UK radio presenter and DJ Ryan Swain has revealed that he was left unable to move or speak after his body 'shut down' following a routine increase in the dosage of prescribed medication. The 36-year-old, who hosts a local radio show on Minster FM in Yorkshire, described the ordeal as 'life-threatening' after his body reacted severely to Duloxetine, a medication prescribed to manage motor tics associated with Tourette's Syndrome.
Sudden Onset of Symptoms
Swain began experiencing adverse effects in early April, including profuse sweating, zoning out, and severe muscle tension. After consulting his GP, it was suspected he might be suffering from Serotonin Syndrome or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, both potentially life-threatening conditions. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to seizure-like episodes, chronic pain, and an inability to speak.
He told Creator Zine: 'My body felt like it was shutting down and I had no control over my muscles or my responses. It was within a short period after starting the medication, particularly following an increase from 30mg to 60mg, that I began to notice symptoms developing. My condition deteriorated rapidly and became life-threatening in a very short space of time.'
Hospitalisation and Treatment
Swain was rushed to hospital, where he remained for five days. During this time, he underwent a battery of tests administered by specialist teams, including neurologists and mental health professionals. He praised the medical staff for their 'dedicated and supportive' care, noting that the teams were 'learning in real time' as they worked to understand his condition. However, he also highlighted how little is understood about adverse reactions to medications.
Ongoing Effects and Awareness Campaign
Following his discharge, Swain continues to experience mobility issues, with simple tasks feeling overwhelming. He described his emotions as 'all over the place', his movement as 'slow and painful', and noted problems with memory and coordination. He called the experience 'traumatic'.
Swain, who already campaigns for awareness around mental health and ADHD, now aims to raise awareness about the potential dangers of prescribed medication when not fully understood by the individual taking it, and the risks of mixing medications. He emphasised that reactions can occur even when medication is prescribed correctly, and stressed the importance of recognising warning signs.
