Golden: Tapering Bupropion, then Escitalopram ++

March 3Mar 3

4 hours ago, Golden said:

I was put on metoprolol for high blood pressure. I originally took metoprolol tartrate (instant release) then was switched to Metoprolol succinate ER. I have been on and off metoprolol over the years.

I recently found old records and made the connection between Bupropion and my blood pressure. When I was put on 300 mg of Bupropion for winter depression, (before I knew better), my blood pressure and anxiety increased and I had to increase metoprolol and Clonazepam. 🤦‍♀️

Since I have been tapering Bupropion, I have had to decrease both metoprolol and Clonazepam.

On this journey, we learn as we go along.

🕊️💞🙏

It’s a real juggling act isn’t it?

Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg. 2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day)

ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.010 & still holding

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

1

March 3Mar 3

Author

3 minutes ago, Catbird said:

It’s a real juggling act isn’t it?

Yes, it is absolutely a real juggling act. 😵‍💫

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?)

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

March 4Mar 4

Author

I tried cutting an Atenolol pill. I am really not good at “eyeballing “ the middle. If I trim off bits to get closer weight amounts, I’m going to end up with a lot of crumbs. (This really reminds me of my time cutting Wellbutrin XL into quarters to cross over to IR.)

I ended up making the pill into a liquid. I may need a liquid anyway to get the right dose. The Atenolol liquid has a lot larger grains than my Bupropion liquid.
@Go2zero did you have this when you made the liquid? Should I grind the pill before making a liquid? Could you determine (or did your doctor recommend) how long the liquid should last? Did you refrigerate it?

The details are frustrating.

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?)

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

March 4Mar 4

1 hour ago, Golden said:

did you have this when you made the liquid? Should I grind the pill before making a liquid? Could you determine (or did your doctor recommend) how long the liquid should last? Did you refrigerate it?

I use the Tenormin (original) brand. The pills are easy to cut (quite soft). And yes they become crums as well often. But I do not care, I just weigh the crumbs. I add crumbs to the smaller pieces to get the right weight for the day. Or I cut of some crumbs from te larger pieces.

Altenolol can be kept for 4-5 days easily (possibly longer, but I did not take the risk). When I did the liquid, Ik used demineralized or distiiled water and kept the liquid refridgerated.

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

March 4Mar 4

Author

Thank you @Go2zero.

I made a circle with crosshairs to help cut the pills in to quarters. I cut one pill so far using that and got almost perfect results.
I think I will use the liquid for now at a lower dose. I tried 4 ml/mg last night. So far my blood pressure is normal. I just have increased dizziness again today but that has been up and down lately.

Thank you again for your help.

Blessings!

🕊️💞🙏

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?)

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

April 13Apr 13

Author

Update:

After some trial and error, I’m now taking 3 mg/ml of Atenolol. It is not as sedating as the Metoprolol and seems to be working okay.

I had a very strange experience last month. I developed very chapped lips after burning some leaves. Then in a couple of days, my lips were bright red, swollen, painfully inflamed. I saw a dermatologist PA who gave me Cortibalm (hydrocortisone cream) to use for two weeks on my lips. It calmed the inflammation on my outer lips but not inside. Plus I had developed weird white spots inside my lips. I saw the dermatologist PA again and she gave me a prescription gel to use just inside my lips. I only used it for 3 days and the inflammation cleared up. It took longer for the spots to clear up. My lips are still sensitive but at least no longer painful. I’ve never had anything like that before. I thought it could have been a histamine reaction but IDK (neither did the PA.) 🤷‍♀️

After everything finally settled down, I decided to try a very small taper, just 1 mg, as a test. This is day 6 of this trial so I’ll see how it goes.

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?)

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

April 14Apr 14

6 hours ago, Golden said:

Update:

After some trial and error, I’m now taking 3 mg/ml of Atenolol. It is not as sedating as the Metoprolol and seems to be working okay.

I had a very strange experience last month. I developed very chapped lips after burning some leaves. Then in a couple of days, my lips were bright red, swollen, painfully inflamed. I saw a dermatologist PA who gave me Cortibalm (hydrocortisone cream) to use for two weeks on my lips. It calmed the inflammation on my outer lips but not inside. Plus I had developed weird white spots inside my lips. I saw the dermatologist PA again and she gave me a prescription gel to use just inside my lips. I only used it for 3 days and the inflammation cleared up. It took longer for the spots to clear up. My lips are still sensitive but at least no longer painful. I’ve never had anything like that before. I thought it could have been a histamine reaction but IDK (neither did the PA.) 🤷‍♀️

After everything finally settled down, I decided to try a very small taper, just 1 mg, as a test. This is day 6 of this trial so I’ll see how it goes.

Histamine production can get really messed up in wd/tapering. Some look to reduce it by eliminating or reducing certain foods. Keeping stress low helps too.

Hope your drop goes ok.

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

April 18Apr 18

Author

So far, the 1 mg “test” taper that I did with Bupropion has not been too bad. Although at the time, I panicked a bit because “it was only 1 mg.” I had occasional mild dizziness, pressure in my head several days, and less stress tolerance for 3 days in particular leading to increased anxiety. Yesterday and today have been much better.

A little background: since I have been tapering Bupropion, I’ve had to cut back on my blood pressure medicine and clonazepam. It wasn’t really surprising since high blood pressure and anxiety can be side effect of Bupropion. I recently switched my blood pressure med from Metoprolol Succinate (XL) to Atenolol. I can make a liquid of the Atenolol to take a smaller amount. I have also decreased my clonazepam to only twice a day on most days and my evening dose to less than 1/8 tablet (trying for approximately 1/16 tablet…😂 )

To be clear: I am NOT attempting to taper clonazepam. I’m just trying not to “drug” myself too much. I’m less anxious so I take less med for anxiety.

In trying to keep things as consistent as possible, I started weighing my cut pieces of clonazepam. Cutting a 0.5 mg clonazepam into 8 pieces is a bit challenging for me. Weighing the small pieces is also challenging! I’m not sure my Gem 20 scales can do it accurately. So…

I talked with a RN at my doctor’s office to see if I could get a smaller dose pill. My doctor approved and sent in a RX for clonazepam ODT 0.125 mg.

So hear is what I am thinking:

I had been taking 1/8 of 0.5 mg = 0.0625 mg

1/2 of 0.125 mg =0.0625 mg

1/4 of 0.125 mg =0.03125 mg (1/16 of 0.5 mg)

Perhaps the easiest way to take this would be to mix with 20 ml water. Take 10 ml in the morning and 5 ml at night.

I’m sorry to be so long-winded but I am a detail person. 😉

Am I thinking correctly in how to take the new pills?

Do I need to create the liquid daily?

Thanks for any help.

🕊️💞🙏

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

3 hours ago, Golden said:
So hear is what I am thinking:
I had been taking 1/8 of 0.5 mg = 0.0625 mg
1/2 of 0.125 mg =0.0625 mg
1/4 of 0.125 mg =0.03125 mg (1/16 of 0.5 mg)
Perhaps the easiest way to take this would be to mix with 20 ml water. Take 10 ml in the morning and 5 ml at night.
I’m sorry to be so long-winded but I am a detail person. 😉
Am I thinking correctly in how to take the new pills?
Do I need to create the liquid daily?

Hi Golden

Clonazepam doesn’t dissolve in water too well. Milk is an option, or a suspension liquid can work. Some use a small amount of high strength vodka in a protocol that seems to work. I’m not so sure about that myself! Don’t think I’d want any alcohol in my system. The fat in whole milk is supposed to help. I like the idea of using a large volume of the milk (more fat) to help with suspension. Say 150ml.

To save a change of brand or remove one variable, making a liquid from the 0.5mg tablet makes more sense to me.

You can make up a batch for the day, and draw up what you need from that am and then pm and dispose.

Careful though. Reducing the benzo too quickly can cause benzo wd. Some can cut benzos out easily, but others get into trouble.

Have you been taking the benzo consistently at a higher dose? Might be you need to taper down.

You should really dose twice a day although clonazepam isn’t the shortest half life benzo, just fyi. If you are going to have different doses am and pm, If it were me I’d take the bigger dose before bed. Probably useful for sleep.

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.

April 18Apr 18

Author

@Chippy Thank you for your response! I know my post above was very long but the details listed are important. Perhaps it would help to read it again before reading my responses. I know you must be very busy and I truly appreciate that you give of your time to help! 💞

11 hours ago, Chippy said:
Clonazepam doesn’t dissolve in water too well.

14 hours ago, Golden said:
sent in a RX for clonazepam ODT 0.125 mg.

I thought the ODT (oral disintegrating tablet) would dissolve in water since it is designed to dissolve in the mouth.

10 hours ago, Chippy said:
To save a change of brand

I got the same brand/manufacturer for the 0.125 mg that I have been using for the 0.5 mg.

10 hours ago, Chippy said:
Careful though. Reducing the benzo too quickly can cause benzo wd. Some can cut benzos out easily, but others get into trouble.

14 hours ago, Golden said:
To be clear: I am NOT attempting to taper clonazepam. I’m just trying not to “drug” myself too much. I’m less anxious so I take less med for anxiety.

10 hours ago, Chippy said:
If it were me I’d take the bigger dose before bed. Probably useful for sleep.

I am sleeping too deeply at night (I know this is not the norm for WD but I’m taking too many medicines and have become more sensitive) and may need to decrease my blood pressure medicine,Atenolol, a bit more.

14 hours ago, Golden said:
I had been taking 1/8 of 0.5 mg = 0.0625 mg

Last year when I joined SA, I was taking this amount (0.0625 mg) 2-3 times daily. YEARS AGO, probably about 2019, I took 0.5 mg morning and night and 0.25 mg midday. Thinking back I have probably been unconsciously tapering clonazepam bit by bit as I didn’t need as much. I haven’t had any issues with this. 🤷‍♀️

I don’t plan to reduce clonazepam further. I’m just trying to get a more consistent dose with liquid rather than by cutting tiny pieces of the 0.5 mg pill.

My tapering is with Bupropion but it has affected the amount of other medicines needed.

Thank you again @Chippy for your help!

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

Hi @Golden

Sorry, i responded to this in bed half asleep I think and clearly missed some details there. Apologies. 🫣

If you think your pill weight and scale combo, doesn’t allow you to accurately cut the new pill into 1/2 and 1/4, for your two doses, then making a liquid is a good idea. Your maths is correct on the liquid. You may be right on the ODT pill dissolving in water. I’d love to know how that goes. 😀

As the pill is a different kind of pill, some kind of crossover maybe a good idea between the two. You may be fine without of course.

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.

April 18Apr 18

Author

6 minutes ago, Chippy said:
Sorry, i responded to this in bed half asleep I think and clearly missed some details there. Apologies. 🫣

Thank you @Chippy . I was so worried about offending you. 💞

10 minutes ago, Chippy said:
Your maths is correct on the liquid.

Thank you! I’m never sure if my mind is working properly or not. 😂

11 minutes ago, Chippy said:
You may be right on the ODT pill dissolving in water. I’d love to know how that goes. 😀

I saw a video of a lady who does this. If I can find it again, I will post it.

7 minutes ago, Chippy said:
As the pill is a different kind of pill, some kind of crossover maybe a good idea between the two. You may be fine without of course.

I wondered about this also. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks again for your responses! 💞

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

5 minutes ago, Golden said:
Thank you @Chippy . I was so worried about offending you. 💞

Oh no! No offence here! I clearly didn’t take in your post properly! 🤣

6 minutes ago, Golden said:
Thank you! I’m never sure if my mind is working properly or not. 😂

You seem sharp as a button to me!

7 minutes ago, Golden said:
I saw a video of a lady who does this. If I can find it again, I will post it.

That would be great. We have a member here who is making a liquid from a similar style tablet but it’s Mirtazapine. It seems ok. She did have some doubt to how well it was suspending but I think it’s fine.

9 minutes ago, Golden said:
I wondered about this also. 🤷‍♀️

Did you mean you thought about doing one? Or you are not sure what this is?

9 minutes ago, Golden said:
Thanks again for your responses! 💞

My pleasure Golden! I’ll be sure to be more awake when I respond from now on! 😅

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

April 18Apr 18

16 hours ago, Golden said:
Do I need to create the liquid daily?

Oh and yes best to make it daily. 😀

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

April 18Apr 18

Author

29 minutes ago, Chippy said:
Did you mean you thought about doing one?

Yes, but not sure if it is necessary. I think I’ll try a liquid dose tonight and see if it affects me differently. Then go from there.

32 minutes ago, Chippy said:
She did have some doubt to how well it was suspending but I think it’s fine.

I add a little OraPlus to my water for making my Bupropion and Atenolol liquids. (Oh joy! I get to make a 3rd liquid now! Heavy sarcasm. 😂) I add 20 ml OraPlus to 55 ml water for Bupropion and 5 ml OraPlus to 20 ml water for Atenolol. I order the OraPlus from Amazon. It makes the medicine suspend in the liquid better.

39 minutes ago, Chippy said:
My pleasure Golden! I’ll be sure to be more awake when I respond from now on! 😅

😂💞

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

9 minutes ago, Golden said:
Yes, but not sure if it is necessary. I think I’ll try a liquid dose tonight and see if it affects me differently. Then go from there.

Got you. It’s just we advise to be safe. Doing one dose liquid and one tablet is a crossover (just a bit quicker than the normal protocol). So maybe do that. Just make your pm dose a liquid for 4-7 days and then make the other dose a liquid after that.

12 minutes ago, Golden said:
(Oh joy! I get to make a 3rd liquid now! Heavy sarcasm. 😂) I

🤣

13 minutes ago, Golden said:
I order the OraPlus from Amazon. It makes the medicine suspend in the liquid better.

Thats a nice idea.

Just to check. Have you tried to dry cut 1/4 of your new tablet? I’m surprised you aren’t able to.

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

April 18Apr 18

Author

1 hour ago, Golden said:
I saw a video of a lady who does this. If I can find it again, I will post it.

55 minutes ago, Chippy said:
That would be great. We have a member here who is making a liquid from a similar style tablet but it’s Mirtazapine. It seems ok. She did have some doubt to how well it was suspending but I think it’s fine.

@Chippy I’m going to send you a private message (if that’s okay) with this link because I’m not sure about the accuracy presented.

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

Author

1 minute ago, Chippy said:
Have you tried to dry cut 1/4 of your new tablet? I’m surprised you aren’t able to.

These pills come individually wrapped in a foil bubble type packet. Directions say not to cut and to use immediately. I know in tapering we don’t always follow directions. 😂 The picture online of this pill show it is a tapered oval. So I don’t think it would be easy to cut into quarters. It is probably also small.

7 minutes ago, Chippy said:
Got you. It’s just we advise to be safe. Doing one dose liquid and one tablet is a crossover (just a bit quicker than the normal protocol). So maybe do that. Just make your pm dose a liquid for 4-7 days and then make the other dose a liquid after that.

Sounds good. I did crossovers with Bupropion on SA with Go2zero, from XL to IR and later from IR to liquid. 😉

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

2 minutes ago, Golden said:
I know in tapering we don’t always follow directions. 😂

🤣

I think your plan to make a liquid is a good one. I suspect you could cut the tablet but it’s just as easy to make a liquid. Keep it simple.

7 minutes ago, Golden said:
Sounds good. I did crossovers with Bupropion on SA with Go2zero, from XL to IR and later from IR to liquid. 😉

Pro then. 😀

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

April 18Apr 18

Author

1 hour ago, Chippy said:
You seem sharp as a button to me!

It took me a while but “sharp as a button “? 🤣🤣 Was that supposed to be “right on the button “ or “sharp as a tack” ? 🤣 Thank you for the laughs.

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

2 minutes ago, Golden said:
It took me a while but “sharp as a button “? 🤣🤣 Was that supposed to be “right on the button “ or “sharp as a tack” ? 🤣 Thank you for the laughs.

My Dad always used to say it to me! I’m guessing it is a hybrid of the two terms!

I think it’s a British thing! 🤣

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

April 18Apr 18

Author

2 hours ago, Chippy said:
I think your plan to make a liquid is a good one. I suspect you could cut the tablet but it’s just as easy to make a liquid. Keep it simple.

You are correct that I could cut the tablet. When I opened the foil bubble, I found that it is a nice round tablet, not oval as I thought. However, I am terrible at eyeballing the middle and getting good cuts. Cutting and weighing with crumbs just “drives me crazy.” 😜

So I tried adding a pill to water. It dissolved very quickly…into particles which quickly settled to the bottom. AARGH! 🥺

I tossed that out and started over with 30 ml water and 10 ml OraPlus. The particles float better with the suspension, enough that I should be able to draw out my needed dose. Using 40 ml liquid instead of 20 ml liquid should make accuracy better. Then, I will start with 10 ml of the mixture at night to crossover for several days before adding 20 ml in the morning.

Nothing about this crazy journey is easy. But we just keep plodding along, one step at a time.

Thank you so much for your help and support! 🐢

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?)

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

April 18Apr 18

@Golden although we’re on different drugs what you go through in terms of managing different doses, making solutions and trying to minimise WD symptoms. I’m in a similar position tapering sedative drugs a little bit here and there and constantly tapering ADs. I’m always so worried I’ll make mistakes (which I have on a few occasions) and it takes so much brain power to keep things manageable and my symptoms relatively stable. You sound like you’ve got a handle on things so I’ll watch with interest. Take care 🤗

Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg. 2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day)

ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.010 & still holding

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

1

April 19Apr 19

8 hours ago, Golden said:
You are correct that I could cut the tablet. When I opened the foil bubble, I found that it is a nice round tablet, not oval as I thought. However, I am terrible at eyeballing the middle and getting good cuts. Cutting and weighing with crumbs just “drives me crazy.” 😜

Thanks @Golden good to know! Have you ever tried a pill cutter? I find they are pretty good at getting the pill cut roughly in half.

8 hours ago, Golden said:
So I tried adding a pill to water. It dissolved very quickly…into particles which quickly settled to the bottom. AARGH! 🥺

Oh no!

8 hours ago, Golden said:
I tossed that out and started over with 30 ml water and 10 ml OraPlus. The particles float better with the suspension, enough that I should be able to draw out my needed dose. Using 40 ml liquid instead of 20 ml liquid should make accuracy better. Then, I will start with 10 ml of the mixture at night to crossover for several days before adding 20 ml in the morning.

Perfect 😀

Good call on the crossover. Simple but still making a transition, I like it!

8 hours ago, Golden said:
Nothing about this crazy journey is easy. But we just keep plodding along, one step at a time.
Thank you so much for your help and support

All we can do. Plod on, one day at a time.

Pleasure, not that I did much. You don’t need my help, youre a sharp as a button! 🤣🤣🤣

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.

April 19Apr 19

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16 hours ago, Catbird said:
@Golden although we’re on different drugs what you go through in terms of managing different doses, making solutions and trying to minimise WD symptoms. I’m in a similar position tapering sedative drugs a little bit here and there and constantly tapering ADs. I’m always so worried I’ll make mistakes (which I have on a few occasions) and it takes so much brain power to keep things manageable and my symptoms relatively stable. You sound like you’ve got a handle on things so I’ll watch with interest. Take care 🤗

Thank you so much for your post. Yes, this juggling act can get overwhelming.

16 hours ago, Catbird said:
it takes so much brain power to keep things manageable and my symptoms relatively stable

Yes. 👆 This is exactly right! Even the brain power it takes to make a post here can sometimes cause stress. I struggle to word things.

BTW: I see you are tapering Escitalopram (Lexapro ?). That is in my future. 🥺

🤗

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?)

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

Golden: Tapering Bupropion, then Escitalopram ++

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