zach1201: Started on Escitalopram 18 years ago and now polydrugged

February 15Feb 15

Hello all,

I started on Escitalopram 20mg in 2008. In 2023, I developed tolerance and experienced withdrawal symptoms (new onset panic attack, withdrawal anxiety I had never experienced before), suicidal thoughts & insomnia. My escitalopram was increased to 40mg and I was doing good. Also added in Trazadone because of the insomnia.

Eventually, in 2024, decided to try to wean escitalopram and that’s when all hell broke loose. Repeated tapers put me into horrible withdrawal over and over and I never achieved stability. Foolishly decided to go inpatient in 08/2025 and was rapidly taken off of escitalopram and switched to sertraline in a matter of 2 weeks. Buspar was also stopped. Gabapentin was also added in during this time. That was probably my lowest. I reinstated back on a low dose of escitalopram about a month later, which helped me get back to functioning. In the midst of this was also added on Risperidone.

All of this is in my signature.

Generally, I’m looking for support because I’ve got years ahead of me of safely weaning these drugs. Right now I’m trying to achieve stability before attempting another wean.

When I’m feeling decent my withdrawal symptoms are tolerable but never gone. I deal with brain fog/DPDR in varying degrees. Anxiety tends to come and go. Sleep is up and down too. Fatigue also is a problem. But all in all I’m able to function, work and help with the kids (5,2) who are neurodiverse and require a large amount of care.

I’m currently in a bad wave. One of the worst I’ve been in recent memory. I can barely get out of bed (this has been for the past day). I feel like I have lead in my muscles. That only other time I’ve felt like this was before I reinstated escitalopram. My sleep has not been the greatest (hasn’t been great over the past few weeks). I did have a period of a couple of months where things were decent with sleep. I also feel both very wired and tired at the same time.

I was over at bezobuddies website but have decided to migrate here.

My SA Thread here:

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

1

February 16Feb 16

Hi @zach1201

Welcome to the forum, thanks for crossing over, you are very welcome here indeed. 🙂

12 hours ago, zach1201 said:

I started on Escitalopram 20mg in 2008. In 2023, I developed tolerance and experienced withdrawal symptoms (new onset panic attack, withdrawal anxiety I had never experienced before), suicidal thoughts & insomnia. My escitalopram was increased to 40mg and I was doing good. Also added in Trazadone because of the insomnia.

Such a common story isnt it to run into tolerance issues after long term use.

12 hours ago, zach1201 said:

Eventually, in 2024, decided to try to wean escitalopram and that’s when all hell broke loose. Repeated tapers put me into horrible withdrawal over and over and I never achieved stability. Foolishly decided to go inpatient in 08/2025 and was rapidly taken off of escitalopram and switched to sertraline in a matter of 2 weeks. Buspar was also stopped. Gabapentin was also added in during this time. That was probably my lowest. I reinstated back on a low dose of escitalopram about a month later, which helped me get back to functioning. In the midst of this was also added on Risperidone.

Im sorry for this @zach1201 I really hope one day prescribers learn more about the drugs they offer out. Your system has taken a real hit here hasnt it. 😞

12 hours ago, zach1201 said:

All of this is in my signature.

Thanks for this. Ive shrunk it all down a little to make it easier to scroll past. It's a bit on the long side still but I think the detail is good so figured we should leave it all in. Hope that looks ok?

12 hours ago, zach1201 said:

Generally, I’m looking for support because I’ve got years ahead of me of safely weaning these drugs. Right now I’m trying to achieve stability before attempting another wean.

When I’m feeling decent my withdrawal symptoms are tolerable but never gone. I deal with brain fog/DPDR in varying degrees. Anxiety tends to come and go. Sleep is up and down too. Fatigue also is a problem. But all in all I’m able to function, work and help with the kids (5,2) who are neurodiverse and require a large amount of care.

You will find plenty of that here for sure. I think this is a great idea. Get yourself in a good place before starting to tackle the tapers. As you said there is alot to deal with there.

Im glad you feel pretty decent at times and Im sorry you are never symptom free. Your body is dealing with so much atm so it's hardly a surprise you never feel your best but the fact you can recognise you have better days and are able to function is so positive. I am really glad of this for you.

12 hours ago, zach1201 said:

I’m currently in a bad wave. One of the worst I’ve been in recent memory. I can barely get out of bed (this has been for the past day). I feel like I have lead in my muscles. That only other time I’ve felt like this was before I reinstated escitalopram. My sleep has not been the greatest (hasn’t been great over the past few weeks). I did have a period of a couple of months where things were decent with sleep. I also feel both very wired and tired at the same time.

Im also sorry to hear about your latest wave. I feel like there is a lot of this going around at the moment. I do hope you start to lift from this soon.

Thanks again for coming over and joining us here and I hope you find the forum a safe and supportive place during your recovery/taper.

Chippy

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 16Feb 16

Author

@Chippy

Thanks for the warm welcome.

This is a general question to anybody: Does anybody have experience with Outro?

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

1

February 16Feb 16

Hey @zach1201

Glad you got my message and headed this way.

3 hours ago, zach1201 said:

Does anybody have experience with Outro?

I know a few on SA were with them and happy. I think price is a determining factor.

Have you signed up with them on their site to check it out?

https://learn.outro.com/feed

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/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

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

February 16Feb 16

Author

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:

Hey @zach1201

Glad you got my message and headed this way.

I know a few on SA were with them and happy. I think price is a determining factor.

Have you signed up with them on their site to check it out?

https://learn.outro.com/feed

I have an intake appointment scheduled for this week.

I’m needing someone to guide me through what I’m going through. My current psychiatrist wants to add more meds and just doesn’t know about withdrawal. The only reason I continue to go is to receive refills.

Today is a better day than yesterday (I have no idea what happened yesterday where I wasn’t able to get out of bed). Still had a rough morning and still having a rough afternoon. Very heavy cognitive fog.

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 16Feb 16

5 minutes ago, zach1201 said:

have an intake appointment scheduled for this week

I am glad...they can prescribe and have compounding pharmacies they work with....if you go that way, always be clear about what manufacturer you are using and double check. ❤️🙏

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/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

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

February 17Feb 17

Author

Better day yesterday. Wasn’t at my best by any means but improved. I have no idea what Sunday was all about (being bed bound).

Still waking up early in the morning (plus both my boys are sick and were up in the night). Very hard to get moving in the morning. Thick cognitive clouding. Anxiety as well.

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

2

February 17Feb 17

Hey @zach1201 sorry to hear you are dealing with sick kids. That's hard at the best of times.

I find your signature hard to read. Is there any way you can put each drug in a continuous line with commas between each change instead of a separate line for each change...put Buspar first since you are finished with it. Thanks.

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/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

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

February 18Feb 18

Author

@LostinCanada

I fixed my signature. Does it look better?

Today has been tough. My oldest needed to go to the emergency department and was admitted to the hospital. My wife stayed with him. I took care of our youngest. Just a lot of stress right now.

I feel like garbage. Very mentally clouded. A little keyed up but wiped out at the same time. Nauseous. Having random chills. Sleep not the greatest with multiple awakenings and early morning awakenings.

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

1

February 18Feb 18

11 minutes ago, zach1201 said:

fixed my signature. Does it look better?

Thanks so much...it looks great.

11 minutes ago, zach1201 said:

My oldest needed to go to the emergency department and was admitted to the hospital. My wife stayed with him. I took care of our youngest. Just a lot of stress right now.

So much stress....WD is so hard without all the rest.

12 minutes ago, zach1201 said:

Nauseous. Having random chills

Make sure you are staying hydrated...maybe make a DIY hydration drink...that often helps me. Try to get some rest. ❤️🙏

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/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

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

February 18Feb 18

Author

On 2/16/2026 at 12:44 PM, LostinCanada said:

I am glad...they can prescribe and have compounding pharmacies they work with....if you go that way, always be clear about what manufacturer you are using and double check. ❤️🙏

Had my intake appointment today. It went really well. First time I felt heard by a psychiatrist in a very long time.

I’m going to give them a try.

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

2

February 19Feb 19

Hey @zach1201

Welcome to this community, I'm sad to have read that the so called drs did this to you but happy your here with us . I too have a couple of drugs to come off . Looks like will be here for the long run , happy to support you any way I can

cheeky 🌸

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

February 19Feb 19

Author

15 minutes ago, cheeky said:

Hey @zach1201

Welcome to this community, I'm sad to have read that the so called drs did this to you but happy your here with us . I too have a couple of drugs to come off . Looks like will be here for the long run , happy to support you any way I can

cheeky 🌸

@cheeky

Thanks for the welcome. I read your introduction on SA. We have a lot in common including having young children whilst going through withdrawal. You’ve been through a lot.

How are your days at the moment?

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 19Feb 19

5 hours ago, zach1201 said:

@cheeky

Thanks for the welcome. I read your introduction on SA. We have a lot in common including having young children whilst going through withdrawal. You’ve been through a lot.

How are your days at the moment?

Yeah it's worse when we have kids to look after .
I'm getting there very up and down . A week when I feel better then a week feeling worse then ever . Windows and waves . I've been holding for 4 months since I made a few mistakes with my dosing, paying the price for it and just wanting stability . How's your days going?

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

February 19Feb 19

Author

11 hours ago, cheeky said:

Yeah it's worse when we have kids to look after .
I'm getting there very up and down . A week when I feel better then a week feeling worse then ever . Windows and waves . I've been holding for 4 months since I made a few mistakes with my dosing, paying the price for it and just wanting stability . How's your days going?

@cheeky

Not the greatest over the past few weeks. Surviving but it feels like barely at some points.

Do you have a psychiatrist/GP involved in your care? If so, have they been helpful in the weaning process?

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 19Feb 19

3 hours ago, zach1201 said:

@cheeky

Not the greatest over the past few weeks. Surviving but it feels like barely at some points.

Do you have a psychiatrist/GP involved in your care? If so, have they been helpful in the weaning process?

I wouldn't go near a psychiatrist except for deprescribing one or tapering coach . I go to my locale GP to get my drugs and I've done the tapering all on my own

and happy to leave it that way .

i understand the feeling of ttrying to make it through the day , you will becouse your stronger then you think.,

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

February 19Feb 19

Author

2 hours ago, cheeky said:

I wouldn't go near a psychiatrist except for deprescribing one or tapering coach . I go to my locale GP to get my drugs and I've done the tapering all on my own

and happy to leave it that way .

i understand the feeling of ttrying to make it through the day , you will becouse your stronger then you think.,

@cheeky

I’ve been getting my meds from my psychiatrist but they have no idea what they’re doing regarding my care.

I think I’m going to switch to the Outro folks. It’s costly but I think it’ll be helpful in the long run.

I’m nervous about the switch though. Just wanting to make sure my prescriptions don’t get messed up (really it’s the liquid prescriptions).

Edited February 19Feb 19 by zach1201

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 19Feb 19

12 minutes ago, zach1201 said:

Just wanting to make sure my prescriptions don’t get messed up (really it’s the liquid prescriptions).

You can keep getting your drugs wherever you feel comfortable.... just make your wishes known.

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/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

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

February 20Feb 20

1 hour ago, zach1201 said:

@cheeky

I’ve been getting my meds from my psychiatrist but they have no idea what they’re doing regarding my care.

I think I’m going to switch to the Outro folks. It’s costly but I think it’ll be helpful in the long run.

I’m nervous about the switch though. Just wanting to make sure my prescriptions don’t get messed up (really it’s the liquid prescriptions).

Sounds like a good idea, I only

wish I had outro were I live . I would see them for sure

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

February 20Feb 20

Author

Today was not a good day. Felt nauseous all day. Completely wiped out of energy. Weird sensation in my head all day.

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 20Feb 20

9 minutes ago, zach1201 said:

Today was not a good day. Felt nauseous all day. Completely wiped out of energy. Weird sensation in my head all day.

I had the nauseous this morning as well, and I've kinda had like a head pressure that comes and goes. It's weird that's for sure. I'm so used to these random symptoms happening out of nowhere..

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

February 21Feb 21

Author

Today hasn’t been the greatest day. I woke up a lot through the night. My brain feels completely “off” at the moment. I have a complete lack of motivation and energy. I’m irritable too. Sigh.

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 22Feb 22

@zach1201 sorry it's do difficult having a bad day . I have mo motivation aswell and the process can be so draining ..

it's unfair but we have to keep going . Hopefully you'll get a nice long window .

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

1

February 22Feb 22

3 hours ago, zach1201 said:

Today hasn’t been the greatest day. I woke up a lot through the night. My brain feels completely “off” at the moment. I have a complete lack of motivation and energy. I’m irritable too. Sigh.

I feel for you @zach1201. I dropped my dose 2 days ago and today I was blinded by a sudden episode of SVT which left me on the floor of the bathroom. High heart rate only lasted a few minutes but I'm still feeling the adrenaline and fear hours later. Hoping it's an isolated event. I'm very close to 1mg Escitalopram now and I plan to hold there for a long while - only one more decrement after this one to go. Looking forward to a period of stability.

Hang in there 🤗

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.

February 22Feb 22

Author

18 hours ago, Catbird said:

I feel for you @zach1201. I dropped my dose 2 days ago and today I was blinded by a sudden episode of SVT which left me on the floor of the bathroom. High heart rate only lasted a few minutes but I'm still feeling the adrenaline and fear hours later. Hoping it's an isolated event. I'm very close to 1mg Escitalopram now and I plan to hold there for a long while - only one more decrement after this one to go. Looking forward to a period of stability.

Hang in there 🤗

@Catbird

Sorry to hear about that Catbird! Hopefully things are better today.

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

1

zach1201: Started on Escitalopram 18 years ago and now polydrugged

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