Hi, I'm Diana D.

April 30, 2026··

I have been prescribed over 80 psychiatric medicines for 30 years. Although I was able to withdraw from them in 2024, I still experience some horrible side effects like Derealization, brain fog, bouts of severe depression and am attempting to recover from the “treatment”.

5 Replies

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CatinaApr 30

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Diana D., and welcome to Taper Community! My goodness, that's quite a history you have. The fact you were able to get off everything is incredible. It's no wonder that you're still experiencing some difficult symptoms as your brain slowly adjusts. Do your symptoms happen in waves, or are they pretty much the same all the time? Have you seen any improvement? Recovery can be very slow, but time and patience are the best healers there are. Here are some helpful links for you: https://taper.community/thread/caf83dd4-7885-4001-acbb-86c31f93d61c https://taper.community/resources/blog/depersonalization-during-withdrawal https://taper.community/thread/000107b8-389c-46af-8608-84de56432dbb https://taper.community/thread/c981af8f-22d3-43c0-8342-11303c5a442c As you heal, treat your body well and with gentle care. You can search the Symptoms & Self-Care section for tips and advice. Also, have a look at the Metabolic Health section about diet. We're glad to have you here. Congrats for becoming drug-free! Let us know how best we can help. 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.

Diana D.Apr 30

Welcomer

Thank you so much for the lovely welcome! I would say the symptoms come in waves, especially when I experience more stress. I have seen improvement and I will tell you that the bouts of depression do not last as long as when I was on the psych meds. But my most difficult issues: Derealization, and severe PTSD as well as memory issues and brain fog. It is so ironic that I’m doing far better without these meds, but you’re right after all that time on these meds, it is understandable I would still have issues.

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CatinaApr 30

Community AnchorEffexor

"I would say the symptoms come in waves, especially when I experience more stress. I have seen improvement and I will tell you that the bouts of depression do not last as long as when I was on the psych meds." — @Diana D.

Okay, that makes sense. Stress is one of the biggest hurdles during withdrawal; it always increases symptoms. I hope you're able to keep things as low-stress as possible. I know that's easier said than done sometimes though! We just do the best we can. I'm SO glad you're doing better without being on all those drugs. They don't "fix" an imbalance in the brain, they CREATE imbalances. Continue to be kind, compassionate, and gentle with yourself as you recover. There are some things to avoid or use with caution during withdrawal, so I'll link that document below: https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c Keep up the great work! I think other people will be encouraged by your experience. 🙂

Diana D.May 25

Welcomer

Thank you so much for the encouragement! And yes, mostly I keep my life stress-free. I do still have some side effects even though I have been off of all psych meds since September 2024. But I’m finding that they are lessening. And I feel more like myself the longer I am off of them.

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CatinaMay 25

Community AnchorEffexor

"But I’m finding that they are lessening. And I feel more like myself the longer I am off of them." — @Diana D.

So happy to hear that you are continuing to recover. Your experience will be encouraging to fellow members! It's important for people to know they can get off and heal.

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