4 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you so much, Chippy, for taking the time to look closely at my situation and for your kindness — it really means a lot. I agree that the dose changes likely contributed to my destabilization; there were several adjustments over 2025, mainly involving Prozac (10 mg → brief increases to 15–20 mg, then back down to 10 mg) along with changes to Wellbutrin, and that period of up-and-down dosing did seem to coincide with the onset and worsening of my symptoms. I will update my signature in the clearer chronological format you suggested so the history is easier to follow and comment on.

It is an absolute pleasure @Healthyagain. Yeah all those shifts up and down are certainly part of the issue here.

 

5 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Your point that the worry itself can be part of the intrusive thought cycle really resonates with me. I do notice that I constantly analyze whether this is withdrawal vs relapse, and that questioning seems to feed the fear loop rather than resolve it. It helps to be reminded that this pattern is common and not necessarily evidence that something new or permanent is wrong.

It is very common for people to worry about this. And like you said the issue is trying to 'worry fix' things. It's as you well described here a loop. It's trying to break that cycle and acceptance is very key to this. Acceptance is key

 

7 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

I also appreciate your reassurance about the recent good days — I’ve actually had two consecutive fairly normal days (just a bit tired and fatigued), which feels like a hopeful sign that my nervous system may be stabilizing despite the lingering fear and intrusive thoughts. I will continue to focus on staying steady, keeping supports around me, and updating my footer so you all can better guide me.

This is so typical really is. Waves and windows are as you probably realise a signature sign of WD/drug harm and how the nervous system recovers.

That is the way forward for sure. Steady no dose shifts, try and work on your mind set and coping skills to counter these awful symptoms. And as you said a nice clear footer would be really useful for us all to read 🙂 

 

Hope you continue to have some better days.

 

Chippy

16 minutes ago, Chippy said:

This is so typical really is. Waves and windows are as you probably realise a signature sign of WD/drug harm and how the nervous system recovers.

That is the way forward for sure. Steady no dose shifts, try and work on your mind set and coping skills to counter these awful symptoms. And as you said a nice clear footer would be really useful for us all to read 🙂 

 

Hope you continue to have some better days.

 

Chippy

Thank you so much, Chippy. I’ve updated my footer/signature in the clearer chronological format so it should now be easier to follow my medication history 🙂

 

Your explanation about waves and windows being a signature sign of withdrawal and nervous system recovery really resonates with what I’m experiencing. I’m trying to focus on mindset, acceptance, and coping rather than constantly analyzing every symptom — I read the “acceptance is key” link and it really felt on point for me.

 

I did want to ask: roughly how much longer would you suggest I hold before even attempting a very small 1% taper just to test the waters? And if I taper in a slow, safe hyperbolic way, is it likely that I would experience the same level of severe intrusive thoughts again, or is that more tied to the rapid/unstable changes I had before?

 

I appreciate you and this support more than you will ever know.

4 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you so much, Chippy. I’ve updated my footer/signature in the clearer chronological format so it should now be easier to follow my medication history 🙂

Thanks for that, Yes much clearer. I added the % drops for you to see. They were very very big!

 

01 Jan 2025 Prozac 40mg; Wellbutrin XL 450mg
01 Feb 2025 Prozac 30mg (-25%); Wellbutrin XL 450mg
01 Mar 2025 Prozac 20mg(-33%); Wellbutrin XL 450mg
01 Apr 2025 Prozac 20mg; Wellbutrin XL 300mg (-33%)
01 May 2025 Prozac 20mg; Wellbutrin XL 150mg (-50%)
15 Jun 2025 Prozac 10mg(-50%); Wellbutrin XL 150mg

 

01 Aug 2025 Prozac 10mg every other day; Wellbutrin ~75mg (splitting XL 150mg) - Every other day dosing is not good and your split dose should have had a crossover period from a stable position. 

 

Between 22 Aug 2025 and 14 Nov 2025: a handful of times (exact dates unclear) during panic episodes, I took an extra Prozac 20mg and Xanax 0.25mg. Last Xanax dose: 1/4 of 0.25mg tablet on 10 Jan 2026. Yeah Im sure you are gathering this is all not good for anyone but on top of a destabilised nervous system its really not good.

 

 was also taking supplements and Ozempic (last dose: 06 Nov 2025), which I believe contributed to my destabilization despite previously tolerating them. I had not yet found the withdrawal communities and continued to experience panic and intrusive thoughts, so my psychiatrist advised dose increases:

 

01 Oct 2025 Wellbutrin XL 300mg (+100%) (brief increase; caused palpitations → reduced)
21 Oct 2025 Wellbutrin XL 150mg (-50%)resumed and held
01 Nov 2025 Prozac 15mg (+50%) (brief increase; worsened palpitations/SI → reduced)
14 Nov 2025 Prozac 10mg (-33%)resumed and held

 

Since 21 Oct 2025: holding Wellbutrin XL 150mg
Since 14 Nov 2025: holding Prozac 10mg

 

It is no wonder you are experiencing so much trouble that is an awful lot for a nervous system to go through and considering I think you are doing really well!

 

You have only been holding since 14 Nov 2025 so thats just over 3 months. I can take some time to feel ready to taper. Your CNS has been through alot.  

 

12 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Your explanation about waves and windows being a signature sign of withdrawal and nervous system recovery really resonates with what I’m experiencing. I’m trying to focus on mindset, acceptance, and coping rather than constantly analyzing every symptom — I read the “acceptance is key” link and it really felt on point for me.

Good Im glad it helped 🙂 

 

12 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

I did want to ask: roughly how much longer would you suggest I hold before even attempting a very small 1% taper just to test the waters? And if I taper in a slow, safe hyperbolic way, is it likely that I would experience the same level of severe intrusive thoughts again, or is that more tied to the rapid/unstable changes I had before?

We always say you want to find your base line. A rough guide is to rate your symptoms out of 10 and if they are a 1-3 consistently then you could consider resuming your taper. You also need to learn to tune into your own symptoms and this is a personal skill that takes time to develop.

 

When you do feel ready a little drop is always a good way to test the water. How much is up to you and how comfortable you feel.

 

There are other ways to consider making your drops a little smoother.

Have you checked out the Brass Monkey Slide? It's a good balance of speed but with the smoothness of a micro taper. You can ease into it by making a 2.5% without commitment up front to more drops (when you are ready of course!) and then hold for a 7 day period and re-assessing your next drop which would on paper look like:

 

10% Drop over 4 weeks

Week1 - 2.5%

Week2 - 2.5%

Week3 - 2.5%

Week4 - 2.5%

Weeks 5&6 Hold to allow for WD symptoms to catch up and your nervous system to settle.

 

This can be adjusted to be 5% (4x1.25%) over 4 weeks or what ever number suits you and your nervous system.

 

Brass Money Slide

 

We will have a calculator out soon you can use to help make these little drops.

 

How are you making your reductions at the moment?

 

Tapering slowly from a stable position is most definitely going to help. How well it goes we can't tell. You just need to take it step by step. Dont rush into starting, wait till you are ready. It's the best way 🙂 Not a race!

 

Chippy

12 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Thanks for that, Yes much clearer. I added the % drops for you to see. They were very very big!

 

01 Jan 2025 Prozac 40mg; Wellbutrin XL 450mg
01 Feb 2025 Prozac 30mg (-25%); Wellbutrin XL 450mg
01 Mar 2025 Prozac 20mg(-33%); Wellbutrin XL 450mg
01 Apr 2025 Prozac 20mg; Wellbutrin XL 300mg (-33%)
01 May 2025 Prozac 20mg; Wellbutrin XL 150mg (-50%)
15 Jun 2025 Prozac 10mg(-50%); Wellbutrin XL 150mg

 

01 Aug 2025 Prozac 10mg every other day; Wellbutrin ~75mg (splitting XL 150mg) - Every other day dosing is not good and your split dose should have had a crossover period from a stable position. 

 

Between 22 Aug 2025 and 14 Nov 2025: a handful of times (exact dates unclear) during panic episodes, I took an extra Prozac 20mg and Xanax 0.25mg. Last Xanax dose: 1/4 of 0.25mg tablet on 10 Jan 2026. Yeah Im sure you are gathering this is all not good for anyone but on top of a destabilised nervous system its really not good.

 

 

 was also taking supplements and Ozempic (last dose: 06 Nov 2025), which I believe contributed to my destabilization despite previously tolerating them. I had not yet found the withdrawal communities and continued to experience panic and intrusive thoughts, so my psychiatrist advised dose increases:

 

01 Oct 2025 Wellbutrin XL 300mg (+100%) (brief increase; caused palpitations → reduced)
21 Oct 2025 Wellbutrin XL 150mg (-50%)resumed and held
01 Nov 2025 Prozac 15mg (+50%) (brief increase; worsened palpitations/SI → reduced)
14 Nov 2025 Prozac 10mg (-33%)resumed and held

 

Since 21 Oct 2025: holding Wellbutrin XL 150mg
Since 14 Nov 2025: holding Prozac 10mg

 

It is no wonder you are experiencing so much trouble that is an awful lot for a nervous system to go through and considering I think you are doing really well!

 

You have only been holding since 14 Nov 2025 so thats just over 3 months. I can take some time to feel ready to taper. Your CNS has been through alot.  

 

Good Im glad it helped 🙂 

 

We always say you want to find your base line. A rough guide is to rate your symptoms out of 10 and if they are a 1-3 consistently then you could consider resuming your taper. You also need to learn to tune into your own symptoms and this is a personal skill that takes time to develop.

 

When you do feel ready a little drop is always a good way to test the water. How much is up to you and how comfortable you feel.

 

There are other ways to consider making your drops a little smoother.

Have you checked out the Brass Monkey Slide? It's a good balance of speed but with the smoothness of a micro taper. You can ease into it by making a 2.5% without commitment up front to more drops (when you are ready of course!) and then hold for a 7 day period and re-assessing your next drop which would on paper look like:

 

10% Drop over 4 weeks

Week1 - 2.5%

Week2 - 2.5%

Week3 - 2.5%

Week4 - 2.5%

Weeks 5&6 Hold to allow for WD symptoms to catch up and your nervous system to settle.

 

This can be adjusted to be 5% (4x1.25%) over 4 weeks or what ever number suits you and your nervous system.

 

Brass Money Slide

 

We will have a calculator out soon you can use to help make these little drops.

 

How are you making your reductions at the moment?

 

Tapering slowly from a stable position is most definitely going to help. How well it goes we can't tell. You just need to take it step by step. Dont rush into starting, wait till you are ready. It's the best way 🙂 Not a race!

 

Chippy

Hi Chippy,

 

Thanks, that really helps—I appreciate you recognizing how much my nervous system has been through. I’m holding steady for now to find my baseline, but when I feel ready, I’d like to test the waters with a 1% reduction first. Do you think, in theory, I might be able to handle a 10% reduction given my history?

 

The Brass Monkey Slide sounds like a smart, cautious approach—I like that small, step-by-step method.

52 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Hi Chippy,

 

Thanks, that really helps—I appreciate you recognizing how much my nervous system has been through. I’m holding steady for now to find my baseline, but when I feel ready, I’d like to test the waters with a 1% reduction first. Do you think, in theory, I might be able to handle a 10% reduction given my history?

 

The Brass Monkey Slide sounds like a smart, cautious approach—I like that small, step-by-step method.

Pleasure. 
 

Only you will know. Just listen to your body it will tell you when to drop and if it’s too much when you do. Start small for sure to test the water and see how you feel. Some have to come down real slow but that doesn’t mean that’s you. 
 

Yeah I like the BM slide. Plus it starts with a little drop which ever way you go and of course you don’t need to continue with it if you need to hold after week one that’s fine. There are no rules. 😊

12 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

I’ve actually had two consecutive fairly normal days (jus

This is enormously good news.   If you can have 2 good days, you will have more!

I’ve come down with COVID, and urgent care prescribed Paxlovid. Yesterday I took 1000 mg of vitamin C, and within a couple of hours I experienced anxiety and depersonalization/derealization for a few hours—symptoms that had been gone for over a week.

Because of this, I’m very nervous about taking medications. Even things that used to help, like Tylenol, Zicam, antihistamines, or NyQuil, now feel risky.

I did take my first dose of Paxlovid last night. I felt some anxiety but was able to fall asleep. I also had a few hours of insomnia and an awful bitter taste. I currently have a low‑grade fever and ended up taking Tylenol and Zicam lozenges.

I’m unsure whether to continue Paxlovid, worried the effects might build up—or maybe they won’t. Has anyone experienced taking Paxlovid, getting COVID, or being sick while trying to stabilize? Any advice or shared experiences would be really helpful.

 

 

 

16 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

I’ve come down with COVID, and urgent care prescribed Paxlovid. Yesterday I took 1000 mg of vitamin C, and within a couple of hours I experienced anxiety and depersonalization/derealization for a few hours—symptoms that had been gone for over a week.

Because of this, I’m very nervous about taking medications. Even things that used to help, like Tylenol, Zicam, antihistamines, or NyQuil, now feel risky.

I did take my first dose of Paxlovid last night. I felt some anxiety but was able to fall asleep. I also had a few hours of insomnia and an awful bitter taste. I currently have a low‑grade fever and ended up taking Tylenol and Zicam lozenges.

I’m unsure whether to continue Paxlovid, worried the effects might build up—or maybe they won’t. Has anyone experienced taking Paxlovid, getting COVID, or being sick while trying to stabilize? Any advice or shared experiences would be really helpful.

 

 

 

I’ve not heard of Paxlovid and have no experience of it. What I will say is your nervous system is likely very sensitive, so taking anything may possibly cause you problems including supplements. We always suggest avoiding these things.

6 hours ago, Chippy said:

I’ve not heard of Paxlovid and have no experience of it. What I will say is your nervous system is likely very sensitive, so taking anything may possibly cause you problems including supplements. We always suggest avoiding these things.

Thanks, I really appreciate your perspective. Yes, my nervous system is extremely sensitive right now, so I’ve been trying to be very cautious with anything I take, including supplements.

I finished Paxlovid yesterday, and after coming across a few posts about people who lost their lives related to SSRIs or medication-induced nervous system injury, I became really triggered.

 

This morning I experienced one of the worst surges/waves I’ve had so far. It lasted about two hours. The fear wasn’t even the strongest part this time — it was more a deep exhaustion and a feeling of just wanting the suffering to stop. At one point I noticed my mind scanning for ways out, which scared me afterward.

 

When I’m in the middle of a wave like that, it feels like I can’t think clearly and all logic disappears. I hate that state.

For those of you who have experienced waves and surges during withdrawal or nervous system destabilization, were your episodes similar?

 

And after a surge passed, did you ever find yourself thinking afterward: what if during one of those moments — when it feels like logic is gone — I could lose control and there would be no going back?

 

I’m also trying to learn what others have done to help themselves during these surges — especially when you’re not in the right state of mind in the middle of a wave — so it doesn’t escalate.

3 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

I finished Paxlovid yesterday, and after coming across a few posts about people who lost their lives related to SSRIs or medication-induced nervous system injury, I became really triggered.

 

This morning I experienced one of the worst surges/waves I’ve had so far. It lasted about two hours. The fear wasn’t even the strongest part this time — it was more a deep exhaustion and a feeling of just wanting the suffering to stop. At one point I noticed my mind scanning for ways out, which scared me afterward.

 

When I’m in the middle of a wave like that, it feels like I can’t think clearly and all logic disappears. I hate that state.

For those of you who have experienced waves and surges during withdrawal or nervous system destabilization, were your episodes similar?

 

And after a surge passed, did you ever find yourself thinking afterward: what if during one of those moments — when it feels like logic is gone — I could lose control and there would be no going back?

 

I’m also trying to learn what others have done to help themselves during these surges — especially when you’re not in the right state of mind in the middle of a wave — so it doesn’t escalate.

It’s an awful state to be in @Healthyagain. When panic sets in its your limbic system taking over and your prefrontal cortex — the logical, rational, decision making part of the brain — goes off line. The thoughts you have afterwards are not unexpected but they are just thoughts, they don’t reflect reality.

 I’ve been practising acceptance for a few years now and slowly I’ve been able to step back from panic and just observe it. It doesn’t last as long as I don’t become mired in it. There’s some really good resources under the Acceptance section on here. It’s not an instant fix, and it’s really difficult to start. The skills develop over time with repeated practice. Hope this helps 🤗

1 hour ago, Catbird said:

 I’ve been practising acceptance for a few years now and slowly I’ve been able to step back from panic and just observe it. It doesn’t last as long as I don’t become mired in it. There’s some really good resources under the Acceptance section on here. It’s not an instant fix, and it’s really difficult to start. The skills develop over time with repeated practice. Hope this helps 🤗

Thank you for explaining that — it actually helps to hear it framed that way. The part about the limbic system taking over during panic really resonates with what I experience during those waves.

I’m trying to learn how to step back and observe the panic instead of getting pulled into it, but it’s definitely hard in the moment. I’ll look into the Acceptance resources you mentioned. Could you point me to where exactly the Acceptance section is on the site? I’d really like to read through it.

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you for explaining that — it actually helps to hear it framed that way. The part about the limbic system taking over during panic really resonates with what I experience during those waves.

I’m trying to learn how to step back and observe the panic instead of getting pulled into it, but it’s definitely hard in the moment. I’ll look into the Acceptance resources you mentioned. Could you point me to where exactly the Acceptance section is on the site? I’d really like to read through it.

 

 

 

 

Acceptance is key

Why Acceptance Feels Impossible

 

These links will help. Even if all you're experiencing is resistance, try accepting the resistance. It's about being in the present even if at first it's only for a few seconds.🤗

13 minutes ago, Catbird said:

Acceptance is key

Why Acceptance Feels Impossible

 

These links will help. Even if all you're experiencing is resistance, try accepting the resistance. It's about being in the present even if at first it's only for a few seconds.🤗

Thank you — I really appreciate you sharing those. Acceptance definitely feels hard when the waves and surges are intense, but I understand what you mean about starting with just a few seconds and even accepting the resistance itself.

I’m going to read through the links you shared and try to practice being present with what’s happening instead of fighting it so much. Thank you for pointing me in that direction. 🤗

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you — I really appreciate you sharing those. Acceptance definitely feels hard when the waves and surges are intense, but I understand what you mean about starting with just a few seconds and even accepting the resistance itself.

I’m going to read through the links you shared and try to practice being present with what’s happening instead of fighting it so much. Thank you for pointing me in that direction. 🤗

 

 

 

It's great you're so open to the idea @Healthyagain. It's not an instant fix, more of an epic journey. I have C-PTSD so getting in touch with my emotions is really difficult (+ the numbing effect of the ADs). All I know is I'm feeling something and allowing it to be there. I'm feeling highly activated this morning for reasons unknown. Yesterday morning I got up and went for a 4 km walk, first time in over 6 years (the morning part of it anyway). Today I'm not doing so well. I've been on my current dose for 5 weeks and the last drop was 16mcg. This is the first of 5 drugs I need to taper. So a long way to go yet. I think the only way through is acceptance and allowing.

Please let me know how you get on 🤗 

Here is another helpful one - I love how perspectives play a huge role in healing

 

12 Ways to Know Your Nervous System Is Healing

31 minutes ago, Catbird said:

It's great you're so open to the idea @Healthyagain. It's not an instant fix, more of an epic journey. I have C-PTSD so getting in touch with my emotions is really difficult (+ the numbing effect of the ADs). All I know is I'm feeling something and allowing it to be there. I'm feeling highly activated this morning for reasons unknown. Yesterday morning I got up and went for a 4 km walk, first time in over 6 years (the morning part of it anyway). Today I'm not doing so well. I've been on my current dose for 5 weeks and the last drop was 16mcg. This is the first of 5 drugs I need to taper. So a long way to go yet. I think the only way through is acceptance and allowing.

Please let me know how you get on 🤗 

Thank you for sharing that. I really admire your openness and the effort you’re putting into allowing the feelings to be there — that’s not easy, especially with C-PTSD and the numbing effects of the meds. And a 4 km morning walk after 6 years is huge.

I’m hanging in there but the last couple of days have been harder. I just finished Paxlovid after catching COVID, and it seems to have stirred up some waves again. I’m trying to focus on acceptance and just letting the nervous system settle before making any changes.

It really does feel like an epic journey for all of us. Please let me know how you get on as well 🤗

16 minutes ago, Healthyagain said:

Thank you for sharing that. I really admire your openness and the effort you’re putting into allowing the feelings to be there — that’s not easy, especially with C-PTSD and the numbing effects of the meds. And a 4 km morning walk after 6 years is huge.

I’m hanging in there but the last couple of days have been harder. I just finished Paxlovid after catching COVID, and it seems to have stirred up some waves again. I’m trying to focus on acceptance and just letting the nervous system settle before making any changes.

It really does feel like an epic journey for all of us. Please let me know how you get on as well 🤗

Not entirely unexpected you'd get some issues with added medications, especially when your CNS is so sensitised. I'm a NOVID so far, probably because I've been housebound until recently.  The other video I sent you is Shaan Kassam. He's got some really good videos on anxiety, symptoms and healing. I find that he talks quickly and energetically so I can only watch him for short bursts at a time.

10 hours ago, Catbird said:

Not entirely unexpected you'd get some issues with added medications, especially when your CNS is so sensitised. I'm a NOVID so far, probably because I've been housebound until recently.  The other video I sent you is Shaan Kassam. He's got some really good videos on anxiety, symptoms and healing. I find that he talks quickly and energetically so I can only watch him for short bursts at a time.

That makes sense. My CNS definitely seems very sensitized right now, so even small changes can stir things up. I actually just finished Paxlovid after catching COVID and had a pretty intense wave yesterday, which was scary, but I’m hoping things settle again as my system stabilizes.

Thank you for sending the Shaan Kassam video — I’ll check it out. I know what you mean about fast-paced speakers; sometimes I can only handle things in short bursts too.

And being a NOVID so far is impressive! Being housebound probably helped protect you. I hope you continue to stay healthy.

Hi everyone, I’ve been dealing with intrusive harm thoughts where my brain keeps scanning the environment for potential dangers (knives, medications, etc.). The thoughts are unwanted and I immediately reject them, but the loop keeps happening and makes me very hyper-vigilant.

This has been going on for about 8 months to different degrees, and honestly it has become my scariest and most exhausting symptom during taper. I’m afraid to resume tapering — not because I can’t handle tapering itself, but because I fear these intrusive thoughts getting worse.

After 8 months of this I’m pretty exhausted, as you can imagine. I’m wondering if anyone else experienced intrusive harm thoughts or constant threat-scanning during withdrawal or nervous system sensitization, and if so what helped calm the loop over time?

Thank you.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

Hi everyone, I’ve been dealing with intrusive harm thoughts where my brain keeps scanning the environment for potential dangers (knives, medications, etc.). The thoughts are unwanted and I immediately reject them, but the loop keeps happening and makes me very hyper-vigilant.

This has been going on for about 8 months to different degrees, and honestly it has become my scariest and most exhausting symptom during taper. I’m afraid to resume tapering — not because I can’t handle tapering itself, but because I fear these intrusive thoughts getting worse.

After 8 months of this I’m pretty exhausted, as you can imagine. I’m wondering if anyone else experienced intrusive harm thoughts or constant threat-scanning during withdrawal or nervous system sensitization, and if so what helped calm the loop over time?

Thank you.

 

 

 

Hi @Healthyagain have you tried reassuring your brain that it’s safe. Give your brain a name and say “hey (name) everything’s okay, I don’t need you to keep sending these thoughts, you can stop now“. Your brain is highly suggestible. You can repeat this every time the thoughts pop up. Eventually it may stop or lessen the thoughts. It might be worth a try 

8 hours ago, Catbird said:

Hi @Healthyagain have you tried reassuring your brain that it’s safe. Give your brain a name and say “hey (name) everything’s okay, I don’t need you to keep sending these thoughts, you can stop now“. Your brain is highly suggestible. You can repeat this every time the thoughts pop up. Eventually it may stop or lessen the thoughts. It might be worth a try 

Thank you, I haven’t tried giving it a name, but I’m open to it and will give it a real try 🤍

 

 

 

Quick update and a question.

Since April I’ve been tapering Prozac with several holds along the way, and I also recently switched from my homemade water preparation to commercial liquid at the same dose. That switch was rough for me, but I’m hoping it is starting to settle now.

In June I switched Wellbutrin XL 150 mg to IR 75 mg twice daily. I have been saying since last August 2025 that Wellbutrin feels too activating for me, and on IR I kept noticing anxiety, nausea, palpitations, DPDR and more activation after doses, especially the second one.

A little background on last August: starting around August 1, 2025, per my psychiatrist’s recommendation and before I had found this community, I was taking Prozac 10 mg every other day. At the same time, I had intuitively started cutting my Wellbutrin XL 150 mg in half because it felt too activating to me, so I was essentially taking around 75 mg daily. I later learned that XL tablets should not be cut.

On August 22, I had a major panic episode and had no idea what was happening. Hindsight is 20/20. I really wish I had understood withdrawal and destabilization then and had simply held instead of making more changes.

Instead, my psychiatrist increased Wellbutrin back to 150 mg and then 300 mg, which was way too activating for me, so I eventually came back down to 150 mg and held there until now. Prozac was also increased from 10 mg every other day to 10 mg daily to 15 mg daily. He wanted me to go to 20 mg, but I only tried 15 because even that felt too activating, so I eventually came back down and held.

Looking back, those were huge changes in a sensitized system, and I think all of the repeated changes just added to the instability.

I have now been tapering for about 20 months and still feel nowhere near finished. My worst symptoms have been intrusive SI, panic, doom and gloom, and anhedonia, although looking back through my log, those symptoms seem to cluster much more around Prozac reductions and formulation changes than around Wellbutrin reduction or formulation change.

About 10 days ago I switched Prozac formulations and have had a hard time with that too, although I am praying it is finally starting to settle.

Then yesterday something unexpected happened.

I accidentally forgot my first Wellbutrin IR 75 mg dose and ended up taking only one 75 mg dose for the whole day instead of 150 mg.

Surprisingly, I felt less activated and overall better. I worked, handled a difficult case and had a pretty normal day.

It honestly felt like a little God wink because I have been saying for a year that Wellbutrin feels too activating, but I was too scared to reduce it.

So now I’m tempted to just stay at 75 mg once daily instead of 150 mg/day, but I’m also scared because that is a 50% reduction in one go. I am not cold turkeying Wellbutrin, obviously, just considering staying at 75 rather than immediately going back to 150.

Has anyone here, especially after long-term use, gone directly from Wellbutrin 150 mg to 75 mg?

Did you do fine, feel better or less activated, or develop delayed withdrawal and need to go back up? If you had problems, how many days or weeks after the reduction did they begin?

Also, does anyone else see the same thing I’m seeing in my history, that last August may have been much more complicated than simply “75 mg Wellbutrin was too low,” because I was simultaneously doing Prozac every other day and then had multiple updoses afterward?

What do you guys think about staying at 75 mg and holding to see how my system responds?

And thank you so much to @Golden, @Go2zero @j1290 for all your help and support. ❤️

6 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

Has anyone here, especially after long-term use, gone directly from Wellbutrin 150 mg to 75 mg?

I haven't. The following is just my experience of tapering through a poop out after 20 years of being on Bup. When I was at 450mg(!), I was able to make large reductions, around 75 mg or so. When I got to around 150 mg, I started making smaller reductions, because the lower you go generally the more difficult it gets. Looks like I went from 140mg to 100, and the rest I don't recall, but I think I did 4-6 more reductions before I got to zero, where I jumped from too high a dose, around 11mg 😂

6 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

If you had problems, how many days or weeks after the reduction did they begin?

Personally, I would feel better the first 3 or 4 days after doing a reduction, and then the symptoms would start coming in, until I got to week 4 and got to WD normal. As I recall when I started taking the med they told me it took a month or so to take effect, so my guess was that I went into a bit of shock when I first did a reduction, and then after about a month was back at my new baseline.

6 hours ago, Healthyagain said:

What do you guys think about staying at 75 mg and holding to see how my system responds?

My personal approach was to get to zero while remaining as functional as possible to keep working, because I had to avoid losing my job at all costs. I did at least 2 reductions from 150 to 75. That said, I think my 20 years on the med was a strong complication in my taper.

Your time on the med is short, which is great. It looks like you're poly drugged and had a reinstatement recently, so me personally I'd lean to smaller changes.

Good luck whatever you decide!

4 hours ago, j1290 said:

Your time on the med is short, which is great. It looks like you're poly drugged and had a reinstatement recently, so me personally I'd lean to smaller changes.

Thank you, I really appreciate your perspective. I’ve actually been on Wellbutrin since 2014, so about 12 years, and I really want to stay as functional as possible too.

Wellbutrin has felt pretty activating since I got lower on Prozac, so I was thinking of holding at 75 mg for now, maybe eventually going a little lower, then finishing the Prozac taper before coming back to Wellbutrin. Prozac reductions tend to bring a lot of anxiety for me, so I’m trying to be careful.

What’s frustrating is that 75 mg is exactly where I was last August. After a whole year of changes, trial and error, and so much suffering, I’ve basically ended up right back where I started.

I also recently stopped Cytomel because it felt too activating, and I found out I have osteoporosis at 47, with long-term SSRI use and thyroid issues likely contributing. I’m just trying to find the safest balance between tapering and still being able to function.