LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

February 3Feb 3

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/28498-lostincanada-need-help-and-direction-to-taper-off-paroxetine/

Hey everybody,

Quick recap:

After 20+ years on Paxil, July 2022, I went to a psychiatrist to get off this drug. (I had tried in the past to reduce the doses to see if I could live without it but always was unsuccessful. I realize I was in withdrawal not relapse those times) The psychiatrist had me go from 30 mg Paroxetine to 0 mg in 4 weeks. She wanted me to start Prozac at 10mg and go up if necessary for the withdrawal. I took Prozac for 5 days and had side effects so I stopped it. In Canada you get a one time visit with a psychiatrist and your GP manages the damage.

I had insane withdrawal that I kept reading should end at 2 weeks, then I read up to 8 weeks but something changed at about 3 months and it got even worse. I was already dealing with nausea, dry retching, dizziness, balance problems, crying, vision issues including after images and floaters, insomnia, tremors, anxiety, morning cortisol rush, burning feet, sweats, chills, but it progressed to desperation, SI, hopelessness, everything overwhelmed me, I couldn’t watch tv, I struggled to read, struggled to speak, became sound sensitive, couldn’t follow a conversation. I developed monophobia. Read a bit about reinstatement, though I knew 3 months off the drug wasn’t ideal for this. So I started back on Paroxetine at 5 mg which was probably too high. I later read probably should have went with 1mg. Within 2 months back on 5 mg, I saw some improvement- no more SI, hopelessness or desperation. By about month 7, I thought I was stable enough to start tapering slowly. Most symptoms were muted by then though not completely gone. Withdrawal symptoms intensify every cut.

At 2 years from reinstatement, I felt I had stabilized even further and things went well for a few months. Of course life goes on and with that comes many added stresses. This always causes a flare up in withdrawal symptoms for me.

At year 2.5, I developed histamine issues. Being on a low histamine diet has helped.

At about year 3, I started getting very painful bloating….never experienced that in my life before. I still have GI issues on a daily basis. Live conversation is very stimulating. I still have most of the same symptoms, but not as extreme. The monophobia is much more manageable.

Trying to do multiple smaller cuts during a month does not work well for me…it seems my symptoms stack. One cut per 28 days is the most I am able to do. Those cuts are very small. (see signature)

At present, I am holding. Hoping this will help my CNS get a bit more stability and in the long run, help with my tapering.

I am hoping to benefit from mutual support. Thanks in advance.

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

9

February 3Feb 3

Hi LostinCanada

Welcome to the forum.

Thank you for your Introduction topic.

Despite knowing you from your wonderful work you have done on SA helping so many members, I wasn't familiar with your journey so thank you for writing such a great summary/update.

So many familiar elements in there many will relate with.

It still baffles me folk have to turn to peer support sites for help getting off these drugs, which is often too late as damage has already been done. One day I hope this won't be the case.

Thank you for being here. I know you have already helped so many and having you here means alot to us.

I hope you find the site to be a supprtive new home for you during the rest of your journey.

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.

2

February 3Feb 3

Hello @LostinCanada

I have also developed histamine intolerance recently when I went into withdrawal. Low histamine diet helps me manage/reduce many physical symptoms but I lost weight and it's been hard to get it back.

My story: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/87-marina-onoffonoff-zoloft-since-end-of-2020/

History:

• November 2020 - March 2022: 50 mg Zoloft (first WD - mostly mental symptoms)

• July and August 2022: psilocybin microdosing

• End of August 2022: medium dose psilocybin

• January 2023: reinstated Zoloft 50 mg (but probably experinenced adverse reaction/tolerance/poop-out)

• October 2024: started slow taper off Zoloft

• September 2025: switched to compounded capsules (second WD started - both physical and mental symptoms)

• June 2026: jumped off at cca 0,1 mg liquid

Symptoms:

Windows and waves pattern of healing.

In a wave:

• severe DP/DR - reality seems strange and creepy and I feel a disconnect from my life, myself, God and the world around me, deep depression, stuck in my head, disinterest for my previous hobbies and work, hopeless, intrusive thoughts, cortisol mornings...

• histamine intolerance, vision problems (eye floaters/VSS/light sensitivity), tinnitus, muscle twitches...

1

February 3Feb 3

@LostinCanada I'm very glad to have you here. Thank you for crossing over and joining.

I'm sure your contributions here will be very valuable for other members. You've already started making some valuable content- it's much appreciated.

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.

1

February 3Feb 3

Author

9 minutes ago, Luke said:

Thank you for crossing over and joining.

Happy to be here. ❤️🙏

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

1

February 3Feb 3

Oh hello, @LostinCanada! Welcome! I just saw that you have joined and I am happy! 😊

Thank you for the content you already provided.
how are you doing these days? GI issues means the gut, right? I am so sorry, that you are struggling with these. It is so annoying when new symptoms come up, even after such a long time.

I am struggling with those issues too (also new intolerances), and I have started to consult a gut expert. First step will be the micro biome. At the moment I’m waiting for the results. Maybe she finds something that could be interesting for you, too. I will keep you posted.

Great to have you here and I hope you will find support and good relationships ❤️

Great Bible quote Isaiah 30,15 ! Fitting for many situations in life, but extremely well fitting for tapering!

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

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

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

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

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Until Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

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

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

18 June 2026 0,265 mg

18 July 2026 0,250 mg

18 Aug 2026 0,232 mg

18 Sept 2026 0,232 mg (Holding since 19.8.)

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2026)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin, Vit C, Vit K2, Selen

1

February 3Feb 3

Author

3 minutes ago, Nemina said:

just saw that you have joined and I am happy! 😊

Thanks sweetie. Happy to be here.

4 minutes ago, Nemina said:

GI issues means the gut, right? I

Yes....hate it.

4 minutes ago, Nemina said:

Maybe she finds something that could be interesting for you, too. I will keep you posted

Thanks for thinking of me. Definitely I will be interested....

6 minutes ago, Nemina said:

Great Bible quote Isaiah 30,15 ! Fitting for many situations in life, but extremely well fitting for tapering!

Absolutely...I have to keep reminding myself. ❤️🙏

Hope you are doing okay. I am in a wave at present so...one day at a time. 🌊

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

2

February 3Feb 3

@LostinCanada

Hi LostinCanada,

It’s really nice to see you here. I’ve always appreciated reading your supportive posts at SA, and I’m looking forward to seeing them shared here as well. 😀😀😀

Edited February 3Feb 3 by RachelSusan
forgot to add my smiley faces

I am not a health professional in any way, and I do not give medical advice. These are only my opinions. Any decisions about your medical care should be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

Quote of the century: "it's much easier to stop humpty from falling then it is to put him back together again." * as relayed to us by Chippy paraphrasing a comment by Altostrata, the founder of Surviving Antidepressants

If you would like to reach me, please post on my thread and tag @rachelsusan, or post on your thread and tag in the same way, so I will see it. 😀😀😀

Gabapentin reduction. 2026 Transitioned to partial liquid, 100mg in liquid and a 100mg capsule for a total of a 200mg dose. Dose three times a day. April 18 2026 first cut to 195mg (2.5%). May 18, 2026 to 187.5 (3.85%), June 28, 2026 to 185 (1.33%), July 28 to 180 mg (2.7%), Sept. 2, 2026 to 175mg (2.78%),

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016 - Was on 150mg Zoloft.

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June 2016, reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016. From July 2016 to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM ANOTHER SITE - WHICH WAS VERY HELPFUL

Dec. 10, 2016 – Switched to liquid Zoloft (sertraline) at 12.5 mg. Held until Jan. 2017, then resumed a slow taper. I tapered continuously from that point onward; however, my detailed taper records begin with Jan. 4, 2020. - Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mg. Feb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%). Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg. May 9, 2020 1.375 mg. June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%). July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%). August 15, 2020 1.0 mg. Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg. Nov. 28, 2020 .75mg. Jan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%). Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg. May 1, 2021 .375mg. May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg. October 2, 2021 .043mg. October 10, 2021 .038mg. October 23, 2021 .035mg. October 30, 2021 .032mg. Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg. Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg. Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

My thread at SA - https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/12649-☼-rachelsusan-zoloft-on-off-and-reinstated/page/28/

3

February 4Feb 4

22 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/28498-lostincanada-need-help-and-direction-to-taper-off-paroxetine/

Hey everybody,

Quick recap:

After 20+ years on Paxil, July 2022, I went to a psychiatrist to get off this drug. (I had tried in the past to reduce the doses to see if I could live without it but always was unsuccessful. I realize I was in withdrawal not relapse those times) The psychiatrist had me go from 30 mg Paroxetine to 0 mg in 4 weeks. She wanted me to start Prozac at 10mg and go up if necessary for the withdrawal. I took Prozac for 5 days and had side effects so I stopped it. In Canada you get a one time visit with a psychiatrist and your GP manages the damage.

I had insane withdrawal that I kept reading should end at 2 weeks, then I read up to 8 weeks but something changed at about 3 months and it got even worse. I was already dealing with nausea, dry retching, dizziness, balance problems, crying, vision issues including after images and floaters, insomnia, tremors, anxiety, morning cortisol rush, burning feet, sweats, chills, but it progressed to desperation, SI, hopelessness, everything overwhelmed me, I couldn’t watch tv, I struggled to read, struggled to speak, became sound sensitive, couldn’t follow a conversation. I developed monophobia. Read a bit about reinstatement, though I knew 3 months off the drug wasn’t ideal for this. So I started back on Paroxetine at 5 mg which was probably too high. I later read probably should have went with 1mg. Within 2 months back on 5 mg, I saw some improvement- no more SI, hopelessness or desperation. By about month 7, I thought I was stable enough to start tapering slowly. Most symptoms were muted by then though not completely gone. Withdrawal symptoms intensify every cut.

At 2 years from reinstatement, I felt I had stabilized even further and things went well for a few months. Of course life goes on and with that comes many added stresses. This always causes a flare up in withdrawal symptoms for me.

At year 2.5, I developed histamine issues. Being on a low histamine diet has helped.

At about year 3, I started getting very painful bloating….never experienced that in my life before. I still have GI issues on a daily basis. Live conversation is very stimulating. I still have most of the same symptoms, but not as extreme. The monophobia is much more manageable.

Trying to do multiple smaller cuts during a month does not work well for me…it seems my symptoms stack. One cut per 28 days is the most I am able to do. Those cuts are very small. (see signature)

At present, I am holding. Hoping this will help my CNS get a bit more stability and in the long run, help with my tapering.

I am hoping to benefit from mutual support. Thanks in advance.

Love you LC ❤️

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 18/7 7.5

1

February 4Feb 4

On 2/2/2026 at 7:52 PM, LostinCanada said:

I am hoping to benefit from mutual support

@LostinCanada LIC!!! Yay, you're here! You made my day!🎉 You have provided so much support to so many, we are here for you too in your recovery as well!

I'm sorry you are wave today, I have been too so we'll ride together today🏄🏼‍♀️🏄‍♀️💖 Just another day in Withdrawal Land...we're used to it and this too shall pass. Prayers your way for relief soon.🙏

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/

3
1

February 4Feb 4

Just now, HopePerseveres2.0 said:

@LostinCanada LIC!!! Yay, you're here! You made my day!🎉

My reaction yesterday when I saw! 😀

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 4Feb 4

20 minutes ago, Chippy said:

My reaction yesterday when I saw! 😀

Was going to "like" this but used my allotment for the day!😄 So here's your "like"❤️

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/

1

February 4Feb 4

Oh. You have an allotment! I’ll have to fix that!

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 4Feb 4

6 minutes ago, HopePerseveres2.0 said:

Was going to "like" this but used my allotment for the day!😄 So here's your "like"❤️

I’ve doubled that to 20. Not sure it should be restricted but let’s leave so that we don’t get spammed with reactions. I’ll up it again if it’s not enough!

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 4Feb 4

17 minutes ago, Chippy said:

I’ve doubled that to 20

That's generous, thanks @Chippy! I don't mind an allotment. Didn't know I had "liked" alot today. 😊

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/

1

February 4Feb 4

Just now, HopePerseveres2.0 said:

That's generous, thanks @Chippy! I don't mind an allotment. Didn't know I had "liked" alot today. 😊

You can’t like enough imo!

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
1

February 4Feb 4

Author

55 minutes ago, HopePerseveres2.0 said:

You made my day!🎉

Thanks so much @HopePerseveres2.0 grab your board.🏄‍♀️🌊

Really happy to be here. 🙏❤️

33 minutes ago, Chippy said:

doubled that to 20. Not sure it should be restricted but let’s leave so that we don’t get spammed with reactions.

Mine got used up yesterday too.🤣🤣🤣

Good thing you capped it…can you imagine ….it could get a little crazy. 😂😂😂

It’s because we have more options than like now so…..🏆😞🤔😂

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

2

February 4Feb 4

1 minute ago, LostinCanada said:

Mine got used up yesterday too.🤣🤣🤣

Good thing you capped it…can you imagine ….it could get a little crazy. 😂😂😂

It’s because we have more options than like now so…..🏆😞🤔😂

It could get wild couldn’t it 🫣! I’d not get in the admin control room for all the reactions pouring out the door 🤣

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

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

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

For US members details here.

2

February 4Feb 4

Always glad to see you, LIC!! You’re the best!!

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

1

February 4Feb 4

Hey @LostinCanada

Im so pleased to see you here!! Quite a few have moved here from SA, it’s starting to feel like home again. I hope your hold goes well and you find a little more stability before you start to taper again.

Edited February 4Feb 4 by NBJ71

March 2024

Mirtazapine 15mg x 4 doses. Adverse reaction.

3 day break.

March 2024

Sertraline 50mg x 7 doses. Adverse reaction.

August and September 2024.
Diazepam 5mg x 3 daily for 6 weeks. These doses varied from 15 to 5mg daily until the last week where I was tapered from 10mg to 0 in 6 days.

Zopiclone daily. I would say I was on 7.5mg for 3 weeks and 3.75mg for 4 weeks.

1

February 4Feb 4

Author

4 minutes ago, NBJ71 said:

so pleased to see you here!! I hope your hold goes well and you find a little more stability before you start to taper again.

Thanks so much...the support here means everything. ❤️🙏 How are you doing?

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

February 4Feb 4

Thanks for asking, I’m so much better than those dark days that you guided me through. I’ve just come out of a 2 week wave feeling the best I’ve been for 16 months. I’ve had a couple of short periods recently where I felt like my old self again. I still have 6 or 7 symptoms but I’m in a much better place now.

March 2024

Mirtazapine 15mg x 4 doses. Adverse reaction.

3 day break.

March 2024

Sertraline 50mg x 7 doses. Adverse reaction.

August and September 2024.
Diazepam 5mg x 3 daily for 6 weeks. These doses varied from 15 to 5mg daily until the last week where I was tapered from 10mg to 0 in 6 days.

Zopiclone daily. I would say I was on 7.5mg for 3 weeks and 3.75mg for 4 weeks.

2

February 4Feb 4

Author

2 minutes ago, NBJ71 said:

I’m in a much better place now.

I am so happy to hear. 😊💯🌸

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

1

February 4Feb 4

@LostinCanada

Thank you for opening up your Hell for us to peer into. Makes my own Hell a bit more bearable.

I have never heard of histamine intolerance. But after a few years on paxil, I guess its time to look it up!

Thanks again.

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 4Feb 4

@LostinCanada

I made it - got the confirmation mail and I am glad I found you.
I will complete my profile and signature in a few days.
Right now it is close to midnight, so it’s sleeping time.

May you find peace - may we all find peace 💕

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

2

LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

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