Tapering: other

researching

7 posts

Uas

Hi, I'm Jansol

September 1, 2026··

I have been struggling with the effects of protracted withdrawal for the past seven months, and sometimes I feel like I will never get out of this. Between the depression and the neurological symptoms, it has become so difficult to see beyond what I am feeling right now. I’m dealing with depression, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and a burning sensation in my head. I’m not looking for someone to fix me or give me medical advice. I just need someone who understands this experience and can help me see beyond the symptoms. I need to hear that this will pass. I need to know that there is hope and that recovery is possible. I just need some guidance on what I can do to get through this and keep going.

other — researching taper

10 Replies

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BasedStaff17d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hey Jansol, seven months of protracted withdrawal is a long, hard road and the burning head sensation is one of the scarier ones. It does pass, but it takes longer than anyone warns you about. Worth logging check ins under My Taper, it helps you see the slow progress you might be missing day to day.

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

Jansol17d ago

Welcomerother · researching

I was on venlafaxine for 8 years, and it was tapered off the way it is normally done, in less than four weeks. That’s when my nightmare began. After that, we tried several different medications to stabilize me, but my mood has continued to deteriorate. I changed psychiatrists, and my new doctor explained that I am experiencing a protracted withdrawal brain injury. She believes that the best thing to do is give my brain time to heal. We have tried different medications mainly to help me sleep, but my brain still feels extremely overwhelmed and unsettled. I experience tingling in my face, severe anxiety, an inability to sit still, and a burning sensation in my head. My doctor says that, based on my diagnosis, these symptoms are part of the healing process and that my brain needs time to recover.

other — researching taper

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BasedStaff17d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Yea I tend to agree the brain needs time to help. Its unfortunately a common story. Pinging the venlafaxine crowd to maybe get some more input. @Effexor

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

Jansol17d ago

Welcomerother · researching

@Effexor

other — researching taper

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Catina17d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"my new doctor explained that I am experiencing a protracted withdrawal brain injury. She believes that the best thing to do is give my brain time to heal." — @Jansol

Hi @Jansol, I'm truly sorry you're going through this. Your new doctor is actually right in her assessment. Just like with any injury, an iatrogenic injury needs time and patience to heal. The symptoms you're describing sound like you might be experiencing akathisia: https://taper.community/thread/a80813cd-5a59-4f2c-8765-693fe877aa41 https://taper.community/resources/blog/akathisia-from-antidepressant-withdrawal

"We have tried different medications mainly to help me sleep" — @Jansol

I understand you wanting relief, but adding new drugs while your nervous system is in a highly sensitized state may not be the wisest idea. I suggest you look into non-drug coping mechanisms to help. You can check the Symptoms and Self-Care section for tips and advice.

"these symptoms are part of the healing process and that my brain needs time to recover." — @Jansol

Yes, this is absolutely true! We're here to support you the best we can as you continue to recover. 💜 https://taper.community/thread/26b781b7-f7f2-480c-8bc7-b893e9b6f802 https://taper.community/resources/blog/windows-and-waves-withdrawal-pattern https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c

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.

Jansol17d ago

Welcomerother · researching

@Catina thanks! Right know my dr prescribed ramelton for sleep and lithium orate supplement. To help with some symptoms. She is trying to help me with all my symptoms without making more damage.

other — researching taper

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Catina17d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"Right know my dr prescribed ramelton for sleep and lithium orate supplement. To help with some symptoms. She is trying to help me with all my symptoms without making more damage." — @Jansol

I understand she's trying to help, but doctors will always try to "fix" matters with more drugs. Please be cautious, that's all I need to say. Hopefully it will help, but sometimes adding more drugs on top of an iatrogenic injury can cause more injury. I'm not trying to scare you, just inform you. Please keep an eye on how you're feeling. We care about your well-being very much. 💜

Jansol17d ago

Welcomerother · researching

Im so scared about everything that is happening to me. Thank you

other — researching taper

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Catina17d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"Im so scared about everything that is happening to me. Thank you" — @Jansol

I know you are, and I'm sorry. Please know you're not alone and that in time things WILL improve. It's important for you to keep this in mind. You're not permanently damaged beyond repair, okay? People on here are still tapering, but you can read some success stories on Surviving Antidepressants. https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forum/28-success-stories-recovery-from-psychiatric-drug-withdrawal/ We're here for you anytime you need to reach out. 💝

Azul16d ago

NavigatorKlonopin · active

Hi @Jansol. Psyquiatric drugs share symptoms. I don't take antidepressants but clonazepam have similar effects. Your doctor is right, time is the answer.... you can help your body by eating foods that avoid triggers and trying to stay away from stressors in the meantime. For hope and healing I strongly suggest watch Angie Peacock YT channel about hope and recovery, hold on to that hope. We will make it. You mentioned the burning sensation I had the opposite sensation after CT a benzo. I had to reinstate and I'm still here in WD. Hold on...

Klonopin — 1,75mg — 6 months — actively tapering

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