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Tapering: other

researching

7 posts

Uas

Overwhelming

September 1, 2026··
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. Right now, I’m looking for support from people who understand what this experience is like. I don’t necessarily need someone to fix it or give me medical advice. I need encouragement, understanding, and reassurance that recovery is possible. Some days are extremely difficult, and I’m trying to take things one day at a time while giving my brain the time it needs to heal. If anyone has gone through something similar and eventually recovered, hearing your experience would mean a lot to me. @Effexor

other — researching taper

3 Replies

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Maria A.17d ago
LighthouseZoloft · active
It sounds like your new doctor is actually knowledgeable about withdrawal which is rare. Your symptoms sound like withdrawal to me especially the burning pain and the sleep issues. Sending you hugs and praying they settle down for you.

Zoloft —50 mg to 15 mg — 8 years with a cold turkey and reinstatement in between— was liquid micro tapering, crashed at 14.275 mg and now holding at 15 mg.

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Jansol17d ago
Welcomerother · researching
Gracias! Thanks 🙏🏽🙏🏽

other — researching taper

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Masha16d ago
LighthousePaxil · holding
So you aren’t on any meds right now? That sounds like a fast taper.

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 37.5 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day

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