[merlish]

Imbalance is a good way to start thinking of it.

But, are you familiar with the sensation of being so tired you drop off to sleep & wake up seemingly instantly, but time has passed? The 'yeah, I'm awake, I'm awake' thing.

Based on going off venlafaxine myself, that's how I'd put it. It isn't painful, and you don't actually lose time. The sensation is extremely jarring, and unpleasant, though. You'll take a step or look to the side and that sort of zap just happens.

... I'm slightly better at getting out of the house to get my prescription refilled these days.