Fullhealing: Paxil withdrawal

February 25Feb 25

It's all temporary, this suffering, and for a good cause. My body is engaging in a war. It's fighting to normalize! This helps me a lot when the dark clouds hover.

Thank you so much for sharing your pain. I know I'm not alone, even though it feels SO LONELY.

January 2001: klonopin, depakote, wellbutrin. Was experiencing overload from: getting married, selling my house, quitting my job, taking care of one grandmother as my other one died. All in the same year. Asked Dr. for support and got called "mixed bi-polar" cuz I didn't have real bi polar symptoms. AND I ACCEPTED THAT. UGH

Always felt sick on the meds so I would taper off. Then I would get EXTREME insomnia which I tolerated for several months before I would reinstate some combo. I've done this about 8 times. I'm extremely sensitive so I take really low doses. Still I feel sick.

Currently tapering off 1 mg paroxetine. Started at 20. Also on prasozin, 1 mg, Trileptal, 75, seroquel 50.

5/6/26 now on 2 mg paroxetine.

7/15/26 1.4 mg paroxetine

9/24/26 1 mg paroxetine

1

February 25Feb 25

Author

57 minutes ago, mars said:

It's all temporary, this suffering, and for a good cause. My body is engaging in a war. It's fighting to normalize! This helps me a lot when the dark clouds hover.

Thank you so much for sharing your pain. I know I'm not alone, even though it feels SO LONELY.

glad it gives you some comfort, there will come a day when this hell will be a very dim memory, that's mainly the goal I'm documenting, we will all get out of this mud with time (and lots of patience and acceptance) we just have to keep going.

Edited February 25Feb 25 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

February 25Feb 25

Author

Update 7:30pm

Today went relatively well so a little twist in the plot for a change..

I finally managed to go to work after being away for most of the previous week including the last two days, throughout the day there were almost no typical akathisia symptoms of being on the grill with heart palpitations, shortness of breath and extreme restlessness, mind was less dirty, less black, more light gray, far from ideal but much better than last week so overall refreshing.

Current symptoms: pain in the hip joints, loud tinnitus, pressure and a dull headache, burning eyes along with itching in all sorts of places in the body-raging histamine, bad digestion and stomach pain.

Mentally as mentioned, clearer, so anything physical is more bearable.

Edited February 25Feb 25 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.

February 25Feb 25

@Fullhealing so good to hear you have had a better day.

So have I. First day in a week, where I felt alive, not as I know myself but better than just surviving. So let’s celebrate this day. I am grateful 🙏💕

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+6,6mg=20,5mg 2,3%

01 Aug 3,75x2+2,9x2+6,2mg=19,5 3%

01 Sep 3,75x2+2,9x2+5,6mg 18,9 3%

21 Sep 3,75x2+2,9x2+6,2mg 19,5 =+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

07aug - 86mg

February 25Feb 25

Author

41 minutes ago, Haa said:

@Fullhealing so good to hear you have had a better day.

So have I. First day in a week, where I felt alive, not as I know myself but better than just surviving. So let’s celebrate this day. I am grateful 🙏💕

Exactly @Haa let's just cherish these moments, they will stretch even more in time.

So very glad for you, you/we all deserve it 👏💞

Edited February 25Feb 25 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

February 26Feb 26

14 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

Update 7:30pm

Today went relatively well so a little twist in the plot for a change..

I finally managed to go to work after being away for most of the previous week including the last two days, throughout the day there were almost no typical akathisia symptoms of being on the grill with heart palpitations, shortness of breath and extreme restlessness, mind was less dirty, less black, more light gray, far from ideal but much better than last week so overall refreshing.

Current symptoms: pain in the hip joints, loud tinnitus, pressure and a dull headache, burning eyes along with itching in all sorts of places in the body-raging histamine, bad digestion and stomach pain.

Mentally as mentioned, clearer, so anything physical is more bearable.

Glad you had a better day. Hope this is the start of things improving for you. Man you deserve it. xxx

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.

1

February 26Feb 26

Author

31 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Glad you had a better day. Hope this is the start of things improving for you. Man you deserve it. xxx

Bless your heart @Chippy same to you, we all deserve it.

Edited February 26Feb 26 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

February 26Feb 26

Author

Update 18:00pm

Slept very little but my mental was relatively clear so not a big deal.

Mind is a bit overactive, running fast but not on black which is a pretty significant improvement.

I got up at 4am quite excited for the rest of the day, don't remember the last time this happened so rode the momentum, sorted out some things I had been putting off and went to work, if there isn't a sharp turn I might go for a short walk later so overall I am very grateful for the relief apart from the suffocating loneliness, this process caused me to be almost completely disconnected from the outside world plus friends who I either didn't want in their company due to this hell and or they didn't know how to deal with it, can't blame them really, serious flip, my identity was stolen and I was and still am very much on the edge.

very challenging to navigate an unfamiliar and alienated reality, I was always around friends so it's a tough one to get used to, however I hold out hope that my building identity will be improved one, with more compassion and love and things will settle nicely on all fronts over time.

Physically, symptoms are definitely present but a clearer mind, more resilience.

Edited February 26Feb 26 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

February 26Feb 26

24 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

Update 18:00pm

Slept very little but my mental was relatively clear so not a big deal.

Mind is a bit overactive, running fast but not on black which is a pretty significant improvement.

I got up at 4am quite excited for the rest of the day, don't remember the last time this happened so rode the momentum, sorted out some things I had been putting off and went to work, if there isn't a sharp turn I might go for a short walk later so overall I am very grateful for the relief apart from the suffocating loneliness, this process caused me to be almost completely disconnected from the outside world plus friends who I either didn't want in their company due to this hell and or they didn't know how to deal with it, can't blame them really, serious flip, my identity was stolen and I was and still am very much on the edge.

very challenging to navigate an unfamiliar and alienated reality, I was always around friends so it's a tough one to get used to, however I hold out hope that my building identity will be improved one, with more compassion and love and things will settle nicely on all fronts over time.

Physically, symptoms are definitely present but a clearer mind, more resilience.

This is 😃 👍. Enjoy this momentum as much as you can ..

I have had same symptoms were I sleep little but mentally I was fine and ready to work. It's hard when I can't sleep and have the mental issues, but no mental issues, I can handle little sleep and won't throw me off....

You are doing great ...

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%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

February 26Feb 26

Author

1 hour ago, Raymond said:

This is 😃 👍. Enjoy this momentum as much as you can ..

I have had same symptoms were I sleep little but mentally I was fine and ready to work. It's hard when I can't sleep and have the mental issues, but no mental issues, I can handle little sleep and won't throw me off....

You are doing great ...

Thank you @Raymond It doesn't happen often so yes, I'll definitely enjoy it while it lasts.

hope your day is going well, I saw that you updated but not the content yet, I'll check it out.

Edited February 26Feb 26 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.

February 26Feb 26

3 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

Thank you @Raymond It doesn't happen so yes, I'll definitely enjoy it while it lasts.

hope your day is going well, I saw that you updated but not the content yet, I'll check it out.

I'm doing bad today...

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%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

1

February 26Feb 26

Author

34 minutes ago, Raymond said:

I'm doing bad today...

So sorry Raymond, left a comment on your page, stay strong friend, it will pass!

Edited February 26Feb 26 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.

February 27Feb 27

11 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

I got up at 4am quite excited for the rest of the day

Hi @Fullhealing. Thanks for your note on my page. It sounds like you're on the up and up. That makes me happy! And I don't know that I've ever gotten excited about anything at 4 am. You must be healing. 😃

Keep it up!

xoxo Jamie

Sept 1993 Began paroxetine 20 mg for anxiety and depression- worked like a charm.

1st taper - Aug 1995 tapered over 3 weeks before getting pregnant- great at first, crashed at one month. White knuckled it through 2 miscarriages. Spring 1996 (?) Reinstated paroxetine 20 mg.

2nd taper- Spring 2008 tapered off paroxetine over 4 months. Summer 2008 crashed horribly, nearly incapacitated by WD; Summer 2008-Summer 2009 tried 4 different ADs, none as effective as paroxetine. Summer 2009 Reinstated 20 mg paroxetine, not as effective as previously.

3rd taper- Jun 19, 2019 began 10 mg paroxetine, 10 mg fluoxetine for one week. Jun 26 20 mg fluoxetine, 5 mg paroxetine for one week. Jul 3- 20 mg fluoxetine + lorazepam (0.5 mg) as needed up to 2x/day. Aug 12- 30 mg fluox; Sept 3- .5 mg clonazepam daily; end lorazepam; Sept 5- 40 mg fluox;

End of 2019- returned to paroxetine 20 mg/day most of the year, 30mg/day in the winter.

BEGIN 4th TAPER ATTEMPT: Jul 13 2025- 30 -> 25 mg; 10 Sept -> 22.5mg; 3 Oct -> 20 mg; 10 Oct -> hold 2 weeks; 2 Nov -> 19.5 mg; 9 Nov -> 19 mg; 16 Nov -> hold 1 week; 22 Nov -> 18.6 mg; 30 Nov -> 18.2 mg; 7 Dec -> hold 1 week; 14 Dec -> 17.8 mg; 21 Dec -> 17.5 mg; 28 Dec -> 17.1 mg; 4 Jan 2026 -> 16.7 mg -> hold 2 weeks ; 28 Jan -> 16.4 mg; 1 Feb -> 16.0 mg; 8 Feb -> 15.7 mg; 15 Feb -> hold 2 weeks; 1 Mar -> 15.5 mg; 8 Mar -> 15.2 mg; 15 Mar -> hold; 5 Apr -> 14.9.

Supplements: Vit D, Magesium L-threonate, Vit C, Zinc, Melatonin, Multivitamin

2

February 27Feb 27

And I just reread your note. I'm sorry you experience the morning ugh also. It's a nasty way to start the day. I hope it lessens as you continue to improve. ♥️

Sept 1993 Began paroxetine 20 mg for anxiety and depression- worked like a charm.

1st taper - Aug 1995 tapered over 3 weeks before getting pregnant- great at first, crashed at one month. White knuckled it through 2 miscarriages. Spring 1996 (?) Reinstated paroxetine 20 mg.

2nd taper- Spring 2008 tapered off paroxetine over 4 months. Summer 2008 crashed horribly, nearly incapacitated by WD; Summer 2008-Summer 2009 tried 4 different ADs, none as effective as paroxetine. Summer 2009 Reinstated 20 mg paroxetine, not as effective as previously.

3rd taper- Jun 19, 2019 began 10 mg paroxetine, 10 mg fluoxetine for one week. Jun 26 20 mg fluoxetine, 5 mg paroxetine for one week. Jul 3- 20 mg fluoxetine + lorazepam (0.5 mg) as needed up to 2x/day. Aug 12- 30 mg fluox; Sept 3- .5 mg clonazepam daily; end lorazepam; Sept 5- 40 mg fluox;

End of 2019- returned to paroxetine 20 mg/day most of the year, 30mg/day in the winter.

BEGIN 4th TAPER ATTEMPT: Jul 13 2025- 30 -> 25 mg; 10 Sept -> 22.5mg; 3 Oct -> 20 mg; 10 Oct -> hold 2 weeks; 2 Nov -> 19.5 mg; 9 Nov -> 19 mg; 16 Nov -> hold 1 week; 22 Nov -> 18.6 mg; 30 Nov -> 18.2 mg; 7 Dec -> hold 1 week; 14 Dec -> 17.8 mg; 21 Dec -> 17.5 mg; 28 Dec -> 17.1 mg; 4 Jan 2026 -> 16.7 mg -> hold 2 weeks ; 28 Jan -> 16.4 mg; 1 Feb -> 16.0 mg; 8 Feb -> 15.7 mg; 15 Feb -> hold 2 weeks; 1 Mar -> 15.5 mg; 8 Mar -> 15.2 mg; 15 Mar -> hold; 5 Apr -> 14.9.

Supplements: Vit D, Magesium L-threonate, Vit C, Zinc, Melatonin, Multivitamin

February 27Feb 27

Author

28 minutes ago, gardengirl2 said:

And I just reread your note. I'm sorry you experience the morning ugh also. It's a nasty way to start the day. I hope it lessens as you continue to improve. ♥️

Thanks @gardengirl2 hopefully for all of us 💞

Edited February 27Feb 27 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.

February 27Feb 27

12 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

Update 18:00pm

Slept very little but my mental was relatively clear so not a big deal.

Mind is a bit overactive, running fast but not on black which is a pretty significant improvement.

I got up at 4am quite excited for the rest of the day, don't remember the last time this happened so rode the momentum, sorted out some things I had been putting off and went to work, if there isn't a sharp turn I might go for a short walk later so overall I am very grateful for the relief apart from the suffocating loneliness, this process caused me to be almost completely disconnected from the outside world plus friends who I either didn't want in their company due to this hell and or they didn't know how to deal with it, can't blame them really, serious flip, my identity was stolen and I was and still am very much on the edge.

very challenging to navigate an unfamiliar and alienated reality, I was always around friends so it's a tough one to get used to, however I hold out hope that my building identity will be improved one, with more compassion and love and things will settle nicely on all fronts over time.

Physically, symptoms are definitely present but a clearer mind, more resilience.

I’m sorry about your sleep @Fullhealing but glad to hear things easing a little here. I get you on the isolation front. I’ve got my little family but apart from that I’m not really interested in social things atm. I used to love to see people and travel to visit friends but that seems a distant memory. You are right many can’t understand this and I don’t blame them. You have to live it to truly understand.

Hope you have had a better few hours still since this update.

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.

February 27Feb 27

Author

5 hours ago, gardengirl2 said:

Hi @Fullhealing. Thanks for your note on my page. It sounds like you're on the up and up. That makes me happy! And I don't know that I've ever gotten excited about anything at 4 am. You must be healing. 😃

Keep it up!

xoxo Jamie

Missed it ☝️ @gardengirl2 thank you for that! today up at 2pm grilling but it's just all part of it isn't it, we are still healing, just slowly and in a very unpredictable way.

Hopefully you'll see improvement there soon, take good care 🤗

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

February 27Feb 27

Author

4 hours ago, Chippy said:

I’m sorry about your sleep @Fullhealing but glad to hear things easing a little here. I get you on the isolation front. I’ve got my little family but apart from that I’m not really interested in social things atm. I used to love to see people and travel to visit friends but that seems a distant memory. You are right many can’t understand this and I don’t blame them. You have to live it to truly understand.

Hope you have had a better few hours still since this update.

xxxx

Thanks @Chippy although I wish there was more understanding it means it has to be experienced and we don't wish it to no one. glad you have your supportive little family tho, it's so important.

Hope you've lifted up today, I'm grilling since the early morning but who knows what's next, maybe a tiny window? we keep on hoping.

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

February 27Feb 27

2 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

maybe a tiny window?

A big window I hope for you! xxx

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.

1

February 27Feb 27

Author

Update 2:00 PM

Slept briefly, maybe three hours until I got up at 2am grilling, the relief wore off and there we go, fire and flames, I did managed to get back to sleep at 6 to 8 but it wasn't much of a good one, my mind was too explosive.

As for now, overwhelmed, mind talking irrelevant nonsense to loud.

I'll try to work much harder on acceptance but wow, it's hard, so easy to get carried away!

Physical symptoms:

Burning, chest tightness, air hunger, pressure and dull headache, tinnitus, upper muscle stiffness, hip joint pain, poor digestion today but yesterday there was a small improvement

Mental: Intrusive thoughts and fear, lots of it, very dominant now.

There are symptoms that were mentioned before but either I forget as my my mind spirals or they have disappeared, well, that's it for now.

Edited February 27Feb 27 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.

February 27Feb 27

8 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

Update 2:00 PM

Slept briefly, maybe three hours until I got up at 2am grilling, the relief wore off and there we go, fire and flames, I did managed to get back to sleep at 6 to 8 but it wasn't much of a good one, my mind was too explosive.

As for now, overwhelmed, mind talking irrelevant nonsense to loud.

I'll try to work much harder on acceptance but wow, it's hard, so easy to get carried away!

Physical symptoms:

Burning, chest tightness, air hunger, pressure and dull headache, tinnitus, upper muscle stiffness, hip joint pain, poor digestion today but yesterday there was a small improvement

Mental: Intrusive thoughts and fear, lots of it, very dominant now.

There are symptoms that were mentioned before but either I forget as my my mind spirals or they have disappeared, well, that's it for now.

@Fullhealing you are a true warrior! Acceptance Distraction and Time. You've got this! xxx

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.

1

February 27Feb 27

Author

1 minute ago, Chippy said:

@Fullhealing you are a true warrior! Acceptance Distraction and Time. You've got this! xxx

You are such a beautiful soul @Chippy thank you!!

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.

February 27Feb 27

1 minute ago, Fullhealing said:

You are such a beautiful soul @Chippy thank you!!

Bless you @Fullhealing thats not true but we are all here for you. xxx

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.

1

February 27Feb 27

20 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

Update 18:00pm

Slept very little but my mental was relatively clear so not a big deal.

Mind is a bit overactive, running fast but not on black which is a pretty significant improvement.

I got up at 4am quite excited for the rest of the day, don't remember the last time this happened so rode the momentum, sorted out some things I had been putting off and went to work, if there isn't a sharp turn I might go for a short walk later so overall I am very grateful for the relief apart from the suffocating loneliness, this process caused me to be almost completely disconnected from the outside world plus friends who I either didn't want in their company due to this hell and or they didn't know how to deal with it, can't blame them really, serious flip, my identity was stolen and I was and still am very much on the edge.

very challenging to navigate an unfamiliar and alienated reality, I was always around friends so it's a tough one to get used to, however I hold out hope that my building identity will be improved one, with more compassion and love and things will settle nicely on all fronts over time.

Physically, symptoms are definitely present but a clearer mind, more resilience.

How wonderful to have a clear mind and to be excited about the day! 🩷💗❤️

For US members: Please report med to FDA Med Watch

2017 (May) - Ativan .5 mg (3 x Daily)

2018 (Feb) - Mirtazapine 7.5 mg

2018 (May) - Ativan to Valium - Switch - Can’t Remember how long it took -tapered to 3 mg of Valium

2024 (May) - Valium Tolerance

2024 (2 Nov) - Completed taper off Valium

2024 (2 Nov) - Mirtazapine increased to 15 mg

2025 (Feb) - Ativan 0.25 mg (3 x Daily) - Became Paradoxical - Started weaning got to 0.11mg

2025 (Mar) - Ativan 0mg - CT In detox

2025 (April) Started Depakote 1500mg - In detox

2025 (April) - Depakote 500mg (2 x Daily) once home

2025 (Aug) - Completed taper off Depakote

2025 (Aug) - Akathisia surges throughout the day with calming in between

2025 (Sept) - Gabapentin (Micro Dose) - Was calming at first and then became paradoxical so stop

2025 (Oct) - Depakote - RI – (Two days of small dose) Became scared and stopped with WD & aka

2025 (Oct) - Seroquel 50 mg XR – 1 Week - more and more activating and increased aka

2025 (Oct) - Psychiatrist told me to stop it. But I took a few days of a smaller dose of IR then stopped - Not activating

2025 (Nov) - Hydroxyzine 2.5mg - it was paradoxical so stopped

2025 (1 Dec) - Mirtazapine 22.5mg - (2 Days) Was incredibly overstimulating started reducing to previous

2025 (3 Dec) - Mirtazapine 18.75mg

2025 (10 Dec) - Mirtazapine 16.87mg

2025 (22 Dec) - Mirtazapine 15mg

2026 (23Jan) - Mirtazapine 14.7mg

2026 (23 Jan) - Mirtazapine 1mg Panic dose

2026 (24 Jan) - Mirtazapine 15mg

2026 (25 Feb) – Mirtazapine 14.7mg (-2%)

2026 (18 Mar) - propranolol 2.5 mg one time

2026 (21 Mar)- Mirtazapine- 15 mg accidentally in sleepy state

2026 (22 Mar) - Mirtazapine 14.79 mg (more accurate scales)

2026 (29 April) Mirtazapine 14.7 mg/.1020 g (on suggestion of Horowitz) immediate intense symptoms

2026 (30 April) Mirtazapine 14.79 mg (.1026 g)

2026 (23 May) propranolol 2.5 mg one time

2026 (01 June) Mirtazapine 14.79 mgdose was 5 hours late

2026 (22 July) Mirtazapine 14.76 mg

Intense electric activation, muscle tightness, autonomic surges, terror followed

2026 (23 July) Mirtazapine 14.79 mg return

2026 (Oct 5) attempted moving 2 mg of dose 45 minutes earlier

Severe activation followed

1

February 27Feb 27

Author

1 hour ago, Chippy said:

Bless you @Fullhealing thats not true but we are all here for you. xxx

@Chippy As someone who's going through this hell himself and still manages to support everyone in such a kind and inclusive way, no better definition than that for a beautiful soul, but not arguing just saying 💞 Bless you, hope you're okay atm.

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

Fullhealing: Paxil withdrawal

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