Is it Relapse or Withdrawal: The Truth About Protracted Withdrawal from Psychiatric Medication | The Gaslit Truth Podcast with Dr Teralyn Sell and Therapist Jenn Schmitz

Send us Fan MailYour doctor says withdrawal should be short because the drug “leaves your body.” Then you stop an SSRI and months later your sleep collapses, anxiety spikes, your body hurts, and you’re told it must be your “condition” coming back. That gap between what you were promised and what you’re living is exactly where protracted withdrawal hides. We walk through what protracted withdrawal and PAWS can look like after antidepressant tapering and other psychiatric medication tapering, including delayed symptoms that hit long after the final dose. We get into the why: neuroadaptation, receptor changes, nervous system hypersensitivity, and why “windows and waves” make recovery feel unpredictable. We also name the symptoms people often get dismissed for, from panic and intrusive thoughts to brain zaps, sensory overload, GI issues, and surprising pain sensitivity that can send you back to the prescriber looking for relief. Then we shift to what actually helps. We talk risk factors like rapid tapering, polypharmacy, and stop-start cycles that can contribute to kindling. We share practical ways to manage withdrawal by lowering nervous system load, tracking patterns when it’s useful, pausing a taper when your system needs stability, and leaning hard on the lifestyle pillars that support healing: nutrition that stabilizes blood sugar, sleep support, restorative movement, stress reduction, and connection. If this resonates, subscribe, share with someone tapering psych meds, and leave a review so more people can find informed support.We're recruiting for a first-of-its-kind psychiatric medication withdrawal research study. If you've experienced psychiatric medication withdrawal, you may be eligible to participate.  Email [email protected] to learn more.  Savorista Coffee is offering our listeners 25% off their premium craft decaf and half caf blends with bold flavors, ethically sourced beans, and natural decaffeination. Small-batch roasted for exceptional taste. EUse promo code GASLIT at checkout! https://savorista.com/discount/GASLIT 💊 Ready to Deprescribe Your Psych Meds?Psych meds have harmed us—and we’re not just survivors, we’re deeply educated in psychopharmacology, psychology, and nutrition. As hosts of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, we guide people safely off psychiatric medications with strategies grounded in science and brain health🔥 You’ve been harmed. You’ve been dismissed. It’s time to take your brain back—with guidance from people who’ve been there and know their stuff.Support the showAre you tired of being gaslit and want to DEEP THROAT some more truth? We want to hear from you!  Message us your gaslit stories at [email protected] you are at it, Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube @thegaslittruthpodcast.  Be sure to Hit that subscribe button and get alerts for more episodes! Thanks for listening!Follow Us individually atDr. Teralyn:Instagram @Dr_TeralynFacebook  @DrTeralynTik Tok @Dr_TeralynTherapist Jenn: Instagram @TherapistJenTikTok @Jenn.Schmitz