Catbird: Dealing with Polypharmacy

February 11Feb 11

I posted this video here:

https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/217-the-hard-truth/?do=getNewComment

I didn't know you had posted it as well...great minds 😂😂😂

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

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

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

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/200mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

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

1

February 11Feb 11

19 minutes ago, Catbird said:

Should have mentioned keto purportedly has calming effects on the brain.

That sounds fantastic. I’m happy for you. Can you also feel the calming effect?

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.

February 11Feb 11

Author

1 hour ago, Nemina said:

That sounds fantastic. I’m happy for you. Can you also feel the calming effect?

I think so. It's hard to tell when I drop a dose, but today's a good day 😘

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

February 12Feb 12

Oh I am so happy to hear this ☺️

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.

February 14Feb 14

Author

For the last few days I've had terrible muscle spasms. Usually they are in my back and sometimes my chest (intercostal muscles) but in addition I'm having abdominal muscle spasms. I'm already taking Baclofen and Diazepam. They are horrible. 8/10 pain score. I've a hot water bottle attached to me nearly all the time. Had a hot bath last night which helped a bit, still had to take HW bottle to bed. Has anyone else suffered with such spasms?

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.

February 14Feb 14

Author

@Chippy are you able to help with my profile photo (never have much luck with these)? I uploaded a photo and all it did was turn the space white 🤷🏼‍♀️

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.

February 14Feb 14

15 minutes ago, Catbird said:

@Chippy are you able to help with my profile photo (never have much luck with these)? I uploaded a photo and all it did was turn the space white 🤷🏼‍♀️

Sure send me a pm 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.

February 14Feb 14

17 minutes ago, Catbird said:

@Chippy are you able to help with my profile photo (never have much luck with these)? I uploaded a photo and all it did was turn the space white 🤷🏼‍♀️

Actually I’ve just taken a look. I think I’ve fixed it. Is that what you wanted?

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.

February 14Feb 14

Author

15 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Actually I’ve just taken a look. I think I’ve fixed it. Is that what you wanted?

Yes! Thank you!! Nobody will actually know what it is but it helps me visually because it stands out 🙏

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

February 14Feb 14

1 minute ago, Catbird said:

Yes! Thank you!! Nobody will actually know what it is but it helps me visually because it stands out 🙏

No thats fine. Have the avatar you want! It kinda looks like a map of the brain or something? 🧐

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.

February 14Feb 14

1 hour ago, Catbird said:

For the last few days I've had terrible muscle spasms. Usually they are in my back and sometimes my chest (intercostal muscles) but in addition I'm having abdominal muscle spasms. I'm already taking Baclofen and Diazepam. They are horrible. 8/10 pain score. I've a hot water bottle attached to me nearly all the time. Had a hot bath last night which helped a bit, still had to take HW bottle to bed. Has anyone else suffered with such spasms?

@Catbird happened to me once in my foot with sharp strong pain while sleeping, that was enough to know how terrible it is not to mention a few days so I'm so sorry for that. I also have constant no pain twitching in the same area that has been going on for months now, the more I lower the dose the worse it gets so it's probably withdrawal related however it could indicate mineral/vitamin deficiencies, it's worth getting blood tests done if you haven't already, I'm doing full one tomorrow just to be sure. hopefully it clears up for you really soon.

Edited February 14Feb 14 by Fullhealing

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 20% 0.0358g (2mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of anxiety and sleep that seems to continue to improve.

February 14Feb 14

Author

3 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

@Catbird happened to me once in my foot with sharp strong pain while sleeping, that was enough to know how terrible it is not to mention a few days so I'm so sorry for that. I also have constant no pain twitching in the same area that has been going on for months now, the more I lower the dose the worse it gets so it's probably withdrawal related however it could indicate mineral/vitamin deficiencies, it's worth getting blood tests done if you haven't already, I'm doing full one tomorrow just to be sure. hopefully it clears up for you really soon.

Thanks for the response @Fullhealing. I’ve got an appointment with a physician coming up to talk about vitamins amongst other things. I’m keto so I want to get a baseline for my metabolic health and ensue all the micronutrients, electrolytes and hormones are stable and optimised. Thanks for the advice 🤗

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

February 14Feb 14

3 minutes ago, Catbird said:

Thanks for the response @Fullhealing. I’ve got an appointment with a physician coming up to talk about vitamins amongst other things. I’m keto so I want to get a baseline for my metabolic health and ensue all the micronutrients, electrolytes and hormones are stable and optimised. Thanks for the advice 🤗

Great, better to be on the safe side, let us know how it goes 🙏 take good care.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 20% 0.0358g (2mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of anxiety and sleep that seems to continue to improve.

February 14Feb 14

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering of these muscle spasms. Sounds terrible. Good to know, that you will have everything checked. A change of diet can bring imbalances so maybe you are lucky and it is easy to fix, just some mineral lacking or something like this.. I hope for a good solution for 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

February 15Feb 15

Hi @Catbird,

You changed your avatar, I thought someone else was posting a lot of your thread at first! My eyesight is not what it used to be.

Yes the extra stressors are difficult. Hope you had the nice cool change the past few days. We missed all the rain though. Hope you got some.

It will be interesting to see what your clinician comes up with in regards your vitamin and mineral status.

Take care 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)

February 15Feb 15

Author

3 hours ago, Tracey said:

Hi @Catbird,

You changed your avatar, I thought someone else was posting a lot of your thread at first! My eyesight is not what it used to be.

Yes the extra stressors are difficult. Hope you had the nice cool change the past few days. We missed all the rain though. Hope you got some.

It will be interesting to see what your clinician comes up with in regards your vitamin and mineral status.

Take care xx

HI @Tracey yes Chippy changed the avatar for me (I couldn't work out how to do it) — my partner and I are avid test cricket fans. No one will likely know what it is, the important thing is it stands out for me.

Sorry to hear you're still dealing with what I assume are workplace stressors. I had a workplace psychological injury a few years ago and had to retire early. It's one of the most devastating things to go through. I felt isolated, continuously judged, and gaslit. I truly hope you can resolve your issue or at the least don't escalate.

We've had good rain the last few days and it a reprieve. I'm sure the humidity will come back with a vengeance and I'll be looking forward to autumn.

I've had B12, B9 and B6 tested in the past few years and they've all been okay (not sure what optimal is though). Because I'm on a keto diet I want to have trace minerals tested and want a baseline for ASCVD considering the sharp rise in my LDL-C recently. And I definitely don't want lipid lowering drugs.

I'll let you know what transpires. In the meantime take care and enjoy the cooler weather. 🤗

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

February 17Feb 17

On 2/15/2026 at 3:08 PM, Catbird said:

HI @Tracey yes Chippy changed the avatar for me (I couldn't work out how to do it) — my partner and I are avid test cricket fans. No one will likely know what it is, the important thing is it stands out for me.

Sorry to hear you're still dealing with what I assume are workplace stressors. I had a workplace psychological injury a few years ago and had to retire early. It's one of the most devastating things to go through. I felt isolated, continuously judged, and gaslit. I truly hope you can resolve your issue or at the least don't escalate.

We've had good rain the last few days and it a reprieve. I'm sure the humidity will come back with a vengeance and I'll be looking forward to autumn.

I've had B12, B9 and B6 tested in the past few years and they've all been okay (not sure what optimal is though). Because I'm on a keto diet I want to have trace minerals tested and want a baseline for ASCVD considering the sharp rise in my LDL-C recently. And I definitely don't want lipid lowering drugs.

I'll let you know what transpires. In the meantime take care and enjoy the cooler weather. 🤗

Sounds good @Catbird,

Yep avoid the statins if you can! Kerry Bone has a good post on his fb about stable and unstable plaque and cardiovascular disease. There is also a good podcast I think on the Mediherb podcast (or his own youtube) on the difference between men and women in regards CVD.

My workplace stress is coming to an end this week (well at least having to be there and around that person).

OK re the test cricket, I couldn't work out what it was !!

Enjoy this cool break before maybe a last burst of heat this week. Yep can't wait for autumn.

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)

February 17Feb 17

@Catbird

Hi catbird. I migrated over from BB to AR. It seems more active and supportive.

Escitalopram:

2008-2023: 20mg; 02/2023-04/2023: 30mg; 04/2023-04/2024: 40mg; 04/2024-07/2024: decreased by 5mg per month; withdrawal at 25mg; 07/2024-11/2024: 40mg; 11/2024: Cross-taper by reducing escitalopram by 10mg per week & uptitrating sertraline 25mg; withdrawal in 2 weeks; stopped sertraline & went back to escitalopram 40mg; 02/2025: Cross-taper by reducing escitalopram by 5mg per week & uptitrating sertraline 12.5mg; withdrawal in 2 weeks; stopped sertraline & went back to escitalopram 40mg; 03/25/25 - 38.75mg; 4/6/25 - 37.5mg; 4/22/25 - 36.35mg; 5/7/25 - 35mg; 5/23/25 - 33.75mg; 6/7/25 experienced withdrawal 35mg; 6/18/25 - reinstated 40mg; 08/2025- weaned off 40mg over 2 weeks while inpatient; last dose was 8/12/25; 09/17/25 - reinstated 0.4mg; 9/19/25 - 0.8mg; 09/25/25- 1.0mg; 10/1/25-2/24/26 - 1.1mg; 2/25/26 -1.2mg

Trazadone:

02/2023 - 50mg; 11/2024-current: 100mg

Sertraline:

08/02/25 - 12.5mg; 8/5 - 25mg; 8/7 - 50mg; 8/9 - 75mg; 8/12 - 100mg; 8/23 - 125mg; 8/29 - 150mg; 9/8 - 175mg; 9/16 - current 200mg

Gabapentin: 08/2025-current 100mg TID

Propranolol: 08/2025-current: 20mg at bedtime

Risperidone:

09/10/25: 0.5mg; 10/08/25: switched to liquid 0.5mg; 10/13/25 - 0.45mg; 11/7/25 - 0.44mg; 11/15/25-current 0.43mg

Buspar:

11/2024-08/2025: 10mg BID; 8/1 - 7.5mg; 8/3 - 5mg; 8/5 - 2.5mg; 8/7 - 0mg

February 17Feb 17

Author

3 hours ago, zach1201 said:

@Catbird

Hi catbird. I migrated over from BB to AR. It seems more active and supportive.

great to see you here @zach1201. Thanks for saying hello

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.

February 17Feb 17

Dear Catbird

I hope You are doing well

🤔

The video you quoted in my thread is mind blowing! So interesting! I am just 30 minutes in and have already learned so much. Thank You!

11 hours ago, Tracey said:

Enjoy this cool break before maybe a last burst of heat this week. Yep can't wait for autumn.

It is funny how in the european and north american threads people are all about waiting for the winter to end and how much they miss the sun and You guys can not wait for summer to be over... well maybe when it is spring here and autumn on your side of the planet we all be happy abour the season for a while.

Take care!!

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

February 17Feb 17

Author

9 hours ago, Nemina said:

Dear Catbird

I hope You are doing well

🤔

The video you quoted in my thread is mind blowing! So interesting! I am just 30 minutes in and have already learned so much. Thank You!

It is funny how in the european and north american threads people are all about waiting for the winter to end and how much they miss the sun and You guys can not wait for summer to be over... well maybe when it is spring here and autumn on your side of the planet we all be happy abour the season for a while.

Take care!!

@Nemina we, @Tracey and I live in a tropical zone in Australia and the humidity is brutal at this time of year. Serotonin is involved in thermoregulation, and SSRIs can interfere with this. During summer I feel overwhelmed due to this effect. I don’t mind the heat per se, it’s the heat + humidity that’s intolerable

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

February 17Feb 17

Oh yes, humidity and heat can be a terrible combination. I hope you will find some relief soon!

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.

2

February 22Feb 22

Author

Dropped my Escitalopram dose on Friday (it's now Sunday) by 0.016mg (16mcg) and the first 2 days were fine.This morning I had a shower and bang!! sudden episode of SVT which had me on the floor. Blind with dizziness I had to get on the floor. The SVT lasted only minutes, but I'm still adrenalised over 2 hours later.

It's disappointing but not unexpected. Many who've been before me have said the lower you go, the harder it gets and the slower you need to go. Believe me I have been going slow- slower and slower.

I wrote in my intro how I am planning to hold for a good while when I get to 1mg and then when the time's right commence Amitriptyline tapering (due to intensified unpleasant side effects). Back then I optimistically thought I would get to 1mg at least by the end of January. My body is telling me I'll get there when time's ready.

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

February 22Feb 22

4 hours ago, Catbird said:

Dropped my Escitalopram dose on Friday (it's now Sunday) by 0.016mg (16mcg) and the first 2 days were fine.This morning I had a shower and bang!! sudden episode of SVT which had me on the floor. Blind with dizziness I had to get on the floor. The SVT lasted only minutes, but I'm still adrenalised over 2 hours later.

It's disappointing but not unexpected. Many who've been before me have said the lower you go, the harder it gets and the slower you need to go. Believe me I have been going slow- slower and slower.

I wrote in my intro how I am planning to hold for a good while when I get to 1mg and then when the time's right commence Amitriptyline tapering (due to intensified unpleasant side effects). Back then I optimistically thought I would get to 1mg at least by the end of January. My body is telling me I'll get there when time's ready.

So sorry to read @Catbird

You have an amazing attitude to all this and always a plan on the go. It’s impressive.

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

February 22Feb 22

Hey @Catbird,

I thought I'd come past your thread and say hello to a fellow Aussie.. I see we've been on MEDS for the same amount of time and you're also tapering of your drugs. It looks like you're handling everything really well,

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

Catbird: Dealing with Polypharmacy

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