Raymond: Paxil recover process after 12 years

March 9Mar 9

4 minutes ago, Raymond said:

03/09/26 😞 woke up 245 and unable to sleep again......

I went to sleep at 10pm and woke up 245am and unable to sleep again...

I just turn 15 months journey and cortisol is worse again...... frustrating....

Head anxiety and pressure just woke me up and feeling desperate to sleep and I can't....

Im so sorry @Raymond Just a wave mate, most healing happens during the worse symptoms I believe it!

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys.

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

1
1

March 9Mar 9

Author

1 hour ago, Raymond said:

03/09/26 😞 woke up 245 and unable to sleep again......

I went to sleep at 10pm and woke up 245am and unable to sleep again...

I just turn 15 months journey and cortisol is worse again...... frustrating....

Head anxiety and pressure just woke me up and feeling desperate to sleep and I can't....

Around 4am, i put a podcast that I like and as I watched it, I felt back to sleep until 6am.

My cortisol continues to be mess up, but it's part of the healing process...

I think, I will start going to sleep earlier just in case, I continued to wake up way to early....

Edited March 9Mar 9 by Raymond
Adding comments

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

March 9Mar 9

Hi @Raymond

I’m so sorry that you are in this state.
I am praying for help so that you can get some rest and gather strength to keep on holding on to believing that this suffering will end. You can do it. You have come so far and setbacks are terrible. You done it before, and you will do it again.

Much care and warm thoughts.
🙏💕💕

My Intro Topic on AR;

1997 - 2020 - Effexor XR and BusPar

2017 - Current - Lamotrigine 100 mg (x2 Daily) 8am+6pm

Oxapax

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

21 Jan 2026 – 7,5mgx3=22.5 mg (+9.2%) 8am+4pm+10pm

13 Marts 6,9+7,5+7,5=21.9mg

26 Marts 6,9+6,9+7,5=21,3mg

01 May 6,75x2+7,5=21mg 1,4%

25 May 6,75x2+7mg=20,5mg 2,3%

Lyrica

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

28 July 2025 – current 28,2x= 56.4 mg (-0.70%) 8am+6pm

Sertraline

08 Nov 2020 – 75mg 10pm

04 Nov 2025 – 100mg 10pm

08 Dec 2025 – 95mg 10pm

05 Jan 2026 – 91mg 10pm

11 Mar - 90,8mg 10pm

15 Mar - 90mg 10pm

24Apr - 89,88mg 10pm (-0,12mg/day)

03May - 88,8mg

23June - 88mg On hold

06august 86mg

2

March 9Mar 9

Author

3 minutes ago, Haa said:

Hi @Raymond

I’m so sorry that you are in this state.
I am praying for help so that you can get some rest and gather strength to keep on holding on to believing that this suffering will end. You can do it. You have come so far and setbacks are terrible. You done it before, and you will do it again.

Much care and warm thoughts.
🙏💕💕

@Haa...thank you for your words and encouragement as I need it since old symptoms came back.

I am battling my thoughts and trying to move on as much as I can.....it's being long since I did not have these battles. I thought I was out, but last four months and specially these last weeks, I'm struggling to even believe on healing....

I hope you are doing well too...

A lot of prayers.....

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

1

March 9Mar 9

4 hours ago, Raymond said:

03/09/26 😞 woke up 245 and unable to sleep again......

I went to sleep at 10pm and woke up 245am and unable to sleep again...

I just turn 15 months journey and cortisol is worse again...... frustrating....

Head anxiety and pressure just woke me up and feeling desperate to sleep and I can't....

I'm sorry to read this @Raymond just remember, you are stronger than this!

It has been and will come again until the system fully recovers and then you'll earn yourself back only much stronger.

Hang in there, you got this 🙏

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 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

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 terror, body pain and sleep.

1

March 9Mar 9

Author

5 hours ago, Raymond said:

Around 4am, i put a podcast that I like and as I watched it, I felt back to sleep until 6am.

My cortisol continues to be mess up, but it's part of the healing process...

I think, I will start going to sleep earlier just in case, I continued to wake up way to early....

Afternoon update.....

My mind feels little better today. I'm a little bit anxious in chest area, but little more energy than yesterday...

Stomach still little sensitive

Some hot sensation

Concentration is better today despite symptoms.

Crazy last few months.....

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

March 9Mar 9

56 minutes ago, Raymond said:

Afternoon update.....

My mind feels little better today. I'm a little bit anxious in chest area, but little more energy than yesterday...

Stomach still little sensitive

Some hot sensation

Concentration is better today despite symptoms.

Crazy last few months.....

Little is a lot Raymond keep on, you're doing great!!

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 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

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 terror, body pain and sleep.

1

March 10Mar 10

14 hours ago, Raymond said:

@Haa...thank you for your words and encouragement as I need it since old symptoms came back.

I am battling my thoughts and trying to move on as much as I can.....it's being long since I did not have these battles. I thought I was out, but last four months and specially these last weeks, I'm struggling to even believe on healing....

I hope you are doing well too...

A lot of prayers.....

Have strength my friend. Healing happens! Don’t forget how well you were doing!

Waves are all part of it, I believe in this state you are doing some turbo healing making you even better once the wave passes. Thinking of you.

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

March 10Mar 10

Author

03/10/2026- cortisol, up and down continues....

Yesterday was a better day. I was able to concentrate at work. It was little improvement and I was able to enjoy family time at night. Desperation feelings were down..

I went to sleep at 10pm and woke up at 5am. I thought I was going to wake up at 6am due to the hour change, but I guess not. I woke up with my head feeling a little anxious and hot sensation in my back. Little intrusive thoughts....

I hope my concentration improves and fear sensation fade away.

Let see how I do this day. My morning energy is getting little better...

I hope to have few weeks full recover Soni can continue Tapering.....

Let see when that will happen....

In Jesus name, we will all heal....

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

1

March 10Mar 10

Author

3 hours ago, Raymond said:

03/10/2026- cortisol, up and down continues....

Yesterday was a better day. I was able to concentrate at work. It was little improvement and I was able to enjoy family time at night. Desperation feelings were down..

I went to sleep at 10pm and woke up at 5am. I thought I was going to wake up at 6am due to the hour change, but I guess not. I woke up with my head feeling a little anxious and hot sensation in my back. Little intrusive thoughts....

I hope my concentration improves and fear sensation fade away.

Let see how I do this day. My morning energy is getting little better...

I hope to have few weeks full recover Soni can continue Tapering.....

Let see when that will happen....

In Jesus name, we will all heal....

Update...

Looking back at my 15 months journey now, I had many days where my mornings were great, but in the last 4 months, it's slow...

I hope my energized mornings return...

Keep moving forward...

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

March 10Mar 10

Author

Just a thought!

As I continued reading successful stories and people who made it out, it gives me hope. Many of them went through very difficult journey as we are going, but patience, acceptance, and perseverance gave them the hope needed to continue moving forward. They all have complained and lost hope after 15 months, 24 months, or longer. Same as what we are experiencing. Yet, they have continued until that day came and they were able to enjoy life again..

Many struggles longer than others and many had the same issues like me such as morning terrors or fear, anxiety, OCD thoughts...yet, all of it eventually faded away.

They all complained too.

I feel release and reassurance that all my mornings terror will once again fade away.

We need to keep going and don't let this evil take away the beautiful future you have ahead of you ...

Eventually, we will all be free ....

In the name of Jesus Christ who is my comfort and only one that I trust in this journey. He gives me the strength and encouragement to move forward....

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

2
1

March 10Mar 10

I believed I would never heal...I was WRONG! https://benzobuddies.org/topic/258051-i-believed-i-would-never-heali-was-wrong/

Svetla

2011-2023 Paxil

2023-2024 Effexor

Since February 2024 in anhedonia caused by the long use of AD

February 2024-March 2025 drug after drug after drug... 70 rTMS sessions, 8 ketamin infusions-nothing worked

March 2025 CT upon doctor "advice" from Desipramine, Viibryd, Lithium at high doses all together in 6 days

Since then awful withdrawal: unbearable anxiety, panic attacks, adrenaline rushes, hot flashes, muscle pain over all the body, insomnia, depression, intrusive thoughts, brain fog

Current tapering Mirtazapine : December 29,2025-3 mg, February,15, 2025-2,7 mg, February,28-2,5 mg, March,8-2 mg, March,14-1,5 mg, March,20-0 mg

2

March 10Mar 10

49 minutes ago, Raymond said:

As I continued reading successful stories and people who made it out, it gives me hope. Many of them went through very difficult journey as we are going, but patience, acceptance, and perseverance gave them the hope needed to continue moving forward. They all have complained and lost hope after 15 months, 24 months, or longer. Same as what we are experiencing. Yet, they have continued until that day came and they were able to enjoy life again..

Many struggles longer than others and many had the same issues like me such as morning terrors or fear, anxiety, OCD thoughts...yet, all of it eventually faded away.

They all complained too.

I feel release and reassurance that all my mornings terror will once again fade away.

We need to keep going and don't let this evil take away the beautiful future you have ahead of you ...

Eventually, we will all be free ....

This is beautiful thanks @Raymond!
yes, it sometimes feels endless, but people overcome. We will be one of them one day.

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.

March 10Mar 10

Author

1 hour ago, Nemina said:

This is beautiful thanks @Raymond!
yes, it sometimes feels endless, but people overcome. We will be one of them one day.

Amen ..

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

March 10Mar 10

Author

1 hour ago, skamen said:

I believed I would never heal...I was WRONG! https://benzobuddies.org/topic/258051-i-believed-i-would-never-heali-was-wrong/

Svetla

I read the same one too. There are others in SA site that I read as well. It will get there.

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

March 10Mar 10

Author

35 minutes ago, Raymond said:

I read the same one too. There are others in SA site that I read as well. It will get there.

Updates...

Little anxious and lost little concentration too, but I have noticed that I have little more control of my mind.

There is a stressful situation that it gives me anxiety, but I can actually control the mind little more and anxiety is kept at a minimum level.

This is great because I couldn't do this couple of months ago. I couldn't control my mind and it will be high anxiety.....

I can literally take things more calmer than few months ago...

Also the crystal sounds in my ears came back....

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

March 10Mar 10

1 hour ago, Raymond said:

Updates...

Little anxious and lost little concentration too, but I have noticed that I have little more control of my mind.

There is a stressful situation that it gives me anxiety, but I can actually control the mind little more and anxiety is kept at a minimum level.

This is great because I couldn't do this couple of months ago. I couldn't control my mind and it will be high anxiety.....

I can literally take things more calmer than few months ago...

Also the crystal sounds in my ears came back....

Lovely news @Raymond very glad for you! continue doing great and it will get even better.

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 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

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 terror, body pain and sleep.

March 10Mar 10

Thank you so much, @Nemina for sharing this video. Let's hope they we will be in the other side one day...

2011-2023 Paxil

2023-2024 Effexor

Since February 2024 in anhedonia caused by the long use of AD

February 2024-March 2025 drug after drug after drug... 70 rTMS sessions, 8 ketamin infusions-nothing worked

March 2025 CT upon doctor "advice" from Desipramine, Viibryd, Lithium at high doses all together in 6 days

Since then awful withdrawal: unbearable anxiety, panic attacks, adrenaline rushes, hot flashes, muscle pain over all the body, insomnia, depression, intrusive thoughts, brain fog

Current tapering Mirtazapine : December 29,2025-3 mg, February,15, 2025-2,7 mg, February,28-2,5 mg, March,8-2 mg, March,14-1,5 mg, March,20-0 mg

March 11Mar 11

Author

3/11/2026-another sleepless nights...

Well, I continue with my cortisol issues. I went to sleep around 10 pm but I woke up at 330am with this pressure and anxiety on top of head on and off. When I tried o back to sleep, it will just hit me again.

Let see when this will resolve again. Last year, it took me like 5 months to see improvement.

I slept 5 hours, so I won't complain about that. I have to manage go to sleep earlier to sleep something at least....

Really frustrating, but it is what it is. I must need to continue moving forward....

15 months now on this journey and I continue holding...

In the Jesus name, I will heal again...

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

1

March 11Mar 11

5 hours ago, Raymond said:

3/11/2026-another sleepless nights...

Well, I continue with my cortisol issues. I went to sleep around 10 pm but I woke up at 330am with this pressure and anxiety on top of head on and off. When I tried o back to sleep, it will just hit me again.

Let see when this will resolve again. Last year, it took me like 5 months to see improvement.

I slept 5 hours, so I won't complain about that. I have to manage go to sleep earlier to sleep something at least....

Really frustrating, but it is what it is. I must need to continue moving forward....

15 months now on this journey and I continue holding...

In the Jesus name, I will heal again...

sorry Raymond, poor sleep or lack of effects everything around, super tough, I'm with you on this

Hang in there, it's not up to you but to a system that works on regulation, it will get better with time, no doubt.

Keep being resilient.

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 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

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 terror, body pain and sleep.

1

March 11Mar 11

Author

8 hours ago, Raymond said:

3/11/2026-another sleepless nights...

Well, I continue with my cortisol issues. I went to sleep around 10 pm but I woke up at 330am with this pressure and anxiety on top of head on and off. When I tried o back to sleep, it will just hit me again.

Let see when this will resolve again. Last year, it took me like 5 months to see improvement.

I slept 5 hours, so I won't complain about that. I have to manage go to sleep earlier to sleep something at least....

Really frustrating, but it is what it is. I must need to continue moving forward....

15 months now on this journey and I continue holding...

In the Jesus name, I will heal again...

Afternoon update...

Feeling better than yesterday....

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

2

March 11Mar 11

1 hour ago, Raymond said:

Afternoon update...

Feeling better than yesterday...

@Raymond So good to hear.
We treasure all the good minutes and hours. You are doing good and being so patience. I admire your stamina.
Good thoughts and hope for more better moments to come. 🙏💕💕

My Intro Topic on AR;

1997 - 2020 - Effexor XR and BusPar

2017 - Current - Lamotrigine 100 mg (x2 Daily) 8am+6pm

Oxapax

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

21 Jan 2026 – 7,5mgx3=22.5 mg (+9.2%) 8am+4pm+10pm

13 Marts 6,9+7,5+7,5=21.9mg

26 Marts 6,9+6,9+7,5=21,3mg

01 May 6,75x2+7,5=21mg 1,4%

25 May 6,75x2+7mg=20,5mg 2,3%

Lyrica

History archived - Chippy 01 March 2026

28 July 2025 – current 28,2x= 56.4 mg (-0.70%) 8am+6pm

Sertraline

08 Nov 2020 – 75mg 10pm

04 Nov 2025 – 100mg 10pm

08 Dec 2025 – 95mg 10pm

05 Jan 2026 – 91mg 10pm

11 Mar - 90,8mg 10pm

15 Mar - 90mg 10pm

24Apr - 89,88mg 10pm (-0,12mg/day)

03May - 88,8mg

23June - 88mg On hold

06august 86mg

1

March 11Mar 11

Author

2 hours ago, Raymond said:

Afternoon update...

Feeling better than yesterday....

Update....

After all these months, I was able to nap for 30 minutes again....I couldn't nap on my first 8 months. Then, I had few moments where I napped for 15 minutes. The longest nap was 45 minutes and only one time. Then, I lost it again around month 10 after old symptoms came back.

But today, I was able for like 30 minutes....

Let see how it goes.....I need the cortisol spike to be gone again...

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

2

March 12Mar 12

Sounds like you're going through a healing event and coming out the other side. Let's hope and pray that's the case!

🙏❣️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1

March 12Mar 12

Author

3/12/2026 up and down continues..

Yesterday was better day.

I went to sleep around 11pm. I woke up 340am. Then, 445am an finally cortisol hit me 540am with the same head anxiety, feeling hot and tired...the minute I opened my eyes, it was gone, but closing eyes will come back....

Every day is different....let see when this will finally settle down...

Mornings continues to be an issue for me...

Stomach gasses

I also noticed that I get sleepy in the afternoons...I did a 30 minutes nap again before my body woke me and couldn't nap again ..

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

Raymond: Paxil recover process after 12 years

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