@PaintingDave  this is a link to Australian guidelines. Mark Horowitz was involved.

 

https://www.releasetoolkit.com.au/clinical-guidelines

On 1/28/2026 at 9:31 PM, skamen said:

Hi @PaintingDave, how about your anhedonia? I was thrown into this hell after 14 years of anridepressant, it was February 2024. One year after I was CR-ed from my psychiatrist from 3 psychotropics. Another hell so started, the terror of the withdrawal... We will support each others in this site for holding on in this Inhumane state.

Svetla 

Honestly I feel lucky that I've got one antidepressant in my system, as unpleasant as that is.

 

Anhedonia is bad for sure. I've been through very dark times in my life, loss, job pressure, and fear but I can't physically experience emotions to the full. And that hurts - basically what would normally be grief and sadness forms a headache or just hot anger and irritation that I HAVE to contain. As a sensitive, deeply emotional person it's awful not being able to cry - that was such a relief to me until the age of 25 when I was lumbered with Escitalopram.

 

Sometimes you can just feel "pressure" in your body going nowhere it's absolutely nauseating.

 

The other side of the coin is withdrawal - because drs don't think it's possible - and manufacturers will not tell you either. In 2024 I tried alternating 10mg and 5mg and it hurt every part of my soul, felt like the slightest breeze or emotional upset or jealousy would destroy me (probably because the serotonin in my brain was being vaccumed up faster than it could be made!). And yet in the flip side I could cry freely :/.

I really need some encouragement. I'm so tired from trying to concentrate (and I slip back in to bad habits). The weight of these drugs seems to get heavier the longer I've been on them - or it's accumulation of emotion and fatigue from decades of overthinking, effort and stress.

 

Tomorrow I'm asking the pharmacist to refer me to Deprescribing clinic (with funding). I'm also due to adjust dose on Sunday and considering a larger amount because right now I'm stuck in the treacle (receptor occupancy is still near full). Been altering 0.02 mg fortnightly for over a month, with no change in symptoms/mood/energy. Looking at 0.8-0.1mg and then hold for 3 weeks.

 

Have any of you actually come full circle and off SSRI'S. What was it like to rediscover your personality again?

 

2 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

Have any of you actually come full circle and off SSRI'S. What was it like to rediscover your personality again?

@PaintingDave I often wonder about this too. I used to be fun loving and spontaneous before the ADs. Now my world has shrunk to working out my next micro dose.

12 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

I really need some encouragement. I'm so tired from trying to concentrate (and I slip back in to bad habits). The weight of these drugs seems to get heavier the longer I've been on them - or it's accumulation of emotion and fatigue from decades of overthinking, effort and stress.

 

Tomorrow I'm asking the pharmacist to refer me to Deprescribing clinic (with funding). I'm also due to adjust dose on Sunday and considering a larger amount because right now I'm stuck in the treacle (receptor occupancy is still near full). Been altering 0.02 mg fortnightly for over a month, with no change in symptoms/mood/energy. Looking at 0.8-0.1mg and then hold for 3 weeks.

 

Have any of you actually come full circle and off SSRI'S. What was it like to rediscover your personality again?

 

Hey Dave

 

Im sorry to hear your tone in this post. I didnt have a long taper or anything like so it's hard for me to relate. I do read alot of other peoples posts and I can tell you are not alone.

 

Careful with your drops. You are right your current drops aren't that significant at your dose level and it is reasonable to consider a larger cut. Just be aware of symptoms you may already be experiencing currently? Not sure if you are? Cant tell from your post if its just your mood or something else? You are probably well aware but being as stable as possible is important when tapering. As much as you want off the drugs slow and steady is best. 

 

Many complete their taper and go on to live normal lives. This can be you one day! 🙂 

 

Chippy

8 hours ago, Chippy said:

Hey Dave

 

Im sorry to hear your tone in this post. I didnt have a long taper or anything like so it's hard for me to relate. I do read alot of other peoples posts and I can tell you are not alone.

 

Careful with your drops. You are right your current drops aren't that significant at your dose level and it is reasonable to consider a larger cut. Just be aware of symptoms you may already be experiencing currently? Not sure if you are? Cant tell from your post if its just your mood or something else? You are probably well aware but being as stable as possible is important when tapering. As much as you want off the drugs slow and steady is best. 

 

Many complete their taper and go on to live normal lives. This can be you one day! 🙂 

 

Chippy

Thanks Chippy. I've been really sluggish and tired, foggy thinking. I think it's time to increase the dose reduction and see what happens over 2-3 weeks. I know these aren't withdrawal symptoms because when I go too fast, especially in the past it's been more alertness and then dark thoughts. The upsets I have now are from being stuck here at high dose. 

 

I expected a call from the pharmacist today, but they messaged instead to say they and their colleagues are writing to Deprescribing to ask them to help me, and pay for it too. Not sure how long the wait will be. but that's definitely a good sign.

On 2/4/2026 at 7:49 PM, PaintingDave said:

I really need some encouragement. I'm so tired from trying to concentrate (and I slip back in to bad habits). The weight of these drugs seems to get heavier the longer I've been on them - or it's accumulation of emotion and fatigue from decades of overthinking, effort and stress.

 

Tomorrow I'm asking the pharmacist to refer me to Deprescribing clinic (with funding). I'm also due to adjust dose on Sunday and considering a larger amount because right now I'm stuck in the treacle (receptor occupancy is still near full). Been altering 0.02 mg fortnightly for over a month, with no change in symptoms/mood/energy. Looking at 0.8-0.1mg and then hold for 3 weeks.

 

Have any of you actually come full circle and off SSRI'S. What was it like to rediscover your personality again?

 

 

I see you're at 7.44mg.

 

SA recommend a 10% drop every 4 weeks, so I'd hope that your proposed 0.1mg drop would be tolerable given that it is considerably below this (0.744mg). It's probably sensible to hold a little longer if you're increasing the rate at which you're tapering.

16 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

Thanks Chippy. I've been really sluggish and tired, foggy thinking. I think it's time to increase the dose reduction and see what happens over 2-3 weeks. I know these aren't withdrawal symptoms because when I go too fast, especially in the past it's been more alertness and then dark thoughts. The upsets I have now are from being stuck here at high dose. 

 

I expected a call from the pharmacist today, but they messaged instead to say they and their colleagues are writing to Deprescribing to ask them to help me, and pay for it too. Not sure how long the wait will be. but that's definitely a good sign.

Ok good you are in touch with what is what in terms of symptoms. I think youre right to start dropping more inline with The Maudsley Guides I sent you just listen to your body on the way down they are just a guide. If you do get any wd symptoms, hold and see what happens for a week. This part of the taper is where it can be tricky. Slow and steady. Hypersensitivity and kindling

 

What are you wanting from the Pharmacist? A different dilution of the drug?

 

Chippy

On 2/6/2026 at 9:27 AM, Chippy said:

Ok good you are in touch with what is what in terms of symptoms. I think youre right to start dropping more inline with The Maudsley Guides I sent you just listen to your body on the way down they are just a guide. If you do get any wd symptoms, hold and see what happens for a week. This part of the taper is where it can be tricky. Slow and steady. Hypersensitivity and kindling

 

What are you wanting from the Pharmacist? A different dilution of the drug?

 

Chippy

I wanted the pharmacist to refer me to the Deprescribing clinxi ( which they did). I basically want supervision and suggestions for how fast/slow I should taper given my previous history, and the withdrawals and kindling effect I had in previous years.

 

If someone could give me a formulated amount of medication for the taper - that would be great, but I'm not holding my breath right now.

8 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

I wanted the pharmacist to refer me to the Deprescribing clinxi ( which they did). I basically want supervision and suggestions for how fast/slow I should taper given my previous history, and the withdrawals and kindling effect I had in previous years.

 

If someone could give me a formulated amount of medication for the taper - that would be great, but I'm not holding my breath right now.

Ok got you. Well just make sure you cross reference what they say with the advice on here to make sure it's sensible. Im still cautious of the NHS at the moment although I would like to think the new clinic will be on point. No one can really tell you what dose is right. The Maudsley guides I gave you have are the best starting point anyone can offer. From there its a case of listening your body as you taper. No one can do that for you it will tell you how it's going....

 

Im not sure if you can get the right dilutions easily I would hope so. If you can literally get the ones advised in the guidelines you have there for each stage then that is perfect. No need to do any calculations yourself then. But worse case you can dilute down stronger liquid ADs to get lower doses........

 

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants

I think I'm understanding how fast I tapered last year, despited the small fractions and why it constantly provoked symptoms. 2 weeks was not long enough to stabilise between doses. I'm finding 3 is fine.

 

Willing to try a larger reduction 7.34-7.00mg in March (after 3 weeks). Optimistic to try the amounts in the category (C) Maudsley taper.  I might even feel more awake, emotion.

9 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

I think I'm understanding how fast I tapered last year, despited the small fractions and why it constantly provoked symptoms. 2 weeks was not long enough to stabilise between doses. I'm finding 3 is fine.

 

Willing to try a larger reduction 7.34-7.00mg in March (after 3 weeks). Optimistic to try the amounts in the category (C) Maudsley taper.  I might even feel more awake, emotion.

Have you seen the brass monkey slide @PaintingDave? It’s a nice balance of a normal taper and a micro taper with a hold built in. Perhaps you find it a good option…..

 

ttps://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/27883-the-brassmonkey-slide-method-of-micro-tapering/

Its laid out for a 10% reduction but can be adjusted for any drop amount. 

 

 

36 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Have you seen the brass monkey slide @PaintingDave? It’s a nice balance of a normal taper and a micro taper with a hold built in. Perhaps you find it a good option…..

 

ttps://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/27883-the-brassmonkey-slide-method-of-micro-tapering/

Its laid out for a 10% reduction but can be adjusted for any drop amount. 

 

 

@Chippy @PaintingDave I've used the BM Slide for the last 7 months or so and it's served me well. I cope better with micro doses than doing the full months % all at once. I changed tack a bit recently as I'm at the pointy end. I now drop the dose according to what my body can tolerate. My last drop was 0.017mg 13 days ago.

 

I hope you can find a method and a rhythm soon Dave

On 2/16/2026 at 5:23 AM, Catbird said:

@Chippy @PaintingDave I've used the BM Slide for the last 7 months or so and it's served me well. I cope better with micro doses than doing the full months % all at once. I changed tack a bit recently as I'm at the pointy end. I now drop the dose according to what my body can tolerate. My last drop was 0.017mg 13 days ago.

 

I hope you can find a method and a rhythm soon Dave

Thanks,.I really hope so. 10% reduction has a good reputation according to most. It's waiting afterwards to ensure all systems are stable before I reduce again that I have to master.

 

I'm so sluggish and careless at work. Long term emotional tiredness. I can't cry. I can't wake out of bed easily.

3 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

I'm so sluggish and careless at work. Long term emotional tiredness. I can't cry. I can't wake out of bed easily.

I suffered with pervasive tiredness for at least 10 years of work and haven’t cried in years. Escitalopram is renowned for lack of crying. I kept pushing through the tiredness at work, it really weakened me and I had a workplace psychological injury (bullying) eventually. I didn’t link the tiredness to the Escitalopram though. I just thought it was overwork. It wasn’t until I started tapering when it became clear that nearly every medical complaint I had was due to the drug. Escitalopram had stolen my health by stealth. I’m nearly at 1mg and I still can’t cry. I wish I could as crying is good for emotional release.

On 2/17/2026 at 8:53 PM, Catbird said:

I suffered with pervasive tiredness for at least 10 years of work and haven’t cried in years. Escitalopram is renowned for lack of crying. I kept pushing through the tiredness at work, it really weakened me and I had a workplace psychological injury (bullying) eventually. I didn’t link the tiredness to the Escitalopram though. I just thought it was overwork. It wasn’t until I started tapering when it became clear that nearly every medical complaint I had was due to the drug. Escitalopram had stolen my health by stealth. I’m nearly at 1mg and I still can’t cry. I wish I could as crying is good for emotional release.

That's really terrible. I was beating myself up for years for being lazy, irritable and unmotivated and then I really had a look at how much of my brain (and experience of reality) is affected by this horrible drug.

 

What do you do for work? I struggled for 12 years in office jobs.. (was anemic for 7 years because of undiagnosed celiac disease, and had horrible brain fog, In addition to Lexapro exhaustion). I just about function working in a cinema.

58 minutes ago, PaintingDave said:

That's really terrible. I was beating myself up for years for being lazy, irritable and unmotivated and then I really had a look at how much of my brain (and experience of reality) is affected by this horrible drug.

 

What do you do for work? I struggled for 12 years in office jobs.. (was anemic for 7 years because of undiagnosed celiac disease, and had horrible brain fog, In addition to Lexapro exhaustion). I just about function working in a cinema.

@PaintingDave I hate when people call others lazy and it hurts more when we tell ourselves we're lazy. I didn't always think this way and with the benefit of hindsight I now think what people call "laziness" is a symptom either of dysfunctional metabolic/mitochondrial health and/or mental health conditions (which includes the aforementioned mitochondrial health) and medications. There's probably other things that fall into socioeconomic and environmental and others.

 

I was/am a health professional, haven't been able to work for more than 6 years. The fatigue is crippling. Fatigue itself is a very complex issue.

 

It's good you can still work even if it's not your prefered job. It's important being around other people. I only get to do it sporadically. Ironically going to a supermarket or the chemist or whatever does seem to lift my mood a little bit.

On 2/20/2026 at 12:32 AM, Catbird said:

@PaintingDave I hate when people call others lazy and it hurts more when we tell ourselves we're lazy. I didn't always think this way and with the benefit of hindsight I now think what people call "laziness" is a symptom either of dysfunctional metabolic/mitochondrial health and/or mental health conditions (which includes the aforementioned mitochondrial health) and medications. There's probably other things that fall into socioeconomic and environmental and others.

 

I was/am a health professional, haven't been able to work for more than 6 years. The fatigue is crippling. Fatigue itself is a very complex issue.

 

It's good you can still work even if it's not your prefered job. It's important being around other people. I only get to do it sporadically. Ironically going to a supermarket or the chemist or whatever does seem to lift my mood a little bit.

That's really sad, I'm sorry this has happened to you. I had a friend who got CFS after an illness but she recovered with therapy. But we are stuck with medication fatigue - and I think it's for me the backlog of unreleased stress for 16 years that tired me out.

 

I got a letter saying Deprescribing funding has been approved for me - with 6 months waiting list 😮‍💨. Due to high demand. The world pharma companies have created. Because I'm still not convinced help is coming I'll try taper again - but with long breaks 3-4 weeks. Monday will be my first 10% reduction.

 

I have friends but would love to spend more time around other people if I had energy. I live alone.

On 1/2/2026 at 6:37 PM, PaintingDave said:

Good to meet you,

 

Currently waiting to taper from 7.5mg (15 years, and disastrous taper attempts 2023-5) escitalopram, under better supervision. I still suffer memories, nightmares and disturbed feelings from the dark years. 

 

I can't write the number of things I would be normally be motivated to do that would naturally improve my mood and help with self esteem - but remain almost entirely off limits due to this crippling lethargy and inability to focus (Escitalopram appears to be more potent than most SSRIs - 7.5mg is almost 3/4 saturation of the brain receptors despite looking like a low dose on paper. 10>20mg made no difference in the past because brain is saturated at just over 10!).

 

Very grateful that a new site has been set up, and for the pioneers of SSRI recovery and advice from the old site.

 

Please see signature for specifics.

 

Dave

warm welcome to the site. im also on the escitalopram train myself and tapered from 10mgs to 7.5 and then to 5 which was way too fast but im somewhat stable on 5 for now even though at times i do feel my withdrawal symptoms being worse than other days. planning to hold my dose for the time being as ive had severe brain fog and symptoms of dp/dr over a year after my cold turkey even when reinstating and holding at 10 for about a year. wishing you luck and you have my support! this site is absolutely amazing and the support ive gotten has made a big difference. hope you feel that you can get that same kind of support here! i can definitely relate to those disturbed feelings. it is quite scary when you get such feelings that you previously didint think were even possible. i also have inability to focus as my mind feels like its all melted haha and tiredness can kick my ass on some days but despite that we prevail.

Edited February 21Feb 21 by Some0n3

4 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

That's really sad, I'm sorry this has happened to you. I had a friend who got CFS after an illness but she recovered with therapy. But we are stuck with medication fatigue - and I think it's for me the backlog of unreleased stress for 16 years that tired me out.

 

I got a letter saying Deprescribing funding has been approved for me - with 6 months waiting list 😮‍💨. Due to high demand. The world pharma companies have created. Because I'm still not convinced help is coming I'll try taper again - but with long breaks 3-4 weeks. Monday will be my first 10% reduction.

 

I have friends but would love to spend more time around other people if I had energy. I live alone.

@PaintingDave on the one hand it’s great you’ve an appointment with the clinic, on the other it’s a shame it’s 6 months away. There’s always a chance there will be a cancellation or postponement so you get in earlier. Hope all goes well with your dose decrease 🤗

I do appreciate the encouragement folks.

On 2/21/2026 at 9:49 PM, Catbird said:

@PaintingDave on the one hand it’s great you’ve an appointment with the clinic, on the other it’s a shame it’s 6 months away. There’s always a chance there will be a cancellation or postponement so you get in earlier. Hope all goes well with your dose decrease 🤗

I hadn't even thought of that. it could well be earlier than I think.

 

I reduced to 6.9mg from 7.34mg 3 days ago (5%). First evening was giddy with a mild headache, then different brain systems getting more active and stopping. Had on/off existential terror. Still very sleepy but not as lethargic. Just gonna ride this out for a few weeks if I can. 

19 minutes ago, PaintingDave said:

I hadn't even thought of that. it could well be earlier than I think.

 

I reduced to 6.9mg from 7.34mg 3 days ago (5%). First evening was giddy with a mild headache, then different brain systems getting more active and stopping. Had on/off existential terror. Still very sleepy but not as lethargic. Just gonna ride this out for a few weeks if I can. 

Hi @PaintingDave I always ask up front to be put on a cancellation list — explain how desperate you are and how you lack support etc. — it can’t hurt. Flying solo is a terrifying and isolating experience. Reassurance can go a long way.

On 2/25/2026 at 9:38 PM, Catbird said:

Hi @PaintingDave I always ask up front to be put on a cancellation list — explain how desperate you are and how you lack support etc. — it can’t hurt. Flying solo is a terrifying and isolating experience. Reassurance can go a long way.

Yes, I've emailed them now. Yet to see if help is on the way.

 

Currently stable again after a rough first 4 days of 6.9mg. I will reduce dose on 16th March which will be 3 weeks (rather than 2 in between lowering) and see if I tolerate that better.

 

Haven't noticed any positive benefits yet. Just very tired.

2 hours ago, PaintingDave said:

Yes, I've emailed them now. Yet to see if help is on the way.

 

Currently stable again after a rough first 4 days of 6.9mg. I will reduce dose on 16th March which will be 3 weeks (rather than 2 in between lowering) and see if I tolerate that better.

 

Haven't noticed any positive benefits yet. Just very tired.

Fatigue from Escitalopram is so pervasive and unrelenting @PaintingDave it definitely was a significant factor in the burnout I suffered in 2019. It’s not such a big deal for me now I’m at a dose just over 1mg, but I’m also on other sedating meds so I’m not exactly springing out of bed. I think the keto diet has helped with my energy levels too.