LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

March 6Mar 6

Thinking of you, Lost In!

2011-2015 - tapered off 300mg of Venlafaxine after 6 years of use

2005-2021 - 450 mg Bupropion daily

2021-2023 - tapered Bupropion to zero

1

March 7Mar 7

Thinking of you @LostinCanada i

hope your having a better day of late ❤️🙏

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

1

March 9Mar 9

Just thought I'd drop by and say hello. I've been reading your posts with much interest.

I hope it's a positive day for you.

AlmostOff

Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

24 May 26: 0.14mg

29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

1

March 9Mar 9

Author

Thanks for stopping by @AlmostOff

22 minutes ago, AlmostOff said:

hope it's a positive day for you.

Been in a bit of a wave... trying to stay positive... trying to manage stress.

At least the sun is shining.

Looking for the glimmers in my life...there are many... even if some days I need a microscope. 💯❤️🙏

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

7

March 9Mar 9

9 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

At least the sun is shining.

Looking for the glimmers in my life...there are many... even if some days I need a microscope.

A wonderful attitude

Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

24 May 26: 0.14mg

29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

2

March 10Mar 10

8 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Thanks for stopping by @AlmostOff

Been in a bit of a wave... trying to stay positive... trying to manage stress.

At least the sun is shining.

Looking for the glimmers in my life...there are many... even if some days I need a microscope. 💯❤️🙏

Thinking of you LIC ❤️

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

March 10Mar 10

Hey @LostinCanada

How strange is this, me actually visiting your thread to offer some encouragement for once! 🤣.

Im so sorry to read that you’re struggling, you’ve helped so many people over the years including myself. I really do hope things ease for you soon.

Thinking of you ❤️

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

March 10Mar 10

@LostinCanada we all love you ❤️

I hope you get respite soon and you get a beaituful Window 🪟

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

4

March 10Mar 10

Hi @LostinCanada

Just wanted to chime in to say that I’m thinking of you as well. It’s amazing to read about your journey and what you’ve been managing as you’ve been such a support for everyone else. I’m wishing you only good things ❤️

2011 - Prozac, don’t remember exact dose but it varied between 10 and 40mg over the years

2012 - 600 mg of lithium

2017 - .5 Ativan, 500 depakote, lithium raised to 900

2023 - February - began tapering Prozac

2024- cross tapered from Prozac to lexapro, finished SSRI taper; began tapering depakote, finished depakote taper;

August - tapered off lithium too quickly

September/October- attempted to do ill-informed damage control with a few doses each of trazodone, buspar, ativan, xanax, gabapentin

October- severe akathisia and crash, back on 900 lithium; 75 mg Seroquel, 10mg propanol 3x daily, 2mg ativan (briefly)

2025 - January- tapered off ativan, cut lithium to 750

February- tapered Seroquel

March -tapered propanolol

April - Food sensitivity begins

June - Lithium 600mg

August - Lithium 450 mg; developed severe histamine/MCAS-like issues

2026- holding Lithium at 450 mg for foreseeable future until extreme food sensitivity diminishes

Also have been on synthroid since 2017, current dose 150mcg and currently tolerate a vitamin d supplement

2

March 10Mar 10

Author

8 hours ago, NBJ71 said:

How strange is this, me actually visiting your thread to offer some encouragement for once! 🤣.

I appreciate it...these drugs treat us all equally.... aren't we lucky. 🤣

1 minute ago, pluto said:

wishing you only good things

Thanks so much....all we can do is buckle up and go along for the ride. 🎢

6 hours ago, cheeky said:

ove you ❤️

I hope you get respite soon and you get a beaituful Window 🪟

Love you too.

9 hours ago, Chippy said:

Thinking of you LIC ❤️

Thanks @Chippy One day closer to healing.

❤️🙏

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

March 10Mar 10

29 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

it...these drugs treat us all equally.... aren't we lucky. 🤣

😆

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

March 11Mar 11

Hello my friend...I just want to pass by to see how you are doing. I hope things improving for you.

I'm 15 months journey now, and since months 12, I'm having this cortisol spike issues again....who knows when it will resolve again...can't sleep much...

I hope you are doing better and ready to continue Tapering....

Prayers for you my friend...

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%).

1

March 12Mar 12

The rain is back, but I'm hoping you are feeling better...one breath and then another...be well

2008-2011 - Citalopram 10-50 mg

2011 - Citalopram 50mg. Tapered to 20mg - with occasional increases to 25 or 30 mg

2018 (Aug) - 2019 (April) - Citalopram 20 mg, 10 mg, 7.5 mg, 5 mg

2019 (Fall) - Citalopram 5 mg - Experienced a major, unprecedented episode of intense anxiety and insomnia for 8-10 weeks. Updosed to 20 mg after 6 weeks

2021 (23 Nov) - Citalopram 20 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg

2021 (14 Dec) - Duloxetine Switch 30 mg, 60 mg

2022 (16 Jan) - Duloxetine 30 mg

2022 (31 Jan) - Duloxetine - Started skipping doses, 2 Days on, 1 Day off; 5 Days - 2 Days off, 1 Day on; 6 days

2022 (11 Feb) - Duloxetine 0 mg

2022 (20 Mar) - Severe withdrawal began

2022 (29 Mar) - Citalopram - 5mg (RI), 10 mg

2022 (13 Apr) - Citalopram 15 mg

2022 (Mar 28) - Trazodone 25 mg - Added in for sleep

2023 (28 Jan) - Trazodone 12.5 mg

2024 (May 2) - (July 1) - Trazodone 10 mg - 7.5 mg

2025 (Oct) - 2026 (14 Feb) - Citalopram 15 mg -Tapered to 11.55 mg

2026 (13 Feb) - (5 Mar) - Citalopram (13 Feb) 11.55 mg, (15 Feb) 11.7 mg, (18 Feb) 11.85 mg, (25 Feb) 11.925 mg, (5 Mar) 11.955 mg - Major increase in withdrawal symptoms; updosed to 11.955 mg (+3.5%)

2025 (14 Dec) - 2026 (31 Jan) Trazadone 7.5 mg - Tapered to 3.5 mg

2026 (31 Jan) - (1 Mar) Trazodone (31 Jan) 3.5 mg, (20 Feb) 3.25 mg, (25 Feb) 3.125 mg, (1 Mar) 3.5 mg, (23 Mar) updosed to 3.75 mg (+7%)

1
1

March 22Mar 22

Author

Update: our daughter and son-in-law have been here from England for a couple weeks. I was so sick at the beginning with headaches, sinus and eye pain.... thankfully that resolved.

I was very limited though we got together almost every day, it was for only a couple hours each time. I never felt up to making a meal for us all.... between my histamine issues, her dairy issues, my other daughter's wheat issues and their vegetarian diet...it was too much for me too figure out something we all could eat. This is just so opposite of the mom I used to be.

So it has been a year and a few months since we last saw each other. She thinks I am doing so much better.

It was part of the reason I have been holding for so long....I wanted to be as "okay" as possible. Some days were definitely difficult.

I still struggle to laugh, be happy, find joy. The negative emotions are easy and familiar...anger, sadness, loss....

I am letting myself have a couple days to adjust to them going back home today.

Then I will start my taper again.... can't say I have missed it but getting off is my only choice when I think of poop out and supply issues.

Hope everyone is coping. One day it will be a distant memory. Love you all for your support. ❤️🙏

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

4

March 22Mar 22

Good to read your update, LostinCanada.

41 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

we got together almost every day

How good is this...you managed something almost every day!

42 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

This is just so opposite of the mom I used to be.

We do the best we can in the circumstances we find ourselves.

42 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

She thinks I am doing so much better.

I'd be comforted by this. Changes / improvement might be more obvious to those who see us less frequently.

43 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Some days were definitely difficult.

Trials certainly come our way, and we respond in the best way we can.

44 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

The negative emotions are easy and familiar...anger, sadness, loss....

I do understand. We do our best to find some sort of joy in our circumstances. I guess a bit of acceptance slips in there somewhere.

45 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

I am letting myself have a couple days to adjust to them going back home today.

Continue to be kind and patient with yourself

46 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Then I will start my taper again.... can't say I have missed it but getting off is my only choice when I think of poop out and supply issues.

Every drop is a step closer to the end.

Multi-year hyperbolic Bintellix taper

7 Dec 25: 0.42mg

7 Mar 26: 0.44mg (+5%)

29 Mar 26: 0.34mg (trying to follow the "slow" Maudsley Guide)

28 Apr 26: 0.24mg

24 May 26: 0.14mg

29 Jun 26: 0.10mg

31 Jul 26: 0.07mg

28 Aug 26: 0.035mg

1
1

March 22Mar 22

Author

27 minutes ago, AlmostOff said:

Continue to be kind and patient with yourself

Thanks for all your encouragement @AlmostOff

I am already missing her like crazy. The worst part of her coming, is having to say goodbye. Thank goodness for Zoom and WhatsApp. ❤️🙏

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

March 23Mar 23

2 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Update: our daughter and son-in-law have been here from England for a couple weeks. I was so sick at the beginning with headaches, sinus and eye pain.... thankfully that resolved.

I was very limited though we got together almost every day, it was for only a couple hours each time. I never felt up to making a meal for us all.... between my histamine issues, her dairy issues, my other daughter's wheat issues and their vegetarian diet...it was too much for me too figure out something we all could eat. This is just so opposite of the mom I used to be.

So it has been a year and a few months since we last saw each other. She thinks I am doing so much better.

It was part of the reason I have been holding for so long....I wanted to be as "okay" as possible. Some days were definitely difficult.

I still struggle to laugh, be happy, find joy. The negative emotions are easy and familiar...anger, sadness, loss....

I am letting myself have a couple days to adjust to them going back home today.

Then I will start my taper again.... can't say I have missed it but getting off is my only choice when I think of poop out and supply issues.

Hope everyone is coping. One day it will be a distant memory. Love you all for your support. ❤️🙏

So happy you were able to have some enjoyment from your daughter and son’s in law’s visit. Be kind to your self over the next few days. XxxxxxxxX

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.

1

March 23Mar 23

2 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Then I will start my taper again.... can't say I have missed it but getting off is my only choice when I think of poop out and supply issues

These are the things I consider to continue Tapering off. I might consider next month to a small amount before vacation time.

I have been feeling good and sleep improved again....

The only way out, is to continue moving forward....

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%).

1

March 23Mar 23

2 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

it has been a year and a few months since we last saw each other. She thinks I am doing so much better.

It was part of the reason I have been holding for so long....I wanted to be as "okay" as possible. Some days were definitely difficult

It seems you managed pretty good. Great you have the time to spend with family....

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%).

1

March 23Mar 23

Sounds like you were still able to have a good visit with your daughter, despite all the difficulties; I'm very glad for that.

Hopefully the next phase of your taper goes very smoothly for you ❤️

And it's been so nice to see the sun!

Edited March 23Mar 23 by Treefrog

2008-2011 - Citalopram 10-50 mg

2011 - Citalopram 50mg. Tapered to 20mg - with occasional increases to 25 or 30 mg

2018 (Aug) - 2019 (April) - Citalopram 20 mg, 10 mg, 7.5 mg, 5 mg

2019 (Fall) - Citalopram 5 mg - Experienced a major, unprecedented episode of intense anxiety and insomnia for 8-10 weeks. Updosed to 20 mg after 6 weeks

2021 (23 Nov) - Citalopram 20 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg

2021 (14 Dec) - Duloxetine Switch 30 mg, 60 mg

2022 (16 Jan) - Duloxetine 30 mg

2022 (31 Jan) - Duloxetine - Started skipping doses, 2 Days on, 1 Day off; 5 Days - 2 Days off, 1 Day on; 6 days

2022 (11 Feb) - Duloxetine 0 mg

2022 (20 Mar) - Severe withdrawal began

2022 (29 Mar) - Citalopram - 5mg (RI), 10 mg

2022 (13 Apr) - Citalopram 15 mg

2022 (Mar 28) - Trazodone 25 mg - Added in for sleep

2023 (28 Jan) - Trazodone 12.5 mg

2024 (May 2) - (July 1) - Trazodone 10 mg - 7.5 mg

2025 (Oct) - 2026 (14 Feb) - Citalopram 15 mg -Tapered to 11.55 mg

2026 (13 Feb) - (5 Mar) - Citalopram (13 Feb) 11.55 mg, (15 Feb) 11.7 mg, (18 Feb) 11.85 mg, (25 Feb) 11.925 mg, (5 Mar) 11.955 mg - Major increase in withdrawal symptoms; updosed to 11.955 mg (+3.5%)

2025 (14 Dec) - 2026 (31 Jan) Trazadone 7.5 mg - Tapered to 3.5 mg

2026 (31 Jan) - (1 Mar) Trazodone (31 Jan) 3.5 mg, (20 Feb) 3.25 mg, (25 Feb) 3.125 mg, (1 Mar) 3.5 mg, (23 Mar) updosed to 3.75 mg (+7%)

1

March 23Mar 23

Author

1 hour ago, Treefrog said:

And it's been so nice to see the sun!

It has…I read somewhere we haven’t had much rain…I was like what??? Sunshine makes a world of difference. Thanks for stopping by.

1 hour ago, Raymond said:

Great you have the time to spend with family....

It sure is. I honestly did better than I thought I would so that’s a win.

1 hour ago, BarbX said:

Be kind to your self over the next few days. XxxxxxxxX

Thanks Barb….i hope you are doing the same.

♥️🙏

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

March 23Mar 23

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

thankfully that resolved.

Glad you recovered without any issues 🙂

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

This is just so opposite of the mom I used to be.

Unfair to discount all the wonderful years you poured in your earlier mom years. I’m sure your kids have wonderful memories of those years, I know I do of mine 💜

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

I am letting myself have a couple days to adjust to them going back home today.

Then I will start my taper again....

Glad to hear you are well enough to begin dropping again. This in and of itself is an answered prayer, yes? With your bad batch and what not.

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Hope everyone is coping. One day it will be a distant memory. Love you all for your support.

Looking forward to Christ’s return, no doubt. Especially with this pesky wave I’m in. Lovely update, LIC! Glad you felt well enough to spend time with your family.

Currently tapering Zoloft as a snail’s pace. View my SA page for the whole story.

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/30807-aaoffz-coming-off-sertraline/#comment-682777

>

When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:19

>
Last drop- Sertraline 12/6/25- 81.7 mg

>

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my own experiences with SSRI WD. Advise a physician about your care.

1

March 23Mar 23

Hey LIC. Glad you had some time with your family. I’m relieved your headaches have passed.

It’s good your daughter could see you seemed better than she last saw you. This is encouraging. Perhaps sometimes those around us can tell us things we can’t/arent in a position to see ourselves.

I wouldn’t give yourself a hard time for not cooking/hosting as you once might have. Non of this matters. Just being present those couple of precious hours a day was enough.

I hope your next drop goes ok. I’m going to arrange a party when you get to zero imagine how good a day that will be! 🎉🥳🍾🎁

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

March 23Mar 23

Oh @LostinCanada I'm so thankful for this visit from your daughter & son-in-law. Nothing beats getting together with those we love & those who love us, even if it's not exactly how we want it to be. I know they loved seeing you & appreciated any effort you made to visit with them.

I'm right there with you about struggling and having the negative emotions be easy & familiar. Your interactions with me mean even more knowing you're not always feeling your best - but still finding the time & making the effort to help. You are such a gem. 💎

I hope this visit from family gives you the fuel for this next round of tapering, however long it may last. You are much loved & much appreciated! Yes, one day this will be a distant memory. 💚

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)

March 23Mar 23

Author

10 hours ago, AAoffZ_2 said:

Glad to hear you are well enough to begin dropping again.

Thanks for your kind words. Last night was rough....I might be a tad optimistic about dropping so soon. Will re-evaluate in a couple days. Stress just kills me. ❤️🙏

9 hours ago, Chippy said:

hope your next drop goes ok. I’m going to arrange a party when you get to zero imagine how good a day that will be! 🎉🥳🍾🎁

Thanks @Chippy Looking forward to that day. 🎉🎉🎉

3 minutes ago, DesertDrive said:

I'm right there with you about struggling and having the negative emotions be easy & familiar

I have never been a negative person ...the damage these drugs cause is unreal.

I appreciate your lovely thoughts. We all need each other on here. 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

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

LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

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