On Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, a gorgeous late summer day in Wisconsin, Dale Niggemann came home and saw a note left on the door by Maggie Stern, 55, his best friend and partner for the past five years.
The note said, “Call 911.” First responders arrived at their home and discovered Ms. Stern’s body.
“She said she was in a lot of pain all the time,” said Mr. Niggemann, 57, who was at Ms. Stern’s side as she struggled with the adverse effects of an antidepressant—and painful withdrawal symptoms each time she tried to wean off them.
“She suffered from migraine headaches, tremors, burning pain sensations in her nerves, and dark thoughts about demons and hell.” Mr. Niggemann said Maggie knew she had everything to live for, but the pain, caused by the effects of the medication, was too intense. “Her teeth were grinding down, her toes were curled. That is what these antidepressants do.”...
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