Catbird: Dealing with Polypharmacy

August 5Aug 5

@Catbird I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. It sounds like you've had a really rough time with all of this. Were you ever able to get in to see the addiction specialist?

When I was tapering, an addiction specialist ended up overseeing my care. He was kind and understanding, and at a time when most people didn't even acknowledge that antidepressant withdrawal was real, he was willing to prescribe liquid Zoloft. He couldn't do much to stop the withdrawal symptoms themselves, but it meant a lot to have a medical professional in my corner who truly understood what I was going through.

And as for whether you taper or not, there really isn't a right or wrong answer. There's no rule that says you have to taper. After I got off Zoloft, I had a very difficult time trying to come off gabapentin. I eventually decided I wasn't going to taper anymore, and I was at peace with that decision. I didn't taper again for about five years, and that was okay too.

Whatever you decide, I hope you can get some relief soon. ❤️

I am not a health professional in any way, and I do not give medical advice. These are only my opinions. Any decisions about your medical care should be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

Quote of the century: "it's much easier to stop humpty from falling then it is to put him back together again." * as relayed to us by Chippy paraphrasing a comment by Altostrata, the founder of Surviving Antidepressants

If you would like to reach me, please post on my thread and tag @rachelsusan, or post on your thread and tag in the same way, so I will see it. 😀😀😀

Gabapentin reduction. 2026 Transitioned to partial liquid, 100mg in liquid and a 100mg capsule for a total of a 200mg dose. Dose three times a day. April 18 2026 first cut to 195mg (2.5%). May 18, 2026 to 187.5 (3.85%), June 28, 2026 to 185 (1.33%), July 28 to 180 mg (2.7%).

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016 - Was on 150mg Zoloft.

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June 2016, reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016. From July 2016 to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM ANOTHER SITE - WHICH WAS VERY HELPFUL

Dec. 10, 2016 – Switched to liquid Zoloft (sertraline) at 12.5 mg. Held until Jan. 2017, then resumed a slow taper. I tapered continuously from that point onward; however, my detailed taper records begin with Jan. 4, 2020. - Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mg. Feb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%). Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg. May 9, 2020 1.375 mg. June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%). July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%). August 15, 2020 1.0 mg. Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg. Nov. 28, 2020 .75mg. Jan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%). Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg. May 1, 2021 .375mg. May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg. October 2, 2021 .043mg. October 10, 2021 .038mg. October 23, 2021 .035mg. October 30, 2021 .032mg. Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg. Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg. Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

My thread at SA - https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/12649-☼-rachelsusan-zoloft-on-off-and-reinstated/page/28/

August 6Aug 6

Author

13 hours ago, RachelSusan said:
@Catbird I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. It sounds like you've had a really rough time with all of this. Were you ever able to get in to see the addiction specialist?
When I was tapering, an addiction specialist ended up overseeing my care. He was kind and understanding, and at a time when most people didn't even acknowledge that antidepressant withdrawal was real, he was willing to prescribe liquid Zoloft. He couldn't do much to stop the withdrawal symptoms themselves, but it meant a lot to have a medical professional in my corner who truly understood what I was going through.
And as for whether you taper or not, there really isn't a right or wrong answer. There's no rule that says you have to taper. After I got off Zoloft, I had a very difficult time trying to come off gabapentin. I eventually decided I wasn't going to taper anymore, and I was at peace with that decision. I didn't taper again for about five years, and that was okay too.
Whatever you decide, I hope you can get some relief soon. ❤️

Thanks for toughing base @RachelSusan . Yes, I've had a rough few months. I've been holding since the end of April. The worst of the WD symptoms have settled but still quick to startle and panic. The biggest impact for me is quality of life; psychosocial functioning is zilch, I've been unable to travel - had to cancel 2 holidays so far this year and I'm hoping and praying the ones we've rescheduled will go ahead. I still suffer from drug side effects particularly fatigue and a low energy state, so even if there's other drugs I need to taper my partner and I are terrified that I'm going to spiral again into severe WD symptoms lasting for months. I feel so depleted. There's one drug in particular with awful SEs which I really want to taper as the SEs are very awful. I had planned to taper it at beginning of January but even changing my Escitalopram dose by a few micrograms was enough to destabilise me. So here I am stuck.

I did see the addictions specialist who doesn't really have a clue about antidepressants tapering - told me I should just stop the 1.010mg dose I've been holding. He's obviously not come across anyone with AD withdrawal syndrome. I still have a supportive psychiatrist and he writes most of my scripts. The GPs and others won't prescribe benzodiazepines and other GABA drugs even those are also ones I have dependency on.

Thanks again for posting on my page. I appreciate it. 🙏

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 1.010 & still holding

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

August 6Aug 6

@Catbird I'm so sorry you've had such a difficult few months. I'm glad the worst of the withdrawal seems to be behind you, but I can certainly understand why you and your partner would be reluctant to make any changes after everything you've been through.

I'm sorry the addiction specialist wasn't more knowledgeable about antidepressant withdrawal. That must have been disappointing. I'm glad you still have a psychiatrist who listens and is supportive. Having someone in your corner really does matter.

I know it must be frustrating to be living with side effects from a medication you'd really like to reduce. I hope, with more time, your nervous system continues to settle and you'll eventually feel comfortable trying again, but only if that's what you decide.

I also hope you're able to take one of those rescheduled holidays. It sounds like you could really use something to look forward to.

I am not a health professional in any way, and I do not give medical advice. These are only my opinions. Any decisions about your medical care should be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

Quote of the century: "it's much easier to stop humpty from falling then it is to put him back together again." * as relayed to us by Chippy paraphrasing a comment by Altostrata, the founder of Surviving Antidepressants

If you would like to reach me, please post on my thread and tag @rachelsusan, or post on your thread and tag in the same way, so I will see it. 😀😀😀

Gabapentin reduction. 2026 Transitioned to partial liquid, 100mg in liquid and a 100mg capsule for a total of a 200mg dose. Dose three times a day. April 18 2026 first cut to 195mg (2.5%). May 18, 2026 to 187.5 (3.85%), June 28, 2026 to 185 (1.33%), July 28 to 180 mg (2.7%).

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016 - Was on 150mg Zoloft.

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June 2016, reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016. From July 2016 to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM ANOTHER SITE - WHICH WAS VERY HELPFUL

Dec. 10, 2016 – Switched to liquid Zoloft (sertraline) at 12.5 mg. Held until Jan. 2017, then resumed a slow taper. I tapered continuously from that point onward; however, my detailed taper records begin with Jan. 4, 2020. - Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mg. Feb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%). Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg. May 9, 2020 1.375 mg. June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%). July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%). August 15, 2020 1.0 mg. Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg. Nov. 28, 2020 .75mg. Jan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%). Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg. May 1, 2021 .375mg. May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg. October 2, 2021 .043mg. October 10, 2021 .038mg. October 23, 2021 .035mg. October 30, 2021 .032mg. Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg. Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg. Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

My thread at SA - https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/12649-☼-rachelsusan-zoloft-on-off-and-reinstated/page/28/

1

August 6Aug 6

Hello @Catbird ,

Just saying hello and hope you are okay. xxx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2

August 6Aug 6

Sending some love @Catbird sorry this year has been so rough for you so far, you deserve that holiday 100%, I am however glad to hear your WD symptoms have subsided now. I hope you can get to a place where you feel confident to reduce Amitriptyline as planned to help ease the adverse effects. Such a catch 22 for you. 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

August 7Aug 7

@Catbird , I'm really sorry you've been struggling of late. I just wanna let you know that I'm stuck as well. I was taping and not feeling good and I feel like I'm just never gonna get off this medication either without difficulties I'm happy to hear that withdrawal symptoms have settled down and I hope that you get to go on that holiday. You're definitely not alone. ((Sending a big hug your way. ))

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

August 7Aug 7

Author

Aww thanks @cheeky . Lovely to hear from you. I still have odd symptoms here and there though I feel stable enough to go away for a few days. It will be a bit of a test as my partner and I are planning 3-4 weeks away in September. fingers crossed 🤞I am still holding and at this stage not planning to change anything until October, if and when I feel ready. I'm so desperate for some normality and getting back to life. I know Anders Sorensen talks about letting WD fade into the background. But that doesn't seem possible with Escitalopram taper. Even a drop of 2 mcg can push me into extremis, so I'm choosing life right now. I've heard Paxil is also extremely to taper and I feel for you. It's so awful being stuck and incapacitated. Stay in touch and take care 🤗💕

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 1.010 & still holding

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

1

August 18Aug 18

Thought I'd come and say hi on your thread.

How are you going? Hoping you are finding some windows and staying stable.

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."

August 18Aug 18

I hope that everything will work out well for You and that You will hve wonderful trips. You have deserved it!

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

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

Drug History

2013 - 2025: Zolpidem 5 mg

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

Current Drugs

L-Thyroxin 75, Estrogen, Progesteron 200

Tapering Escitalopram

Until Sept 2024: Setralin/zoloft 75 mg

Oct 2024: Switch to Escitalopram / Lexapro 2mg

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

11 Feb 2026 0.314mg

18 Feb 2026 0.307mg

21 Feb 2026 0.302mg

09 Mar 2026 0.297mg

18 April 2026 0,293 mg

18 May 2026 0,285 mg

18 June 2026 0,265 mg

18 July 2026 0,250 mg

18 Aug 2026 0,232 mg

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

Other Supplements

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

August 18Aug 18

Hi @Catbird how are youre doing?

Prior History:

(note that these are only the first prescription dates since i dont remember how long i was on them. there are also some prescriptions of the same stuff that were prescribed again at a later date so i dont remember if ive tried them again or not.)

Concerta: 18mg - 12.3.2014 ⏐ 36mg - 28.4.2014

Equasym Retard: 30mg - 20.11.2014

Medikinet: 5mg - 8.9.2015

Elvanse: 30mg - 30.10.2015

Risperdal: 0,5mg - 8.12.2015 ⏐ 1mg - 2.3.2017

Sertraline: 50mg - 14.10.2016 ⏐ 100mg - 17.1.2018

Intuniv: 1mg - 7.4.2017 ⏐ 2mg - 21.4.2017 ⏐ 4mg - 9.5.2017 ⏐ 3mg - 8.8.2017

Primperan: 10mg - 27.2.2019

Strattera: 25mg - 18.4.2019 ⏐ 10mg - 10.5.2019

Quetiapine: 25mg - 23.2.2021

Mirtazapine: 15mg - 29.2.2024

Escitalopram History:

9.9.2021 Escitalopram 10mg

9.9.2022 Escitalopram 15mg

2.5.2024 Escitalopram 20mg

1.7.2024 Escitalopram CT

11.11.2024 Escitalopram RI 10mg

14.11.2024 Escitalopram CT

15.12.2024 Escitalopram 2.5mg

29.12.2024 Escitalopram 5mg

12.1.2025 Escitalopram 10mg

12.1.2026 Escitalopram 7.5mg

26.1.2026 Escitalopram 5mg

Current Dose: Escitalopram 5mg

(some of these dates may not be entirely correct but theyre close enough based on what i can remember)

1

August 18Aug 18

Author

2 hours ago, Some0n3 said:
Hi @Catbird how are youre doing?

Hi @Some0n3 I am in a window atm. After 9 weeks of terrible pain I finally have some reprieve. On a holiday down the coast and although it’s rainy it’s so nice to have a change of scenery. No more tapering for me for a while , I’m having a well deserved break. Another and longer trip away from home in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping things will go smoothly. It’s nice to be enjoying some normality for a change. How are you doing?

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 1.010 & still holding

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

3

August 18Aug 18

3 hours ago, Catbird said:
Hi @Some0n3 I am in a window atm. After 9 weeks of terrible pain I finally have some reprieve. On a holiday down the coast and although it’s rainy it’s so nice to have a change of scenery. No more tapering for me for a while , I’m having a well deserved break. Another and longer trip away from home in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping things will go smoothly. It’s nice to be enjoying some normality for a change. How are you doing?

That is amazing to hear! I hope that you enjoy the holiday and that the window lasts as long as possible! I am doing alright myself thank you for asking. been a bit more busy these last few weeks but nothing too exhausting.

Prior History:

(note that these are only the first prescription dates since i dont remember how long i was on them. there are also some prescriptions of the same stuff that were prescribed again at a later date so i dont remember if ive tried them again or not.)

Concerta: 18mg - 12.3.2014 ⏐ 36mg - 28.4.2014

Equasym Retard: 30mg - 20.11.2014

Medikinet: 5mg - 8.9.2015

Elvanse: 30mg - 30.10.2015

Risperdal: 0,5mg - 8.12.2015 ⏐ 1mg - 2.3.2017

Sertraline: 50mg - 14.10.2016 ⏐ 100mg - 17.1.2018

Intuniv: 1mg - 7.4.2017 ⏐ 2mg - 21.4.2017 ⏐ 4mg - 9.5.2017 ⏐ 3mg - 8.8.2017

Primperan: 10mg - 27.2.2019

Strattera: 25mg - 18.4.2019 ⏐ 10mg - 10.5.2019

Quetiapine: 25mg - 23.2.2021

Mirtazapine: 15mg - 29.2.2024

Escitalopram History:

9.9.2021 Escitalopram 10mg

9.9.2022 Escitalopram 15mg

2.5.2024 Escitalopram 20mg

1.7.2024 Escitalopram CT

11.11.2024 Escitalopram RI 10mg

14.11.2024 Escitalopram CT

15.12.2024 Escitalopram 2.5mg

29.12.2024 Escitalopram 5mg

12.1.2025 Escitalopram 10mg

12.1.2026 Escitalopram 7.5mg

26.1.2026 Escitalopram 5mg

Current Dose: Escitalopram 5mg

(some of these dates may not be entirely correct but theyre close enough based on what i can remember)

2

August 18Aug 18

8 hours ago, Catbird said:
I am in a window atm

Yay!!! I am so happy for you. That was a gruelling time you went through.

I hope you're having a lovely holiday.

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."

2

August 19Aug 19

@Catbird this is amazing to read, SO happy 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.

Saturday at 10:00 PM2 days

Hi Catbird, just coming by to see how you are. Hope you're still feeling pretty stable.

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."

Sunday at 12:11 AM2 days

Author

2 hours ago, Wombat said:
Hi Catbird, just coming by to see how you are. Hope you're still feeling pretty stable.
Wombat

I am thanks @Wombat ! I’m still plagued by fatigue and feel on edge - feel as though something’s going to go wrong. Despite this my partner and I are heading to Sydney to see family and then on to Jervis Bay for a week’s holiday.

How are you faring? Paroxetine can be tricky 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; May 11 1.010 & still holding

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

1

Sunday at 02:21 AM2 days

Sounds like a lovely holiday. I hope you have a great, relaxing time with every day a window 🪟 😊.

2 hours ago, Catbird said:
Paroxetine can be tricky to taper 🤗

You got that right.

As LostinCanada says: every drop is a win.

The drops are minuscule, but every drop down is a drop closer to the end.

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."

Sunday at 06:12 AM2 days

Author

I feel for you 🤗

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 1.010 & still holding

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

1

Sunday at 06:46 AM2 days

You have been doing it pretty rough too.

All these meds are shocking!!!

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

Catbird: Dealing with Polypharmacy

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