LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

April 12Apr 12

Author

1 hour ago, Wombat said:

When I imagine Canada I imagine it being cold all the time.

lol…..we have very hot summers in most parts of Canada. Because I am on an island it is quite moderate….we rarely get snow…maybe a couple days a year. This year we didn’t get any which was disappointing. The whole city shuts down if it snows lol.

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/200mg 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

April 12Apr 12

Sounds like a delightful place to live. Always was a place I would have loved to visit.

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) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

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."

2

April 12Apr 12

2 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

The last few days I have had an increase in dizziness, some brain zaps, (rare for me) and feeling a bit out of it.

I just looked up what Paroxetine is. it's Paxil!!!! 💊🥴 Way back in the day when I was tapering Venlafaxine(Effexor) I was on a forum called Paxil Progress. Lotta similarities between tapering these two ***** meds.

I'm sorry to hear you're having the zaps. I could never tolerate them, which may be why it took me around 5 years to get off that stuff 😁

Good on you for getting outside and being social. That's incredible you're able to do those things while tapering. A few bumps in the road are to be expected, the fact that you made it happen is the important

thing in my book.

18 days, sounds like you're going to be rounding the curve to WD Normal soon. Hang tough, LIC!! 💪

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

April 12Apr 12

On 4/1/2026 at 10:15 AM, LostinCanada said:

Update: dropped 1.3% 8 days ago.

Day2: Dizziness, increases GI issues- nausea, bloating

Day4: increase in histamine issues-itching, stuffy nose

Day7: anxiety, panic, burning eyes-sore, pinching pain, headache, constipation

Working on: relaxing, acceptance, breathing, distraction

Sending 🤗... I hope things settle quickly.

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25.mg when needed before I was out on paraxotine

08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg after cold turkey.

10/01/2024- 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%).

1

April 12Apr 12

13 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Took a walk by the ocean in the rain.

This sounds so lovely! How fortunate to have such a soothing setting close by. 💚🌊

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)

2

April 12Apr 12

Author

16 hours ago, j1290 said:

ust looked up what Paroxetine is. it's Paxil!!!! 💊🥴

Lol...yep...I am one of the lucky ones. They threw everything but the kitchen sink in the mix.

I love how they call it sloppy or dirty because it is not just an SSRI but has SNRI properties as well.

Paroxetine (Paxil) - PsychDB https://share.google/DFryj8zMBWUEE48en

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/200mg 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

April 13Apr 13

Yes, we're just lucky like that, I guess @LostinCanada. Wouldn't mind not being so lucky.

Sigh. 🙄😅

Sept 1993 Began paroxetine 20 mg for anxiety and depression- worked like a charm.

1st taper - Aug 1995 tapered over 3 weeks before getting pregnant- great at first, crashed at one month. White knuckled it through 2 miscarriages. Spring 1996 (?) Reinstated paroxetine 20 mg.

2nd taper- Spring 2008 tapered off paroxetine over 4 months. Summer 2008 crashed horribly, nearly incapacitated by WD; Summer 2008-Summer 2009 tried 4 different ADs, none as effective as paroxetine. Summer 2009 Reinstated 20 mg paroxetine, not as effective as previously.

3rd taper- Jun 19, 2019 began 10 mg paroxetine, 10 mg fluoxetine for one week. Jun 26 20 mg fluoxetine, 5 mg paroxetine for one week. Jul 3- 20 mg fluoxetine + lorazepam (0.5 mg) as needed up to 2x/day. Aug 12- 30 mg fluox; Sept 3- .5 mg clonazepam daily; end lorazepam; Sept 5- 40 mg fluox;

End of 2019- returned to paroxetine 20 mg/day most of the year, 30mg/day in the winter.

BEGIN 4th TAPER ATTEMPT: Jul 13 2025- 30 -> 25 mg; 10 Sept -> 22.5mg; 3 Oct -> 20 mg; 10 Oct -> hold 2 weeks; 2 Nov -> 19.5 mg; 9 Nov -> 19 mg; 16 Nov -> hold 1 week; 22 Nov -> 18.6 mg; 30 Nov -> 18.2 mg; 7 Dec -> hold 1 week; 14 Dec -> 17.8 mg; 21 Dec -> 17.5 mg; 28 Dec -> 17.1 mg; 4 Jan 2026 -> 16.7 mg -> hold 2 weeks ; 28 Jan -> 16.4 mg; 1 Feb -> 16.0 mg; 8 Feb -> 15.7 mg; 15 Feb -> hold 2 weeks; 1 Mar -> 15.5 mg; 8 Mar -> 15.2 mg; 15 Mar -> hold; 5 Apr -> 14.9.

Supplements: Vit D, Magesium L-threonate, Vit C, Zinc, Melatonin, Multivitamin

2

April 20Apr 20

Hi LostinCanada,

Just sending some prayers your way. Hope you are starting to improve. You provide so much support to so many when you are suffering so badly yourself. You are doing a great job.

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) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

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."

2
1

April 20Apr 20

Author

4 hours ago, Wombat said:
Hope you are starting to improve.

Thanks Wombat. Still feeling this little drop...I have a few medical appointments coming up so I will hold till I get through those.

Definitely no spontaneity in my life... everything still revolves around this Insanity.

I am the queen of routine and predictability now. 🤣👑🤣

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/200mg 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

April 20Apr 20

4 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
routine and predictability

I honestly think this might be key to coping in all this! Can’t wait to do something out of order again! It’s gonna feel naughty!

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
4

April 20Apr 20

Author

1 hour ago, Chippy said:
might be key to coping in all this!

I know it definitely lessens my stress. Also it helps when I am in a wave and can't make a decision for my life.

1 hour ago, Chippy said:
It’s gonna feel naughty!

🤣💯

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/200mg 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

April 20Apr 20

4 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
I know it definitely lessens my stress. Also it helps when I am in a wave and can't make a decision for my life.

I’m completely locked in to my routine! It fluctuates a little, but broadly it’s the same each day. Helps get through the day, on the bad days! Auto pilot!

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

April 20Apr 20

I guess there can also be too much routine in life...but in situations like ours it's probably the way to go, isn't it? At the moment I hate anything unforseen and wish I had more structure.

Hope you are doing well!

My Earlier Drug History:

Paroxetine 2001 until 2003, quit cold turkey, don't remember dose; Venlafaxine 2005 until Dez. 2023, mostly 75mg xr per day, for about 4 years 37.5mg xr; quite a lot of Antihistamines because of allergy; there were other drugs that I don't remember all, but nothing what I consistently took over a longer period of time, for example Lorazepam 0.5mg prn.

My Crash 2024:

Dez 2023 - 03/13/2024 quitting Venlafaxine 75mg (skipping doses); 04/07/2024 reinstating Venlafaxine 12,5mg; 04/17/2024 Venlafaxine 25mg; 4/29/24 until 5/4/24 Trimipramine, 5mg going down to zero over 5 days; 25mg -> 37.5mg Venlafaxine since Sep 2024 until Mar 2025;

My Venlafaxine Taper 2025 (not every intermediate step included, 1 bead (b) ~= 0.266mg):

3/22/25: 37.5mg = 141b -> 127b; 4/26/25: -> 123b; 5/16/25 -> 115b; 6/6/25 -> 109b; 6/29/25 -> 112b; 8/13/25 -> 109b; 9/13/25 -> 106b; 9/25/25 -> 109b; 9/29/25 -> 112b;

my supplements: here and there magnesium, 100mg aspirin, melatonin spray, omega 3 fish oil, vitamin d

I am no medical expert and I am not giving medical advice. I am dependent on Venlafaxine, trying to find and give peer support in this community and simply giving my opinion. Double check anything said before you take action, in particular with your doctor.

2

April 24Apr 24

Author

I am on day 31 since my drop.

Day 2-5 was an increase is gi issues (pain, bloating, nausea) and brain zaps.

Day 7-16-increase in sinus/head pressure with dizziness

Day 21-bad day all round

Day 27- went downtown and just started crying due to extremely loud construction noise, not handling extra stress well at all

Day 30- horrible day- increased nausea, body rushes of heat and adrenaline, cortisol shakes/tremors, waking every hour

Day31- going to hold till whatever this is, settled.

Minute by minute some days. ❤️🙏

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/200mg 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

April 24Apr 24

@LostinCanada Sorry to hear you've hit a rough spot it can be so despairing. I agree with the holding just get over this blip ,I feel its not going to hang around for too long 🙏

2016 - 2019 Sertraline 25mg highest dose 100mg

2019 C Ted 25mg Bad withdrawals

01/2020 reinstated 25mg

06/2020 - 12/2021 tapered from 100mg to 6mg jumped off .bad withdrawals like before .

06/2022 reinstated 25mg

10/2023 started taper of 25mg not sure of starting drops

04/2025 5mg

06/2025 4.1mg

08/2025 3.5mg

10/2025 3.1 mg

12/2025 2.5mg

01/2026 to present 2.27mg

1
1

April 24Apr 24

32 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
I am on day 31 since my drop.
Day 2-5 was an increase is gi issues (pain, bloating, nausea) and brain zaps.
Day 7-16-increase in sinus/head pressure with dizziness
Day 21-bad day all round
Day 27- went downtown and just started crying due to extremely loud construction noise, not handling extra stress well at all
Day 30- horrible day- increased nausea, body rushes of heat and adrenaline, cortisol shakes/tremors, waking every hour
Day31- going to hold till whatever this is, settled.
Minute by minute some days. ❤️🙏

So sorry to hear LIC. One day at a 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.

1
1

April 24Apr 24

37 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
I am on day 31 since my drop.
Day 2-5 was an increase is gi issues (pain, bloating, nausea) and brain zaps.
Day 7-16-increase in sinus/head pressure with dizziness
Day 21-bad day all round
Day 27- went downtown and just started crying due to extremely loud construction noise, not handling extra stress well at all
Day 30- horrible day- increased nausea, body rushes of heat and adrenaline, cortisol shakes/tremors, waking every hour
Day31- going to hold till whatever this is, settled.
Minute by minute some days. ❤️🙏

🙏❤️

For US members: Please report med to FDA Med Watch

2017 (May) - Ativan .5 mg (3 x Daily)

2018 (Feb) - Mirtazapine 7.5 mg

2018 (May) - Ativan to Valium - Switch - Can’t Remember how long it took -tapered to 3 mg of Valium

2024 (May) - Valium Tolerance

2024 (2 Nov) - Completed taper off Valium

2024 (2 Nov) - Mirtazapine increased to 15 mg

2025 (Feb) - Ativan 0.25 mg (3 x Daily) - Became Paradoxical - Started weaning got to 0.11mg

2025 (Mar) - Ativan 0mg - CT In detox

2025 (April) Started Depakote 1500mg - In detox

2025 (April) - Depakote 500mg (2 x Daily) once home

2025 (Aug) - Completed taper off Depakote

2025 (Aug) - Akathisia surges throughout the day with calming in between

2025 (Sept) - Gabapentin (Micro Dose) - Was calming at first and then became paradoxical so stop

2025 (Oct) - Depakote - RI – (Two days of small dose) Became scared and stopped with WD & aka

2025 (Oct) - Seroquel 50 mg XR – 1 Week - more and more activating and increased aka

2025 (Oct) - Psychiatrist told me to stop it. But I took a few days of a smaller dose of IR then stopped - Not activating

2025 (Nov) - Hydroxyzine 2.5mg - it was paradoxical so stopped

2025 (1 Dec) - Mirtazapine 22.5mg - (2 Days) Was incredibly overstimulating started reducing to previous

2025 (3 Dec) - Mirtazapine 18.75mg

2025 (10 Dec) - Mirtazapine 16.87mg

2025 (22 Dec) - Mirtazapine 15mg

2026 (23Jan) - Mirtazapine 14.7mg

2026 (23 Jan) - Mirtazapine 1mg Panic dose

2026 (24 Jan) - Mirtazapine 15mg

2026 (25 Feb) – Mirtazapine 14.7mg (-2%)

2026 (18 Mar) - propranolol 2.5 mg one time

2026 (21 Mar)- Mirtazapine- 15 mg accidentally in sleepy state

2026 (22 Mar) - Mirtazapine 14.79 mg (more accurate scales)

2026 (29 April) Mirtazapine 14.7 mg (on suggestion of Horowitz) immediate intense symptoms

2026 (30 April) Mirtazapine 14.79 mg

2026 (23 May) propranolol 2.5 mg one time

2026 (01 June) Mirtazapine 14.79 mg dose was 5 hours late

1

April 24Apr 24

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
I am on day 31 since my drop.
Day 2-5 was an increase is gi issues (pain, bloating, nausea) and brain zaps.
Day 7-16-increase in sinus/head pressure with dizziness
Day 21-bad day all round
Day 27- went downtown and just started crying due to extremely loud construction noise, not handling extra stress well at all
Day 30- horrible day- increased nausea, body rushes of heat and adrenaline, cortisol shakes/tremors, waking every hour
Day31- going to hold till whatever this is, settled.
Minute by minute some days. ❤️🙏

@LostinCanada Minute by minute that's true . Your loved and we care about you .

You've got this my lovely friend 🙏💕

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
I am on day 31 since my drop.
Day 2-5 was an increase is gi issues (pain, bloating, nausea) and brain zaps.
Day 7-16-increase in sinus/head pressure with dizziness
Day 21-bad day all round
Day 27- went downtown and just started crying due to extremely loud construction noise, not handling extra stress well at all
Day 30- horrible day- increased nausea, body rushes of heat and adrenaline, cortisol shakes/tremors, waking every hour
Day31- going to hold till whatever this is, settled.
Minute by minute some days. ❤️🙏

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
1

April 24Apr 24

Dear LostinCanada,

I cannot believe the difficulties that these meds produce, that there is so little we can do to help relieve the symptoms. You are so brave and strong. I am thinking of you and praying for you.

You will get through this.

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) holding for 1 month

27 June - 7.9, 12 July - 7.75,

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."

2
1

April 25Apr 25

Sorry to hear that, LIC.

Hang tough. This too shall pass.

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
1

April 28Apr 28

❤️🙏

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?)

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

April 28Apr 28

On 4/25/2026 at 12:49 AM, j1290 said:
This too shall pass.

Sometimes like a kidney stone but it will pass. 😜🤣

❤️

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?)

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

1
6

April 28Apr 28

4 minutes ago, Golden said:
Sometimes like a kidney stone but it will pass. 😜🤣
❤️

Oh Golden you are very funny!🤣

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.

4

April 28Apr 28

3 minutes ago, Chippy said:
Oh Golden you are very funny!🤣

Just repeating what I’ve heard. 🤣

It’s good to laugh!

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?)

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

3

April 28Apr 28

1 minute ago, Golden said:
It’s good to laugh!

It’s is! Best medicine

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

LostinCanada: Tapering Paroxetine -welcome to my nightmare

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