Catbird: Dealing with Polypharmacy

June 21Jun 21

Author

13 hours ago, Sminismoni said:
@Catbird I am so sorry to hear this. Hang in there. The body wants homeostasis and will fight for it.

Thanks @Sminismoni . I’m trying to get in to see an Addictions Medicine specialist. I’m really concerned about possible tolerance to some drugs (currently in the background of SSRI taper). Saturday night was absolute torture for me. My body was taken over with intense pain 9.5/10 like nothing I’ve ever experienced. My partner was plying me with not water bottles to try and get some relief while we waited for the ambulance. I was agitated +++, sweaty, vomiting, and my mouth was so dry. The intense part lasted about 2 hours, and it diminished after that. I’ve been left with a deep sense of foreboding.

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;

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

June 22Jun 22

@Catbird I am so sorry to read about how tough things have got for you. Have noticed and patterns that might point to a specfic drug being culprit?

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.

June 22Jun 22

Author

1 hour ago, Chippy said:
@Catbird I am so sorry to read about how tough things have got for you. Have noticed and patterns that might point to a specfic drug being culprit?

Possibly Diazepam or Baclofen @Chippy or it could just be the Escitalopram, I'm not sure the doctor will know either way. It's weird though, I have had 7 days painfree for 7 days with no pain. Since that time a new pattern has emerged over the last 7-10 days - hyperarousal and panic for a 2-3 days then a stretch of myofascial pain. I'm feel so destabilised and so stuck. the sense of foreboding is palpable. Saturday night was one one of the most horrendous whole body experiences since starting to taper.

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;

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

June 23Jun 23

21 hours ago, Catbird said:
Possibly Diazepam or Baclofen @Chippy or it could just be the Escitalopram, I'm not sure the doctor will know either way.

I agrere, I think it's highly unlikely they will have an answers for you.

21 hours ago, Catbird said:
t's weird though, I have had 7 days painfree for 7 days with no pain. Since that time a new pattern has emerged over the last 7-10 days - hyperarousal and panic for a 2-3 days then a stretch of myofascial pain. I'm feel so destabilised and so stuck. the sense of foreboding is palpable. Saturday night was one one of the most horrendous whole body experiences since starting to taper.

This does sound like typical waves and windows patterns of symptoms, signs perhaps of your system looking for stability, based on this I suspect this is more due to your taper than anything else. Sounds really very distressing and I am so sorry you have had such a rough few weeks.

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

June 29Jun 29

Hi Catbird, how did your day go today?

Thinking of you

Wombat

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

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

Beginning 2023, start micro tapering from 30mg

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

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

1

June 29Jun 29

Author

5 hours ago, Wombat said:
Hi Catbird, how did your day go today?
Thinking of you
Wombat

I’m okay today thanks @Wombat . After 8 weeks of intense abdominal myofascial pain whilst holding it seems I’m at the end of it. How are you doing with your taper?

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;

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

1

June 29Jun 29

Dear @Catbird I am glad that the worst seems behind you for the moment. I’m so sorry for all this terrible suffering. Praying for a long stretch of peace.

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

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

Other Supplements

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

1

June 30Jun 30

Dear Catbird, this is so good to hear. I have been so worried about you. I truly hope you never have to go through that again. That was truly awful.

I have restarted my taper after 3 1/2 months. So far so good, although I only dropped 1.25%, so I am hoping for no ripples. We shall see.

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."

June 30Jun 30

Author

5 hours ago, Wombat said:
Dear Catbird, this is so good to hear. I have been so worried about you. I truly hope you never have to go through that again. That was truly awful.
I have restarted my taper after 3 1/2 months. So far so good, although I only dropped 1.25%, so I am hoping for no ripples. We shall see.
Wombat

Good news @Wombat . Stay in touch.🤗

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;

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

June 30Jun 30

18 hours ago, Catbird said:
I’m okay today thanks @Wombat . After 8 weeks of intense abdominal myofascial pain whilst holding it seems I’m at the end of it. How are you doing with your taper?

😀

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.

July 2Jul 2

@Catbird just sending some love your way, I saw your post on @skamen page and I am sorry things are so rough for you. It is great your pains have eased, good news. More healing and progress coming I am sure of it. Hang in there, you are loved and appreciated on here. xxx

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

July 2Jul 2

Hello @Catbird ,

hope you ate doing okay? Have your myofascial pain symptoms remained less?

The emotional / mental suffering is bad enough, let alone physical pain.

Thinking of you xx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.6mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

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

1

July 2Jul 2

Author

4 hours ago, Chippy said:
@Catbird just sending some love your way, I saw your post on @skamen page and I am sorry things are so rough for you. It is great your pains have eased, good news. More healing and progress coming I am sure of it. Hang in there, you are loved and appreciated on here. xxx

Thanks @Chippy still lingering a bit, can’t tell yet which way things will go. I appreciate you dropping in with words of kindness 🤗

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;

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

1

July 2Jul 2

Author

4 hours ago, Tracey said:
Hello @Catbird ,
hope you ate doing okay? Have your myofascial pain symptoms remained less?
The emotional / mental suffering is bad enough, let alone physical pain.
Thinking of you xx

Hi @Tracey things seem to be easing. My mood has plummeted and I’m still very washed out by the whole experience- so exhausting! Thanks for thinking of me friend. I hope you’re doing okay 🤗

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;

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

2

July 3Jul 3

18 hours ago, Catbird said:
can’t tell yet which way things will go.

No, but away completely I hope x

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.

July 4Jul 4

Author

I feel totally done with tapering psychiatric meds. I've had so many physical WD symptoms for about 9 weeks now. Torturous abdominal, back, intercostal and diaphragmatic spasms that have been unrelenting. I had about 7 days where I had very few, but things are escalating again. I g=have no energy; there's been insufficient time to recover and now I'm trying to deal with them again. My GP offered a referral to a neurologist but I don't want to end up on the investigation/medical roundabout. I'm 99% sure this is related to drug WD, and in time it will pass. Whether I try to continue tapering is very uncertain. I have been totally rocked by this experience and I have very little energy to keep going. 😢

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;

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

2

July 4Jul 4

I'm sorry to hear it's been very rough, if you need a break tapering, you should take one, it's a very exhausting thing and I get you completely, if you feel better just staying on the drugs and it's your choice, then that's okay.

You can always restart tapering at any point, whether its 1 year or 10 years.

Wishing you the best ❤️

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.

Current Supplements: 6mg melatonin and 133mg magnesium glycinate at night.

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

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

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

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

2

July 4Jul 4

Dear Catbird, you have had an incredibly hard time lately. I truly hope the spasms aren't returning.

I understand your exhaustion with it all. I am hoping with a long hold everything might settle down.

This is truly just too hard.

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."

1

July 5Jul 5

22 hours ago, Catbird said:
I feel totally done with tapering psychiatric meds. I've had so many physical WD symptoms for about 9 weeks now. Torturous abdominal, back, intercostal and diaphragmatic spasms that have been unrelenting. I had about 7 days where I had very few, but things are escalating again. I g=have no energy; there's been insufficient time to recover and now I'm trying to deal with them again. My GP offered a referral to a neurologist but I don't want to end up on the investigation/medical roundabout. I'm 99% sure this is related to drug WD, and in time it will pass. Whether I try to continue tapering is very uncertain. I have been totally rocked by this experience and I have very little energy to keep going. 😢

Very sorry @Catbird , it is good you saw a reduction in symptoms, unfortunately the increase in symptoms now is so typical of the healing process, up and down like a yo-yo.

I have literally zero doubt in my mind what is causing all of this for you, so personally I would not add further distress to your life dealing with the whole medical round about, as you described.

I think holding your taper further sounds very sensible to me.

Hope this eases again soon for you. xxxxx

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

July 5Jul 5

On 7/4/2026 at 6:48 PM, Catbird said:
I feel totally done with tapering psychiatric meds. I've had so many physical WD symptoms for about 9 weeks now. Torturous abdominal, back, intercostal and diaphragmatic spasms that have been unrelenting. I had about 7 days where I had very few, but things are escalating again. I g=have no energy; there's been insufficient time to recover and now I'm trying to deal with them again. My GP offered a referral to a neurologist but I don't want to end up on the investigation/medical roundabout. I'm 99% sure this is related to drug WD, and in time it will pass. Whether I try to continue tapering is very uncertain. I have been totally rocked by this experience and I have very little energy to keep going. 😢

So sorry @Catbird ,

This is all so cruel and unfair.

Can you hold where you are until you start to stabilise and regain some strength? You are incredibly brave to endure what you have thus far.

Always thinking of you xxxxxx 💚

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.6mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

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

1

July 7Jul 7

Dear @Catbird , It’s awful that you have to go through all this physical pain. It’s all so difficult and exhausting as it is. I understand why you’re feeling discouraged. Nevertheless, along with many others here, I’d like to encourage you: things will get better; it won’t stay this way; you’ll make progress. I’m thinking of you!

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

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

Other Supplements

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

1

July 7Jul 7

Author

1 hour ago, Nemina said:
Dear @Catbird , It’s awful that you have to go through all this physical pain. It’s all so difficult and exhausting as it is. I understand why you’re feeling discouraged. Nevertheless, along with many others here, I’d like to encourage you: things will get better; it won’t stay this way; you’ll make progress. I’m thinking of you!

thanks @Nemina haven’t heard from you for a while. Hope everything has been okay 🤗

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;

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

July 9Jul 9

Hey @Catbird, it has been a while since I have reached out to you or been on the site outside of yesterday and today. I am so sorry to read about your situation. I want to offer you holding each adrenal at a time or placing not too hot of hot water bottles/heated up neck wrap (or some people will put rice in a tube sock and heat it up) to your adrenals for about 5 minutes a few times a day. It should bring your sympathetic response down to a more parasympathetic one. You want to be simple with your self-care with so much going on. This is a technique I use on myself and with clients when I do touch work. The brainstem can be held as well for about 5 minutes. We hold so much stress in these areas that having some support at each of these 3 points is quite calming. I will pray for you to have some relief and have clarity on the situation. ❤️‍🩹

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

The Whole Story About Me

--Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

--Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

**Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

1

July 9Jul 9

Author

Thanks @namastejen1 sounds like sound advice. My main problem has been weeks (>2 months) of myofascial pain. It's incapacitating. 🤗

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;

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

1

Wednesday at 10:28 PM2 days

On 7/7/2026 at 2:27 PM, Catbird said:
thanks @Nemina haven’t heard from you for a while. Hope everything has been okay 🤗

Thank you @Catbird , not really, but I’m having good days in between. New symptoms are showing up and others are reduced, wd going excruciatingly slow, but who am I talking to, you know better than I do.❤️

Hope your pain is settling not coming back.

SA Thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33406-nemina-tapering-escitalopram/

AR Thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/14-nemina-tapering-escilatopram-and-zolpidem/

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

2015 - Oct 2024: Venlafaxine, Sertralin (Zoloft), Paroxetin (Paxil),duloxtin (cymbalta), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and more

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

Then I tapered over a year from 2mg to 0,32 mg (October 2025). 108 days hold without stabilizing. Resumed taper February 2026:

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

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

Other Supplements

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

Catbird: Dealing with Polypharmacy

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