Hi, I'm RMH

September 11, 2026··

I have been on and off psychiatric medicines since age 11. I recently trialed spravato for a month, and for the past three months have been feeling mentally blank with no inner thoughts and having persistent insomnia. I have rotated sleeping medications such as Trazadone, ambien, dayvigo and seroquel with little effect. I am not good about being consistent with medications and I worry I have caused permanent brain damage. I am overwhelmingly hopeless, and I have had extreme difficulty with daily life. I have lost my ability to speak with people and my ability to process memories. I am hoping to find stories of hope.

1 Reply

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Catina6d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @RMH, welcome! Nice to have you here. I don't think you've caused permanent damage to yourself, but keep in mind that most psychoactive drugs can cause physical dependence so going on an off different ones could cause issues. The Spravato could have caused side effects and then withdrawal effects. You might want to give yourself some time before adding another drug or substance - if at all. Have you ever tried finding a good therapist that can help you work through some of your issues and what is at the root of them? Drugs can help with symptoms, but they don't heal or cure the root cause. I'm really sorry for your struggles. I will share some links that I hope will help you manage things a bit better: https://taper.community/thread/fad854f7-f9a4-421d-b60f-bf11aa13a251 https://taper.community/thread/000107b8-389c-46af-8608-84de56432dbb https://taper.community/thread/31d4a5cb-737e-4eec-8449-1894a8a9747c https://taper.community/thread/ebf43c1f-a3a0-423b-9ac2-537b3183ce70 https://taper.community/thread/ec72f5e5-39fe-4f0e-b3c9-083b3e99d1c3 https://taper.community/thread/f1d2c3ba-d8f1-44bf-a364-8feaab6fa9e1 https://taper.community/thread/3c6f1a16-3d21-4077-9ed5-8267209ffca3 We're here whenever you need to reach out. You're not alone. I hope you can find some non-drug coping skills for your issues, which I personally believe will benefit you more in the long run. Hang in there! 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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