LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

September 29Sep 29

On 9/27/2026 at 1:47 AM, LostinCanada said:
Yesterday-day 8 of drop
Brain zaps, nausea, bloating, muscle twitching and tightening in my right arm and shoulder, right buttocks and thigh, burning across my upper back, fatigue, phantom smells, head pressure, insomnia, vision-after images
The feeling that I am off, like WD will overtake me. Even though I know this will settle and it is all drug induced, it still is always hard.
I hate withdrawal. I hate tapering. But I hate paroxetine more. Every drop is a win. ❤️🙏

So sorry to hear this LIC. I really hope it settles quickly for you😘

1998(approx.) 20mg Paroxetine, 1998 -2015 various unsuccessful tapers, 2015 app 6 month taper to 0, 2015 approx 6 months later reinstated original brand after debilitating neurological delayed WD symptoms. Made worse after surgery.2023 Famotidine, Cetirizine, New Generic, muscle relaxer. March/April19th June, 2023 - 23rd July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 20mg to 15mg (on 15mg for 35 days), no significant symptoms.

24th July, 2023 - 26th July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 15mg to 12.5mg (on 12.5mg for 3 days), no significant symptoms. &nbsp

27th July, 2023 - 3rd September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 12.5mg to 10mg (on 10mg for 39 days), no significant symptoms.

4th September, 2023 - 15th September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 10mg to 5mg i.e. 10mg every other day (on 5mg for 12 days), although not noted, must have experienced some symptoms, as I decided to return to previous 10mg dosage on the 16th September.

16th September, 2023 - 25th November, 2023: Dosage increased from 5mg to 10mg i.e. 10mg every day (on 10mg for 71 days), symptoms start dates: Late September sweating, shaking and right side upper back pain., 5th October 23: Upper back pain worsening,21st Oct 23: Night time symptoms: insomnia, nausea, sweats, headaches, some anxiety (predominantly in the mornings)27th Oct 23 admitted to hospital with 1st hypertensive crisis with severe frontal headache (now suspected of withdrawal ) BP 225/115. Admitted twice more with high BP . Doctors at a loss for cause. Given anti nausea, anti anxiety and sleeping tabs in hospital. . 1st Nov 23: , heart palpitations, some anxiety.. 7th Nov 23: Anxiety was now becoming more frequent (not severe). 26th November, 2023 Dosage increased from 10mg to 20mg possibly first time taking 20 mg of Extine, new manufacturer. Approx around this time came of antihistamines . 3rd Dec 23 - 18th Dec, 23: Started taking 7.5mg - 15mg of Oxazepam when anxiety became unbearable only took 8 in total now stopped. Symptoms now more severe have head pain rather than headache. .Electrical shocks through body overnight accompanied by head pain. Sheer terror,. Sore eyes. 23rd Dec 23: All symptoms remain the same i.e. severe except for the last 2 days where my anxiety levels have not been as severe/ extreme and somewhat manageable (later in the day).22 Jan 24 Have some windows now but still suffering from all day head pain, upper back pain, waking up inner restlessness and terror , nausea, intermittent feelings of fear and wake up 12.30 am every morning and sometimes up to 3 times a night with weird tingling down arms and back, pounding heart head pain and nausea. 2nd March 24, head pain/eye pain everyday and all day and & night wake ups.. Mild Akathisia early morning,, upper back pain, sweats. Anxiety much better. 21st April 24, drop 2.25% drop to 19.5 mg to test help with head /eye nerve pain and new symptom tinnitus. 12/5/24 19mg still eye/head/ back pain. Mild AKA AM. 2/6/24 18.93mg 9/8/24 18.04mg, 16/8/24 18mg, 19/9/24 17.6mg, some more micro taper cuts down to 14.758 by 10/12/24 on hold for 6wks,22/1/25 14.46 mg, 5/2/25 14.06mg, 19/2/24 13.38mg 5/03/25 13.05mg 19/3/25 12.4mg, 1/4/24 11.8mg 16/4/25 11.20mg, 29/4/25 10.65mg, 28/5/26 10.1mg, 11/6/26 10mg,20/07/25 9.75mg, 27/7/25, 3/825 9.27mg 9/8/25 9.04mg,14/9/25 8.92mg, 12/10/25 8.8mg,19/10/25 8.7mg, 301/25 fully transitioned over to 8ml homemade liquid.

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September 29Sep 29

Author

9 hours ago, BarbX said:
So sorry to hear this LIC. I really hope it settles quickly for you😘

Thanks @BarbX we are so used to.this mess, you would think we could breeze through it...I wish!

How are you doing? Any change? Are you still holding? ❤️🙏

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

September 29Sep 29

@LostinCanada Just stopping by to say hello and give you a hug for healing. Hang in there.

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/

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October 1Oct 1

44 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
So sorry to hear this. I had Avery aggressive hygienist recently and am still deal with nerve sensitivity. I had a tooth removed after a botched root canal and since WD, I have had pain there often and it triggers sinus headaches....day 4 with this recent one.
Honestly I am hating everything medical because we are so at their mercy and we have no recourse after their screw ups.
As far as holding, it is so hard to know but if it gets worse, definitely wait till it settles.
I wish I could say more. 🫂❤️🙏

Thank you LIC. Your words as always are much appreciated. I really hope you feel better soon. The fight continues xxx

1998(approx.) 20mg Paroxetine, 1998 -2015 various unsuccessful tapers, 2015 app 6 month taper to 0, 2015 approx 6 months later reinstated original brand after debilitating neurological delayed WD symptoms. Made worse after surgery.2023 Famotidine, Cetirizine, New Generic, muscle relaxer. March/April19th June, 2023 - 23rd July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 20mg to 15mg (on 15mg for 35 days), no significant symptoms.

24th July, 2023 - 26th July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 15mg to 12.5mg (on 12.5mg for 3 days), no significant symptoms. &nbsp

27th July, 2023 - 3rd September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 12.5mg to 10mg (on 10mg for 39 days), no significant symptoms.

4th September, 2023 - 15th September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 10mg to 5mg i.e. 10mg every other day (on 5mg for 12 days), although not noted, must have experienced some symptoms, as I decided to return to previous 10mg dosage on the 16th September.

16th September, 2023 - 25th November, 2023: Dosage increased from 5mg to 10mg i.e. 10mg every day (on 10mg for 71 days), symptoms start dates: Late September sweating, shaking and right side upper back pain., 5th October 23: Upper back pain worsening,21st Oct 23: Night time symptoms: insomnia, nausea, sweats, headaches, some anxiety (predominantly in the mornings)27th Oct 23 admitted to hospital with 1st hypertensive crisis with severe frontal headache (now suspected of withdrawal ) BP 225/115. Admitted twice more with high BP . Doctors at a loss for cause. Given anti nausea, anti anxiety and sleeping tabs in hospital. . 1st Nov 23: , heart palpitations, some anxiety.. 7th Nov 23: Anxiety was now becoming more frequent (not severe). 26th November, 2023 Dosage increased from 10mg to 20mg possibly first time taking 20 mg of Extine, new manufacturer. Approx around this time came of antihistamines . 3rd Dec 23 - 18th Dec, 23: Started taking 7.5mg - 15mg of Oxazepam when anxiety became unbearable only took 8 in total now stopped. Symptoms now more severe have head pain rather than headache. .Electrical shocks through body overnight accompanied by head pain. Sheer terror,. Sore eyes. 23rd Dec 23: All symptoms remain the same i.e. severe except for the last 2 days where my anxiety levels have not been as severe/ extreme and somewhat manageable (later in the day).22 Jan 24 Have some windows now but still suffering from all day head pain, upper back pain, waking up inner restlessness and terror , nausea, intermittent feelings of fear and wake up 12.30 am every morning and sometimes up to 3 times a night with weird tingling down arms and back, pounding heart head pain and nausea. 2nd March 24, head pain/eye pain everyday and all day and & night wake ups.. Mild Akathisia early morning,, upper back pain, sweats. Anxiety much better. 21st April 24, drop 2.25% drop to 19.5 mg to test help with head /eye nerve pain and new symptom tinnitus. 12/5/24 19mg still eye/head/ back pain. Mild AKA AM. 2/6/24 18.93mg 9/8/24 18.04mg, 16/8/24 18mg, 19/9/24 17.6mg, some more micro taper cuts down to 14.758 by 10/12/24 on hold for 6wks,22/1/25 14.46 mg, 5/2/25 14.06mg, 19/2/24 13.38mg 5/03/25 13.05mg 19/3/25 12.4mg, 1/4/24 11.8mg 16/4/25 11.20mg, 29/4/25 10.65mg, 28/5/26 10.1mg, 11/6/26 10mg,20/07/25 9.75mg, 27/7/25, 3/825 9.27mg 9/8/25 9.04mg,14/9/25 8.92mg, 12/10/25 8.8mg,19/10/25 8.7mg, 301/25 fully transitioned over to 8ml homemade liquid.

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October 5Oct 5

Hi LostinCanada, how are you going? I hope the headache is improving.

Thinking of you

Wombat

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

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October 5Oct 5

Author

8 hours ago, Wombat said:
hope the headache is improving.

It is...but I still feel it there. It was hitting hard again yesterday afternoon, so I laid done to relax...but I fell asleep and woke with that lovely anxious panicked feeling. Took a couple hours to get back to normal.

But overall, this drop has been better than most so that's a win. 🎉🎉🎉

I have some stressful stuff coming up so I will hold till that is over.

Our daughter and son-in-law bought a new place. They get possession Friday. They will be cleaning and painting, etc...the next Friday they move so I will be providing the food for the crew of 8.

Hubby has eye surgery the 22nd....he has never met the surgeon...no instructions... it's such a joke.

Then he has a second surgery in January.

He has nerve damage all from mismanagement. We went to an ophthalmologist years back who said his pressure was high but said see you in a year instead of prescribing drops or explaining alternatives. We didn't have a good feeling about her so we waited 2 years on a list to get into another ophthalmologist and it's been a gong show since. Because treatment was delayed, he has some vision loss and permanent nerve damage. I will not be dropping again till the surgery is over and I know he is doing okay.

If only life could stop throwing stuff at us...

Thanks for stopping by. ❤️🙏

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

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October 5Oct 5

glad for the positive update ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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.
Feel free to mention me whenever help is needed.

Current Supplements: Night: 6mg melatonin and 133mg magnesium glycinate. Taking Omega 3 as needed to calm dyskinesia or over stimulation (Lately been reacting more negatively to supplement Omega 3).

Current Medications: Mirtazapine, Lasea (lavender oil) before bed.

------------------------------------------

Tapering: Mirtazapine 15mg, (went compounded) 13.5mg 08/May/2025, 12.1mg 10/July/2025, 15/July/2025 15mg (half tablet), 26/July/2025 14.35mg (moved to dry cutting method) ), 03/Aug/2025 14.6mg, 24/Nov/2025 14.47mg, 29/Jan/2026 14.35mg

Note: Had a lot of issue with degradation with different cutting times and compounded pharmacy which caused withdrawals and a more sensitive nervous system.

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October 5Oct 5

4 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
But overall, this drop has been better than most so that's a win. 🎉🎉🎉

This is great....this means your system is getting stronger. Hope, your journey from now on becomes smoother ride....

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

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

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October 5Oct 5

6 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
But overall, this drop has been better than most so that's a win. 🎉🎉🎉

This is very positive. I am so happy to read it. Although it's crazy how difficult dropping a tiny amount can still be.

Sounds like you are going to need to be at your best for the next month or so. Holding is wise.

6 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
If only life could stop throwing stuff at us...

Yep.

I am so pleased that overall things went well.

Hoping and praying that continues as you slowly come off these meds.

You really are doing great!!

Your words of wisdom scattered throughout this site is also very much appreciated (even by those you are not directing your comments to).

Thank you 🧡

Wombat

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

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October 5Oct 5

@LostinCanada I'm so happy this drop has been easier for you , that's such a positive update . It so confusing that some drops are okay and others are harder . I hope the next one is the same for you .

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

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Wednesday at 08:05 AM2 days

9 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
It’s such a rollercoaster. Today is bad for me…..I will be holding till after my hubby’s surgery. ❤️🙏

Lots of love Lic, hope today is better, I empathise with the rollercoaster. xxxx

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

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

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

For US members details here.

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Wednesday at 04:48 PM2 days

Author

An update on a couple things...I am in another wave....ugh

Our retiring doctor found a replacement...he came straight from the UK with his family to take over the practice. His wife is a pediatric cardiologist and she found a position too.

..It seems his sub specialty is mental health. My hubby had an appointment and questioned him for me. He is knowledgeable about WD, tapering, holds and stabilization. He mentioned that a sensitive cns is more than physiological. He asked what drug i was on and what dose, then asked if I am on liquid. He has come straight from the UK so hubby told him…no liquid in Canada but said I have a good scale and dr mentioned shaving.

When hubby said I am still at about 40% SERT, he said there is more to it than SERT.....that was the best response. He did mention that he encourages people that suffer from SAD just to hold over that season so I appreciate that he understands how other stressors affect someone tapering.

I am not letting my guard down...time will tell....I just need the prescription.

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

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Wednesday at 06:20 PM2 days

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:
Our retiring doctor found a replacement...he came straight from the UK with his family to take over the practice. His wife is a pediatric cardiologist and she found a position too.
..It seems his sub specialty is mental health. My hubby had an appointment and questioned him for me. He is knowledgeable about WD, tapering, holds and stabilization. He mentioned that a sensitive cns is more than physiological. He asked what drug i was on and what dose, then asked if I am on liquid. He has come straight from the UK so hubby told him…no liquid in Canada but said I have a good scale and dr mentioned shaving.
When hubby said I am still at about 40% SERT, he said there is more to it than SERT.....that was the best response. He did mention that he encourages people that suffer from SAD just to hold over that season so I appreciate that he understands how other stressors affect someone tapering.

Oh my gosh, are we finally going to have a doctor to add to the list of recommended doctors in Canada??? 😅😂

Seriously though, I'm so glad this guy seems promising. I understand keeping your guard up for now, but this is certainly a good start.

Thinking of you and hoping your wave passes soon 💜

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

Current regimen:

Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

*holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

History:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday at 06:43 PM2 days

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:
An update on a couple things...I am in another wave....ugh
Our retiring doctor found a replacement...he came straight from the UK with his family to take over the practice. His wife is a pediatric cardiologist and she found a position too.
..It seems his sub specialty is mental health. My hubby had an appointment and questioned him for me. He is knowledgeable about WD, tapering, holds and stabilization. He mentioned that a sensitive cns is more than physiological. He asked what drug i was on and what dose, then asked if I am on liquid. He has come straight from the UK so hubby told him…no liquid in Canada but said I have a good scale and dr mentioned shaving.
When hubby said I am still at about 40% SERT, he said there is more to it than SERT.....that was the best response. He did mention that he encourages people that suffer from SAD just to hold over that season so I appreciate that he understands how other stressors affect someone tapering.
I am not letting my guard down...time will tell....I just need the prescription.

Wow, I wish I can find one good doctor. So far, laying is the only option I got so far.... 😂. Fake it until I make it ...

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

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

Wednesday at 07:06 PM2 days

Author

22 minutes ago, Raymond said:
Wow, I wish I can find one good doctor. So far, laying is the only option I got so far.... 😂. Fake it until I make it ...

It's hard when we can't be truthful.💯

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

Thursday at 05:55 AM1 day

I'm sorry to hear you're in another wave. It's so awful when they start up again.

I am so happy you were able to find a doctor. Hopefully he will be keen to support you with a taper that suits you and to learn how to deprescribe for other patients.

Hoping your wave ends soon.

Sending best wishes

Wombat

1998 Paroxetine 20mg, getting to 60mg and staying there for many years.

Started reducing by 10mg at a time, December 2018 to June 2019. At 30mg held for 2 and a half years.

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

End 2023 - 18.76. End 2024 - 13.37. End 2025 - 8.58

2026 - 31 Jan - 8.38, 15 Feb - 8.19, 07 March - 8.06, 14 March - 8.00, 08 April - holding and start liquid transition, 22 May completed liquid transition 8mg (16ml) held for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75, 18 July - 7.6, 25 July - 7.45, 22 August - 7.30,

Deuteronomy 31.8 "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1

Thursday at 07:10 AM1 day

@LostinCanada I really hope this dr works out for you and I hope the wave eases soon.

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

Thursday at 02:39 PM1 day

@LostinCanada Thinking of you. Hope you improve soon. This doctor sounds promising. Time will tell...

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/

1

LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

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