and realized I actually did not have a mental illness. I have been to see my friends recently and I'm not the same person since before taking it. I've lost my sense of humor, I can't seem to interpret others emotions the same anymore, and I just feel completely numbed out and horrible. I feel dead inside. I am very annoyed I was given such a strong drug which is used for schizophrenia, a diagnosis which I am nowhere even close to.

My question is do these side effects of Respiradone wear off? Or are they life long and permanent? I've heard stories saying that it's a very strong anti-psychotic that can do permanent brain damage, and I seem to be experiencing this myself. I have never felt the same and the drug should be completely out of my system by now. I took it in combination with Cymbalta for around 4-6 weeks tops. I have also read that Risperidone is known for its permanent or rather irreversible blockage of the 5-HT7 receptor. That sounds frightening to me, although I do not understand the science.

Would anyone happen to have an answer? I do not want to be a zombie forever, especially after the already nasty ordeal of Lyme disease. Before answering, also note that I will not be involved in any argument with someone about the legitimacy of my physical condition. It is real, blood work has shown. I am only inquiring about the medication.

Thanks in advance