Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
The Antidepressant Harm and Recovery Forum

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

gardengirl2: Tapering after 32 years on paroxetine - hopefully my final attempt!

gardengirl2
gardengirl2
in Introductions & Ongoing Recoveries

Featured Replies

I'm an SA refugee and so happy to see so many familiar folks on this site. Thank you @Chippy and @Luke! Your generous efforts will benefit many, many suffering people.  I have started a hyperbolic taper a la Brass Monkey, my fourth attempt at ending my dysfunctional relationship with paroxetine. Honestly, who stays on drugs they don't want any more because it's too hard to get off them? I've gained a lot of tools and wisdom from SA as to how to go about this and am somewhat confident about being successful this time. I'm over the moon at being at 16.0 mg right now. I'm managing fine with a few little irritations here and there. It's going to be a LONG haul lasting several years. I'm glad we're all in this together! May God bless us all. 🌻

 

Here is my SA Thread

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

    • Like 2
    • Chippy changed the title to gardengirl2: Tapering after 32 years on paroxetine - hopefully my final attempt!
    • Replies 97
    • Views 1.9k
    • Created
    • Last Reply

    Top Posters In This Topic

    Most Popular Posts

    • namastejen1
      namastejen1

      Yes, it is nuts. I finally had to hand it over to a compounding pharmacy to weigh out my Rx. The pharmacist-husband, he works with his wife--cute couple, have been doing this for years. They told me t

    • Being the tortoise
      Being the tortoise

      I too am taking the my taper very slowly. I am currently holding at 7.4 mg because work/life pressure. But I am still happy that in 12 months I've managed to come down 2.6 mg... It is better than the

    • gardengirl2
      gardengirl2

      Thanks @Chippy @cheeky @Being the tortoise for your encouragement. I know you are all aware of how it feels to want off of this stuff. It's truly a lesson in patience. Life is a journey, and we're on

    Hey @gardengirl2

     

    Welcome to the forum!

     

    We have interacted a little on SA it's great to see you here! 🙂 

     

    Thank you for posting your intro Topic!

     

    Ive linked your SA thread above for you.

     

    Im so pleased to see your taper is going smoothly for you right now. Excellent to hear.

     

    I look forward to chatting with you some more and see you finish your smooth taper to 0 one day.

     

    Hope you find the site supportive, you are very welcome here.

     

    Chippy

    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.

    •
    • Like 1

    Welcome! Glad you made it here! It is a great spot with many familiar faces. How are you today?

    2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

    The Whole Story About Me

    --Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

    2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

    --Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

    **Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

    Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

    Thank you for crossing over from SA.

    Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

     

    Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.

    Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

     

    15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

    Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

    1 month taper  to 0mg

    Last dose April 2023

    Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

    Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

    • Like 1
    • Author
    16 hours ago, Chippy said:

    Ive linked your SA thread above for you.

    Thanks Chippy!

    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

    • Author

    Hi @namastejen1!

     

    I'm doing pretty well at this point. Still early in the tapering process, but symptoms have been manageable thus far. I'm so excited to be down 20% of my dosage. I calculated how long it will take at this rate if all goes well with no unexpected holds needed, and I'll be at this for almost 6 years! For heaven's sake! I saw it said somewhere that we have to become our own pharmacists in this game, chopping and weighing our pills and tapering on our own. Isn't that nuts? What is the medical field thinking? I've also said we warriors are on at ground zero of what will one day be an industry, that of psych med withdrawal support. With 1 out of every 5 Americans on some kind of psych med, there will be a lot of people who need help. People will one day marvel at this madness.

    xxoo 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

    • Like 1
    On 2/1/2026 at 8:00 PM, gardengirl2 said:

    I'm glad we're all in this together! May God bless us all. 🌻

     

    Hi @gardengirl2, good to see you here! Yes, we are in this together.

     

    3 hours ago, gardengirl2 said:

    People will one day marvel at this madness.

    Will be in history books next to the lobotomy horrors. It is absolutely abhorrent this pill pushing goes on with no informed consent.

    Aug 2022- Mirtzapine 15 (3 weeks)

    Sept 2022 - Jan 2023 Escitalopram 10 

    Dec 2023- April 2024 Escitalopram 2.5 

    June 2024 -Escitalopram 2.5

    July 2024-Nov 2024 Escitalopram 5

    Nov 2024- Feb 2025 Escitalopram 2.5

    Feb 2025, 1 Prozac, 1 Zoloft cross taper

    Feb 19, 2025 off all meds, major WD

    https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32394-hopeperseveres-escitalopr%C3%A1m-generic-lexapro-journey/page/

    • Like 2

    Yes, it is nuts. I finally had to hand it over to a compounding pharmacy to weigh out my Rx. The pharmacist-husband, he works with his wife--cute couple, have been doing this for years. They told me that they have seen quite a few people taper like this over the 35 years they have been in operation. They are hopeful for the process and believe us. That is a great thing to find supportive people on the ground. They see all sorts of things, especially at a compounding Rx. They also had different herbal products to purchase there and seemed to be more holistic to a degree.

     

    We are foot soldiers all around the world that are united in purpose--to conquer this and help others to do the same.

    20 hours ago, HopePerseveres2.0 said:

    Will be in history books next to the lobotomy horrors. It is absolutely abhorrent this pill pushing goes on with no informed consent.

    And this was a funny comment, HP2.0...have you ever seen Psychiatry: An Industry of Death? It was an interesting documentary. A bit jarring at times..so I don't want to share it sitewide here. https://www.cchr.org/documentaries/psychiatry-an-industry-of-death/introduction.html

    Edited by namastejen1

    2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

    The Whole Story About Me

    --Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

    2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

    --Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

    **Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

    Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

    •
    • Like 3
    On 2/2/2026 at 3:00 PM, gardengirl2 said:

    I'm an SA refugee and so happy to see so many familiar folks on this site. Thank you @Chippy and @Luke! Your generous efforts will benefit many, many suffering people.  I have started a hyperbolic taper a la Brass Monkey, my fourth attempt at ending my dysfunctional relationship with paroxetine. Honestly, who stays on drugs they don't want any more because it's too hard to get off them? I've gained a lot of tools and wisdom from SA as to how to go about this and am somewhat confident about being successful this time. I'm over the moon at being at 16.0 mg right now. I'm managing fine with a few little irritations here and there. It's going to be a LONG haul lasting several years. I'm glad we're all in this together! May God bless us all. 🌻

     

    Here is my SA Thread

    Hey @gardengirl2 i've just joined myself as well. Happy to connect here with you and others 

    On Paxil since 1995. Seroquel added 2014 after withdrawal crash. History of too-fast tapers/reinstatements.

     

    21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once 

    Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

    that ended up being too much and changed to one drug at a time  

    13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

    29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut 

    6 Aug 2025: began hold

    Oct 2025: changed from liquid to powder and accidentally took 10x Seroquel dose for 2 weeks by mistake

    23 Oct 2025: returned to liquid with accidental 4.7% Seroquel cut

     Holding both drugs to stablize

    Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

    Paxil taper

    22/4 8.23  29/4 8.20  5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05  3/6 8 11/6 7.95

    2 hours ago, namastejen1 said:

    They are hopeful for the process and believe us. That is a great thing to find supportive people on the ground.

    Thanks for sharing this @namastejen1

    Nice to be believed!

    2 hours ago, namastejen1 said:

    have you ever seen Psychiatry: An Industry of Death? It

    I have not seen it, I will take a look at the link, thanks! The title name is sad but true. I really liked Medicating Normal.

    Aug 2022- Mirtzapine 15 (3 weeks)

    Sept 2022 - Jan 2023 Escitalopram 10 

    Dec 2023- April 2024 Escitalopram 2.5 

    June 2024 -Escitalopram 2.5

    July 2024-Nov 2024 Escitalopram 5

    Nov 2024- Feb 2025 Escitalopram 2.5

    Feb 2025, 1 Prozac, 1 Zoloft cross taper

    Feb 19, 2025 off all meds, major WD

    https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32394-hopeperseveres-escitalopr%C3%A1m-generic-lexapro-journey/page/

    Hi @gardengirl2. Glad to see you and others. Wishing you the best with the paroxetine taper. I know how difficult this nasty drug can be. Take care!

    Oct Nov 2017 - 30mg diazepam every night. CT Dec 2017 extreme wd 

    Jan 2018 - 15mg mirtazapine, 100mg seroquel, 1mg lorazepam (taper off Mar 2018)

    Jan 2019- 20mg Paxil, 15mg mirtazapine, 100mg seroquel 

    April 2021- 30mg Paxil, 15mg mirtazapine, 100mg seroquel 

    Feb 2024 - 40mg Paxil, 15mg mirtazapine, 100mg seroquel 

    July 2024 in withdrawal from Paxil poop out. 
    Continuing to take 15mg mirtazapine and 100mg seroquel while tapering off Paxil 
    July 29, 2024 started 40mg paroxetine taper using brass monkey method-7/29/24-39mg, 8/5/24-38mg, 8/12/24-37mg, 8/19/24-36mg, 9/9/24-35.1mg, 9/16/24-34.2mg, 9/23/24-33.3mg, 9/30/24-32.4mg, 10/21/24-31.59mg, 10/28/24-30.78mg, 11/4/24-29.97mg, 11/11/24-29.16mg, 12/2/24-28.43mg, 12/9/24-27.7mg, 12/16/24-26.97mg, 12/23/24-26.24mg, 1/13/25-25.58mg, 1/20/25-24.92mg, 1/27/25-24.26mg, 2/3/25-23.62mg, 2/24/25-23.03mg, 3/3/25-22.44mg, 3/10/25-21.85mg, 3/17/25-21.26mg, 4/7/25-20.73mg, 4/14/25-20.20mg, 4/21/25-20mg, 5/12/25-19.5mg, 5/19/25-19mg, 5/26/25-18.5mg, 6/2/25-18mg, 6/23/25-17.55mg, 6/30/25-17.10mg, 7/7/25-16.65mg, 8/23/25-17.10mg, 8/28/25-17.55mg, 9/1/25-18.5mg, 9/11/25-19.5mg, 9/12/25-19mg, 9/13/25-18.5mg

    • Like 1
    • Author

    So glad you're here, Willy! I thought you might just stay at BB but glad you came over. Yep, nasty drug, that paroxetine. I'm so sorry you're still struggling. Arrrghh. I see you're still holding. It's a tough call, isn't it, when you don't know if it's poop out. I wish I knew more about such things and could help you. Just know I'll be praying for your healing.

     

    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

    • Like 1
    • Author

    @cheeky Hi there! So glad to see you! I was hoping you'd be here. I'll keep an eye on you. xoxo

    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

    • Like 1
    On 2/3/2026 at 10:22 PM, HopePerseveres2.0 said:

    Thanks for sharing this @namastejen1

    Nice to be believed!

    I have not seen it, I will take a look at the link, thanks! The title name is sad but true. I really liked Medicating Normal.

    I will have to check out Medicating Normal. Thanks for sharing that too HP2.0!

     

    Hope you are doing well today @gardengirl2 We didn't see you yesterday, maybe next week's meeting?

    Edited by namastejen1

    2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

    The Whole Story About Me

    --Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

    2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

    --Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

    **Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

    Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

    •
    • Like 1

    We are all here @gardengirl2 lol

    ❤️🙏

    I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

     

    Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

     

    TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

     

    9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

     

    "... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    @cheeky Hi there! So glad to see you! I was hoping you'd be here. I'll keep an eye on you. xoxo

    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

    • Author

    @namastejen1 Yes, something came up or I would love to have been at Jillian's zoom meeting. Definitely next week.

    I am doing well at this time. I have at least another 5 3/4 years at this rate. I may have to slow down when I get to the lower doses. I'm so excited about being at 16.0 mg. I had a minor setback with some morning cortisol this past week after my husband and I had a little tiff. It's amazing how sensitive our nervous systems are. You can see it immediately when a stressor comes along.

    You and @LostinCanada are way ahead of me. I'm excited for you both. Take care, both of you and may God bless you with peace and healing! 🙏

    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

    • Like 2

    So sweet, thank you for that blessing. Blessings right back at you! We may be ahead in terms of numbers, but we are still on the journey and looking forward to seeing everyone off of this stuff, or healing from CT, however long it takes. That last part is important to always remember. There are times that I feel a bit hemmed in on the 2-ish years I have left and will feel literally choked -- I know it's panic and a trick or lie from you know who. But I stand firm in my faith, pray, sing to clear than choked feeling especially psalms and hymns or octavos, and know that it can be done, and it will be done. It is also speaking Scripture or praises/lamenting. The alternative route of too fast too soon, been there done that. I know it is very costly, and I would rather take the slow and steady route. The time will go by anyway so it is better to be gentle and loving to ourselves and do it to our individual capacities. Have a pleasant evening, my friend.

     

    Maybe @LostinCanada will join us on a meeting if not already and I just don't know LIC's actual name.

    2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

    The Whole Story About Me

    --Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

    2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

    --Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

    **Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

    Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

    • Author

    Here's a very uplifting, comforting message from Angie Peacock about moving from your injured self to your healed self. I will save this for when I'm in dire straits. Please let me know if you can't view it.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HGPcDGVm2/  (2:07)

     

    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

    On 2/9/2026 at 4:14 AM, gardengirl2 said:

    Here's a very uplifting, comforting message from Angie Peacock about moving from your injured self to your healed self. I will save this for when I'm in dire straits. Please let me know if you can't view it.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HGPcDGVm2/  (2:07)

     

     

    I can view it, but take issue with a few parts, but in particular:

    • Removing the obstacles that are preventing you from healing, but also you don't need to do anything to force healing nor to make it happen?

    I'm not really sure what to make of that.

    Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

     

    Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.

    Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

     

    15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

    Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

    1 month taper  to 0mg

    Last dose April 2023

    Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

    Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

    • Like 2
    On 2/3/2026 at 2:33 AM, gardengirl2 said:

    Hi @namastejen1!

     

    I'm doing pretty well at this point. Still early in the tapering process, but symptoms have been manageable thus far. I'm so excited to be down 20% of my dosage. I calculated how long it will take at this rate if all goes well with no unexpected holds needed, and I'll be at this for almost 6 years! For heaven's sake! I saw it said somewhere that we have to become our own pharmacists in this game, chopping and weighing our pills and tapering on our own. Isn't that nuts? What is the medical field thinking? I've also said we warriors are on at ground zero of what will one day be an industry, that of psych med withdrawal support. With 1 out of every 5 Americans on some kind of psych med, there will be a lot of people who need help. People will one day marvel at this madness.

    xxoo Jamie

    I'm a psychiatrist going through my own hell after being on Atomoxetine for ADHD. 5 months off and still suffering. When I recover and my visa conditions are eased, I plan to do some private practice work supporting folk in the UK to withdraw and recover. 

    November 2024 Elvanse for ADHD. Anxiety and jaw clenching, stopped after 4 weeks. Felt fine.

     

    January 2025 Medikinet XL

    Made me depressed and suicidal so stopped after 3 weeks. Felt fine

     

    March 2025 Concerta XL Made me depressed and suicidal so stopped after 2 weeks. Felt fine

     

    April-May 2025 Amfexa and Methylphenidate instant release, both only worked for an hour so stopped.  Felt fine.

     

    June 2025 Atomoxetine started slow taper. Immediate hot flushing and feeling sluggish.

     

    July-September 2025 Tapered up to 70mg Atomoxetine. Constipation, insomnia, muscle spasms, weird thoughts, mood swings, night sweats, hot flushes, brain fog, dizziness etc

     

    October 2025 rapid taper off Atomoxetine. I also had a GA for shoulder surgery the same week I finished meds.

     

    Ongoing symptoms ever since, but now also trouble swallowing, difficulty passing urine, muscle twitches, depersonalisation, heavy limbs, emotional blunting, apathy, feeling "wired" and robotic, PGAD.

     

    New symptoms February 2026: Nausea and burning head

     

    Supplements: B12, folate and Vit D as all were bordering on deficient. 

    Bad reactions to CBD oil, Mag glycinate, Mag L.Threonate and Fish Oil

    • Like 2
    On 2/9/2026 at 4:14 AM, gardengirl2 said:

    Here's a very uplifting, comforting message from Angie Peacock about moving from your injured self to your healed self. I will save this for when I'm in dire straits. Please let me know if you can't view it.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HGPcDGVm2/  (2:07)

     

    Thank you for the link. I have been trying to explain to my therapist what it feels like "not to feel", and just operate like an emotional zombie (even tears feel like blood out of a stone these days). I might show her this. Thank you.

    November 2024 Elvanse for ADHD. Anxiety and jaw clenching, stopped after 4 weeks. Felt fine.

     

    January 2025 Medikinet XL

    Made me depressed and suicidal so stopped after 3 weeks. Felt fine

     

    March 2025 Concerta XL Made me depressed and suicidal so stopped after 2 weeks. Felt fine

     

    April-May 2025 Amfexa and Methylphenidate instant release, both only worked for an hour so stopped.  Felt fine.

     

    June 2025 Atomoxetine started slow taper. Immediate hot flushing and feeling sluggish.

     

    July-September 2025 Tapered up to 70mg Atomoxetine. Constipation, insomnia, muscle spasms, weird thoughts, mood swings, night sweats, hot flushes, brain fog, dizziness etc

     

    October 2025 rapid taper off Atomoxetine. I also had a GA for shoulder surgery the same week I finished meds.

     

    Ongoing symptoms ever since, but now also trouble swallowing, difficulty passing urine, muscle twitches, depersonalisation, heavy limbs, emotional blunting, apathy, feeling "wired" and robotic, PGAD.

     

    New symptoms February 2026: Nausea and burning head

     

    Supplements: B12, folate and Vit D as all were bordering on deficient. 

    Bad reactions to CBD oil, Mag glycinate, Mag L.Threonate and Fish Oil

    • Like 1
    • Author
    On 2/10/2026 at 12:12 PM, Sminismoni said:

    When I recover and my visa conditions are eased, I plan to do some private practice work supporting folk in the UK to withdraw and recover. 

    That would be an amazing labor of love. I'm sure you will be much needed.

    xxoo 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

    Hi @gardengirl2 How are you diddling? I hope you are Ok and not under too much stress.

    I am wishing you all the best Girl.

    Take care,         B.🤞🌷

    2001-2021 Prozac 20mg

    2020-2021 Tramadol 300mg

    2022 April 15th  Started Mirtazapine 15mg

    2022 Sept 15 dropped to 7.5mg

    2023 May 16th failed CT reinstated.

    2023  June 30th tapering off

    2025 Jan 7th Stopped all drugs.

    • Author

    Hi Mr. B! @NT1100B

     

    I'm doing OK. I think I may have to slow my taper down from 8% every 6 weeks. I may try 2% each for 2 weeks, then a week hold, and again 2% each for 2 weeks, then a week hold. It seems by week 3 on my current routine, my morning sleep suffers and I get a bit ornery with very little patience. My insides feel hyped up too, like I can't relax or take a deep breath. Mornings have always been my worst time, and I know yours definitely are. It's such a lousy way to start the day.

     

    It looks like you spent 1 1/2 years tapering. Do you think that was too fast? Is that part of the reason you're suffering right now? At my rate, I'll be at it many years. Sigh. I'll have you and our people to hang with, thank goodness. I check the site every night at this time, around 10 pm, hoping to see some good numbers for you. It makes me so sad when i don't. Honestly, the fortitude and perseverance you have is mind-boggling. I would be so utterly useless on the amount of sleep you're getting. And then to inquire about the rest of us. Such a gem you are, friend! One good thing to come out of all of this is this bond of friendship we have all established around the globe. People you've never met have your back. What a gift.

     

    I continue to pray for all of us and especially you and your struggles every day. Jesus knows every moment that we suffer. He understands and has been there. I'm praying for complete and total healing for all of us. Treat yourself kindly, B. 🙏♥️🌻

    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

    • Like 1

    Create an account or sign in to comment
    Go to topic listing

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.