L
1 posts
Hi, I am Lucette and I have now been off all psychiatric medication for just over 6 months, but I still battle with withdrawals.
March 24, 2026··
I started taking psych medications over 37 years ago. I did not have a single day without medication until last September. I am no longer able to remember which drugs I have been given or in what quantity. At times in hospital I was on huge amounts. I feel better in so many ways for coming off these drugs, even though I struggle with withdrawals. But I am battling this alone, my doctor knows nothing about withdrawals. I want to learn more and share my experiences to help others.
4 Replies
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Catina5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Welcome @Lucette Davies! We're happy to have you here. What a long history you have with being on psych drugs. It's very similar to mine. Congratulations for being able to get off! Anyone who does this is automatically one of my heroes. 😍
I'm sorry you're continuing to deal with withdrawal effects. Since you've been on these drugs for so long, it might take some time for your brain to find homeostasis again. What symptoms are you experiencing, and how best can we help you?
Catina ❤️
Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg
“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”
Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.
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Community AnchorEffexor
Hi Lucette! Thanks for joining us, thank you for sharing. Congrats on getting off meds! A huge step. Sorry to hear about your doctor. Its tough to find someone who understands. Ive DM’ed you
Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.
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Community AnchorEffexor · active
Congrats for being able to get off, still battling withdrawls is indeed not uncommon after being on them for so long. I know it‘s often hard to talk to your doctor about this decision.
You can tell us about how you‘re feeling, symptoms and just having someone to vent to! The fact you are off for already six monts without having to reinstate could be a good sign of resilience, but you have to be careful for protracted withdrawls.
It might be smart to use the mood calendar here.
Much success and strength on your way!
off Stimulants (2000-2013)
off Fluoxetine (2010-2013)
off Lamotrigine (2013-2016)
off Quetiapain (2016-2020)
currently Effexor — 33mg — 13 years (from 300mg) — actively tapering | with clinician
Community Anchor
Welcome to our community, Lucette 😊 so happy to have you here.
Kudos and congrats to you for 6 months off the psych drugs after 37 years. That’s quite an accomplishment!
It could be a while before the withdrawal suffering will resolve itself. Being on the drugs for so long takes a while before they’re completely out of your system.
I say that as I was on psych drugs for over 29 years and have been free of them for 7 years. It was a couple of years before my system settled down. That doesn’t mean that’s your case, there’s lots of hope you’ll be through it sooner.
Let us know how we can help you through this process 😊
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