LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

February 10Feb 10

Author

I slept a 5.5 hour stretch 11:30 pm-5am....🎉🎉🎉

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

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

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

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

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

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February 10Feb 10

On 2/8/2026 at 5:14 AM, LostinCanada said:

I feel more like 80 than 65….it’s brutal.

Oh, I can relate with you and @Tracey! I am 57 and I feel no younger than 70 most of the time. Sometimes older. I probably look like it, too. My mother is approaching 90 and she is traveling and going on parties. I am hiding at home and hoping that I do not get invited to any party.
but maybe this is also a symptom that will change over time, who knows. I only hope that I will be on the other end of the tunnel before I am super old.
So, and now enough with the doomthoughts . I must say that I just had some better days, so I shouldn’t complain that much! I wish you both some lovely progress on your journey!❤️

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

Tapering Zolpidem: From 5 mg to 0,7 mg in 12 months, then just crumbs for several weeks, now 0! (Jan 2025)

Other Supplements

Omega 3, Magnesium Glycinate, Vit D, Calcium, L-theanin.

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February 10Feb 10

Author

Thanks so much...

2 minutes ago, Nemina said:

am hiding at home and hoping that I do not get invited to any party.

I absolutely understand....my friends have given up asking me to go anywhere. I still struggle with live conversation....it has gotten better but still a fat cry from who I am.

3 minutes ago, Nemina said:

just had some better days, so I shouldn’t complain that much

We have to hold on to the blessings no matter how small. 💯

4 minutes ago, Nemina said:

wish you both some lovely progress on your journey!❤️

Thanks so much... same to you. We are stronger together. ❤️🙏

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

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

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

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

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

2

February 11Feb 11

Yes we are stronger together 🙏

Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

Sept 2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week, then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps, insomnia)

Feb 2023 - "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild. Taken to emergency.

March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious.

Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

2

February 11Feb 11

Hi @LostinCanada Very pleased to see you get a 5.5 hour stretch of sleep, very GOOD stuff.

Something I can't even dream about at the moment. With our woes with this lot, you would have

thought the brains method of healing would be to have LOADS of sleep. But it's the OPPISITE.

I find that very strange. Usually a person ill has lots of sleep to recuperate, Not so with psych drug wd.

I hope you keep improving all the time LIC, you more than deserve it.🤞

Take great care, B.🤞🌷

2001-2021 Prozac 20mg

2020-2021 Tramadol 300mg

2022 April 15th Started Mirtazapine 15mg

2022 Sept 15 dropped to 7.5mg

2023 May 16th failed CT reinstated.

2023 June 30th tapering off

2025 Jan 7th Stopped all drugs.

February 11Feb 11

On 2/7/2026 at 8:58 PM, Tracey said:

We need a over 55's section on here maybe ?

Hahaha! @LostinCanada and @Tracey there are plenty of us on this site.🙋🏼‍♀️ Can we sue big pharma for elder abuse? I'm too old for this s**!

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/

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February 11Feb 11

Author

10 hours ago, NT1100B said:

Very pleased to see you get a 5.5 hour stretch of sleep, very GOOD stuff.

Hey @NT1100B I was hoping it was the beginning of a trend but nope...lol

If only we could sleep..... ❤️🙏

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

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

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

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

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

1

February 11Feb 11

13 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Hey @NT1100B I was hoping it was the beginning of a trend but nope...lol

If only we could sleep..... ❤️🙏

Aw, I was just about to say HOORAY for your 5.5 stretch.

I think I need to ask this on my own thread as well, but how much insomnia do you tolerate before cutting again? I expect my sleep will be impacted but if I wait on perfect sleep, I don't think I'd get anywhere...

Prozac: May 2020 - April 2024: 40mg - had no trouble coming off linearly over the course of several months/a year
Klonopin: September 2024: 0.5mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Zoloft: Nov-Dec 2024: 25mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Olanzapine: Dec 2024-July 2025: 7.5mg. July 2025-Sept 2025: 5mg (bad WD 7.5 to 5). Sept 2025-Nov 2025: 2.5mg (no WD 5 to 2.5). Tried to stop at 2.5 per doc. Anxiety & insomnia returned so reinstated 2.5mg. Nov 2025-Feb 2026: 2.5mg
Trazodone: Dec 2024-now: 100mg

Olanzapine taper: 2026: 3/1 - 2.3mg (0.111g); 3/29 - 2.1mg (0.100g); 5/3 - 1.9mg (0.090g); 5/31 - 1.7mg (0.081g); 6/21 - 1.5mg (0.073g); 7/19 - 1.35mg (0.065g); 8/9 - 1.22mg (0.059g); 8/30 - 1.1mg (0.053g)

2

February 11Feb 11

Author

44 minutes ago, DesertDrive said:

how much insomnia do you tolerate before cutting again? I expect my sleep will be impacted but if I wait on perfect sleep, I don't think I'd get anywhere

I answered on your intro. I have been dealing with sleep issues since 2016 when the doc wrote me the wrong prescription. So without my knowledge he CT me off paroxetine and put me on sertraline...that was the end of sleep for me. I thought it was a dose change so after a month went back to the previous dose and never recovered my sleep.

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

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

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

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

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

2

February 11Feb 11

26 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

I answered on your intro. I have been dealing with sleep issues since 2016 when the doc wrote me the wrong prescription. So without my knowledge he CT me off paroxetine and put me on sertraline...that was the end of sleep for me. I thought it was a dose change so after a month went back to the previous dose and never recovered my sleep.

Thank you for the reply on my intro!

That is absolutely WILD your doc wrote the wrong script. I am so sorry. That is a hard & unfair consequence to deal with.

Prozac: May 2020 - April 2024: 40mg - had no trouble coming off linearly over the course of several months/a year
Klonopin: September 2024: 0.5mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Zoloft: Nov-Dec 2024: 25mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Olanzapine: Dec 2024-July 2025: 7.5mg. July 2025-Sept 2025: 5mg (bad WD 7.5 to 5). Sept 2025-Nov 2025: 2.5mg (no WD 5 to 2.5). Tried to stop at 2.5 per doc. Anxiety & insomnia returned so reinstated 2.5mg. Nov 2025-Feb 2026: 2.5mg
Trazodone: Dec 2024-now: 100mg

Olanzapine taper: 2026: 3/1 - 2.3mg (0.111g); 3/29 - 2.1mg (0.100g); 5/3 - 1.9mg (0.090g); 5/31 - 1.7mg (0.081g); 6/21 - 1.5mg (0.073g); 7/19 - 1.35mg (0.065g); 8/9 - 1.22mg (0.059g); 8/30 - 1.1mg (0.053g)

2

February 11Feb 11

Hey @LostinCanada I see you jumping between posts and giving your great support and tips so stopped by to ask how YOU are? any better? and wondering what is your plan ahead? If I'm not mistaken you are still on 3.9mg since September? Hopefully I didn't overdo with the questions, I just care 🙏

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

1

February 11Feb 11

Author

This is really good, please take the time to have a listen.

https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/217-the-hard-truth/?do=getNewComment

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

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

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

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

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

February 11Feb 11

Author

15 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

how YOU are? any better

I am doing better since changing my paroxetine Tina new batch...same manufacturer but different expiry.

Still fragile but getting there.

16 minutes ago, Fullhealing said:

wondering what is your plan ahead? If I'm not mistaken you are still on 3.9mg since September?

Still holding for at least another month...then planning on starting the taper again. Hopefully the hold will help me with future tapering.

Crazy rollercoaster.

Hope you are doing better as well. ❤️🙏

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

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

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

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

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

2

February 11Feb 11

21 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

I am doing better since changing my paroxetine Tina new batch...same manufacturer but different expiry.

Still fragile but getting there.

Still holding for at least another month...then planning on starting the taper again. Hopefully the hold will help me with future tapering.

Crazy rollercoaster.

Hope you are doing better as well. ❤️🙏

Thanks for the reply and sorry it's still rocky, definitely a crazy roller coaster but we'll get to the other side eventually.

Hope you get better real soon! 🙏

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

February 11Feb 11

36 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

This is really good, please take the time to have a listen.

https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/217-the-hard-truth/?do=getNewComment

"We can't force the receptors to adjust faster, but we sure can provide the body the best possible conditions to do its thing."

"Something can definitely be there without being in our awareness, and that is something we can train. We decide we can in any moment we want to turn our attention outwards. We just have to learn how to do that when it's painful and it's pulling in our direction."

Prozac: May 2020 - April 2024: 40mg - had no trouble coming off linearly over the course of several months/a year
Klonopin: September 2024: 0.5mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Zoloft: Nov-Dec 2024: 25mg - CTd after 4 weeks use
Olanzapine: Dec 2024-July 2025: 7.5mg. July 2025-Sept 2025: 5mg (bad WD 7.5 to 5). Sept 2025-Nov 2025: 2.5mg (no WD 5 to 2.5). Tried to stop at 2.5 per doc. Anxiety & insomnia returned so reinstated 2.5mg. Nov 2025-Feb 2026: 2.5mg
Trazodone: Dec 2024-now: 100mg

Olanzapine taper: 2026: 3/1 - 2.3mg (0.111g); 3/29 - 2.1mg (0.100g); 5/3 - 1.9mg (0.090g); 5/31 - 1.7mg (0.081g); 6/21 - 1.5mg (0.073g); 7/19 - 1.35mg (0.065g); 8/9 - 1.22mg (0.059g); 8/30 - 1.1mg (0.053g)

February 11Feb 11

Author

2 minutes ago, DesertDrive said:

"We can't force the receptors to adjust faster, but we sure can provide the body the best possible conditions to do its thing."

"Something can definitely be there without being in our awareness, and that is something we can train. We decide we can in any moment we want to turn our attention outwards. We just have to learn how to do that when it's painful and it's pulling in our direction."

I am glad it resonated with you as well. ❤️🙏

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

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

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

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

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

1

February 11Feb 11

@LostinCanada as you know, we met on another forum (not SA) and I remember thinking how lucky you must be to be so far along in this journey. You were offering me guidance, emotional support, and encouragement that I thought must be coming from someone who was on the other side. Then when I read your story I realized you are still in the thick of it, with your own struggles! It amazed me because you carry all of that, while supporting others with grace. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ 🙏

1995-2002 : Zoloft 50 mg (easy WD)

2005-2010: Zoloft 50mg (easy WD)

2020-2022: Zoloft 100mg (average WD)

July 2025 - August 2025 : gabapentin 300mg x 3 (8weeks total use, CT quit - horrible WD)

August 2025: Started Pristiq 25mg (CT WD after 7 days)

August 2025: Started Lexapro 5mg (CT WD after 2 days)

August 2025-Nov 2025: Zoloft trying to restart (CT WD due to serotonin syndrome- horrible WD)

August 2025-Nov 2025: 50 mg Trazodone (CT WD due to serotonin syndrome)

September 2025-now: .5 mg Ativan per day around 8 PM

September 2025-now: 2mg Lunesta (generic) around midnight

2

February 11Feb 11

Author

8 minutes ago, Brainpuzzler41 said:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

You are so very welcome.... when I am really bad I go silent but I find helping others puts my own pain and journey in perspective....glad you are 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

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

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

3

February 12Feb 12

13 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Hey @NT1100B I was hoping it was the beginning of a trend but nope...lol

If only we could sleep..... ❤️🙏

I feel you Lic, the sleep is the pits isnt it.

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 12Feb 12

8 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

You are so very welcome.... when I am really bad I go silent but I find helping others puts my own pain and journey in perspective....glad you are here. ❤️🙏

Thanks for being so generous with your time! ❤️

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.

3

February 12Feb 12

12 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

You are so very welcome.... when I am really bad I go silent but I find helping others puts my own pain and journey in perspective....glad you are here. ❤️🙏

There's no pressure to post within specific timeframes, please help others as and when you feel able and look after yourself too.

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
1

February 12Feb 12

@LostinCanada please look after yourself , if yiu need to take time out from

this forum then do so. Your one special lady and we love 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

5
1

February 17Feb 17

Author

One thing I have learned in life is that support often comes from the most unexpected people. It isn't always who we thought would always have our back or who we thought was strong, etc. We have to accept it from who it comes and be grateful for it. People in my life who I thought would be there for me and be strong for me faded away and it is those that had multiple problems themselves and were just acquaintances that became more to me. It's humbled me and made me want to show up for others.

Thank you all sincerely for being part of that support despite all you are going through. 🙏❤️

Edited February 17Feb 17 by LostinCanada

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

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

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

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

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

6

February 17Feb 17

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:

One thing I have learned in life is that support often comes from the most unexpected people. It isn't always who we thought would always have our back or who we thought was strong, etc. We have to accept it from who it comes and be grateful for it. People in my life who I thought would be there for me and be strong for me faded away and it is those that had multiple problems themselves and were just acquaintances that became more to me. It's humbled me and made me want to show up for others.

Thank you all sincerely for being part of that support despite all you are going through. 🙏❤️

This is what I realised too. It's quite sad that the ones that we thought were gonna be their aunt. I'm grateful for the people I like yourself. I've met online that are always there when I need help. Thank you for always being there for us while you're struggling yourself. ❤️

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

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

2

February 17Feb 17

Author

2 minutes ago, cheeky said:

Thank you for always being there for us while you're struggling yourself

Love you @cheeky so grateful for you as well....though we are miles away, we are close in heart. 😘

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

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

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

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

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

LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

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