Golden: Tapering Bupropion, then Escitalopram ++

February 21Feb 21

I am coming from Surviving Antidepressants.
My Intro over there is: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction

Following my hysterectomy in March 2000 & life difficulties that year, I was put on an antidepressant in Spring of 2001. Looking back, it is easy to see that hormonal imbalance and extreme stress caused my emotional state.

I have been on several other ADs over the years including Prozac & Zoloft. I have been on my current meds for at least seven years (except Metoprolol).

My current taper from Bupropion (Wellbutrin) went fairly smoothly with only mild WD symptoms until mid-December. After my last taper, I learned that SA was closing (Panic) and had a couple of other life stressors all at once. My WD symptoms increased significantly! Anxiety, vivid dreams (annoying), racing mind, unsettled feelings inside (worst one, I think).

I planned to hold until February, get through some doctor’s appointments and then reevaluate.
My primary doctor sent me to a cardiologist for some tests. I passed them with flying colors! 🎉 Wonderful reassurance!

Then I had some sudden dizzy spells around Feb. 5th. They were intense at first but tapered off after about a week.

So now I’m about ready to taper again. I’m waiting until I get past a dental appointment next week. I’m planning to decrease 3 mg, about 5%. That’s much smaller than previous cuts. 🐢

I’m feeling cautious and hesitant. 🕊️💞🙏

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

5

February 22Feb 22

Hi @Golden

Welcome to the forum.

Thank you for posting your intro topic and linking to your SA page. 🙂

8 hours ago, Golden said:

My current taper from Bupropion (Wellbutrin) went fairly smoothly with only mild WD symptoms until mid-December. After my last taper, I learned that SA was closing (Panic) and had a couple of other life stressors all at once. My WD symptoms increased significantly! Anxiety, vivid dreams (annoying), racing mind, unsettled feelings inside (worst one, I think).

I planned to hold until February, get through some doctor’s appointments and then reevaluate.

Im sorry to read about your Wellbutrin taper. Yes life stressors are unavoidable arent they and can certainly add to the troubles we have during our recoverys/tapers.

I hope this site eases your fear about SA closing at least a little.

I dont know if you have read this but go2zero has written a great post about tapering Wellbutrin I think you might benefit from reading. Some good stuff in there especially about how Wellbutrin affects the Metabolism of other drugs..... How to taper Wellbutrin / Bupropion Some food for thought there for sure.

8 hours ago, Golden said:

I planned to hold until February, get through some doctor’s appointments and then reevaluate.
My primary doctor sent me to a cardiologist for some tests. I passed them with flying colors! 🎉 Wonderful reassurance!

Then I had some sudden dizzy spells around Feb. 5th. They were intense at first but tapered off after about a week.

So now I’m about ready to taper again. I’m waiting until I get past a dental appointment next week. I’m planning to decrease 3 mg, about 5%. That’s much smaller than previous cuts. 🐢

I’m feeling cautious and hesitant. 🕊️💞🙏

Good to have a plan and be nice and methodical for sure. Definitely wait till you can rate yourself consistently 1-3/10. Stability is so important for a successful taper.

Good and reassuring news about you tests, Im glad to hear this.

Have a good read of that document I linked it might make you re think which drug you taper first....

You are so very welcome here and I hope you find the site a supportive place.

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.

2

February 22Feb 22

Sounds like a great plan, working around life stressors and reducing an adequate amount, not trying to race down the mountain.

I know when I took longer breaks between reductions, I would build up the next reduction to be a big deal in my head. Generally, I fell right back into the groove once I did it.

I hope this next one is easier for you due to the smaller reduction.

Wishing you the best with everything!

2011-2015 - tapered off 300mg of Venlafaxine after 6 years of use

2005-2021 - 450 mg Bupropion daily

2021-2023 - tapered Bupropion to zero

2

February 22Feb 22

Hey @Golden great to see you here. Just tagging

@Go2zero

This site is great with lots of support.

❤️🙏

https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/253-how-to-taper-wellbutrin-bupropion/?do=getNewComment

Edited February 22Feb 22 by LostinCanada

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

1

February 22Feb 22

Author

11 hours ago, Chippy said:

I hope this site eases your fear about SA closing at least a little.

I’m glad to be here!

11 hours ago, Chippy said:

I dont know if you have read this but go2zero has written a great post about tapering Wellbutrin I think you might benefit from reading. Some good stuff in there especially about how Wellbutrin affects the Metabolism of other drugs..... How to taper Wellbutrin / Bupropion Some food for thought there for sure.

I had not seen this one yet! Thanks for letting me know about it! Go2zero was a great help to me getting started while on SA. He helped me with weighing pills and then crossing over from Bupropion XL to IR to begin my taper. He has been so very patient with me.
When I reached the point of wanting to switch to liquid (I didn’t have his skill in cutting pills and it became very tedious for me), J1290 helped me with the supply details for liquid and lots of encouragement. SA has so many wonderful resources for this too.

LostinCanada put me in contact with those two. 👆 She also led this “forum newbee” around the technical side of things! 😉

11 hours ago, Chippy said:

Have a good read of that document I linked it might make you re think which drug you taper first....

I’m not sure what you mean here. I’m already tapering Bupropion so it is my first…

Go2zero agreed with me on this at SA but suggested that I may want to switch to escitalopram at some point. I’m not sure when that would be.
It’s all just step by step.

12 hours ago, Chippy said:

You are so very welcome here and I hope you find the site a supportive place.

Thank you! I love the similarities with SA. It makes it easier to navigate. 😊

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

3

February 22Feb 22

Author

9 hours ago, j1290 said:

Sounds like a great plan, working around life stressors and reducing an adequate amount, not trying to race down the mountain.

Thank you @j1290! You are such a great encourager!

9 hours ago, j1290 said:

I know when I took longer breaks between reductions, I would build up the next reduction to be a big deal in my head.

Yes, you know exactly where I am. 😂

9 hours ago, j1290 said:

I hope this next one is easier for you due to the smaller reduction.

Wishing you the best with everything!

Thank you again. You seem to know just what to say to lift me up.

🕊️

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

1

February 23Feb 23

9 hours ago, Golden said:

I’m glad to be here!

And we’re happy you’re here too.

9 hours ago, Golden said:

had not seen this one yet! Thanks for letting me know about it! Go2zero was a great help to me getting started while on SA. He helped me with weighing pills and then crossing over from Bupropion XL to IR to begin my taper. He has been so very patient with me.
When I reached the point of wanting to switch to liquid (I didn’t have his skill in cutting pills and it became very tedious for me), J1290 helped me with the supply details for liquid and lots of encouragement. SA has so many wonderful resources for this too.

LostinCanada put me in contact with those two. 👆 She also led this “forum newbee” around the technical side of things! 😉

Ah great. Yes Go2zero LIC j1290 all such kind helpful souls. Glad you found sa! 😊

9 hours ago, Golden said:

I’m not sure what you mean here. I’m already tapering Bupropion so it is my first…

Go2zero agreed with me on this at SA but suggested that I may want to switch to escitalopram at some point. I’m not sure when that would be.
It’s all just step by step.

You should taper what you think is best first. I was just pointing out how go2zeros document implies leaving Wellbutrin last that’s all. Think that’s why he suggested switching at some point.

Youve already been dealing him on this im sure you guys have a plan here. 😀

9 hours ago, Golden said:

Thank you! I love the similarities with SA. It makes it easier to navigate. 😊

Good that’s what we were hoping would be the case.

Soeak soon!

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.

1

February 23Feb 23

Hi @Golden,

Great to so you here too! Welcome! If you need some assistance at any point, just tag me. I am not around every day, but I will check in at least a few times per week.

12 hours ago, Chippy said:

You should taper what you think is best first. I was just pointing out how go2zeros document implies leaving Wellbutrin last that’s all. Think that’s why he suggested switching at some point.

Just some clarity here.... There is no clear order we should follow. There is a lot of theory about this. For example: take away the stimulants first and leave the benzo's for last because they would act as a brake. All theories that often do work like that. But not for everyone.

I tried everything to taper the Wellbutrin first, but it just was impossible in my case. Others may experience tolerance with benzo's. In such a case it might be better to taper the benzo first, or others experience "poop out".... We are all different and we all may react different. So often it comes to ones own personal approach and often by trial and error....

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

4

February 23Feb 23

4 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

All theories that often do work like that. But not for everyone.

4 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

We are all different and we all may react different. So often it comes to ones own personal approach and often by trial and error....

100% @Go2zero wise words my friend.

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 23Feb 23

Author

@Go2zero Thank you for you reply!
I recently learned that Bupropion and Metoprolol are both metabolized in the liver by the same enzyme CYP2D6. I have been trying to research this to understand what it means for me. Since Bupropion is related to amphetamines, it has side effects of high blood pressure and anxiety. I think it is why I have had high blood pressure.
My primary doctor recently sent me to a cardiologist for a checkup. He did an EKG which was normal. He suggested I have a cardiac calcium score done to check for any blockages. Results were perfect…all zeros…no blockage. Very good news!
(This is a lot of detail but I’m trying to cover all the bases.)

I have decreased my metoprolol since I began tapering. One half of my 25mg metoprolol seems to be too much. The pill is difficult to cut into quarters but is probably okay.

I'm so confused at this point. Things are just circling in my head. I messed around with my metoprolol a bit trying to find what works best. NOT a smart thing to do. 🤦‍♀️

Although I realized that decreasing Bupropion affected metoprolol, I didn’t think about the reverse!
So one question is: if I decrease metoprolol, what does that do with bupropion?

Yesterday was a bad anxiety day, so I have messed up. AARGH! 😂 Gotta laugh so I don’t beat myself up.

I think I need to just settle down with 1/4 of my metoprolol tablet, stabilize, and then slowly try to taper bupropion again. 🤷‍♀️

Am I thinking right about all this? Yet? Does anyone have better understanding on this? I feel like a ditz right now.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
🕊️

Edited February 23Feb 23 by Golden
Forgot something

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

1

February 23Feb 23

Author

Hi @LostinCanada! It’s good to see you again! 💞

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

1

February 23Feb 23

29 minutes ago, Golden said:

I recently learned that Bupropion and Metoprolol are both metabolized in the liver by the same enzyme CYP2D6.

Bupropion is NOT metabolized by CYP2D6, but mainly by CYP2B6 , but.....Bupropion is a CYP2D6 inhibitor. This is very important to know and understand. So all meds that are metabolized by CYP2D6 are metabolized slower than normal when bupropion is used. And yes Metropolol is metabolized by CYP2D6 !!!

What is the reason you are taking Metropolol. For what do you need to take it? Maybe I can suggest an alternative if I know why you take it.

As far as I can tell lowering the Metropolol does not affect metabolism of bupropion. But the use of beta blockers like metropolol may decrease anxiety. So lowering the metropolol could trigger some anxiety. I say could...., this does not need to happen.

Edited February 23Feb 23 by Go2zero

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

1

February 23Feb 23

Author

13 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

Bupropion is NOT metabolized by CYP2D6, but mainly by CYP2B6 , but.....Bupropion is a CYP2D6 inhibitor.

🤦‍♀️ Can I just crawl into a corner and hide? I can’t believe I didn’t see the difference!

Well this relieves me of a lot of stress!

15 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

What is the reason you are taking Metropolol. For what do you need to take it? Maybe I can suggest an alternative if I know why you take it.

I take metoprolol for high blood pressure. But with less bupropion, I don’t need as much. I should talk to my doctor about this but I don’t know him well. I lost my wonderful PA last year & now see the MD. Perhaps I should ask him for a different med for blood pressure. ? Of course every time I go to the doctor’s office, my blood pressure goes through the roof.

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

February 23Feb 23

28 minutes ago, Golden said:

Of course every time I go to the doctor’s office, my blood pressure goes through the roof.

This is very common. Best is to test blood pressure at home daily over a longer period. Sit quiet for 15 minutes with already the cuff on the arm. Then do 3 tests after each other, with pauses between of 3-5 minutes. Take the average of these 3 measurements. Do so for several days and weeks and calculate the daily average, over the weeks and month. I use an Omron blood pressure meter that has bluetooth and an app on my phone. it keeps track of all the data and makes graphs and calculates averages as well. The (weekly and monthly) averages count. Not only the peak readings.

I also have periods with high blood pressure caused by the WD of Wellbutrin/bupropion. I learned that tapering bupropion can raise blood pressure. But it may also trigger or increase anxiety. And anxiety itself can also raise blood pressure....

I will share something new here, which I was not fully ready to share. But maybe it is the right time now. I have done quite some research about the relations between use/tapering of Wellbutrin/bupropion and anxiety and high blood pressure. The problem when tapering bupropion is that as a reaction the noradrenaline levels may go up (and yes they also go up when using bupropion !!!). But when tapering this drug stress levels may go up extremely and the body reacts by making more noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol! This creates more stress, anxiety and often insomnia.

I found that a specific beta blocker (Altenolol) may help to decrease these noradrenaline and adrenaline levels. And after a longer period (weeks) also cortisol level may go down. I have been experimenting with this for 3 months now and results look very promising. Most beta blockers are fat-soluble and cross the blood brain barrier easily. This is not a good thing, since they can have unwanted effects on WD symptoms. The one I use is water soluble and hardly (or not) crosses the blood brain barrier. Since I have been using it, I feel much more stable. And I have been able to do 2 steps down in dosage Wellbutrin, where I was completely unable to taper further.

The dosage I am taking is very low. (normal dosaging is between 50-100 mg usually). I started with only 1 mg, which I could feel a bit. I worked it up very very slowly to 8 mg now. At 4 mg I already felt a big difference. But I also needed to get my blood pressure down. My doctor advised me to go slowly up. I do not think I need to go higher anymore than the 8 mg which I am taking now. So it seems to help with my blood pressure, but much more important with the possibility to taper the wellbutrin and to keep WD symptoms much lower in length and depth... It is a bit soon to be sure. And of course what helps me is not a guarantee that it will work for everyone. But since you are already taking a beta blocker it might be something to think about. An other important and good things is that Altenolol is hardly or not metabolized by the liver. So no issues with CYP2D6. It is almost entirely excreted in the urine. This is another advantage over most other beta blockers.

Because I am not a fan of generics, I use Tenormin being the official brand of Altenolol.

Please understand that I am not promoting medication or supplements when tapering. I am not for that at all! But Wellbutrin can be so difficult to taper and I found that Altenolol could be a way to go for me...

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

4

February 23Feb 23

Author

@Go2zero Wow! Thank you so much for this information! Just on the blood pressure level alone, that is very helpful. Since I’m having trouble getting a low enough dose with my metoprolol so that my bp doesn’t get too low, this might be a good alternative. I can talk to my doctor about it.

27 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

Best is to test blood pressure at home daily over a longer period

I do take my blood pressure at home and take a copy of my records with me to the doctor. My husband and I use an Omarion blood pressure monitor but ours doesn’t have Bluetooth so we keep written records.

31 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

I also have periods with high blood pressure caused by the WD of Wellbutrin/bupropion. I learned that tapering bupropion can raise blood pressure. But it may also trigger or increase anxiety. And anxiety itself can also raise blood pressure....

It seems like a merry-go-round, doesn’t it?

33 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

I will share something new here, which I was not fully ready to share. But maybe it is the right time now

Thank you for being willing to share this! I know everyone is different and what works for you may not work for someone else but I think I’m at a point of needing a different blood pressure medication.

I will look into this some more and call my doctor soon.

Thanks again for your help and encouragement! I know it’s late there so have a good night!
🕊️💞🙏

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

1

February 24Feb 24

Author

@Go2zero You have provided a LOT of information. I am going over it repeatedly trying to absorb it all.

3 hours ago, Go2zero said:

But since you are already taking a beta blocker it might be something to think about.

Absolutely! Especially since I am having trouble with the one I’m currently taking.

3 hours ago, Go2zero said:

Most beta blockers are fat-soluble and cross the blood brain barrier easily. This is not a good thing, since they can have unwanted effects on WD symptoms. The one I use is water soluble and hardly (or not) crosses the blood brain barrier.

I really like this! I don’t want any more meds messing with my brain.

3 hours ago, Go2zero said:

An other important and good things is that Altenolol is hardly or not metabolized by the liver. So no issues with CYP2D6. It is almost entirely excreted in the urine. This is another advantage over most other beta blockers.

Yes!

3 hours ago, Go2zero said:

The dosage I am taking is very low. (normal dosaging is between 50-100 mg usually). I started with only 1 mg, which I could feel a bit. I worked it up very very slowly to 8 mg now. At 4 mg I already felt a big difference. But I also needed to get my blood pressure down. My doctor advised me to go slowly up.

So how are you able to get such small doses? When I compared Metoprolol with Altenolol…12.5 mg of Metoprolol would equal 6.25 mg of Altenolol. Is that correct? If so, then I would need very small doses also.

Thank you again for the information and also for your patience with all my questions. (Just like you were in the beginning when I started this journey!) You are such a blessing!

🕊️💞🙏

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

February 24Feb 24

6 hours ago, Golden said:

So how are you able to get such small doses? When I compared Metoprolol with Altenolol…12.5 mg of Metoprolol would equal 6.25 mg of Altenolol. Is that correct? If so, then I would need very small doses also.

No, the smallest available in Spain is 50 mg. So I cut the pills in 8 equal pieces using my 1 mg scales.

Altenolol is very easy to make a home made liquid. It dissolves very easy in water. I started to do so when I was taking only 1-3 mg in the beginning. Now at 8mg cutting is easier for me. I can make 6 pieces for 6 days and do not have to carry liquids when travelling or so. Both ways work well.

Edited February 24Feb 24 by Go2zero

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

1

February 24Feb 24

6 hours ago, Golden said:

Thank you again for the information and also for your patience with all my questions. (Just like you were in the beginning when I started this journey!) You are such a blessing!

Always a pleasure!

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

1

February 24Feb 24

@Golden my understanding is that beta blockers can't just be switched...there has to be some tapering involved as well....though you probably know this....❤️🙏

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

1

February 24Feb 24

Author

8 hours ago, Go2zero said:

No, the smallest available in Spain is 50 mg. So I cut the pills in 8 equal pieces using my 1 mg scales.

The smallest Altenolol available here is 25 mg.
That is the size of my metoprolol. The metoprolol is a very small, kind of oval shaped pill. It is scored to be cut in half but it is difficult to cut in to quarters because of its small size and rounded edges. From what I understand, it cannot be made into a liquid. Taking half of metoprolol, 12.5 mg, is causing me some dizziness so I will have to see my doctor.
Altenolol may be a good alternative for me.

I found a good article that I can print out and take to my doctor to explain this. It is:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/atenolol-vs-metoprolol-8665690

Does this sound okay?

8 hours ago, Go2zero said:

Altenolol is very easy to make a home made liquid. It dissolves very easy in water. I started to do so when I was taking only 1-3 mg in the beginning. Now at 8mg cutting is easier for me. I can make 6 pieces for 6 days and do not have to carry liquids when travelling or so. Both ways work well.

I don’t yet know the size and shape of the pill but at least you have given me good alternatives. I don’t have your skill at cutting very small pieces. I do okay with halves and quarters using my scales.
Are there any problems with Altenolol having extended release properties? It doesn’t sound like from what you have written.

43 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

@Golden my understanding is that beta blockers can't just be switched...there has to be some tapering involved as well....though you probably know this....❤️🙏

That is my understanding also but I have no idea how to go about that.
@Go2zero did you have to switch from one beta blocker to another?

I will talk to both my doctor and pharmacist about all of this and get all the information I can first.

I think my brain is working a little better today than yesterday. Yesterday I was a mess.

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

1

February 24Feb 24

I was searching on SA and found this which may be helpful to you:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33284-new-warning-for-millions-on-drugs-like-fluoxetine-and-metoprolol-birmingham-live/?do=findComment&comment=749718

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

1

February 24Feb 24

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:

my understanding is that beta blockers can't just be switched...there has to be some tapering involved as well....though you probably know this....❤️🙏

I agree on this @LostinCanada.

Edited February 24Feb 24 by Go2zero

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

1

February 24Feb 24

Slower is always better.

This is what ChatGPT says:

Switching beta blockers should always be done under medical supervision, because stopping or changing them too quickly can cause:

Rebound high blood pressure

Rapid heart rate

Worsening chest pain

Increased risk of heart attack (especially if you have coronary artery disease)

That said, here’s how switching is usually handled safely:

1️⃣ Never Stop Abruptly

Beta blockers (like Metoprolol, Propranolol, Atenolol, or Carvedilol) should typically be tapered gradually over 1–2 weeks.

Sudden discontinuation can trigger a surge of adrenaline activity.

2️⃣ Common Switching Methods

🔹 A. Direct Equivalent Switch (Sometimes Used)

If you're switching between similar beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol → atenolol), your doctor may:

Stop the first drug

Start an equivalent dose of the new one the next day

This is more common when:

You’re on moderate doses

You don’t have severe heart disease

The medications have similar selectivity

🔹 B. Cross-Taper (Safer for High Risk Patients)

Often used if:

You have heart disease

You're on a high dose

You're switching to a very different beta blocker

Example approach:

Gradually reduce old medication over 1 week

Start low dose of new medication

Adjust slowly while monitoring BP and pulse

3️⃣ Dose Equivalence Matters

Rough equivalencies (approximate — your doctor calculates this):

Metoprolol 50 mg ≈ Atenolol 50 mg

Metoprolol 50 mg ≈ Propranolol 40 mg twice daily

Metoprolol 25 mg ≈ Carvedilol 6.25 mg twice daily

These are not exact and depend on:

Immediate vs extended release

Heart rate response

Blood pressure goals

Your specific condition (hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmia, etc.)

4️⃣ Monitoring During the Switch

You should monitor:

Resting heart rate (goal often 60–80 bpm unless otherwise directed)

Blood pressure

Dizziness

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Seek urgent care if you develop:

Severe chest pain

Fainting

Heart rate consistently >110 bpm at rest

5️⃣ Special Considerations

Heart failure patients need slower transitions.

Asthma/COPD patients may switch to more cardioselective options (like metoprolol).

Anxiety or migraine patients sometimes switch to propranolol for broader effects.

Carvedilol also blocks alpha receptors, so blood pressure may drop more.

6️⃣ Example (Typical Low-Risk Switch)

If someone is taking:

Metoprolol 50 mg daily

Doctor might:

Reduce to 25 mg for 4–7 days

Start new beta blocker at low dose

Stop metoprolol after a week

Adjust new medication as needed

If you're comfortable sharing:

Which beta blocker you’re on

The dose

Why you’re switching (side effects? heart rate too low? blood pressure uncontrolled?)

I can explain what a typical safe transition would look like in your situation.

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/Sep 18-3.8mg

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

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

February 24Feb 24

50 minutes ago, Golden said:

I found a good article that I can print out and take to my doctor to explain this. It is:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/atenolol-vs-metoprolol-8665690

Does this sound okay?

This sounds OK. Best discuss it with your doctor.

50 minutes ago, Golden said:

I don’t yet know the size and shape of the pill but at least you have given me good alternatives. I don’t have your skill at cutting very small pieces. I do okay with halves and quarters using my scales.
Are there any problems with Altenolol having extended release properties? It doesn’t sound like from what you have written.

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:

As far as I can find Metropolol can also dissolved in water and made as liquid. Cutting should not be too difficult either. Use a very sharp knife. When a piece get too big with cutting, just cut off a bit more. Or use a file or razor blade.

As far as I know Altenolol only comes in instant release. You only need to take it onze per day (best in the mornings). It needs some weeks to build up its total working.

As I said before, best ask for the original brand (Tenormin). I do not like generics.... They often are not stable in quality. The price of Tenormin is probably very low. I do not know prices in the US. In Spain I pay US 3,00 for 60 pills of 50mg, original Tenormin brand. If Tenormin would turn out to be very expensive in the US, ask for an affordable high quality brand.

Edited February 24Feb 24 by Go2zero

1993 Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006 No medication

2006 Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016 Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019 Lexapro 0,6 mg April 2017 - August 2018 Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg

October 2019 Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020 Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin until total off Prozac.

February 2020 – November 2020 Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg.

Jan 2021 : Prozac down to: 0,55> 0,53>0,51mg, Feb 0,47mg , Mar 0,42mg, Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022: Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,4mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14 Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11 Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 , June 0,07 , July 0,06, 0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009 Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007, 0,006, 0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb 0,0007. 0,0005, 0,0003, 0,0001,

Feb 23, 2024: 0,00000

Wellbutrin resume tapering: Apr 2024 31,6mg, 30,8, 30,0 , May 29,1, 28,2, July 23,7, Aug 22,6, 21,4, Dec 21,0, 20,5, 20,0 Jan 2025 19,6 mg, Mar 18,8, Oct 18,68 , 18,55, 18,43, Dec 18,30, Jan 2026 17,93 , Mar 17,7

Here is my thread (and tapering history) https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/23288-go2zero-getting-off-wellbutrin-and-prozac/

1

February 24Feb 24

Author

54 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

2️⃣ Common Switching Methods

🔹 A. Direct Equivalent Switch (Sometimes Used)

If you're switching between similar beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol → atenolol), your doctor may:

Stop the first drug

Start an equivalent dose of the new one the next day

This is more common when:

You’re on moderate doses

You don’t have severe heart disease

The medications have similar selectivity

This sounds like me. Did you see the reference the AI gave for this information?

59 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

3️⃣ Dose Equivalence Matters

Rough equivalencies (approximate — your doctor calculates this):

Metoprolol 50 mg ≈ Atenolol 50 mg

This part is inaccurate according to several online beta blocker equivalent estimators. They show Metoprolol 50 mg ~ Atenolol 25 mg.
https://pharmcalculator.github.io/betablocker/

1 hour ago, LostinCanada said:

I was searching on SA and found this which may be helpful to you:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/33284-new-warning-for-millions-on-drugs-like-fluoxetine-and-metoprolol-birmingham-live/?do=findComment&comment=749718

This led to another good article. Thank you!

46 minutes ago, Go2zero said:

This sounds OK. Best discuss it with your doctor.

As far as I can find Metropolol can also dissolved in water and made as liquid. Cutting should not be too difficult either. Use a very sharp knife. When a piece get too big with cutting, just cut off a bit more. Or use a file or razor blade.

As far as I know Altenolol only comes in instant release. You only need to take it onze per day (best in the mornings). It needs some weeks to build up its total working.

As I said before, best ask for the original brand (Tenormin). I do not like generics.... They often are not stable in quality. The price of Tenormin is probably very low. I do not know prices in the US. In Spain I pay US 3,00 for 60 pills of 50mg, original Tenormin brand. If Tenormin would turn out to be very expensive in the US, ask for an affordable high quality brand.

Thank you for this information.

Both of you are very helpful! I appreciate you more than I can say! 💞

I will try to reach my pharmacist to check price, availability, and cross over. They are sometimes very busy and I am working around home life duties. 😉

🕊️

2025 / Current:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (at least since Jan. 2019) 150 mg -> 131.5 mg on 4-22 -> 112.5 mg on 5-26 -> 93.75 mg on 6-21 -> 87.5 mg on 8-7 -> 77.5mg on 9-1 -> 69 mg on 10-15 -> 61 mg 11-12 -> 60 mg 11-28 -> 54 mg on 12-13-25 -> 53 mg on 4-8-26. HOLD

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20 mg (consistently since July 2018) -

Gabapentin 100 mg once daily (since June 2014?) -> 90 mg on Oct 10, 2026

Clonazepam As of Jan. 2019 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses as needed. Decreased as I didn’t need as much. March 2025: 1/8 of 0.5 mg tablet (0.0625 mg), 2-3 x daily (0.125 mg - 0.1875 mg daily). -> 2 x daily (0.125 mg daily), -> 1/8 morning0.0625 mg & 1/16 tablet evening (approx. 0.094 mg daily ) March 2026.

Cross over to liquid 0.125 ODT evening dose 0.028125 mg Apr 18; morning dose 0.04375 mg Apr 25, -> 0.040625 mg Apr 26, -> 0.034375 mg May 1, -> 0.028125 mg twice daily (0.05625 mg daily) May 4, -> 0.053125 May 13, -> 0.050 mg May 14, -> 0.04375 mg May 16, -> 0.040625 mg May 19, -> 0.0356 mg 6/2, -> 0.03125 mg June 8, -> 0.0275 mg June 14. -> 0.025 June 16, -> 0.0187 mg June 21, -> 0.0125 mg July 7, -> 0.006 mg July 14.

July 21, 2026 ZERO!

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Cream Bi-Est 0.5, Progesterone 150 mg/ML (0.5ML)

Compounded Bio-Identical HRT: Capsule 150 mg each evening

Metoprolol ER Succinate -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet 1 x daily on 5/31/25 -> 1/4 tablet on 1-09-2026 -> 1/2 of 25 mg tablet on 2-19. Switched to

Atenolol 4 mg March 4,2026 -> 3 mg Mar.26 -> 2 mg April 18 -> 1 mg May 1, -> zero May 11, 2026.

Supplements:Calcium,D3,K2,Magnesium,Omega3,B-Complex,Biotin,Quercetin,Zinc,C

My profile at Surviving Antidepressants is:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32343-golden-introduction/

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

2

Golden: Tapering Bupropion, then Escitalopram ++

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