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Brooke Siem
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May Cause Side Effects: A Memoir Hardcover – September 6, 2022

by Brooke Siem (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 127 ratings
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2023 Best Indie Book Award Winner, Memoir

An unforgettable memoir about the turmoil of antidepressant withdrawal and the work it takes to unravel the stories we tell ourselves to rationalize our suffering. 

Brooke Siem was among the first generation of minors to be prescribed antidepressants. Initially diagnosed and treated in the wake of her father’s sudden death, this psychiatric intervention sent a message that something was pathologically wrong with her and that the only “fix” was medication. As a teenager, she stepped into the hazy world of antidepressants just at the time when she was forming the foundation of her identity. For the following fifteen years, every situation she faced was seen through the lens of brokenness.

 A decade and a half later, still on the same cocktail of drugs, Brooke found herself hanging halfway out her Manhattan high-rise window, calculating the time it would take to hit the ground. As she looked for breaks in the pedestrian traffic patterns, a thought dawned on her: “I’ve spent half my life—and my entire adult life—on antidepressants. Who might I be without them?”

 Unfurled against a global backdrop, May Cause Side Effects is the gripping story of what happened when, after fifteen years and 32,760 pills, Brooke was faced with a profound choice that plunged her into a year of excruciating antidepressant withdrawal and forced her to rebuild her entire life.

 An illuminating memoir for those who take, prescribe, or are considering psychiatric drugs, May Cause Side Effects is an honest reminder that the road to true happiness is not mapped on a prescription pad. Instead, Brooke’s story reveals the messy reality of how healing begins at the bottomless depth of our suffering, in the deep self-work that pushes us to the edges of who we are.  

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Central Recovery Press
  4. Publication date
    September 6, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1949481700
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1949481709
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

About May Cause Side Effects: A Memoir by Brooke Siem
Praise from Johann Hari for May Cause Side Effects: A Memoir by Brooke Siem
Author Brooke Siem

May Cause Side Effects Q&A with Brooke Siem

How would you describe your book?

At first glance, May Cause Side Effects is a first-person account of my experience with antidepressant withdrawal. Looking deeper, it is a book about taking control. So many of us live our lives at the hands of other people.

Who is your target audience?

Patients need to know that they’re not alone and this book can be a source of hope. May Cause Side Effects can give prescribers insight, increase empathy, and help stop misdiagnosis. I also hope this book helps parents facing the decision to medicate their children, if only to give them a glimpse of one possible future.

How does your book address recovery?

My book frames recovery as a visceral, chaotic journey. Withdrawal comes on suddenly, but recovery is slow. If people can embrace withdrawal as a teacher, it will lead them to the wounded parts of themselves, creating a map of exactly where the work needs to be done. In my opinion, it is the most rewarding work someone can do.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Siem's remembrance is as powerfully affecting as it is thoughtful. She combines a courageously confessional forthrightness with an impressive intellectual appraisal."—Kirkus Reviews

“This is a heart-rending and tender memoir that will start conversations we urgently need to have. It’s moving and important.”—Johann Hari, author of New York Times bestseller Chasing the Scream and international bestseller Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression—and the Unexpected Solutions

"May Cause Side Effects made me weep. It grabs you from the first page and won’t let go. Brooke’s depiction of the fragility and strength of the psyche goes straight to the gut, all at once cutting, wicked, and wise.”—Laura Munson, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Haven Writing Retreats

“Brooke gives voice to a generation of young people medicated unnecessarily for grief and loss. But she is not cowered, and her bravery is an inspiration to all who would like to live more authentically. Hopefully others will learn from her experience to separate themselves from the withdrawal effects caused by coming off antidepressants, and to find a life beyond.”—Mark Horowitz, MBBS, PhD, Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry at University College London and the National Health Service, England

“A gripping story that inspires us all to go back and find the parts of ourselves we lost along the way—to finally, joyfully become who we really are.”—Amy B. Scher, bestselling author of This Is How I Save My Life

About the Author

Brooke Siem is a writer and award-winning chef whose work and story has appeared in the Washington Post, Psychology Today, EatingWell magazine, and more. She is a Food Network Chopped Champion and was named one of Zagat’s 30 Under 30. She is also the creator of “Happiness is a Skill,” a newsletter devoted to antidepressant withdrawal education, safe de-prescribing, and the practice of creating happiness. When she’s not writing or cooking, she can be found in Nevada, lounging in the desert sun with her rescue mutt, Bellaroo. 

Say hi at www.brookesiem.com, @brookesiem

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Central Recovery Press (September 6, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1949481700
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1949481709
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.76 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 127 ratings

About the author

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Brooke Siem

Brooke Siem

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Hi! I'm Brooke Siem. Like so many in my generation, I am a "career slasher." That is, I am part of a modern tribe of professionals who, thanks to varied interests and the emergence of the gig economy, work multiple jobs (and write books) in wildly different sectors.

I am a writer/chef. My second book—a memoir called MAY CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS—is about antidepressant withdrawal, a very real and common experience largely ignored by the mental health and psychiatric community. I wrote the book because it's the story I wish I'd had while I was going through hell. In the end, getting off antidepressants, surviving psychiatric drug withdrawal, and recovering from depression has been the greatest gift of my life. I hope my story can bring hope to others.

I'm also the co-author of Prohibition Bakery, a cookbook based on my (now closed) boozy bakery in New York City.

In addition to my writing, I'm a Food Network "Chopped" Champion (Season 32, episode 6, available on Hulu), a 2014 Zagat 30 Under 30 honoree, hold a degree from Middlebury College and the Institute of Culinary Education, and have written for The Washington Post, EatingWell Magazine, and more.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
127 global ratings
Fantastic Read for Everyone
5 Stars
Fantastic Read for Everyone
It was so good I bought copies for all my friends! This book is for everyone and gives a detailed view on the first hand effects of antidepressants. Whether you, a loved one, a friend or someone you know has taken antidepressants or not it is good to understand how it impacts the mind and body. Brooke does a wonderful job sharing her story and what she went through as she was put on the antidepressants, how her life was while taking them and then her journey finally getting off of them. Thanks for sharing Brooke!
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Top reviews from the United States

Emily Pearson
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
Besides it being beautifully written, this book made me feel less alone with my journey coming off antidepressants. Everything in this book was so relatable. It’s given me hope to keep pushing on and stay off the meds. Thank you Brooke.
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Andrea Drummond
5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Memoir
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2022
Verified Purchase
What would you do if you suddenly found yourself contemplating suicide after spending half of your life on antidepressants? Brooke Siem paused and pondered and wondered who she would have been without the medication, then she sought to find out. She takes us on her harrowing journey of withdrawal and vulnerability, uncertainty and fear… and it turns out to be one of courage, steadfastness, determination. How many times did she think about giving up, giving in, letting the medication take her back to a place where she didn’t have to face herself? Yet she kept on and showed us that healing is possible. Finding comfort with yourself is possible. Facing your demands can be terrifying but you can conquer and manage them.

The book itself is very well written. I love her use of imagery, yet her language is accessible to anyone who wants to read a good memoir, or is searching for guidance or answers, or simply hope. As a mother of an 11-year-old I found myself relating a lot to her mother, thinking about how it must be to watch your child go through such a thing. I feel that, having read this, it has given me tools to deal with future problems my daughter might have and how to deal with them. Medication for teens is a very serious thing, and this book also helps bring awareness to this issue. If we have the option to medicate a teen we need to do a lot of research, a lot of soul searching. I pray to God my daughter never needs antidepressants but if anything happens, this book and the lessons therein will help me. I think you know you’ve written a good book when a mom says she’ll use it to help raise her kid! 😄

Thank you, Brooke, for letting us into your life and your experience. I believe it’s going to help a lot of people. We will never know who you would have been without the medications but this is who you are now and I, for one, am grateful.
6 people found this helpful
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Kristina DiPalo
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, challenging and triumphant memoir
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
Brooke Siem's searing, honest portrayal of her life on - and eventually off - psychotropic medications is a bold call for systemic reexamination of our reliance on these powerful and oft-prescribed drugs. Her honesty is courageous as she takes the reader through her darkest days, laying bare her truth behind depression, loss and ultimate reacquaintance with the joy of being alive. This is not an easy read. It is, though, an important and necessary one. Brooke's moving and beautifully wrought memoir should be read as both one woman's extraordinary story and a challenge to how we serve those dealing with mental pain, depression and anxiety.
One person found this helpful
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Mary Munteh
5.0 out of 5 stars A Clinical Psychologist couldn't put this book down
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
I haven't read a book from cover to cover in a while but read this one in two sittings. That is how captivating Brooke Siem in her story telling. She does much more than share her experience going through the side effects of the psychotropic medications she took for a good part of her life. She raises important questions and tells stories that allow you to see yourself and your human journey from new perspectives or just feel that she and the people in her stories both the living and dead are companions you can trust. I laughed, cried, and felt my heart melt and learned so much about withdrawal symptoms that I was vaguely aware of from seeing my clients go through some of them. But had no idea the depth and breath that was possible until I read this book. Everyone can benefit from listening to Brooke speak from her heart to yours. I want to see it turned into a movie! I couldn't help but see the scenes play out on a movie screen and I'm a zero, nada movie person. The bonus gift was repeating the compassion statements Alan used during her treatment was having good effects on me in ways I didn't expect. Someone in the reviews earlier warned and I repeat, don't say no one told you, "you might not be able to put this book down." Enjoy!
6 people found this helpful
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Nate Wapner
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Account of Antidepressant Withdrawal and Inspiration for those Facing a Medication Taper
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
I've experienced antidepressant withdrawal three times before in my life, and Brooke's book is a wonderful account that helps put into words the feelings that accompany the struggle of antidepressant tapering and withdrawal that are virtually never covered by doctors. This book has helped me understand that withdrawal can sometimes take years, and has helped inspire me to begin a final taper to get off of the medication once and for all, after taking Lexapro for 15 years.

I purchased a second copy of the book for my parents to help them understand the struggle that many people working through antidepressant tapering and withdrawal face.

I recommend this book for anyone who takes antidepressants, or has a loved one who takes them (so pretty much most of the population).

Thank you, Brooke, for writing this book and for sharing your story with the world, and for giving hope to others that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
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Rick R Mayo
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking Memoir ❤️
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
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A Life story - well written, thought provoking and appreciated.
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Mike Brouwers
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2022
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What a great memoir by Brooke! It was a great read through her experience getting off anti depressants and finding herself and her life balance again. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. It shows that you’ll never have a clue what other people are going through and what their situation is, you only see a glimpse of their journey. It’s written amazingly well and I cannot recommend you read this book more! It’s highlighting an important topic that we need to have more awareness about. Healing as a person is the goal, suppressing emotions through anti depressants should not be taken lightly and followed up continuously. Thank you Brooke for sharing your story!
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Top reviews from other countries

Monique G.
5.0 out of 5 stars “Pain is pain is pain”
Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
Brooke has so eloquently painted with her words the horrific experience of antidepressant withdrawal and the toll it takes on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. But most importantly of all, she offers those going through the same experience or those supporting loved ones through this experience, something even more beautiful than understanding, she offers hope that healing is possible.
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Eric Kuelker
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating journey from medicated to genuinely alive.
Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
Ms Siem takes us on a brutally honest journey of coming off her pills, which kept her numb, after realizing she was still suicidal on them. The withdrawal effects were wrenching and horrifying, and she lets us know the details. Along the way, different characters provide parts of her healing, from her irascible dog, to her mother, to Alan, a therapist who she only interacts with over the phone.
I found the book fascinating. It opened up many issues around her emotional wounds, psychiatry, spirituality, and human connection. Brooke writes well, with interesting imagery, and she kept the action moving. I read it instead of working, I read it between my clients, (I am a psychologist), I read it until bedtime. If you find yourself pulled into it non-stop, don't say I did not warn you.
One person found this helpful
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Veronica
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend
Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
Great book finding a forever home on my shelf to be read time and time again. This book helped me get off the drugs and feel again. I highly recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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