Fullhealing: Paxil withdrawal

June 13Jun 13

Author

17 hours ago, Raymond said:
Sorry to hear about your struggles and it's definitely a hard journey, but at the end. You will succeed. Just continue holding and don't make changes. Things will come and feel better.
Those symptoms and feelings I have had them. They will go away eventually. My last 3 months are the best and longer time feeling more like me. But it took me 17 months on this journey and two holds of 7 and 6 months without making any changes. In the last two months, things improved and I have been stable as never before. I do still have ups and downs but nothing I cannot handle. They are mild and weaker.
You need to hold and continue be stronger. All will eventually pass and you will be the person you were or even a better person.
Hang in there my friend. Things will change for good ..one day at a time...

Thank you Raymond for the encouraging words and the spark of hope you give in your updates, I'm so glad you're making such good progress!

I can only wish for all of us who are stuck in a hellish chemical cloud to reach a relatively stable place like yours very soon, such a constant draining struggle.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

2

June 13Jun 13

15 hours ago, Raymond said:
Sorry to hear about your struggles and it's definitely a hard journey, but at the end. You will succeed. Just continue holding and don't make changes. Things will come and feel better.
Those symptoms and feelings I have had them. They will go away eventually. My last 3 months are the best and longer time feeling more like me. But it took me 17 months on this journey and two holds of 7 and 6 months without making any changes. In the last two months, things improved and I have been stable as never before. I do still have ups and downs but nothing I cannot handle. They are mild and weaker.
You need to hold and continue be stronger. All will eventually pass and you will be the person you were or even a better person.
Hang in there my friend. Things will change for good ..one day at a time...

2 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
Thank you Raymond for the encouraging words and the spark of hope you give in your updates, I'm so glad you're making such good progress!
I can only wish for all of us who are stuck in a hellish chemical cloud to reach a relatively stable place like yours very soon, such a constant draining struggle.

I found Raymonds comment hopeful too. Just wish my turn around would come soon as 7 months almost is getting long in the tooth.

Sure is a hellish chemical cloud fullhealing, constant and draining as you say.

How have you woken up @Fullhealing ?

Edited June 13Jun 13 by Tracey

Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

Sept 2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week, then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps, insomnia)

Feb 2023 - "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild. Taken to emergency.

March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious.

Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

June 13Jun 13

Author

2 hours ago, Tracey said:
Oh dear @Fullhealing , answering your last sentence with a big YES. I have such similar symptoms to you. It feels so desperate.
I can't be on here either as much as I would like which makes it feel more isolating.
We need to keep going but gee what a test of faith , endurance and not sure what else.
Lots of love xxx

Thank you dear @Tracey yes, we continue to move forward with all this chaos, it will balance out in the end, we must hold on to the faith.

Wishing you great relief, much love back xxx

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1

June 13Jun 13

Author

1 hour ago, Tracey said:
I found Raymonds comment hopeful too. Just wish my turn around would come soon as 7 months almost is getting long in the tooth.
Sure is a hellish chemical cloud fullhealing, constant and draining as you say.
How have you woken up @Fullhealing ?

I've seen so many stuck in a terrible wave for months on months and turned a corner so it will come dear @Tracey keep being strong.

woke up in war mode but it's been like this for a while..

It will get better, it has to.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1
1

June 13Jun 13

2 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
It has to

I has and it will.

It requires such a strong will and faith. It will change. Holding on to hold and show the red flag. We are all with support and love.

All the love and many hugs ♥️🤗🤗

My Intro Topic on AR;

1997 - 2020 - Effexor XR and BusPar

2017 - Current - Lamotrigine 100 mg (x2 Daily) 8am+6pm

Oxapax

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

21 Jan 2026 – 7,5mgx3=22.5 mg (+9.2%) 8am+4pm+10pm

13 Marts 6,9+7,5+7,5=21.9mg

26 Marts 6,9+6,9+7,5=21,3mg

01 May 6,75x2+7,5=21mg 1,4%

25 May 6,75x2+7mg=20,5mg 2,3%

Lyrica

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

28 July 2025 – current 28,2x= 56.4 mg (-0.70%) 8am+6pm

Sertraline

08 Nov 2020 – 75mg 10pm

04 Nov 2025 – 100mg 10pm

08 Dec 2025 – 95mg 10pm

05 Jan 2026 – 91mg 10pm

11 Mar - 90,8mg 10pm

15 Mar - 90mg 10pm

24Apr - 89,88mg 10pm (-0,12mg/day)

03May - 88,8mg

23June - 88mg On hold

06august 86mg

June 13Jun 13

22 hours ago, Fullhealing said:
Update 12:20pm
Wish I had better news but it's still going very brutal, barley any good moments just surviving somehow between strong physical symptoms that are rotating, crazy emotional instability and brain fog that has become so extreme to the point of being unable to barley communicate in any way, as if my brain is struggling to find words that make sense which requires a huge effort to even put together a logical sentence, I constantly forget things, lose track of time and space, and have strange tics whenever I try unsuccessfully to process information! brain necrosis for lack of another word and one of the reasons I haven't updated recently, including being more active here.
Sorry for being so desperate, it's just keep getting worse and I barley recognize myself, I'm afraid of losing the very little that's left.
Is anyone experience this in that severit, is this awful lobotomy reversible?

dear @Fullhealing My heart goes out to you. Hold tight on this dose, your body is working really hard for you to find some stablity! I know it doesn't feel like it but it is! Moresymptoms=morehealing!!! Hope today is easier for you xxxx

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

2

June 13Jun 13

1 hour ago, Fullhealing said:
I've seen so many stuck in a terrible wave for months on months and turned a corner so it will come dear @Tracey keep being strong.
woke up in war mode but it's been like this for a while..
It will get better, it has to.

I wish I could stay as hopeful as you @Fullhealing . I guess I had no idea this could happen and that is could be so extended.

You stay strong also, we have to keep fighting.

Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

Sept 2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week, then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps, insomnia)

Feb 2023 - "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild. Taken to emergency.

March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious.

Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

1

June 13Jun 13

Author

Thank you so much dear @Haa @Chippy your support means so much!!

It may weaken me at times but it will not defeat me, I keep moving forward, we all are.

Wishing you both beautiful bright day xxxx

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

2

June 13Jun 13

22 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
It may weaken me at times but it will not defeat me, I keep moving forward, we all are.

That is right!!!! Such strength 👊 🛡️⚔️

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

June 13Jun 13

7 hours ago, Tracey said:
I found Raymonds comment hopeful too. Just wish my turn around would come soon as 7 months almost is getting long in the tooth.
Sure is a hellish chemical cloud fullhealing, constant and draining as you say.
How have you woken up @Fullhealing ?

Hard journey, but eventually, you will get there. 19 months journey with the last two months and one week being stable. This road is definitely insane and inhumane.....

Hang in there. Hold on to hope and God...

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).

2

June 13Jun 13

@Fullhealing sending lots of support! you got this! youre so strong for holding on like this and that is going to benefit you very much in the future!

Prior History:

(note that these are only the first prescription dates since i dont remember how long i was on them. there are also some prescriptions of the same stuff that were prescribed again at a later date so i dont remember if ive tried them again or not.)

Concerta: 18mg - 12.3.2014 ⏐ 36mg - 28.4.2014

Equasym Retard: 30mg - 20.11.2014

Medikinet: 5mg - 8.9.2015

Elvanse: 30mg - 30.10.2015

Risperdal: 0,5mg - 8.12.2015 ⏐ 1mg - 2.3.2017

Sertraline: 50mg - 14.10.2016 ⏐ 100mg - 17.1.2018

Intuniv: 1mg - 7.4.2017 ⏐ 2mg - 21.4.2017 ⏐ 4mg - 9.5.2017 ⏐ 3mg - 8.8.2017

Primperan: 10mg - 27.2.2019

Strattera: 25mg - 18.4.2019 ⏐ 10mg - 10.5.2019

Quetiapine: 25mg - 23.2.2021

Mirtazapine: 15mg - 29.2.2024

Escitalopram History:

9.9.2021 Escitalopram 10mg

9.9.2022 Escitalopram 15mg

2.5.2024 Escitalopram 20mg

1.7.2024 Escitalopram CT

11.11.2024 Escitalopram RI 10mg

14.11.2024 Escitalopram CT

15.12.2024 Escitalopram 2.5mg

29.12.2024 Escitalopram 5mg

12.1.2025 Escitalopram 10mg

12.1.2026 Escitalopram 7.5mg

26.1.2026 Escitalopram 5mg

Current Dose: Escitalopram 5mg

(some of these dates may not be entirely correct but theyre close enough based on what i can remember)

June 13Jun 13

Author

4 hours ago, Tracey said:
I wish I could stay as hopeful as you @Fullhealing . I guess I had no idea this could happen and that is could be so extended.
You stay strong also, we have to keep fighting.

Dear @Tracey I wish I had hope as it may seem, sometimes it completely gone and I need to recharge it through this wonderful community, like you I didn't think it could reach such depths of suffering which can certainly be very discouraging but we will survive this, we are capable of much more than our toxic chemical mind allows us to believe, it's a fact, we are still here and here to stay.

Much love to you, bright long windows will come xxx

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

2

June 13Jun 13

1 minute ago, Fullhealing said:
I wish I had hope as it may seem, sometimes it completely gone and I need to recharge it through this wonderful community,

Yes, we are all here for you, especially those of us who have been through it and come put the other side. I had months of doubt and despair as well, but things gradually changed for the better. They will for you, too.

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

I offer advice based on my experience. Nothing I share is intended to be medical or therapy advice.

1

June 13Jun 13

Thinking of you today @Fullhealing. You do such amazing work here to care for us all. I know you have the strength to get through these awful times. That window is on its way, and until it comes we are all here to support you 💜

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

Current regimen:

Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

*holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

History:

Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

1

June 13Jun 13

Author

4 minutes ago, mstimc60 said:
Yes, we are all here for you, especially those of us who have been through it and come put the other side. I had months of doubt and despair as well, but things gradually changed for the better. They will for you, too.

Bless you @mstimc60 thank you for choosing to be here and give us all help and hope, many would prefer to move on with their lives and leave this dark time behind, it is very much appreciated.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1

June 13Jun 13

Author

46 minutes ago, SarahMc said:
Thinking of you today @Fullhealing. You do such amazing work here to care for us all. I know you have the strength to get through these awful times. That window is on its way, and until it comes we are all here to support you 💜

I honestly don't know where I would be without the wonderful support of all of you here, thank you dear @SarahMc for the encouraging words 🩷

I was so pleased to read that you are a little better, how are you doing now?

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

2

June 13Jun 13

Author

1 hour ago, Some0n3 said:
@Fullhealing sending lots of support! you got this! youre so strong for holding on like this and that is going to benefit you very much in the future!

Bless you @Some0n3 appreciate your supportive words 🙏

how are you doing?

Edited June 13Jun 13 by Fullhealing

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1

June 13Jun 13

7 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
I was so pleased to read that you are a little better, how are you doing now?

Thanks for asking! This is my fourth day in a row now of feeling pretty okay. Still very foggy and mentally fatigued, but my other symptoms are minimal or nonexistent, so the days are tolerable. Yesterday I even felt like I might have hit WD normal for a few hours! So not perfect, but it feels like progress 😊

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

Current regimen:

Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

*holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

History:

Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

2

June 13Jun 13

20 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
Bless you @Some0n3 appreciate your supportive words 🙏
how are you doing?

Thank you for asking! Its been a rougher week but im managing.

Prior History:

(note that these are only the first prescription dates since i dont remember how long i was on them. there are also some prescriptions of the same stuff that were prescribed again at a later date so i dont remember if ive tried them again or not.)

Concerta: 18mg - 12.3.2014 ⏐ 36mg - 28.4.2014

Equasym Retard: 30mg - 20.11.2014

Medikinet: 5mg - 8.9.2015

Elvanse: 30mg - 30.10.2015

Risperdal: 0,5mg - 8.12.2015 ⏐ 1mg - 2.3.2017

Sertraline: 50mg - 14.10.2016 ⏐ 100mg - 17.1.2018

Intuniv: 1mg - 7.4.2017 ⏐ 2mg - 21.4.2017 ⏐ 4mg - 9.5.2017 ⏐ 3mg - 8.8.2017

Primperan: 10mg - 27.2.2019

Strattera: 25mg - 18.4.2019 ⏐ 10mg - 10.5.2019

Quetiapine: 25mg - 23.2.2021

Mirtazapine: 15mg - 29.2.2024

Escitalopram History:

9.9.2021 Escitalopram 10mg

9.9.2022 Escitalopram 15mg

2.5.2024 Escitalopram 20mg

1.7.2024 Escitalopram CT

11.11.2024 Escitalopram RI 10mg

14.11.2024 Escitalopram CT

15.12.2024 Escitalopram 2.5mg

29.12.2024 Escitalopram 5mg

12.1.2025 Escitalopram 10mg

12.1.2026 Escitalopram 7.5mg

26.1.2026 Escitalopram 5mg

Current Dose: Escitalopram 5mg

(some of these dates may not be entirely correct but theyre close enough based on what i can remember)

1

June 13Jun 13

46 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
I honestly don't know where I would be without the wonderful support of all of you here, thank you dear @SarahMc for the encouraging words 🩷
I was so pleased to read that you are a little better, how are you doing now?

We all support each other. That's what so wonderful about this site; its people who are going through or have gone through WD and recovery. We have a unique personal approach even the best therapist can't replicate, unless they've gone through it too. Members may benefit from the wisdom of the mentors, but we mentors also get the satisfaction of helping others and understanding our own journeys more deeply. You're doing great, @Fullhealing !

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

I offer advice based on my experience. Nothing I share is intended to be medical or therapy advice.

2

June 13Jun 13

Author

1 hour ago, SarahMc said:
Thanks for asking! This is my fourth day in a row now of feeling pretty okay. Still very foggy and mentally fatigued, but my other symptoms are minimal or nonexistent, so the days are tolerable. Yesterday I even felt like I might have hit WD normal for a few hours! So not perfect, but it feels like progress 😊

So good to hear @SarahMc you're more than deserve it!! may it gets even better stays long 🤞

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

2

June 14Jun 14

16 hours ago, SarahMc said:
Thanks for asking! This is my fourth day in a row now of feeling pretty okay. Still very foggy and mentally fatigued, but my other symptoms are minimal or nonexistent, so the days are tolerable. Yesterday I even felt like I might have hit WD normal for a few hours! So not perfect, but it feels like progress 😊

Fantastic to hear :)

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

2

June 16Jun 16

Hello dear @Fullhealing , just wanted to check in on you. I see that you are still fighting , brave as ever. What a long road - you need lots of endurance, but you have it in you, obviously. My respect to you.

Sending you love and strength, Nemina

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Until Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

18 June 2026 0,265 mg

18 July 2026 0,250 mg

18 Aug 2026 0,232 mg

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2025)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin.

1

June 17Jun 17

Author

9 hours ago, Nemina said:
Hello dear @Fullhealing , just wanted to check in on you. I see that you are still fighting , brave as ever. What a long road - you need lots of endurance, but you have it in you, obviously. My respect to you.
Sending you love and strength, Nemina

Thank you dear @Nemina still struggling a lot unfortunately, seems that the last cut throw me to a new depth in the abyss that I'm trying to figure out how to deal with but I'm surviving, that's something!

Very happy to hear that you are progressing relatively well, will continue to hope that we will all reach a long balanced place eventually.

Much love xxx

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1

June 17Jun 17

13 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:
Thank you dear @Nemina still struggling a lot unfortunately, seems that the last cut throw me to a new depth in the abyss that I'm trying to figure out how to deal with but I'm surviving, that's something!
Very happy to hear that you are progressing relatively well, will continue to hope that we will all reach a long balanced place eventually.
Much love xxx

So sorry to hear @Fullhealing sending some love your way, better days are coming. xxxxx

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

2

Fullhealing: Paxil withdrawal

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