Cheeky: Paxil and Seroquel Long Term Use

October 10Oct 10

Author

6 hours ago, Wombat said:
Hey Cheeky, just checking in. Hope you are doing ok.
Wombat

I haven't been good at all unfortunately I've hit it really bad way the last couple of weeks and it's probably the strongest one I've ever had and it's really tearing me down. I'm really hoping that this isn't gonna be permanent. I just feel so hopeless at the moment, I am still going to work but just struggling. Hopefully a good window will give me some respite. I just wonder how I might ever gonna get off these drugs.

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1

October 10Oct 10

Oh Cheeky, I am so sorry.

It should not be permanent. From all the resources we have read, they all say this is temporary.

You're still working. Good for you. Do try to get some down time. Just where you can rest and take calming breaths.

This is so crazy!!!! Time is our friend. Please stay strong dear Cheeky.

Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

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

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

1

October 10Oct 10

5 hours ago, cheeky said:
Hey @Wombat ,
I haven't been good at all unfortunately I've hit it really bad way the last couple of weeks and it's probably the strongest one I've ever had and it's really tearing me down. I'm really hoping that this isn't gonna be permanent. I just feel so hopeless at the moment, I am still going to work but just struggling. Hopefully a good window will give me some respite. I just wonder how I might ever gonna get off these drugs.

I'm with you @cheeky . I feel totally stuck at the moment. Although I've found long holds (greater than 3 months) have been very useful. My latest hold was ~ 5 months.

Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg. 2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day)

ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.020 & still holding; Sept 19 1.014; Oct 4 1.006; Oct 8 1.010

Supplements: Mg++ glycinate, Omega 3s, Curcumin. Vit D3/K2 spray, Vitamin B12 spray, chelated zinc.

1

October 10Oct 10

Author

1 hour ago, Catbird said:
I'm with you @cheeky . I feel totally stuck at the moment. Although I've found long holds (greater than 3 months) have been very useful. My latest hold was ~ 5 months.

@Wombat I’m so sorry you’re feeling it too. I’ve been holding for nearly three months now, and this wave has been the worst one yet. This drug is just so powerful.

Looking back, I think I should have waited longer before restarting my taper. About six months before, I accidentally changed the way I was taking my Seroquel. I went from using a water taper to crushing and weighing my tablets, and without realising it, I ended up taking 10 times my intended dose for a couple of weeks. On top of that, I also made a 5% cut.

I think my nervous system had already been through so much, and perhaps I didn’t give it enough time to settle before starting to taper again.

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

2

October 10Oct 10

Author

1 minute ago, cheeky said:
@Wombat I’m so sorry you’re feeling it too. I’ve been holding for nearly three months now, and this wave has been the worst one yet. This drug is just so powerful.
Looking back, I think I should have waited longer before restarting my taper. About six months before, I accidentally changed the way I was taking my Seroquel. I went from using a water taper to crushing and weighing my tablets, and without realising it, I ended up taking 10 times my intended dose for a couple of weeks. On top of that, I also made a 5% cut.
I think my nervous system had already been through so much, and perhaps I didn’t give it enough time to settle before starting to taper again.

Sorry I mean @Catbird

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

October 10Oct 10

Author

6 hours ago, Wombat said:
Oh Cheeky, I am so sorry.
It should not be permanent. From all the resources we have read, they all say this is temporary.
You're still working. Good for you. Do try to get some down time. Just where you can rest and take calming breaths.
This is so crazy!!!! Time is our friend. Please stay strong dear Cheeky.
Wombat

Thanks @Wombat ,

I just have to do what I've gotta do and keep moving in the right direction just like a turtle

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1

October 10Oct 10

You may be right. Sometimes the destabilising takes a while to settle down again. But it is all such a guessing game. We just have to listen to our symptoms and do what seems right at the time.

I think you're doing the right thing holding. Try and keep everything as steady as you can.

I am with you like a turtle. And it is the best way. Especially when we have been on these meds for so long.

I'm really hoping this wave lets up soon for you.

Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

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

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

1

October 10Oct 10

@cheeky @Wombat @Catbird

Sorry to hear of your struggles. I am still so amazed at how such a miniscule amount of these drugs is so powerful. We all need more time and patience and it is so hard because we want off so bad.

These lower ranged are brutal. I am cheering us all on. 🎉💪🎉

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

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

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

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

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

2

October 10Oct 10

6 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
We all need more time and patience and it is so hard because we want off so bad.

Absolutely!!

Thanks LostinCanada. I am cheering you on also. You're the best!!!

Wombat

Edited October 10Oct 10 by Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

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

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

1
1

October 11Oct 11

Author

Hey just an update ....

it's crazy but I woke up today and I'm feeling 100% me in a complete clear window. I can't believe how I can go from one day to another being so different. I feel so much positive and today's giving me respite. I hope tomorrow it continues.

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1
1
4

October 11Oct 11

8 minutes ago, cheeky said:
Hey just an update ....
it's crazy but I woke up today and I'm feeling 100% me in a complete clear window. I can't believe how I can go from one day to another being so different. I feel so much positive and today's giving me respite. I hope tomorrow it continues.

Greta news @cheeky I hope this window stays open!!

Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg. 2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day)

ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.020 & still holding; Sept 19 1.014; Oct 4 1.006; Oct 8 1.010

Supplements: Mg++ glycinate, Omega 3s, Curcumin. Vit D3/K2 spray, Vitamin B12 spray, chelated zinc.

October 11Oct 11

Cheeky!!!! This makes me so happy to hear!!! 😄😄😄

Proof of waves and windows, and when in a wave we feel we are never going to get better.

I'm glad you've recorded this here, so we can come back to it if needed.

Hopefully this window stays wide open for a good long while.

Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

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

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

October 11Oct 11

Author

2 hours ago, Wombat said:
Cheeky!!!! This makes me so happy to hear!!! 😄😄😄
Proof of waves and windows, and when in a wave we feel we are never going to get better.
I'm glad you've recorded this here, so we can come back to it if needed.
Hopefully this window stays wide open for a good long while.
Wombat

I don't want to go to sleep, ive enjoyed today so much . Thanks for being here @Wombat

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1

October 11Oct 11

Author

2 hours ago, Catbird said:
Greta news @cheeky I hope this window stays open!!

I really hope so too @Catbird xx

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1
1

October 11Oct 11

Remember, whatever tomorrow brings you know that eventually there will be lots more days like this one.

I'm so happy you had a good day today.

😄

Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

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

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

1

October 13Oct 13

Author

Okay after having an amazing 100% normal day I'm back into the runt of it . I'm basically 70% okay just this lingering aniexty all day and I'm better at night .

I would really appreciate people's advice on. Do you wait till you're 100% normal all the time to start taping or do you continue taping even though you're not 100%? I just feel like holding isn't gonna get me anywhere but I'm also too scared to rock the boat. I'm not sure what everyone does in the advice would be great. @LostinCanada @Fullhealing

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

October 13Oct 13

15 minutes ago, cheeky said:
Okay after having an amazing 100% normal day I'm back into the runt of it . I'm basically 70% okay just this lingering aniexty all day and I'm better at night .
I would really appreciate people's advice on. Do you wait till you're 100% normal all the time to start taping or do you continue taping even though you're not 100%? I just feel like holding isn't gonna get me anywhere but I'm also too scared to rock the boat. I'm not sure what everyone does in the advice would be great. @LostinCanada @Fullhealing

I definitely don’t taper if I am in a wave but if it is just the usual blah withdrawal normal, I do. I also hold if I know a particularly stressful situation is coming up. I haven’t been “normal” except a handful of times in 4 years.

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

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

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

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

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

October 13Oct 13

Author

4 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
I definitely don’t taper if I am in a wave but if it is just the usual blah withdrawal normal, I do. I also hold if I know a particularly stressful situation is coming up. I haven’t been “normal” except a handful of times in 4 years.

@LostinCanada so withdrawal normal is when you're 70% okay with only 30% not the best . I'm just really trying to get my head around this. Everyone seems to know what they're doing and I just don't know when to push or not.

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

October 13Oct 13

33 minutes ago, cheeky said:
Everyone seems to know what they're doing and I just don't know when to push or not.

Hey Cheeky, just so you know, you're absolutely not alone.

I am guessing most of the time.

Wombat

Edited October 13Oct 13 by Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

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

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

October 13Oct 13

7 hours ago, cheeky said:
@LostinCanada so withdrawal normal is when you're 70% okay with only 30% not the best . I'm just really trying to get my head around this. Everyone seems to know what they're doing and I just don't know when to push or not.

To me, withdrawal normal is when your day is pretty predictable. Not fantastic, not horrid...just the usual. No big swings.

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

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

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

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

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

Tuesday at 10:32 PM5 days

Author

17 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:
I definitely don’t taper if I am in a wave but if it is just the usual blah withdrawal normal, I do. I also hold if I know a particularly stressful situation is coming up. I haven’t been “normal” except a handful of times in 4 years.

@lostincanada I have had days where I feel normal but since the last three months on hold after I didthe 3% consecutive tapers per month, it's been really difficult and I feel like I'm not getting that respite that I normally have. I feel like I'm as good as it's gonna get I'm not even sure what withdrawal normal isI feel 75% okay? So would that be what you call withdrawal or normal?

8 hours ago, LostinCanada said:
To me, withdrawal normal is when your day is pretty predictable. Not fantastic, not horrid...just the usual. No big swings.

@LostinCanada thanks for explaining this. I feel like I'm swinging too much one day great one day bad so I'm gonna wait till I'm pretty much consistent before I start the table again. I think I rushed this tap and didn't wait long enough after my Seroquel accidentally up dosing by 10 times for a few weeks and then doing the taper off both drugs I should've waited much longer than six months and then I started the last 3% tables per month why I've crashed now

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1

Tuesday at 10:51 PM5 days

18 minutes ago, cheeky said:
@lostincanada I have had days where I feel normal but since the last three months on hold after I didthe 3% consecutive tapers per month, it's been really difficult and I feel like I'm not getting that respite that I normally have. I feel like I'm as good as it's gonna get I'm not even sure what withdrawal normal isI feel 75% okay? So would that be what you call withdrawal or normal?
@LostinCanada thanks for explaining this. I feel like I'm swinging too much one day great one day bad so I'm gonna wait till I'm pretty much consistent before I start the table again. I think I rushed this tap and didn't wait long enough after my Seroquel accidentally up dosing by 10 times for a few weeks and then doing the taper off both drugs I should've waited much longer than six months and then I started the last 3% tables per month why I've crashed now

It’s such a rollercoaster. Today is bad for me…..I will be holding till after my hubby’s surgery. ❤️🙏

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

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

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

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

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

1

Wednesday at 04:00 AM5 days

Author

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

@LostinCanada I'm sorry your in it today . Tomorrow could be different .

Today I'm fine , i just can't work this out . There is no rhythm to this all .

You are one off the strongest ladies I know . Get that tool box out and use it for days like today .

Love you LC

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1

Friday at 12:10 AM3 days

Author

Okay update well it's been three months since I held my dose and I'm still not feeling the best. I have had windows at night time and the occasional window during the day but every day is Groundhog Day. I know I shouldn't have done 3% taper every month without holding and I shouldn't have started the taper before I last had the problem with the Seroquel. I just hope I get stable cause I feel like I won't.

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

21 April 2025 taper two drugs at once

Paxil 4% Seroquel 3.5% per month

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

13 Jul 2025: 4% Paxil cut

29 Jul 2025: 5% Paxil cut

6 Aug 2025: began hold

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

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

Holding both drugs to stablize

Holding at Paxil 8.25 mg / Seroquel 6.5

Paxil taper

22/4 8.23 29/4 8.20 5/5 8.15 13/5 8.05 3/6 8 11/6 7.95 18/7 7.5

1

Friday at 12:20 AM3 days

8 minutes ago, cheeky said:
I just hope I get stable cause I feel like I won't.

You will. I feel like this every time I drop. I think why on earth did I drop again….but then I level out and do it all over again. You will stabilize…your body knows how. Just take your time. ❤️☺️

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

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

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

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

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

Cheeky: Paxil and Seroquel Long Term Use

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